Summer is still a ways away, but you should already be think about how you’re going to use that time, especially if you plan to put your children in summer camps. As every year, we draw up its list of French summer camps in Los Angeles so that whether your child speaks French or wants to speak French, you know where to go. Registration is open now so don’t wait to sign up!
Lycée Français of Los Angeles
The setting is a child’s paradise: a huge garden equipped with a swimming pool and a basketball court. The Lycée Français summer camp will be open from Monday, June 18, to Friday, July 27. During the six weeks, the children (4 to 14 years old) will participate in activities in French such as theatre, yoga, crafts, computer games, soccer, and field trips to the beach or museum. They will be divided into two groups: Chipmunks, for children in Kindergarten, and Barracudas, for kids 6 to 14 years old. Non-French speakers are welcome as well! To be accepted, the last report card must be submitted with a letter of recommendation. Price: $425/week (except July 4, 4 days for $375). Lycée Français de Los Angeles, 3055 Overland avenue, Los Angeles. More information on the Lycée Français website.
Le Petit Gan de Sophie
The Petit Gan summer camp, which takes place from Monday, July 2, to Friday, August 17, is organized around artistic activities, sports, cooking classes, and dips in the pool. Kids from 18 months to 9 years are divided into age groups and enjoy a playful day in French and Hebrew. Children (registered at this preschool or not) will be welcomed on the campuses in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. Summer Camp is from 9 am to 3pm (with optional daycare hours). Price: from $1,400 (in L.A) to $1,900 (in Beverly Hills) for the month; from $1,150 for half-days. Sophie’s Little Gan, 177 Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills; and 1071 S. Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles. More information on the site or by email at [email protected]
“Summer Camp by the Sea” at l’Ecole Clairefontaine
If you’re looking for flexibility, the Ecole Clairefontaine camp in Venice Beach is for you. It will take place from Monday, July 9, to Friday, August 17, and may be attended for a week, a month, or over the whole period. Children from 2 to 7 years, whether they are students of the school or not, are invited to attend. The days will be organized around artistic activities (theatre, embroidery, singing) and outdoor activities like gardening, excursions to the beach, and sports. This is a full-immersion experience in French. Summer Camp by the Sea, from 8 am to 6 pm (organic meals provided). Price: from $305 for three half-days per week to $609/week. Clairefontaine School, 352 Westminster Ave, Venice. Information and registration here.
Alliance Française of Los Angeles
The Alliance Francaise association proposes a new summer camp option this year. From Monday, June 18, to Friday, July 27, children and adolescents (ages 6 to 16 years) will be able to develop their French skills. The program is divided into different language levels. This year’s schedule proposes summer camps “à la carte,” in two different locations. Kids can attend full days in Culver City West Park (from 8:30am to 4 pm) composed of two hours of French classes in the morning then playful and creative activities (cooking, theatre, arts, sports) in the afternoon. Alternatively, kids may attend morning camp only (9 am to 1pm) on the Alliance Française site, spending their time in French classes, as well as in fun activities. Learners of French and native French speakers are both welcome to attend. Prices: from $380 to $420/week in Culver West Park, and from $250 to $280/week at Alliance Française. Alliance Française, 10390 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles. More information at [email protected] or on the website.
Summer 4 Fun at Richland Elementary
From Monday, June 25, to Friday, August 3, Richland School becomes a summer camp from 8:30am to 5pm. On the campus just west of the city, children ages 5 to 12 years are invited to express themselves in French, through creative activities, gardening, writing, and more. Each week will be based on a theme: magicians, the French-speaking world, cooking, minerals, or superheroes. Learners of French and native French speakers are both welcome to attend. Price: from $75/day to $325/week. Richland Elementary School, 11562 Richland Ave, Los Angeles. More information on the site or by e-mail via [email protected].
Lycée International of Los Angeles
This year, the Lycée International de Los Angeles has big things planned on their two campuses, hosting two levels of camps: one for children from 2 to 4 years old, and one from 5 years old through 5th grade). The Ecole du Soleil (on the Los Feliz campus) will take place from Monday, June 18, to Friday, July 20. Outings are planned on Wednesdays. Further west, the OC French Summer Camp will welcome children from Monday, June 18, to Friday, July 27. The six weeks of camps will be marked by themes such as Africa, fairy tales, or the world of the seas, discovered through educational activities (mathematics, music, sculpture, etc.) and the outdoors. No experience in speaking French is necessary to attend. Sun School, 4155 Russell Ave, Los Angeles. Price: $95/day, $260 for 3 days per week, or $375/week; OC French Summer Camp, 1838 N Shaffer St, Orange. Price: $299/week. More information on the site.
