Roeland VZW is a youth service which was formed in 1971. Our motto is ‘Creative language learning’. We organise French, English and Dutch language camps for children and youth during the summer holidays. We also offer Dutch day camps in Ghent for non-Dutch-speaking newcomers and children with language delays.

Throughout the school year we arrange Dutch and French city visits for schools.

No, that’s not something we do. But take a look at our website if you would like to find a language camp for your child.

No, Roeland does not give private lessons. We would advise you to contact your child’s school for information about private lessons.

Roeland organises projects in Dutch, French and English.

Roeland offers language camps during all school holidays. See our camps page for information about our different camp dates and age groups.

At Roeland we always choose cool instructors, to make sure you have fun all day long. The supervisors will give you plenty of encouragement to speak French or English. We call this total language immersion. In order to give you as much help as possible, we have a ratio of one supervisor to five students at most of our camps. That’s one of the things that makes Roeland truly unique!

We are always on the lookout for ways to fund our projects for vulnerable children and young people. You can make a donation to our account BE47 8900 1425 4280 using the reference ‘gift maatschappelijk project’. We are not able to offer you a tax certificate for donations.

As an employer, you can enter into a partnership with us which will allow you to offer your employees a 5% discount on our language camps. In return for this discount, we ask you to spread the word about Roeland amongst your employees. If you are interested please contact our Communications Officer, Nathanëlla Monsaert (nathanella@roeland.be) for more information.

Are you entitled to an employee discount? Ask your employer for more information about their partnership with Roeland VZW and they can give you the discount code.

Please note: our discounts cannot be combined.

This means that we have to meet a number of quality criteria in order to be recognised and to receive subsidies from the Flemish government.

Hooray, we are happy to welcome you! Want to apply? Here's how!

Log in to your personal page and submit your availability there. Be sure to also check if all your personal information is still correct.

Roeland organises high-quality language camps, so we expect our language coaches to have a good understanding of French or English. Anyone who is volunteering with us for the first time as a language coach will be assessed on their language skills beforehand. This assessment takes place during the training weekend or through a conversation. It is also possible to join us as a volunteer on our Dutch language camps or in a logistical role.

We would be happy to welcome you on our camps! Teachers typically join as language coaches, but you can also choose to join as an activity leader. The language proficiency requirements for teachers are the same as for other volunteers (see the question above).

Yes, you will receive a volunteer allowance at Roeland. The amount of the allowance depends on the duration of the camp and your position. For more information, contact our secretariat at info@roeland.be. 

Roeland organises training weekends in the spring for all future language coaches. During these weekends, you will learn what it means to be a language coach at Roeland. Roeland also regularly hosts training sessions on various topics for its current and future volunteers.

All our supervisors and activity leaders are at least 18 years old. From the age of 16, you can join as a volunteer in a logistical role (kitchen and maintenance staff). From 16 years old, you can participate in the course: "Taalanimator in het jeugdwerk". The summer after the course, you can join the camp as a trainee animator.

Roeland organizes Dutch day camps in Ghent for non-Dutch-speaking newcomers and children with a language delay. Are you interested in teaching these children Dutch in a playful way? Visit our staff page to find out how you can apply.

• English language camps: Lieve Haverbeke (lieve@roeland.be)
• French language camps Junior (7-12 years): Lieselot Van Leeuwen (junior@roeland.be)
• French language camps 12-18 years: Jérémie Ruffin (jeremie@roeland.be)
• Dutch language camps: Tom Vandevelde (tom@roeland.be)
  Camps for non-Dutch-speaking newcomers (NT2):
• Tom Vandevelde (tom@roeland.be)
• Brede School Camps: Tom Vandevelde (tom@roeland.be)
• Questions about logistical roles (kitchen and maintenance, first aid, etc.): Senne Govaert (logistiek@roeland.be)

You can send an e-mail to info@roeland.be

Sure. If you would like to do an internship at the camp or work on a specific project assignment, please contact the project coordinator (see the questions above). If you have a general question or would like to do an internship at our headquarters, please contact our secretariat at info@roeland.be.

Yes. Since we work with children and young people at Roeland, we ask all supervisors to provide us with an “uittreksel uit het strafregister model 2”. Please request this from your local municipality.

