ERIKOS LOUSOS
Email: erikos.lousos@outlook.com ; Instagram: @ericlousos
Starting in June 2022 and continued in 2023, I had an incredible experience at DAD Camp Romania. Not only did it boost my confidence, but it also allowed me to fully embrace the rich history and vibrant culture of this beautiful country. From the moment I arrived until the end, it was a journey of continuous learning. I was able to apply my skills to everyday activities and had a fantastic time with the dedicated staff, teachers, and the enthusiastic children at the camp. Together, we created unforgettable memories and forged new friendships.
The adventure was so amazing that I have already decided to return, too! Undoubtedly, the experience required YOUR ENTHUSIASM, but I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone as the rewards are immeasurable. The camp organizers take care of your food, accommodation, including your travel, so you have nothing to worry about. Moreover, the friendships I formed with both colleagues and students are something I will cherish forever.
THOMAS WHARMBY
BIOLOGY TEACHER MSc; BSc; PGCE;
Email: tomwharmby@hotmail.co.uk ; Instagram: tomwharmby;
Tel: +44(0)7531313246
Since 2019 to 2025, I have been fortunate enough to take part in this incredible experience and can easily say, without a doubt, that all of my best memories have come from Camp Romania with Dorian, DAD and The Team!
I simply cannot live without this, and will be there in 2025, too, so meet me at Camp ROMANIA, and do get in touch should you need my advise!
You may be thinking this opportunity is far too good to be true and you’re not the only one. Many of us also felt this way when we first applied, however, this experience is far more enjoyable and enriching than you can possibly imagine. I enjoyed my first season in 2019 so much that I chose to spend the entire summers of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 at Camp Romania. I can personally guarantee that after your first time at camp, you will miss it everyday and will be counting down the days until you can come back to Romania.
There is no better experience than watching the children become more confident and helping them to improve their English. The idea of teaching to a class of kids may seem daunting at first but, I can promise you, they make every moment so special and enjoyable that you will want to spend more time with them. The kids never fail to make me laugh and I’ve always felt so comfortable and supported as you are provided with all the resources you could possibly need. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and making sure the kids are having fun, so there is never a single dull moment. This is reinforced by the time you spend doing amazing activities such as; airsoft, archery, football, cricket, nature walks, horror movie night, disco (by far my favourite) as well as many more.
You get a lot of down time which I have spent enjoying the beautiful sights of the Transylvanian countryside which never fails to take my breath away with its stunning natural scenery of the mountains rising above the pine forests. We also had plenty of time to enrich ourselves with the Romanian culture by going into the local town of Bran, famous for Dracula’s Castle and experiencing Romania’s rich history. We spent our Saturdays In Brasov, a beautiful city 20 minutes from camp, where we have some favourite shops for all sorts of souvenirs and other bits and bobs. Not only do we celebrate on our off time, but we also have our fair share of parties during the week such as the bonfire night we have every Friday. This is one of the best nights of the week as Dorian buys us the biggest and nicest pizzas on the planet as well as playing all our favourite songs on the disco balcony.
Safety and comfort is absolutely paramount in camp. Anytime I’ve ever needed anything, Dorian and The Team were always there for me and made sure I was as comfortable as humanly possible. Everyone there is so friendly and will make sure all of your needs are accommodated. Once you arrive in camp, you are part of our family and we will endeavour to make sure you have the best time in the world.
This experience is what influenced me to become a teacher because of how much I enjoyed every second of it. Not only is it the most fun you will ever have, but it also looks incredible on a CV! I cannot express how much I recommend taking this opportunity and I hope to see you at camp in 2025!
Finally, please take your time and watch below the video presented to me in July 2022 by the lovely kids from School 26 GALATI , I had the immense joy to teach and work with, very emotional last lesson to them and to me both (please see min. 1’52”), and some photos with myself organizing the funniest Blind Date in Bran, dancing with Javier at the balcony during the Festive Closing ceremony in Cheile Gradistei, etc.
CAITLIN HANDLEY
caitlinhandleyj@gmail.com ; Tel. +44(0)7398775069 (Please TEXT me first);
My time in 2022 and 2023 with DAD Camp ROMANIA was incredible. The days were filled with diverse activities on both sites in Bran and Cheile Gradistei. It was so easy to bond with other volunteers and the kids I taught, because the social atmosphere is amazing. Even though I am incredibly shy, it really brought me out of my shell.
By far the most rewarding experience I’ve had in my life so far. I met many friends who I still speak to a year later. I cannot wait to return in JULY 2024 together with LEO JENKINS, my friend from 2022 :)) . I will be there with everybody else!
SEBASTIAN BARKER
sebastianbarker92@gmail.com; INSTAGR. sebobviously; Tel.+44(0)7455242008
To those thinking this is too good to be true, let me tell you why that’s not even close to defining this experience. I had the same anxieties towards this when I first heard it, even after speaking to Dorian over the phone a part of me still thought I was not exactly sure. Alas instead it was an experience I want to continue experiencing for as long as I can.
