Choosing an English camp is not only a matter of activities or academic level. The facilities where children will sleep, eat, play, and learn are a decisive factor to ensure their safety, comfort, and consequently, their enjoyment. Booking without knowing these spaces often raises doubts among parents: Where will they sleep? What is the quality of the food? Will the pools and courts be safe? Is there a medical service available? The good news is that there are clear criteria to evaluate the facilities of a camp before booking. When a center meets these requirements, parents gain peace of mind, and children enjoy a more complete and enriching experience.
Dormitories and bathrooms that ensure rest and comfort
Rest is essential for children to enjoy camp and make the most of each day. Without good nighttime sleep and comfortable hygiene routines, it is difficult for them to maintain energy and motivation. That is why dormitories and bathrooms should be one of the first aspects to review before making a decision.
Rooms adapted to the participants’ age
The rooms should not only be clean and safe, but also suitable for the children’s and teenagers’ age. Overcrowded spaces cause discomfort and hinder supervision. Ideally, rooms should have few occupants, allowing children to rest in a calm environment.
Bathrooms and daily cleaning
Another essential aspect is the ratio between the number of bathrooms and the number of children. An insufficient ratio or lack of frequent cleaning can cause discomfort and hygiene risks. Ideally, bathrooms should be inside or very close to the rooms, always with daily maintenance to guarantee optimal conditions.
Night supervision and security
Parents should also ensure that there are monitors available during the night, capable of attending to any need or emergency. Additionally, it is crucial that access to rest areas is controlled to avoid risks.
At the Village, participants stay at the 4★ URH Zen Balagares hotel, in double rooms with private bathrooms and 24-hour supervision. This combination of comfort and safety allows children to feel at ease from day one, reducing homesickness and facilitating their adaptation to camp.
Dining halls and kitchens with healthy, adapted menus
Food is a central aspect of any camp experience. It is not only about providing children with energy to face activities but also about ensuring meals are balanced, safe, and adapted to each participant’s needs. A good dining hall combines nutritional quality, variety, and allergy control.
Balanced and supervised menus
Parents should make sure menus are designed by professionals and adapted to children’s age and activity level. Meals should be varied, include all food groups, and offer healthy alternatives. This not only impacts health but also mood and performance during camp.
Attention to allergies and intolerances
More and more children have food allergies or intolerances, and managing these situations is one of the biggest concerns for families. Responsible camps have clear food traceability protocols, adapted kitchens, and trained staff to prepare special meals without risk of cross-contamination.
Spacious and comfortable areas
The dining hall also influences the camp’s social experience. Spacious, bright, and well-organized spaces create a pleasant environment where children enjoy meals as part of daily life together.
At the Village, menus are supervised by nutritionists and adapted to different needs: celiac, allergies, or specific diets. Full board guarantees varied and balanced meals, while the dining hall offers a comfortable and safe environment so children can enjoy food as a key part of their stay.
Sports, creative, and aquatic areas under safe conditions
Activities are the heart of camp. However, it is not enough for them to be varied and fun: they must also take place in safe, well-maintained facilities. Sports, creative, and aquatic areas directly influence children’s motivation and the quality of their experience, as well as parents’ peace of mind.
Pools and water sports
Pools and water activities are one of the main attractions of summer, but also a critical safety point. It is essential to check that there are certified lifeguards, clear usage rules, and regular maintenance of facilities. Moreover, constant supervision by monitors ensures that every child participates under safe conditions appropriate to their age.
Sports facilities
A good camp should have well-maintained courts and fields, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure that practicing sports is safe and accessible. Sports enrich the experience, foster discipline and teamwork, and in the case of an English camp, become a natural tool for communication in another language.
Arts, theater, and creativity rooms
In addition to sports, spaces dedicated to creativity—such as theater, music, audiovisual production, or cooking—are key for every child to find activities that spark their interest. Safety in these areas requires adequate materials, constant supervision, and environments designed to foster artistic expression in safe conditions.
At the Village, participants enjoy a 52,000 m² campus at Colegio Internacional San Fernando, with five indoor and outdoor pools, soccer, tennis, padel, and basketball courts, plus a theater and rehearsal rooms for creative academies such as Broadway or Media. All in a closed, safe environment designed so that each child can explore their interests in top-level facilities.