You can find our online brochure here. Would you like to receive the paper version in your mailbox? Then send an e-mail to info@roeland.be. Before the summer, you will receive the brochure for the current year. After the summer, you will receive the brochure for the following year, which we will send out in December.

You can find our offer here.

No, we ask everyone to register via the website. This way, you can enter your personal information yourself and upload a photo of your child. If it is not working or you are stuck, then we’ll be happy to help you over the phone (09/221 60 44).

If you're unable to log in with your e-mail address, you may have used a different e-mail address during registration (perhaps your partner's?). Try again with a different e-mail address. If it still doesn't work or you're stuck, we'll be happy to assist you over the phone (09/221 60 44).

Click on 'Forgot password' and you will receive an automatic e-mail to reset your password. Be sure to check your spam folder as well. If it still doesn’t work or you get stuck, we’ll be happy to assist you over the phone (09/221 60 44).

You can find all your personal information in your profile. Check your details to ensure your e-mail address is correct. Also, make sure to check your spam folder. If it still doesn’t work or you get stuck, we’ll be happy to assist you over the phone (09/221 60 44).

We ask for the full amount to be paid within 30 days. You can view your invoice at any time in your personal profile. Registration is only final once we have received the payment. If you're unable to pay the full amount in one go, please contact our secretariat and we will find a tailored solution for you.

You can always check the status of your payment in your personal profile. It may take some time before the status shows as 'paid'. Please use the structured communication when making the transfer. The registration is only final once we have received the payment.

For several years now, you can only register your own child(ren). It’s best to make arrangements in advance with the parents of your child’s friends.

In that case, we recommend booking a different camp for each child (provided there are still available spots for their age group). This can always be done at no extra cost. We’ll be happy to assist you over the phone (09/221 60 44).

It depends on a number of conditions. Please check our terms and conditions for more information.

If there are insufficient registrations, we may cancel a camp. In that case, we will work together to find a suitable alternative. If no alternative is possible, the registration fee will be refunded.

When the camp of your choice is fully booked, you can register your child on the waiting list. Experience shows that spots may occasionally become available due to cancellations or changes. However, we cannot guarantee participation and therefore recommend also registering your child for another camp. You can cancel this camp at no cost if a spot becomes available on the waiting list. Once a spot opens up, we will contact you immediately. If you're still interested, your child can participate, and we will proceed with the official registration. No longer interested? You can remove your child from the waiting list at any time through your personal page.

You can find all your documents in your personal profile. Log in, go to "My Dashboard," and click on the relevant camp. There you will find all the documents.

Included: accommodation, meals (except for day camps without overnight stays), materials, excursions, liability insurance, accident insurance. Not included: bus transport to and from the camp location, personal purchases (at the bar and during excursions). Changes to the programme (activities, excursions, etc.) are always possible. This does not affect the cost of the camp.

Because some parents prefer to bring and pick up their child themselves, we have decided not to include the bus ride as a standard part of the price for the language camp. You can reserve the round-trip bus transport when registering.

If you receive a study allowance for secondary education this school year, you will receive a discount worth 20% of the study allowance amount. Does this apply to you? If so, please send us a copy of the study allowance proof via e-mail (info@roeland.be) or by post. If you have already paid before providing the proof, we will refund the amount you are entitled to.

Discount for BNP Paribas Fortis employees: Select the discount during registration.

Discount via Boost or Iedereen Verdient Vakantie: Select the discount during registration, and we will check if you qualify.

Discount via employer: If your employer has a partnership with us, you will receive an employee discount. Contact your employer for more information. Would your company like to establish a partnership with us? E-mail nathanella@roeland.be.

Please note: our discounts are not cumulative.

Certain employers and health insurance funds reimburse part of the registration fee. You can download the "certificate of participation" from your personal profile (click on the camp, you’ll find the certificate under "documents").

During registration, you can add the discount by selecting your employer and entering the code your employer provided. The amount will be adjusted accordingly.

Contact us at info@roeland.be, and we will refund the discount. Please note: If you forgot to enter the "discount via employer" (5%), don’t worry! You don’t need to contact us for this. Our discounts are not cumulative.

Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.