UPDATE 2024: For the past five years I have partaken in DAD Camp ROMANIA and all I can say is I’d be half as intelligent and half as charismatic if I’d never had taken that initial plunge.
With the generosity and attentiveness of the staff, the Romanian volunteers, the people behind the scenes are what made this something special for me.
Onto the teaching, these kids will idolise you as long as you make the effort, that’s all the teaching requires, is effort to make these kids want to come to this camp again and again, after my first lesson all my doubts went away and I realised all I need to do is talk to these kids, teach them slang, have debates, plays educational games. Invest in them and they’ll invest in you. Please don’t think this is too good to be true, come find out why it is.
You’ll be preaching your experience to everyone. If you have any questions, please either contact me on the above.
If you are outgoing and good with kids then I’d say you’ve no other choice but to take this opportunity. The environment, the views, the people and even the food are things I will cherish and what will keep me comping back, the leadership of the owners of the camp is unmatched and will adhere to every issue or problem that may arise for you or others in the camp. The atmosphere is something short of addictive, I’d keep coming back til I was 70 if I had the chance, so if you have any uncertainties, throw them out the window and experience what most volunteers no longer want to live without.
I went home early once on my first year, due to family issues, and I regretted it, booking my next flight back. It may seem too good to be true, it’s not. It’s real and life changing…
Sebastian Barker 2018 – 2024 (and hopefully many more)
MADELENE PALMER
madeleneapalmer@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @madelenepalmerr FACEBOOK: maddie.palmer.71
I have completed a few Seasons with Camp ROMANIA, during the pandemic in 2021 and also in 2019, and they have easily been the best summers I have ever experienced ! Camp Romania gives you the opportunity to teach children from all over Romania, the freedom to plan fun and interactive lessons and soak up all the culture! You are immersed in the beautiful Romania countryside, living and working with like-minded people – which has led me to make friends for life. The team in Romania are so caring, warm and welcoming – I knew I could approach and rely on them, at whatever time I should have needed them. Dorian and The Staff ensure that no need goes unmet and there is always plenty of treats! There was not a day that passed in Romania that I did not feel happy, safe and supported and not a day has passed since leaving that I have not wanted to go back! I thoroughly recommend taking the plunge and jumping on this experience, hopefully I’ll see you there!
MARTINA LAWSON
martiinalawson@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: martiinalawson
Last year I came across DAD International – Camp Romania, offering the opportunity to teach English for 3 weeks. This included: all expenses, a weekly allowance, accommodation, meals, a 3 day trip to Bucharest and plenty more! I remember how I quickly started researching, as I honestly thought someone was playing a trick on me, but they wasn’t. After a week or so of hassling the English organiser about my application, I had a phone call from Dorian who was just as excited as I was to tell me that I was successful and to start packing for Romania!
This was honestly the best experience I could have come across and took part in. I had three different classes during my 3 weeks and taught children from the ages of 8 – 14. At first I was nervous, but EVERYTHING – as materials, equipment, games, lesson plans and support is provided. You’re not alone! The kids love getting involved and are just as eager to learn about the English language as much as they are about you. Teaching came so naturally, it was a joy from my first to my final class. Days consist of teaching in the mornings, evening workshops and activities, along with 3 cooked meals and free time; during and at the end of the day. The weekend starts with the end of camp bonfire! Such an amazing experience, filled with laughter, music, fun, joy and pizza!! Camp Romania is an unforgettable and memorable experience, if you have the opportunity to do it, take it from me, do it! As you won’t regret it and you’ll be grateful you did. Thank you to all my Romanian family for looking after me, miss and love you all!
Marti -i-i-ina 💜
ALICE DUNNETT
dunnettalice@hotmail.co.uk INSTAGRAM: @alicedunnett
DAD international / Camp Romania gave me the opportunity to meet like minded people, who have since become friends for life, we were made to feel welcome and well cared for from the minute we arrived. As for the wonderful children I had the pleasure to teach, there is no feeling quite like it, each week you get to watch the children grow in confidence and appreciate everything you do. The camps are fun and laid back with everyone feeling happy and motivated to do a brilliant job. The classes are dictated by you which enables you to put your twist on things, from encouraging the kids to support your home football team to teaching them about space, it’s really up to you. The activities in the afternoon allow you to mingle and have fun with a variety of age groups. The camps are situated in the beautiful mountains which are incredible to wake up too, I had an absolute blast which is why I’ll be returning for my 2nd summer this year. Any questions feel free to message me on instagram or email.
NICOLE ANN DUKE
Camp Romania in one word – Amazing. This will be my second trip to Romania and ever since I came back last year I have just been waiting to go back. It is everything and more that they say. The Romanian kids are wonderful and so much fun to teach and hang out with. They just love talking to you in and out of classes. Camp ROMANIA is a great way to spend your summer no matter how long you stay and everyone there from volunteers to the kids are so kind and helpful. It was my first-time last year and I had never gone anywhere outside Scotland alone. I felt so at ease once I was there thanks to everyone there, I was really saddened to leave.
