Summer break is a great time for children in French Immersion to keep using their language skills in fun, low-pressure ways. Learning goes beyond school walls, and it does not need to look like school to be effective. Language growth is supported through consistent opportunities to listen, speak and engage in French.
Here are some summer learning opportunities that help students use French naturally through play, experiences, and everyday activities.
Everyday Ways to Use French at Home
French learning can happen during regular summer routines. Try:
- Listening to French music or audiobooks during car rides
- Watching French-language shows or movies together
- Reading French books from the library or online
- Playing games that encourage conversation and vocabulary
- Cooking a recipe together and learning food words in French
French Summer Camps
French summer camps provide structured opportunities for students to use French through play, creativity and social interaction.
Alliance Française d’Edmonton – Summer Camps
French‑language immersion camps for:
- Children ages 6–11
- Teens ages 12–16
Interactive activities, creative workshops, and conversation‑based learning.
L’UniThéâtre – Camp Multi‑Arts
A French‑language arts camp focused on dance, theatre, music, and visual arts. By the end of camp, participants will have created their own show to present to their family and friends.
- Children ages 7–12
ACFA – Camp Lusson
A two- week sleep away French camp experience for:
- Children ages 7–12
- Youth ages 13–15
Outdoor activities and themed programming delivered in French.
ACFA – Camp Soleil (Edmonton and St. Albert)
Day camps with weekly themes and activities offered in French.
- Children ages 5 –10
Institut Guy‑Lacombe de la famille – Camp Franco‑Chouette
A French‑language summer camp offering themed weekly programming in a structured, supportive environment.
- Children ages 6–12
- Youth ages 12–15
Royal Alberta Museum - French Day Camps
Dive into Alberta’s history through our day camps at the Royal Alberta Museum.
- Children ages 7–12
Click here to learn more.
City of Edmonton: French Swimming Lessons
Some community programs offer French‑language instruction or French program streams, allowing students to use French while participating in recreation and enrichment activities.
City of Edmonton – French Aquatic Programs
At Bonnie Doon Leisure Centre, swimming lessons can be taken in French.
Summer Opportunities for High School Students
For high school students, summer can also be a time to use French skills in professional or real‑world contexts.
Jeunesse Canada au travail
French‑language summer employment and work‑experience opportunities for youth, supported through national and community partners.
ECSD Summer School
Summer School is a chance for high school students to get ahead, catch up, or try something new.
ECSD offers the following classroom-based French Immersion courses at École J.H. Picard Catholic High School:
- Chimie 20 (delivered in French only)
- Mathématiques 10C (delivered in French only)
- Mathématiques 20-1 (delivered in French only)
- Sciences 10 (delivered in French only)
Francophone Cultural Events
La Fête franco‑albertaine
A multi‑day Francophone cultural festival held July 2 to 5 in Nordegg, featuring:
- Music and artistic performances
- Cultural activities
- Community gatherings
The festival provides an opportunity for families to experience French in a social, community‑based setting.
Resources
We Say Oui in YEG - Edmonton Public Libraries
Radio Canada Audio Books
Audiobooks are an easy way for students to continue hearing and using French over the summer. Listening to stories in French helps build vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and strengthen comprehension, even while travelling, relaxing or doing everyday activities. Families can listen together in the car, at home or during quiet time, making language exposure part of daily routines without adding extra work.
On the Radio‑Canada OHdio platform, families can access a wide selection of free audiobooks. The collection includes a variety of works across several categories, such as Youth, Novels, Poetry, and Essays.
Edmonton French Radio Stations
Listening to local French radio is an easy way for students to stay connected to the French language over the summer. Edmonton is home to French‑language radio programming, making it simple to include listening practice in daily routines at home or in the car.
Radio Cité 97.9 FM
Ici Musique 101.1FM