Overview
The grown-up version of the operator's New York summer camp, for 17- to 21-year-olds who want a full program without being supervised all day. Weekday mornings are English classes in small groups of up to eight, held at a different spot around Brooklyn and Manhattan each day, with class excursions built in. The focus is speaking and fluency.
The activity program covers New York's best: Central Park, the 9/11 Museum, the Summit observatory, a Broadway show, the United Nations, a speedboat ride to the Statue of Liberty, MoMA, the Met and a Yankees baseball game — with free afternoons and evenings to explore on your own. Young adults have their own class locations and activities, separate from the teen camp.
Everyone lives in the Brooklyn Heights residence in shared en-suite rooms, with breakfast and dinner included and an unlimited subway pass. There's no curfew; staff lead all scheduled activities and the welfare officer can be reached 24/7.
What's included
A day at camp
- Morning English class from 9:30 to 12:30 (Monday–Friday) in a small group of up to 8, at a different spot in Brooklyn or Manhattan each day, with class excursions built in
- Afternoon A scheduled activity led by the camp staff — or a free afternoon to explore on your own
- Evening Dinner, then a group evening out (Broadway, bowling, karaoke, a baseball game) or a free evening — no curfew
- Weekends The Met on the first Saturday, a free Sunday, and last-minute shopping before departure
Where you stay
You live in the program's student residence in Brooklyn Heights, a 5-minute walk from the Brooklyn Promenade and one subway stop from Manhattan, in a separate part from the teen camp. Rooms are twins or triples with an en-suite bathroom, shared with another participant of the same gender but a different nationality, and furnished with beds, desks and closets, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a fridge and a microwave. Bed linen is provided, but bring a bath towel — it isn't. Residence managers are on site throughout. The residence has 24-hour security and key-card access to the building and every room, lounges with a pool table and a movie room, vending machines, iPads in the lobby and a laundry room (about US$5 a wash and dry). Rooms are cleaned before arrival and once a week. No guests and no smoking in the residence.
Meals
Half board: breakfast (from 8 am) and dinner (8 pm) at the Montague Diner, a 5-minute walk from the residence — for example French toast, eggs and cereal in the morning, and chicken, wraps or salads in the evening, with a vegetarian option. Lunch isn't included: buy it near the day's class location. Most special diets and allergies can be catered for if you tell us in advance.
Excursions
More photos
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the teen camp?
The teen camp (14–17) is supervised around the clock, with every afternoon and evening planned and a 10:30 pm curfew. The young adults' camp gives you more independence: staff are with you for the first days and every scheduled activity, but there's unsupervised free time and no curfew. Classes, class locations and excursions are separate from the teens' and pitched at your age.
Where do the classes take place?
All over the city rather than in a school: outdoor spots such as Brooklyn Bridge Park, Bryant Park, Madison Square Park or Domino Park, and indoor ones such as Brookfield Place, Essex Market, Industry City or a Barnes & Noble. Classes alternate between Brooklyn and Manhattan, sit around a table in a group of 8 at most (5–6 on average), and move indoors whenever it's wet, too hot or too cold — so class happens every day, whatever the weather. There's no textbook; teachers prepare materials for each topic and class excursion.
What level of English do I need?
Everyone takes an online level test before arrival and is placed in a class at their level; if it feels wrong after the first day, a short speaking test sorts it out. The operator's adult programs ask for at least a pre-intermediate level — ask us if you're unsure.
Who is around if something goes wrong?
Camp staff lead every scheduled activity, residence managers are on site, and the welfare officer can be reached 24/7 in an emergency. In your free time you're on your own, so it suits young adults who are comfortable finding their way around a big city.
Can I join without the residence?
Yes, if you have your own place in New York: the 2-week day camp is US$1,450 and includes the English classes and the activity program.
Do I need a visa?
Travellers with a passport from most EU countries need an approved ESTA (the online US travel authorisation) before they fly — apply well ahead. The operator confirms its programs can be followed on ESTA or a tourist visa, not a student visa. For any other passport, ask us and we'll check what applies.
Do I need insurance?
Yes — comprehensive travel and health insurance is compulsory. Health care in the US is very expensive, so make sure the policy covers medical treatment and evacuation there.
How do I get from the airport?
Transfers from New York JFK or Newark can be arranged — ask us for the 2027 price. Flights aren't included.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
The operator takes a deposit when the place is confirmed (US$600 with accommodation) and the balance 28 days before the start. A residence booking cancelled in writing more than 28 days before the start is refunded in full; after that a US$300 administration fee applies. We'll send you the full terms before you book.
What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, light summer clothes plus a jumper for air-conditioned places, sun cream, plug adaptors, pocket money, a photocopy of the passport, a notebook and pen, headphones for lessons and a phone with a data plan set up before they travel. And a bath towel — the residence provides bed linen but not towels.