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CARRY ON LANGUAGE CAMPING
Reality TV, for better or worse, has had a profound effect on the 21st century, and the style of 'improvement' shows have been a popular choice. These shows see contestants improve themselves in some way, whether it be losing weight at 'Fat Camp', or teaching naughty children a lesson at 'Brat Camp'. Interestingly, an altogether new type of summer trip has arisen. Dubbed as 'language camp' by some, these are trips offered by language schools to bright sparks under 18, to attend a 2-4 week course where learning a language - particularly English - is the objective. Whether or not it will provide enough drama to make television screens is unlikely, but these camps are sure to improve their campers' language skills more than any other.
Of course there are some differences: first of all, there is no actual camping. Second of all, the experience is generally a pleasant one! Similar to the experience of other summer school UK programs, pupils can stay in a number of sunny locations but will always be provided with a warm bed and 3 square meals a day - hardly "roughing it". Moreover, leisure activities, many of educational value, are scheduled into the timetable, so campers need never fear feeling bored or that they are being worked too hard. By day there will be intensive language lessons and by night, dancing, games and cinema. It is this kind of intense yet enjoyable timetable that distinguishes these courses from other summer schools England have become known for (think country houses and stern teachers). Plus, at reasonable rates and students showing a marked improvement after only a few weeks, the only thing you have to worry about is getting your children to want to come home!