This summer, the Ermitage International School welcomed children from all over the world for three weeks, with the aim of practising English and/or French, but above all to have fun and discover Paris and the surrounding region. With nearly 50 children representing 15 different nationalities, the school was transformed into a truly bilingual and international holiday camp for the duration of the 2025 summer camp. Here's a look back at the highlights of this unforgettable holiday at the Ermitage!

A warm welcome and a first exploration of Paris

Upon arrival, our young campers quickly settled in before joining in icebreaker games that soon filled the air with laughter. A comforting dinner helped everyone regain energy after their journey, and already, the first friendships began to blossom, making the first night gentle and reassuring for all.

The very next day, it was time for the first language classes led by our enthusiastic teachers: John and Marcela for English, Gaele, Clothilde, and Romane for French. Divided into small groups, the teens were able to begin or strengthen their learning in an interactive and warm atmosphere, filled with curiosity as new words flew in every direction.

The next day, we welcomed the teenagers who were only participating in the camp during the day, and it was time for the first language sessions, led by our teachers who were particularly enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge: John and Marcela for English; Gaele, Clothilde and Romane for French. Divided into small groups according to their level, the teenagers were able to begin or reinforce their learning in an interactive and friendly atmosphere, filled with laughter and games.

After a convivial lunch in the garden of the house, the afternoon was devoted to games and team spirit, with a Laser Game outing. This was an opportunity for everyone to assert their personality and find their place in a group with multiple cultural and linguistic diversities! 

Talking, playing, thinking: lively teaching methods for language learning

Throughout the three weeks, learning took place as much in daily life as in the classroom, with bilingual exploration at the heart of each day. During language classes, the children enriched their vocabulary and conversational skills in both French and English through interactive activities, role-playing, and creative projects, which made learning lively and fun. Just as important, their bilingual journey extended into everyday moments: at the local market, they practised asking for apples, peaches, strawberries, and melons in French, gaining confidence while preparing for their Fruit Salad and Veggie Platter Competition.

In the evenings, learning took on a reflective and values-based dimension with the discovery of The Four Toltec Agreements: a gentle, inspiring introduction to respect, kindness, and mindfulness.

A Variety of Activities for an Unforgettable Summer

Our young campers experienced a variety of activities that enriched their stay, blending culture, nature, and playful adventures. During their visit to the Château de Versailles and the Petit Trianon, they enjoyed a peaceful break to dream and absorb history in a majestic setting before choosing small souvenirs during a shopping pause.

They also immersed themselves in the magic of the Atelier des Lumières with the immersive exhibition dedicated to The Little Prince. The children were captivated by the swirling light projections and poetic soundtrack, an experience out of time that led to beautiful discussions during language class the next day.

The participants also explored the Louvre Museum, where they admired masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, before having fun at the Musée Grévin, laughing and taking photos with their new wax “friends.”

They continued their artistic exploration in Giverny, visiting Claude Monet’s house and gardens, where French and English mingled in conversations among the water lilies and flower-lined paths, offering a magical setting for learning and discovery.
For animal adventure enthusiasts, an outing to the Thoiry Zoo offered a safari among giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, as well as a walking tour among the animals.

From Postcards to Homemade Olympics: Creativity in Action
Our young campers dove into writing postcards, taking time to reflect on their favourite memories of the week to share with loved ones. Then came an ambitious and enthusiastic project: creating their very own Olympic Games! Writing the rules in French and English, organising the stations, forming teams. The children managed everything to offer their friends a real tournament filled with laughter and encouragement.

Deauville: Cultural Discovery and Relaxation by the Sea
Off to Deauville for a breezy day by the sea. Between shell collecting, playing in the waves, and watching the changing Norman skies, the children savoured every moment. After a friendly lunch, the group explored the cultural centre Les Franciscaines, a place of inspiration and discovery, before enjoying a laughter-filled mini-golf session. An ice cream break on the beach marked the end of this magical day.

Sports, Nature, and Bilingual Immersion
Back in Maisons-Laffitte, the days continued with the same energy: horseback riding sessions where some progressed to confident galloping, tennis matches, bike expeditions on forest trails, and language classes with creative workshops. The children prepared shopping lists in French and English for their waffle workshop, combining culinary pleasure with language learning.

The children also tried unique activities like indoor rock climbing, pushing themselves to climb bold walls while encouraging their friends with energy and kindness.

Evenings That Bring Everyone Together
The evenings were filled with laughter and bonding time: warm barbecues, a delicious Asian food night, Werewolf games hosted by our game master Louis, and a board game creation workshop where the children showcased their creativity. Each shared moment strengthened the bonds forming between the children in a joyful, caring atmosphere.

The Emotion of Goodbyes

Over the three weeks, some campers left after a few wonderful days together, while others arrived to join the adventure, welcomed enthusiastically by the group that had already formed. Everyone found their place amid the comings and goings, and bonds continued to strengthen despite these changes, through laughter, shared activities and little habits created together.

Then came the time for goodbyes, always filled with emotion: before departure, a few tears were shed, and the children exchanged little notes written throughout their stay and carefully preserved, promising to meet again soon and not to forget the precious friendships formed at camp.

This summer at Ermitage International School camp was marked by sharing, discovery, pushing oneself beyond one's limits and new friendships. In the forest, by the sea, in the royal gardens of Paris or during artistic or sporting activities, the children grew up together, taking with them memories that they will cherish for a long time to come.

Thank you to the families for their trust, and congratulations to our teaching and entertainment teams for their daily commitment.