Summer Programs

We Offer Three Camps

Camp des Lucioles (“luciole” in French means “firefly”) for Campers at Least 2½ Years Old and Potty-trained
Camp d’été (“été” in French means “summer”) for Campers Entering Grades 1-5 in the Fall of 2020
Classe Aventure (“aventure” in French means “adventure”) for Campers Entering Grades 6-9 in the Fall of 2020

General Information

Camp Hours: All camp groups run from 9am to 4pm, with before- and after-care available 8–9am and 4–6pm respectively at an additional cost for Camp d”été and Classe Aventure (cost included in Camp des Lucioles). Please be sure to register for before- and/or after-care in advance!

Camp Structure: The camp day varies between more structured activities (like crafts, cooking, science, music, and field trips) and free playtime for all age groups. Camp des Lucioles includes daily nap/rest time in the afternoon.

Bilingual and Immersion Approaches: All FASPS camps are open to any child regardless of experience with French. While students aren’t expected to become fluent in three weeks of camp, they can usually understand quite a bit and say a few words and phrases.

Camp des Lucioles is a bilingual camp, meaning that it is a gentle introduction to the French language with plenty of English as well. Language is introduced primarily through song, play, and games.

Camp d’été and Classe Aventure are both immersion camps, which means all activities are led in French. For campers with little or no French experience, context, repetition, and peer support help them integrate quickly. Occasional English may be used to ensure safety and to integrate all campers.

FAQs

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

What is the staff-to-camper ratio? How many campers per group?
- Camp des Lucioles follows DCYF regulations for ratio: for children 2½ until kindergarten, this means one adult per 10 children. In kindergarten, the ratio is one adult per 15 children. Each Lucioles group will have two group leaders and adult assistants, with 16-18 children in each group.
- Camp d’été groups are capped at 16-18 students. Each group has one lead teacher, who works with an assistant as well as high school volunteers.
- Classe Aventure: The group is capped at 20 students, with two adult leaders in charge. Additional chaperones may attend certain field trips in accordance with the destination’s policy.
Do you offer lunches? Are snacks provided?

Bagged lunches may be purchased for families who do not wish to pack a lunch for their camper(s). Most dietary restrictions can be accomodated. Morning snacks are provided for Lucioles (preschool / kindergarten) only. All campers staying in after-care will receive an afternoon snack.

NOTE: FASPS summer programs adhere to a strict no-peanuts policy.
Do you offer bus service?

We are planning to offer bus service to and from camp this year, with probable stops in South Lake Union and Capitol Hill. Details will be confirmed soon.
Is it possible to do a tour / warm-up time for our child before summer programs start?

Yes. We will offer a warm-up in May, with the opportunity to see the school, meet some of the summer staff, and ask any additional questions you may have at that time. It will be held on a Saturday morning, and the exact date will be announced to registrants soon.
Is there nap / down time every day?

Kids in Camp des Lucioles participate in nap / rest time for about an hour every day. If children need longer to sleep, we let them rest longer.
Is the summer programs staff the same as the school year staff?

Yes and No: All Camp d’été and Classe Aventure groups are led by current FASPS faculty members, as well as some group leaders for Camp des Lucioles. Lucioles group leaders from the outside community have gone through a rigorous hiring process and meet all our requirements and standards for excellence. They are also closely monitored and guided by mentor teachers, all of whom are current French-accredited teachers currently working at FASPS.
What happens if I need to change or cancel my registration?
Requests to change or cancel your summer programs registration should be sent to Summer@FASPS.org.
- Within the online registration period (January 15 – March 31), registrations may be changed or cancelled freely for a refund of any fees paid less the 10% registration deposit.
- After online registration closes, and final balance is paid, no refunds will be given.
- Any late registrations or changes to registration after online registration closes will be subject to a $50 late fee.
What is included in camp costs?

All field trips, activities, and projects, as well as a summer at FASPS t-shirts and lanyards, are included for all ages.

For Lucioles Only: Before- and after-care and a morning snack are also included.
Can my camper bring their cell phone / tablet / other technology?

Camp policy is that only Classe Aventure campers are allowed to bring a cell phone. All other technology should be left at home, and our younger campers should not bring any technology to camp with them.