Every summer at PlayAway, we’ve welcomed children who return year after year. 2026 marks the beginning of Let’s Play Away’s activities, but this new adventure builds upon more than thirty years of commitment from our predecessor organization. On this occasion, we wanted to highlight a journey that has profoundly impacted our team.
Some children arrive curious and enthusiastic, others more hesitant, sometimes facing academic, linguistic or behavioral difficulties.
And then there are those special stories. The ones that leave a lasting impression, both on the young people and on those who support them.
He was eight years old when he first walked through the doors of our English immersion program. At the time, Hadrien barely spoke a word of English. Dyslexic and struggling, he expressed his distress through shouting and difficult behavior. English, the environment, the separation—everything was a challenge.
But rather than seeing it as a constraint, we chose to see it as a child to be supported.
Year after year, thanks to a caring presence, constant listening, and a safe environment, something changed. Without ever forcing him, simply by gently guiding him, PlayAway became an anchor for him. A place where he could feel understood, supported, and free to learn at his own pace. What had begun as a stay imposed by his parents gradually transformed into a much-anticipated event, synonymous with trust, friendships, and discoveries.
“PlayAway was a truly remarkable experience for me. I spent over 15 weeks there, and each week allowed me to progress a little more, both in English and on a personal level.”
Total immersion in English, experienced in a warm and pressure-free environment, played a decisive role in his development.
« Everything happens naturally, in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, entirely in English. It helps enormously to gain self-confidence and step out of one’s comfort zone. »
But beyond the language, it was above all the human connection that made the difference. Every summer was also a time for reunions.
« Each week was also a chance to reconnect with people I greatly appreciate, both students and instructors. »
Years have passed. The child became a teenager, then an adult. Today, he is fully bilingual, both orally and in writing.
« Thanks to PlayAway, I am now bilingual. This experience has helped me enormously, both orally and in writing. »
And when he finally reached that level, when he had the age and the freedom to choose, his wish was obvious: to return. But this time, on the other side.
« And most importantly, it allowed me to work as an entertainer at PlayAway. »
We were immensely proud to welcome him to our team two years ago, and it is with renewed joy that we will welcome him back again this summer, now as part of Let’s Play Away. His journey perfectly embodies the values we uphold: the conviction that with time, trust, and genuine human connection, everyone can grow, flourish, and one day, in turn, pass on what they have received.
Let’s Play Away is not just about learning English.
It’s about growing up together.