SOLEMAR ECO LANGUAGE CAMP SICILY
25 July – 3 August 2027
Ages 14–17
Serra Guarneri Environmental Education Center
Madonie Natural Park, near Cefalù, Sicily
Italian, Nature & Adventure
Learn Italian by living the language every day. Discover Sicily through nature and adventure, and enjoy an experience you’ll never forget.
Learning a language means much more than taking a course. It means using it every day, making new friends, discovering a new culture, and having authentic experiences.
That’s why Solemar Academy, in collaboration with Cooperativa Sociale Palma Nana, created the Solemar Eco Language Camp Sicily: an international program for teens ages 14-17 that combines Italian language learning with exploring nature, developing environmental awareness, learning about sustainability, and discovering Sicilian culture.
From July 25 to August 3, 2027, participants will spend ten days in the heart of the Madonie Natural Park, one of Sicily’s most fascinating natural areas. The camp will take place at the Serra Guarneri Environmental Education Center, surrounded by centuries-old forests, mountain trails, and unspoiled landscapes. Here, nature becomes an integral part of the learning experience.
Learn Italian by Living It
Every morning, students attend Italian lessons taught by Solemar Academy’s qualified native-speaking teachers.
Our communicative approach encourages students to speak Italian from day one. Lessons are dynamic and engaging, with a focus on using Italian in real-life situations.
But the real learning continues beyond the classroom.
Italian becomes the language students use as they walk through the woods, cook together, explore the area, take part in sports, and share everyday experiences with teenagers from around the world.
Because you truly learn a language when it becomes part of everyday life.
Nature as Our Classroom
Serra Guarneri is not simply where the camp takes place: it becomes a classroom without walls.
For over forty years, Palma Nana has promoted environmental education, sustainability and responsible tourism through direct, hands-on experiences in nature.
During their stay, participants will explore key topics such as:
- biodiversity and ecosystem conservation;
- sustainability and responsible living;
- respect for the environment;
- teamwork and collaboration;
- Sicily’s natural and cultural heritage.
Forests, mountains and the sea become part of the learning experience, inspiring curiosity, independence and greater environmental awareness
Adventure, Sports & Culture
Every day offers new experiences designed to keep participants actively involved.
The program includes:
- Italian language lessons;
- environmental education workshops;
- hikes and excursions in the Madonie Natural Park;
- stand-up paddleboarding lessons;
- beach days;
- cooking classes for teens;
- boat trips;
- visits to Cefalù, Palermo, and some of Sicily’s most picturesque places;
- games, group activities, and time together.
Each activity is designed to encourage communication in Italian, teamwork, and personal growth while keeping participants immersed in nature.
An International Community
While participants will be fully immersed in Italian, they will always have the support of our international staff.
Every year, the Serra Guarneri Environmental Education Center welcomes educators, volunteers, and other team members from many different countries. Our staff can therefore communicate not only in Italian but also in English, French, German, and often in other languages as well.
This helps participants feel welcome and supported from the very first day, giving families peace of mind while ensuring that Italian remains the main language of the experience.
Much More Than Just a Summer Camp
The Solemar Eco Language Camp Sicily is much more than just an Italian language course.
It is a personal growth experience that helps teenagers become more independent, open their minds to new cultures, develop greater environmental awareness, and build international friendships that can last long after the camp ends.
In ten days, participants learn a language, experience nature, discover Sicily, and return home with new skills, greater self-confidence, and memories to last a lifetime.
Because you can learn a language from books.
But it stays with you when it becomes part of some of the best experiences of your life.
Program
Day 1 – Sunday, July 25
Arrival in the afternoon, check-in, welcome, and introduction to the village of Serra Guarneri.
Icebreaker activities and introduction to the camp.
Day 2 – Monday, July 26
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Botanical herbarium workshop and introductory walk to identify local plant species.
Day 3 – Tuesday, July 27
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Beach time.
Evening: Stargazing workshop.
Day 4 – Wednesday, July 28
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Transfer to Cefalù and stand-up paddleboarding lesson.
Day 5 – Thursday, July 29
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Guided forest walk exploring biodiversity, local stories, and traditional knowledge of Mediterranean plants, ending at the Serra with views of the forest stretching down to the sea.
Day 6 – Friday, July 30
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Visit to Cefalù and boat trip to admire the town from the sea.
Day 7 – Saturday, July 31
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Cooking class using flour from heritage grains grown in the Madonie.
Lantern-making workshop and interactive activities exploring sustainable lifestyles through games, discussion, and active citizenship.
Evening: Night walk through the forest, lit by the participants’ handmade lanterns.
Day 8 – Sunday, August 1
Full day exploring Palermo.
Day 9 – Monday, August 2
Morning: Italian lesson with Solemar Academy.
Afternoon: Excursion to Sant’Ambrogio and visit to the historic Garbo Olive Mill, including an activity exploring olive oil through the senses.
The day ends with a swim in the sea at sunset.
Day 10 – Tuesday, August 3
Final activities, group reflection on the experience, and departure.
Fees
The program fee is €1,800.
The price includes full board and accommodation at CEA Serra Guarneri, Italian language lessons with qualified teachers, teaching materials, insurance and all leisure activities.
How to book
To book, simply send an email to info@solemar-academy.com with the student’s full personal details and the details of one parent or legal guardian.
Enrollment Terms and Cancellation Policy
To confirm participation in the Solemar Eco Language Camp Sicily, a deposit equal to 30% of the total program fee must be paid by April 15, 2027.
The remaining balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the start of the program.
Cancellations
Cancellations made more than 60 days before the start of the program are free of charge, and any amounts already paid will be fully refunded.
Cancellations made between 31 and 60 days before the start of the program are subject to a cancellation fee equal to 30% of the total program fee.
For cancellations made within 30 days of the start of the program, the full program fee is due and non-refundable.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to info@solemar-academy.com.