Children who were younger than 14 during the camp will receive a tax certificate. You can find it in your personal profile after the camp. Click on the attended camp, and the certificate will be under 'documents'. The certificate will be available starting from March of the following calendar year. With the tax certificate, you can claim the camp costs on your taxes. The reduction is 45% of the actual expenses, limited to a maximum of €13 per child per care day.

Certain health insurance funds reimburse part of the registration fee. You can submit your reimbursement request using the certificate of participation. Submit this document along with a sticker to your health insurance fund to receive the reimbursement. This certificate replaces the forms required by your health insurance. You can find the certificate of participation in your personal profile after the camp. Click on the attended camp, and the certificate will be under "documents."

You can submit rooming requests on the medical form. Some locations have individual rooms, while others have shared rooms. Boys and girls never sleep in the same room, even if they are siblings. More information about room assignments can be found on the camp's page.

Definitely! There will surely be other children attending camp without a friend. Through icebreaker games, we ensure that the children get to know each other quickly. Living and playing in a group is central to the Roeland experience.

Certainly. Please clearly note this information on the medical form so we can take good care of your child at camp. If you're still concerned, contact us at 09/221 60 44, and we can discuss it together.

Roeland strives to give every child the opportunity to attend camp. We would be happy to discuss the options with you. Please contact us at 09/221 60 44 so we can make the best choice together. If you proceed with registration, be sure to fill out the medical form carefully so we can ensure an unforgettable camp experience!

This is possible in exceptional cases. For example, if your child has repeated a year or is a year ahead, it might be more useful to consider the school year rather than the birth year. When your child's birth year does not match the age category of the camp, you will receive a notification during registration. The camp coordinator will contact you to discuss this. You can also reach out to us directly at 09/221 60 44 or info@roeland.be.

For the immersion camps (12+), we speak only French or English. We expect the children to fully participate in this experience and speak only French or English during the camp.

At Junior Camp and some French and English camps (introductory camps), your child can still speak Dutch with other children. Our language coaches will speak only the target language.

An immersion camp is more challenging but offers greater language immersion.

The most important thing is that your child has fun and develops an interest in the foreign language. You know your child best. Consider their personality, maturity, and language level when making your decision. If you're unsure, please contact us.

Roeland operates a zero-tolerance policy regarding transgressive behavior. This includes not only sexual transgressive behavior but also aggression, discrimination, insults, child abuse, online risks, drug use, and bullying, among others. The integrity contact person (API) will first and foremost listen to the story. Afterward, the API will assess where and how support can be provided. The API is bound by a duty of discretion, meaning that what is shared remains as confidential as possible. Everyone is welcome to approach the API—volunteers, but also children from the camps or parents. Within Roeland, Mieke Van Parys serves as the API (integrity contact person). You can always reach her at +32 (0)473-346559 or via mieke@roeland.be. Of course, you can also turn to people you personally trust. In some cases, the API may need to seek additional support, but they will always inform you if this is necessary.

• All French camps in Wallonia and Ostend: Oostakker and Brussels
• All French camps in France: Oostakker (except Stenay: Oostakker and Brussels)
• All English camps in England: Oostakker
• English boarding camp in Oostakker: Brussels
• English camps in Ypres: Brussels and Oostakker
• English camps in Dworp: Oostakker
• Dutch camps in Ghent: Brussels
• Dutch camps in Heino: Brussels

The departure times

are between 7:30 and 10:00 in Oostakker
and between 8:00 and 10:00 in Brussels.

The arrival times

The arrival times are between 11:00 and 13:30 in Oostakker, except for England: between 16:30 and 18:15.

In Brussels, the arrival times are between 10:15 and 12:15.

The exact departure and arrival times will be provided in the final guidelines.

The address of the camp can be found on the page with information about the camp.

What should my child bring to camp? Where and when does the bus depart? The practical information for departure will appear one month before the start of the camp on your personal profile. You will receive an e-mail when the final guidelines are online.

As a parent, you are free to determine the amount. The pocket money is for personal expenses during snack breaks (a drink and/or snack) and during outings. Consider the duration of the camp and don't overdo it. Roeland is not responsible for theft of personal belongings. We ask that you provide a combination padlock so your child can lock their suitcase.

