ESL summer camps

What are ESL camps?

At an ESL camp, kids seven years old or older are encouraged to develop their English skills while having the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. These types of camps offer additional academic courses as well as traditional activities like kayaking and swimming.

My experience at Pickering College was truly unforgettable. The counselors here are really nice and my English language improved through participating in lots of interesting activities. I know a lot of things about Canada now and have built friendships with people from around the world.
- ESL Summer Camp 2018 Student

Why attend an English language camp?

Whether your child is having some difficulty with English or wants to hone their understanding, they’ll be deeply involved in the language through daily learning, team building and cultural activities. Kids are expected to speak English at these camps through formal or informal activities so your child will always have the opportunity to enhance their language skills.

At overnight camps especially, campers share rooms with students from other countries and benefit from the social interaction and cultural exchange with peers who are also learning English. Camps may integrate international students with children of immigrants so that children are learning alongside other children from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Find the right ESL summer camp

When searching for an English summer camp, you may want to consider factors such as location, specific programs, and other criteria that suit your child's needs and interests. Narrow down a short list of camps to contact with questions, request more information or plan a camp visit if possible to get a sense of the camp's environment. If your child is visiting Canada to attend an ESL summer camp for international students, you may like to read these tips and guidelines for international campers.

Questions for parents to ask ESL camps:

• What are the instructor-to-camper ratios?
• What are the qualifications of the instructors?
• How much time is spent on formal ESL activities?
• How much time is spent on non-formal ESL activities?
• How do the activities relate to ESL instruction and retention of information?
• Can you provide testimonials from other campers and parents?

TIP: ESL teachers with public school teaching qualifications and experience are on hand at many camps and provide dedicated instruction that will help to extend their English learning throughout the summer months into the new school year. Some camps also combine ESL with a TOEFL.

Explore ESL camps options from across Canada listed below, with many from Ontario and Quebec.