Medical service, insurance, and emergency protocols
Children’s safety at a camp does not only depend on visible facilities but also on the preparation to handle any unforeseen event. Accidents, allergies, or health problems can happen at any time, and what matters is having clear resources and protocols to act quickly and effectively.
24-hour medical service available
A serious camp should have a medical or nursing service available at all times, with staff prepared to handle everything from minor issues to emergencies. In addition, strict control of each child’s medication should exist, with designated staff responsible for its administration.
Insurance included in the enrollment
It is essential to check what insurance the camp offers. The basic ones are accident insurance, medical assistance insurance, and liability insurance. These protect both children and families against any unexpected situation, inside and outside the facilities.
Emergency protocols
From falls during sports activities to allergy episodes or weather emergencies, a prepared camp must have clear action plans known by all staff. The speed of response is what makes the difference between a scare and a serious problem.
At the Village, health safety is guaranteed with a 24-hour medical service, accident, medical assistance, and liability insurance included, plus specific protocols for medical emergencies or unforeseen situations. All this gives parents peace of mind knowing their children are protected at every moment of camp.
Environment and location that enhance the experience
The place where an English camp is held affects both safety and quality of experience. It is not the same to have an urban environment as a closed campus surrounded by nature. Parents should make sure the location offers a balance between fun, accessibility, and safety.
Closed and safe campus
One of the first guarantees families should demand is that the camp has a closed campus, with controlled access and constant supervision. This ensures children can move freely without external risks and that all activities take place in a protected space.
Nature close by without risks
A natural environment adds value: clean air, space for outdoor sports, and contact with nature. However, it should not pose unnecessary risks. Ideally, a camp should combine nature and safety, with adapted facilities and well-planned excursions.
Accessibility and transport
It is also worth checking meeting points, transfers, and connections. Clear logistics make it easier for children to arrive and leave, while also giving families confidence.
At the Village, the Asturian environment is one of the main attractions: a place where beach and mountains coexist just minutes apart, offering a unique setting for sports, excursions, and outdoor activities. The 4★ URH Zen Balagares hotel, next to a golf course and just ten minutes from Salinas beach, provides a safe environment, while the sports campus of Colegio Internacional San Fernando offers top-level facilities in a closed, controlled space. In addition, the camp organizes transfers with meeting points to facilitate participants’ arrival from different parts of Spain.
Monitor ratio and educational presence in the facilities
The quality of a camp does not only depend on its facilities but also on how children are accompanied within them. Safety, learning, and fun are directly related to the number of monitors per child and how spaces are used to foster immersion in English.
Recommended monitor ratio
An adequate ratio ensures that each child receives personalized attention and does not go unnoticed within the group. While many camps operate with one monitor for every 8 or 10 children, it is recommended that this proportion be smaller, especially in sports, aquatic activities, or with younger children.
Constant supervision in all activities
Supervision does not end in the classroom or main activities. Monitors should be present in dining halls, dormitories, excursions, and rest times. This ongoing supervision not only protects but also reinforces children’s social integration.
Linguistic immersion beyond classes
An English camp should turn its facilities into scenarios for practicing the language naturally: requesting materials in a workshop, following instructions on a sports court, or conversing during meals. English should be present in all spaces, not just isolated classes.
At the Village, the ratio is one coach for every five participants, guaranteeing close attention and individualized follow-up. Additionally, 80% of the coaches are international, and immersion in English extends for more than 200 hours over two weeks. There are no traditional classes or exams: every space in the camp, from the dining hall to the basketball court or theater academy, becomes a real opportunity to learn and practice the language.
Choosing an English camp is not just about programs and activities. The facilities where your child will sleep, eat, play, and learn are the foundation of the entire experience. When a camp takes care of every detail—from comfortable rooms and healthy menus to safe sports campuses and clear emergency protocols—children feel protected and motivated to enjoy themselves to the fullest.
At the Village, everything is designed to give families the peace of mind of having made the right choice: 4★ hotel, top-level sports campus, 24h medical service, international coaches, and a unique natural setting in Asturias. Because when parents trust the place, children can focus on what matters most: learning English naturally and living an unforgettable summer.