For travel to the United Kingdom, an international passport is required, which must be valid for at least 6 months upon return. Please request this in time from your local municipality.

The medical form allows you to note any allergies, intolerances, and/or general considerations (such as ADHD, extreme homesickness, etc.). Please fill it out carefully so we can take good care of your child. The information will only be shared with the camp leaders of the camp your child is attending. You can find the medical form on your personal profile. Go to "my dashboard" and click on the camp. All documents will be available there.

We can administer medication during the camp, provided we have an approval certificate from you or the doctor. You can give the medication and the certificate to the bus supervisor at the start of the camp (or directly to the first aid supervisor if you bring your child yourself).

This document is only required if your child is going to camp in France. According to French law, no medical procedure can be carried out on a minor without written consent from the parents. If a medical procedure is needed during the camp, we will, of course, contact you in advance to ask for your permission. However, at that time, we also need written proof of your approval, so we ask you to sign it in advance. We will make this document available on your personal profile one month before the start of the camp. You will also receive an e-mail from us requesting you to fill it out.

Your child is insured against bodily injury and third-party liability. Roeland is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of personal belongings. If you have any questions about insurance (e.g., broken glasses, reimbursement for medical expenses, etc.), please contact our logistics coordinator, Senne Govaert, at logistiek@roeland.be.

At each camp, we have a first aid supervisor who provides the necessary care. We do not take any risks, and if there is any doubt, we immediately contact a doctor or hospital. In case of an emergency, the camp leader will contact you immediately. Please refer to the question above as well.

In case of illness, the doctor's visit and any pharmacy costs are the responsibility of the participant. If necessary, the camp leader will cover the payment. As a parent, you will receive a letter asking you to pay for the doctor’s fees, and you will also get the doctor's note to submit to your health insurance. For accidents, we have arranged insurance. Please refer to the questions above as well.

Please refer to our general terms and conditions for this.

We welcome the children from 8:30 AM; activities start at 9:30 AM. Throughout the day, there are fun language workshops where children learn about a specific topic in small groups based on their level. We ensure they have a lot of fun, so they hardly realize that everything is done in French or English. We sing songs, do crafts, play sports, play a big group game, and also go on an outing once during the camp. Activities end at 4:30 PM; there is care available until 5:30 PM.

Every day, there are 2 or 3 fun language workshops where participants learn new words through games. Plenty of time is set aside to allow participants to play sports and engage in activities (crafts, a big group game). A fun singing session (because singing is a great way to learn words). A fun activity before bed (workshop, bedtime moment, casino night, etc.). At these camps, children are allowed to speak Dutch with each other (see also the 'rules' section).

These camps vary in many ways depending on the location, the duration of the camp, and the theme. The following activities are usually included: fun language workshops spread throughout the day, sports and workshops in small groups by choice, a big group game, a city game or à la carte activities, a singing session, free time (bar, shower, siesta), and one or more excursions. In camps for ages 15+, there is a strong focus on allowing input in the programme. See also the following questions about group division and language workshops.

The division for the language workshops is based on a short test (see also the following questions). It is therefore possible that your child will not be in the same group as their friend during the language workshops. We do this to ensure that each child can learn according to their level. The other activities are done with the whole group or in smaller groups based on personal preference (sports, workshops, excursions, etc.).

We call them "language workshops." Thanks to these active language workshops, your child practices the vocabulary and grammar they learn at school in a practical way. We use video and the internet, do group work, and include playful assignments … This way, your child speaks French or English without even realizing it. Occasionally, a bit of grammar is added to ensure that the basics are solid.

When registering, we ask for each participant’s age, grade, and school year. At the camp itself, we assess your child’s language level through an introductory game. Based on this, we then form the groups for the language workshops. Each group consists of about ten participants with a similar language level and is guided by a pedagogically-trained instructor.

Yes, your child may speak Dutch with the other children. Our language coaches only speak the target language. To assist the children, there is a "little bit of both languages" every day. During this time, the camp leader provides extra explanations in Dutch so that the children understand everything clearly.

No, at camps for children aged 12-19, everyone speaks only French or English. Don’t worry, our language coaches explain everything with gestures and clear communication. We also expect participants to speak only French or English at the camp.

