You Can Camp

As soon as I finished my final year at school, I knew I wanted to travel, and to spend my summer abroad. I'd studied English and wanted to continue at University, and so I looked up summer camps across Italy.

I was so nervous on my first day, and was one of the youngest tutors there. I felt as if I had very little real world experience at that point, and also struggled (and still do) with social anxiety. Though I don't think this is something that's "fixable", I do think that getting out of my comfort zone (in a SAFE environment) really helped me.

Now I'm 22, and I still think of it as one of the best experiences of my life. The other tutors were amazing and from all over the world, and I became close with my British roommates (we met in England again later that summer).

The kids were on another level. They were open to us, curious about the world and our cultures, and ready to learn. They enjoyed the hiking and activities, the swimming and dining together, and most of all, making our project movie which we would screen at the cinema event on our final evening!

I'm now at film school in London and this was a turning point for me. I hadn't realised just how much I loved writing, directing, and working with people on a film! So, thank you. Even with a cast/group of eleven year olds, we made something special, and had the most fun doing it. The cinema night (where every tutor group's film is screened like you're at Cannes) is just the cherry on top for me. I think it's is a genius idea on behalf of You Can Camp, and I wish school trips had done something like that when I was a kid.

Every night, we'd dine with the kids, and that was probably my favourite part of the day. You absolutely get out of the experience what you put in. Getting to know different individuals, their hopes and dreams, their fears and anxieties... it brought all of us together. I think we can learn a lot from kids.

The rest of the camp flies by in a blur, and that's largely (if not all) thanks to Sara, Corinna and Fia, who run the camp, and who you can absolutely depend on. I really can't stress enough how funny, kind, generous, empathetic, and organised they are.

I'm in contact with my previous students, tutors, and the You Can Camp leaders today. I'm incredibly grateful for these relationships, and I'm so so glad I decided to book my flight years ago. Can't wait to see you this summer. :)

Being a camp counselor with Youcancamp was amazing and so rewarding. It’s one of those trips that i’m going to think of for the rest of my life. You get free meals and a free place to stay (it feels like a college dorm, but fun), you make connections with other counselors from around the world and the kids from all over Italy. You begin your day a bit early, around 8 or 9am and you’re assigned the kids village or the teen village and you’re paired with other counselors to create activities and such. The schedule is very straightforward but can be adjusted if you like. Sara was amazing at communicating and setting all of this up! I would recommend this place to anyone.

I cannot say enough great things about You Can Camp and the people that run camp. I first participated in camp in 2017 and absolutely fell in love with the Marche region of Italy as well as the camp counselors that run the camp. I went back in 2018 & 2019 to be a counselor and have made so many lifelong friends not only with my roommates during my camp stay but the Italian counselors as well. Italy became my 2nd home. From the time you are picked up and taken to Porto Sant’ Elpidio to the time you leave you are treated like family. Not only is italy a beautiful place but the people are as well. The apartments are nice and equipped with everything you need during your stay and you’re very close to the beach so an afternoon nap on the beach is lovely! Camp is the most fun I’ve had during my time in education (this is my 11th year teaching). The English games are engaging and you’re free to differentiate them with your teaching knowledge. The kids that come to camp are so sweet, loving, and respectful! They are truly there to learn English and get better. Their parents are incredibly appreciative which makes being a teacher/camp counselor so rewarding!

You can camp allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of Italy with a collaborative atmosphere of educators. This camp provides the counselors and campers the opportunity to teach and learn English in a natural way through games and play. The support provided by the lead counselors maintain a safe and fruitful environment for all participants to thrive in! I have done this camp twice and cannot wait until I can participate again!
The home stay or apartment option will allow you to make life long connections!

Spending a week in beautiful Italy working with children on their English language skills was one of the best experiences I've been fortunate enough to have. The staff and other counselors were incredible to work with--everyone was so friendly and helpful, and the days flew by thanks to extraordinary teamwork. The activity-filled days were balanced perfectly with a relaxed atmosphere, and I will always cherish the bonds I got to create with campers and counselors alike during my trip. I look forward to joining You Can Camp for future summers to come!