The camp
What is Speak Teens?
Speak Teens is a residential English immersion summer camp in Italy for teenagers aged 10 to 17. Students spend 8 days and 7 nights at Valbonella alongside native-speaking Teen Anglos, with outdoor lessons, activities, excursions and One-to-One sessions - all in English.
What ages is the camp for?
Students aged 10 to 17. Teen Anglos are aged 13 to 17. Lessons and activities are organised by age and level.
Where does the camp take place?
At Centro Turistico Valbonella, Bagno di Romagna (FC), in the heart of the Casentino Forest National Park, Emilia-Romagna. The venue is reserved exclusively for Speak Teens for the duration of each camp.
How long has Speak Teens been running?
Since 2018. Speak Srl is based in Molfetta (BA) and has been running English immersion programmes in Italy since its founding.
What language is spoken at camp?
English - always. Students are expected to speak English throughout the day. Italian is used only in genuine emergencies.
The Teen Anglos
What is the 1:1 ratio?
The 1:1 ratio means one native English speaker for every student - combining Teen Anglos and Speak staff. This is in addition to the 1:6 Speak staff-to-student ratio for welfare and organisation.
Where are the Teen Anglos from?
From the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia. They are aged 13 to 17 and are carefully selected for their sociability and enthusiasm.
Does my child have their own Anglo for the whole week?
No - and that is by design. The Anglo rotates daily in One-to-One sessions, so every student hears a different accent and meets a new personality each day. During group activities and meals, students interact with the full mix of Anglos.
What is a One-to-One session?
A daily dedicated session between one student and one Teen Anglo - just the two of them, no audience, no pressure. Games, conversation, storytelling. The Anglo changes every day.
Dates and fees
When are the 2027 camps?
Camp 1: 3 to 10 July 2027 (Saturday to Saturday). Camp 2: 10 to 17 July 2027 (Saturday to Saturday).
What does it cost?
Early Booking price: €1,500 (instead of €1,650), available until 31 December 2026. See the Dates & fees page for full details on what is included.
What is Flexi Booking?
Flexi Booking lets you secure your place at the Early Booking price now and choose your camp (Camp 1 or Camp 2) later, at no extra cost.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes - through HeyLight you can pay in 3 to 6 interest-free instalments. See the HeyLight page for details.
What is included in the price?
Full board (all meals), accommodation, the complete educational and activity programme, welfare support, staff supervision and the online Language Assessment before camp. Transfer and the optional Cambridge English Skills Test are extras.
Welfare and daily life
Can my child keep their phone?
Phones are kept in the camp office during the day and returned every evening between 18:45 and 19:45. This is intentional - it keeps students in the English Bubble and encourages them to connect with each other. An emergency camp phone is available to families 24 hours a day.
Who supervises the students?
A full Speak team: Summer Camp Director, Learning Director, Learning Coordinator, Welfare Coordinators (one female, one male), qualified TEFL teachers and Camp Leaders. Staff sleep in the same corridors as students.
What are the rooms like?
4 to 6 beds, en suite, divided by age and gender. The venue is Centro Turistico Valbonella - a purpose-built residential facility in the National Park.
What if my child has dietary requirements?
Let us know at booking and we will manage it with the venue. Full board meals are provided.
What if my child gets ill or has an accident?
A first-aid trained staff member is always on site. Families are contacted immediately. The nearest hospital is within reach of Valbonella.
Getting to camp
How do students get to Valbonella?
Families can arrange their own transport or use the Speak Teens transfer service. Transfer details and costs are on the Getting to camp page.
Can my child travel unaccompanied?
Yes. Unaccompanied minors can travel on certain train routes to reach the transfer meeting point. Contact us to discuss the options for your child's route.
What should my child bring?
A full kit list is sent after booking. The basics: comfortable clothes for outdoor activities, a warm layer for evenings, sturdy shoes for trekking and a water bottle. No need for formal wear.