VSF Camp 5 – Age 8/13
« Séjour Aventure et Découverte »
Immersion Ratio (per group): 20 French campers / 3 Foreign campers
DDates
JULY 6-15 / AUG 1-10, 2026
JULY 6 – 25, 2026
T Camp Tuition
10 DAYS: 2940 €
20 DAYS: 3980 €
Camp Theme
Upon their arrival at the center, our campers will be given a parchment paper written by pirates 2 centuries ago! This will be the beginning of their Adventure !
Based upon the true story of a shipwreck in the Bay of Leucate, the children will follow the footsteps of Leucate’s 18th century sailors in search of a treasure hidden in one of the Leucate creeks. Divided into 8 teams (crews) our young pirates will explore the area surrounding the village where they will have to uncover clues that will lead them to their goal.
Activities
Sailing:
In Port Leucate, campers will learn the joy of sailing, both individually and as a team. Under the supervision of certified instructors, they’ll learn the basics of navigation on the Etang Marin (Coastal Lagoon): understanding the boat and its equipment, practicing essential sailing techniques, and learning how to « read the wind ». A fun and refreshing experience combining adventure, teamwork, and freedom on the water. Surely to be a good pirate, it is necessary to first be a good sailor!
Treasure Hunts :
In the vast land boarding the beach, equipped with maps, compasses and binoculars, the children will be introduced to different orientation techniques as they search for the key that will open the chest containing the treasure! They will explore the Leucate Plateau, the «Shark creek» and the «Pirate’s Trail» in search of their lost treasure.
– Shore Fishing (Rock Pool Exploration): At the foot of the cliffs, children will explore the rocky shore equipped with small nets and hand lines to catch fish, crabs, and sea sponges. They’ll observe marine life up close, learn to recognize different coastal species, and then gently release their discoveries back into the sea. A fun and educational activity that combines adventure, curiosity, and respect for nature!
– Discover the thrill of Sand Yachting!
Experience the joy of gliding across vast, open beaches, guided only by the wind. Learn how to steer your land yacht, adjust your sail, and find the perfect balance between direction and speed. As you master the art of wind navigation, you’ll feel the exhilarating sensation of freedom and movement!
– Marine Carpentry workshop:
Like « Robinson Crusoe » our campers will build their own boat to escape from their island…together they will assemble the hull of a traditional Catalan sailboat, and they will be initiated in knot making on a 7 meters long sailboat which is high and dry (no danger of drowning then !). Finally, they will create a board displaying the different knots learned.
– Beach Games and Swimming at Leucate’s supervised Beach: Enjoy sunny days filled with large group games, laughter, and safe swimming in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean!
Other activities
- Building model kits
- Star gazing… Tales and legends of the Pirates
- Games and Parties!
- Team sports (soccer, beach Volley…)
Choice of Field Trips
Hiking trips on the « Leucatois Plateau »: On this classified nature reserve (Natura 2000)overlooking the sea…a big breath of fresh air! During the hike, they will create their own illustrated herbarium of the plants and flowers found on the plateau, recording their discoveries and observations; A perfect blend of exploration, creativity, and environmental awareness in the heart of a stunning natural landscape!
Coastal Birdwatching (in partnership with the Bird Protection League): Guided by an environmental educator, you will meet both migratory and resident bird species, observing them with binoculars and spotting scopes. You will also explore the unique coastal ecosystem, the seashore, lagoon, and garrigue, while learning how to protect this fragile environment.
We had a lot of fun this summer in France because it was hot unlike in London! …but also because of all the different fun activities we had, like Char a voile which is a unique sport and also Accrobranches which was challenging. We really enjoyed this camp, the camp counselors and the director were very nice. We improved our French a lot and we made a lot of friends, French friends but also and Egyptian friend who participated also in VSF, her name was Alia. The food was also very good, it was overall VERY FUN !
Alex and Daniel S., age 9/12, (UK)
Camp Location: « CENTRE DE VACANCES DE LEUCATE »
3 buildings surrounded by 170 acres of land, offering rooms with 5 to 6 beds with shower facilities on each level (2 storeys high). A large dining-room divided in 3 areas (per age groups), 6 activity rooms, a show room and a small library as well as a circus tent and several playgrounds are there for the children to enjoy.
…For more details click here…
TRANSPORTATION: With the VSF group (and the French children) by TGV train from Paris to Narbonne (escorted by the camp staff) – transfer by shuttle bus to the camp site.
…For more info on Transportation click here
