Patch Picks: 5 Language-Immersion Summer Camps For Your Kids

This week, Patch Picks brings you five summer camps of a different variety.

If you’ve ever thought about getting your child started in learning another language, these dynamic and fun language-immersion summer camps may be just the way to go!

1. “Journey to Space in 2011” Chinese Summer Camp 

Dates: June 20 to July 15

Run By: Yew Chung International School-Silicon Valley, Mountain View

Ages: Children entering grades one to five

No prior knowledge of Chinese languages is necessary to enroll your child in this dynamic program. All cultures and racial backgrounds are welcome. Yew Chung International School’s Chinese Immersion Summer Program features field trips, hands-on activities, language workshops, music, dramatic arts, a fantastic student-to-child ratio and highly qualified teachers. This summer’s theme is “Journey to Space!” This four-week camp takes place at Yew Chung International School-Silicon Valley’s campus in Mountain View.

2. German Summer Camp 

Dates: June 20 to July 15

Run By: German-American School of Palo Alto

Ages: Different programs for varying age groups, from 3 to 16 years old

This is a unique, full-immersion summer program for those who want their children to learn German! Plus, the school offers different themes for different ages: sports-themed camp for ages 10-13; Cooking I for ages 8-12; Cooking II for ages 13-16; and Montara Lighthouse for ages 13-16. All programs take place at the German-American School of Palo Alto for four weeks, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, with extended afternoon programs available.

3. Language-Immersion Summer Camp 

Dates: Session 1: June 20 to July 1; Session 2: July 5-18; Session 3: July 8-29

Run By: International School of the Peninsula in Palo Alto

Ages: Kindergarten through eighth grade

This camp offers language-immersion camps in Chinese, French, Spanish and ESL (English as a Second Language). Three different two-week sessions are offered, each with a different, fun theme, designed to give campers more exposure to language immersion activities. Session 1 is called “Food Extravaganza.” Session 2 is “Passport to Travel the World,” and Session 3 is “Zootopia.” Sign up for any and all sessions that interest you and your child!

4. Let’s Play in Spanish / Juguemos en Español

Dates: June 27 to Aug. 5

Run By: Let’s Play in Spanish, based in Campbell

Ages: 3-12

A fun and unforgettable Spanish summer camp program. Camp is three hours per day, all week, and each week has a different theme, such as “Castle,” “Sea Creatures,” “Musical Instruments” and more. Ages 3-6 attend camp from 9 a.m. to noon. Ages 4-8 attend camp from 1-4 p.m. Both of those programs are available at both the Campbell and Mountain View campuses. An all-day camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is available at the Campbell location only, for ages 6-12.

5. Mandarin Science Camp 2011 

Dates: June 20 to July 29

Run By: Premier International Language Academy (PILA) in San Jose

Ages: Kindergarten through sixth grade

PILA’s Mandarin Summer Science Camp offers interactive language learning through exciting themes each week, English and math review workshops, camp games, team sports and field trips. Before- and after-camp care is available as well. Tuition fees are reasonable, and lunch for campers is included in the price.