Medieval atmosphere at our French camp in Ortenberg Castle
Feel like you’re in a fantasy novel and learn French at the same time – that’s what 10- to 17-year-olds can do at our holiday camp in Ortenberg Castle. Ortenberg is very close to Strasbourg in France, making it the perfect location for a French language camp. If possible, we’ll also get to visit this picturesque city in Alsace.
Learning by speaking: learning languages according to the Berlitz method
Learning at camp is fun: there are no exams or boring studying; instead, we do roleplaying and language games. On the day of arrival, kids do a short placement test that helps us assign them to groups according to their age and language level. They’ll learn together and quickly make new friends in their group. That is usually the best motivation.
At the Ortenberg holiday camp, we also incorporate learning into our daily routine. Our experienced language teachers are also the counselors who will lead the leisure program. They’ll speak with the kids and teens in the foreign language all day long. The advantage: kids will hear lots of everyday vocabulary and authentic pronunciation throughout the camp week.
Our mission at the Ortenberg language camp: to have a great vacation! And to show the kids how much fun learning foreign languages is. That means our Berlitz camps are all based on the following premise:
- Foreign language classes four mornings a week (4 x 45 minutes daily)
- Kids are encouraged to speak actively in small groups
Learning can be fun: fun and action at the Ortenberg Castle holiday camp
At Ortenberg Castle language camp, our motto is "learning by doing". After the morning language classes, we continue speaking in the foreign language. Together, we get to do a whole bunch of great activities: scavenger hunts, excursions, and exciting team challenges. Our program is versatile and fun. We only use German for safety instructions or in emergency situations.
Afternoons are filled with lots of action, no matter the weather
Whether it’s sunny, windy or rainy: there’s always something going on at the Ortenberg Castle holiday camp in the afternoons: those who like sports can let off steam by playing table tennis or tag. Big and small artists alike can make clothes or friendship bracelets.
Here’s an example of other activities, depending on the location and season:
- The highlight for all Francophiles is the city of Strasbourg. If possible, we’ll get to explore it on an excursion!
- Playing sports, for example ball games, or climbing
- Designing new board games and trying them out with friends.
- Shooting videos and watching them together.
Evenings together round the campfire or indoors
After a day packed full of fun and action, we make ourselves comfortable. Firstly, we eat dinner together, then we warm up round the campfire, have a quiz night, or a camp party – depending on the mood and the weather. Evening activities may include:
- Toasting marshmallows and baking campfire bread over the campfire,
- Hosting music competitions and game nights,
- Spending free time with friends new and old and reading exciting stories in the foreign language.
Note: Actual activities offered may vary depending on weather and availability.
Games in the surroundings
Fun & Action workshops
Excursion to Strasbourg
Did we convince you? Then let's go.
Welcome to Ortenberg: this is where we’ll be staying
Jugendherberge Schloss Ortenberg, Burgweg 21, 77799 Ortenberg
Enchantingly beautiful: Ortenberg Castle
Fans of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings will love it, and everyone else will too: our French language camp takes place in a magical fairytale castle. The origins of Ortenberg Castle date back to the Middle Ages. This period has left its mark everywhere: for example, in the historic dining room or the unique table tennis room with vaulted stone ceilings.
Even the cozy shared rooms, where boys and girls will be accommodated separately, still have that authentic medieval flair. Not to mention that Ortenberg Castle offers a great leisure program that includes hiking, billiards, foosball, and basketball.
A magical location on the French-German border
Nestled among picturesque vineyards, Ortenberg Castle lies between the Rhine and Black Forest near the French border. The castle towers high over the medieval town of Ortenberg and offers breathtaking views. The kids will get to explore the beautiful area on hiking trails leaving right from the accommodation or discover it while geocaching. The castle is just a few minutes' walk from the historic old town with its pretty half-timbered houses.
We're here for you
We’re here for you! Simply send us your request through the contact form at the end of the page or give us a call (+49 69 247 525 645, Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.).
Julia Pakravan, Director Kids & Teens Germany
Available Camp Dates
French Camp
10 - 17 years
Fun & Action
Camp Type
Overnight Camp
Date
19/05/2024 - 25/05/2024
Available Places:
8
Camp Type
Overnight Camp
Date
25/05/2024 - 31/05/2024
Available Places:
7
Camp Type
Overnight Camp
Date
11/08/2024 - 17/08/2024
Available Places:
10+
Camp Type
Overnight Camp
Date
17/08/2024 - 23/08/2024
Available Places:
10+
Camp Type
Overnight Camp
Date
27/10/2024 - 02/11/2024
Available Places:
10+
* Berlitz Language Camps are according to §4 Section 21 a) and b) german UStG tax exempt from VAT.
We accept the following payment methods:
Additional information
Boredom doesn’t stand a chance at our Ortenberg holiday camp. Our qualified counselors are always at the kids’ side – from French lessons in the mornings to organizing the varied leisure and evening program.
All employees are trained in the Berlitz method: this means that they place special focus on practical use of the foreign language. As French is the official camp language, our experienced counselors will speak to the kids in the foreign language the entire time. The only exceptions are for emergencies or special, safety-related information or programs. And they’ll also provide exciting insight into the cultures of different French-speaking countries.
Learning builds up an appetite. For us, that means it’s particularly important that all participants at the Ortenberg Berlitz language camp are well fed. Kids will receive three meals a day. Depending on what we have planned for the day, lunch will either be a hot meal or packed lunch. Important: remember to pack a reusable water bottle so that your child can fill it up between meals.
Good food is important to us. If your child has any allergies or intolerances, please speak to our team before booking.
Welcome: Parents will get the exact time to bring their kids to the camp on the day of arrival with the travel information send before the camp starts. After getting to know one another, there will be a parents’ meet-and-greet in addition to a Q&A session. Kids will receive a welcome package that includes a T-shirt, gym bag, and much more. We’ll also carry out a short placement. Using this, we’ll assign kids to their learning groups.
Time to say goodbye: On the last day, parents will be able to pick up their kids. Parents can find the exact pick-up time in the travel information they’ll receive well in advance. Additional documents, including the camp-made camp magazine and certificate of participation, will be sent to kids and teens after the end of the camp.
Then take a look at our kids camp FAQ page where we have gathered further information.
We will also send you further details regarding the pack list, arrival and departure etc. by e-mail after your booking.
What your children can expect at the Ortenberg language camp
- Accommodation in shared rooms
- Full board (three meals a day)
- Language training in small groups 4 mornings a week (each lasting 4 x 45 minutes)
- Welcome gift and placement at the start of the camp
- Children are looked after in groups with an excellent counselor-child ratio
- German-speaking camp director as a contact for children and parents
What our customers say
"My daughter was very enthusiastic about the friendly and attentive counselors. The language content was taught very well."
Language Camp Schloss Ortenberg, Summer 2022
You have questions about our camp?
Then contact us now! Call us at 069 666 089 427 or send us a message. Your Berlitz Team will get back to you shortly.