Is your child older than 12? We expect your child to speak only French or English at camp. Our professional teams do everything they can to help your child with this. If all efforts are exhausted, in cases of misbehaviour or vandalism, your child may be sent home. We hope this will not be necessary.

To prevent homesickness, it is not possible to call your child at camp. In case of urgent questions, you can always contact the camp leaders. You will find the contact details in the final guidelines (which you can download from your personal profile one month before departure).

No. We ask that no phones be brought. Not everyone at that age has a phone, so this ensures equality for all participants. If your child is sick or feeling homesick, the camp leader will definitely contact you.

Yes. However, there are some rules. What is not allowed? Carrying the phone all day (not even to take photos) and making calls with the phone (as this would lead your child to speak Dutch). What is allowed? We provide occasional moments when your child can send messages.

No. A visit from parents disrupts the camp atmosphere and goes against the principle of the language immersion. We ask that you respect this.

No, smoking is not allowed at camp. We have a strict no-smoking policy to ensure the well-being and safety of all participants.

We strongly advise against this. Group atmosphere is very important at Roeland. When a participant cannot attend the entire camp, it is unfortunate for the group, but especially for the child. If it really cannot be avoided, please contact our secretariat to see what is possible.

You can communicate with your child in the following ways (preferably in the language of the camp):

Via e-mail.
In the final guidelines, you will find the camp's e-mail address. The on-site team prints out the e-mails and delivers them to your child. Don't forget to mention who the e-mail is for. The children cannot send e-mails in return.

Via a letter.
In the final guidelines, you will find the camp's address. The on-site team will deliver the letters to your child. The children can also send a letter or postcard in return.

Via SMS (only at 12+ camps).
Occasionally, we provide a moment when the children can send messages to their families (see also "rules/agreements").

You can also follow your child’s experiences through the photos and blog on your personal profile.

You can find the photos and blog on your personal profile. Log in via the website, go to "my dashboard," and click on the camp. There, you will find the photos and blog. The on-site team ensures that new photos and texts are uploaded regularly so that you, as a parent, stay informed about what’s happening at camp.

Experience shows that children sometimes feel homesick or struggle to adjust to the language immersion during the first day(s). In such cases, a negative text message may be sent quickly... We recommend not panicking too quickly, but instead, positively encourage your child to give it more time. Most children adapt quickly. If you, as a parent, are still worried, please contact the camp leader. In case of an emergency, they will not hesitate to contact you as well.

Yes. You can view the photos and blog of the camp on your personal profile. The on-site team ensures that new photos and texts are regularly uploaded so that you, as a parent, stay informed about what’s happening at camp. These photos will be removed from the website after one year. Additionally, the photos are used to promote our camps (brochures, website, social media, etc.). By accepting the general terms and conditions, you agree that Roeland can take and publish photos and other images unless you notify us in writing. As an individual, you always have the right to access and correct the personal data stored. Please contact us by phone or e-mail if you do not agree with the appearance or use of certain images.

Send an e-mail to info@roeland.be with a description of the item/clothing, your child's name, and the camp they attended. Items that we find can be picked up on weekdays between 9:00 and 17:00 at our headquarters in Ghent. Let us know when you'll be coming, and we'll have the item/clothing ready for you.

A tax certificate will be issued for children who were younger than 14 during the camp. You can find it on your personal profile after the camp. Go to the camp page, and the certificate will be under 'documents.' The certificate will be available from March of the following calendar year. With the tax certificate, you can claim the camp costs on your taxes. The reduction is 45 percent of the actual expenses, limited to a maximum of €13 per child per care day.

Certain health insurance funds reimburse part of the registration fee. You can submit your reimbursement request using the certificate of participation. Bring this document along with a sticker to your health insurance fund to receive the contribution. This certificate replaces the forms provided by your health insurance. You can access the certificate of participation on your personal profile after the camp. Go to the camp page, and the certificate will be under 'documents.'

Roeland is always open to feedback from participants and parents. Participants in the 12+ camps fill out an online survey during camp. Participants in the Junior Camps can fill out an online survey at home after the camp, together with their parent(s). If you, as a parent, have feedback for us (a compliment or a suggestion for improvement), feel free to send an e-mail to info@roeland.be.