VIEC's First Summer Session of 2026 Begins on the Black Sea

The first of six VIEC summer-camp sessions opened on 15 June 2026 on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, 40 km from Varna Airport. Children aged 7 to 17 arrived for the programme across Leadership, Sport and AI Arts.

Where the children came from

This session brought together families from across Europe and beyond — among them Turkey, Bulgaria, Latvia, Germany, Albania, Romania, and Kosovo. Most families drove to campus. One family made the longest drive — from Turkmenistan — and was met on arrival by Managing Director Rob Shlegel.

A welcome from the whole team

The session began with a welcome presentation for children and parents together. Academic Director Peter McLaughlin, Board Member Penka Marinova, Managing Director Robert Shlegel, the teachers, and the counsellors introduced the programme, the campus, and the fortnight ahead. Every child received a VIEC water bottle and backpack.

“A good summer is not measured by how many activities a child does, but by what they can do at the end of it. We have two weeks to help every child speak with more confidence — and we started this morning.”

— Peter McLaughlin, Academic Director, VIEC

Straight into English

Oxford English lessons run each morning, 09:00–10:30, grouped by level from CEFR A1 to B2. From the first day, the language is used, not just studied — in speaking practice, pair work, and small-group tasks.

The classroom they built themselves

On the first day, each class wrote its own contract — the rules everyone agrees to live by for the fortnight. Raise your hand. Respect people's names. Speak English. Be kind. It is a small ritual that does a great deal of work; the children own the room before a single lesson is taught.

Out of the classroom

Afternoons move to the sand and the water. The campus sits inside a 2,080-acre nature reserve with an enclosed perimeter; the beach and the pool are a short walk from the residences. Swimming and beach time run only in supervised sessions — never in free time.

Who looks after the children

This session is run by three counsellors and one supervisor, supported by two teachers from Britain. Children move around the campus in groups, and every movement across the complex, including the beach and the pool, is accompanied by a counsellor and the supervisor. Medical staff are on site around the clock.

What happens next this session

Each programme ends with its own finale. English & Leadership closes with a team presentation in the second week. English & AI Arts ends with a screening of the children's animations, and parents receive a recording link. English & Sport finishes with a mini-tournament on the final Friday. The VIEC Football Academy ends with its Tournament Weekend.

Join a later session

Places are open for sessions from 12 July onwards, each 14 days / 13 nights, Sunday to Saturday:

Frequently asked questions

Can my child still join this summer?

Yes. Sessions from 12 July onwards have places.

How long is each session?

14 days / 13 nights, Sunday to Saturday.

How are the children supervised?

Children move around the campus in supervised groups. Beach time, the pool, and all movement across the complex are accompanied by a counsellor and the supervisor. Medical staff are on site 24/7.

Does my child need to speak English already?

No. Children are placed by level, from CEFR A1 to B2, and taught in groups that match their ability.