Last year before going I was concerned that it was too good to be true and that there had to be a catch of some kind. Like a lot of others, I had investigated other summer camps and found once I dug a little deeper it was actually going to cost me, personally, a lot of money to attend.
Camp Romania is not like this. My flights were paid in advance and as stated on the website all food, accommodation and transfers are included. You bring yourself and your happy, eager attitude to the camp.
The camp experience is great. You provide English lessons in the morning that you would be advised to think about before you go. Action songs are great for the younger ones but try it with the older ones you never know. In the afternoon the children have activities such as paint ball and archery. You get to go on trips with and without the children, such as water parks and castles.
You can choose to visit other attractions nearby on your time off which you pay for yourself. The attractions close by are not expensive. All in all Camp Romania is just Amazing!!
THOMAS BASSETT
thommobassett@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: tom__bassett (with 2 _)
Camp Romania 2018 – 2021, four years in a row, has been one of the best experiences of my life! I have very much enjoyed coming to a new country and experiencing the difference in language, culture and people in Romania! Being able to connect with the children, who are all so eager to learn, is truly a magical experience and to be given the opportunity to make a difference to their summer enjoyment is an amazing feeling! During my time in camp I made many great friends who I am still in touch with almost a year later, and we all share fond memories of our time in camp. As well as this, it was a pleasure to connect with and make many friends who are from Romania itself! Although the offer may seem too good to be true, I can assure any potential applicants that DAD Camp Romania is a wonderful experience, one which should not be passed up!
Once you have experienced Camp Romania, you will feel no other option than to want to come back year after year, like myself and many others!
TANIA THOMSON
TaniaJadeThomson@hotmail.com FACEBOOK: Tania Jade Thomson
Romania is such an amazing experience, I would recommend anyone to do it. Not only have I made lifelong friends and memories from camp, I’ve also gained interpersonal skills and my confidence has also being improved. Romania is such a beautiful country. It is my home away from home. The people, the buildings and the scenery are amazing. Teaching English is so much fun, the kids are so appreciative of everything you do. All your hard work never goes unnoticed. The volunteers are treated amazingly; villa parties, amazing excursions and so much more. At first I thought it all sounded too good to be true but I am a first hand volunteer who can vouch for everything.
Trust me it is the best company to work for. It is relaxed and will give you the best summer full of wonderful memories. The workshops and evening activities with the children are so much fun. If you are thinking about it then definitely apply. You will not regret it. Hands down one of the best things I’ve ever did, this will be my third summer over in Romania and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon. I still have all my keepsakes and letters the children have made me. Go for it! You will not regret it. Make every moment count because you are having so much fun time, just fly in by.
If you need any more Information or have any questions then feel free to add me on Facebook. My name is Tania Jade Thomson.
JACK COPE
This summer will be my third year volunteering with Camp ROMANIA, and I have to say there is good reason as to why I keep coming back! To start with Romania is a country like no other, the vast landscapes and beautiful scenery of Transylvania (which is where you’ll be staying) are enough to make a lasting impression on any visitor. As for the staff at Dad international, they are warm, friendly and will go out of their way to help and look after you in any scenario. These guys are what made my experience in Romania so special. They are great fun and I have made long lasting friends who I have kept in touch with and can’t wait to meet up with again!
When it comes to the teaching it is an absolute pleasure to work with the kids, they idolize the volunteers and have given me many beautiful memories and I can’t wait to make loads more! If you keep an open mind and put in the effort to make the camp fun for the kids then you will see how much they love this camp and won’t want to leave (there have been many tears… and yes from me too!) you are given lots of freedom with the lessons and I have done a variety of things from fun educational games to intellectual debates. I always hear the phrase ‘sounds too good to be true’ and it is one I have used in the past but let me tell you that is not the case and the team here really are that generous! So take the leap and see for yourself just how wonderful this country and experience is! Just a heads up there is a shot called Palinka here that isn’t for the faint hearted so don’t drink it if you have a weak stomach! All the best and I hope to see you this summer!
JOSIE LINNELL
josielinnell26@gmail.com or jlinnell1@sheffield.ac.uk
My experience as an English tutor last year at Camp Romania 2018 was one of the most exciting, nostalgic and enjoyable experiences I have ever had. When I initially learned I had been accepted into the camp I had my reservations, given that there wasn’t many testimonials online. When I got to Romania I realised I had nothing to worry about, I met another tutor at the airport and the team made us feel right at home. When I got to both camps I was blown away by how beautiful the views were. The staff are really easy going and the children were so excitable and open to learning- it made our job so much more rewarding. You get lots of time and freedom to hang out with the other camp tutors, and by the end I had made friends for life! The camp really lets you experience Romanian culture, and while you’re teaching the children about English culture – you’re learning from them at the same time. Furthermore, I still keep in touch with some of the kids and can’t wait to go back to see them again.
CHLOE WELBOURNE
chloe.welbourne@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: chloe.welbourne
Volunteering at Camp DAD Romania is an amazing and unique experience. You are a teacher to a class of children each week, the children are all extremely friendly and grateful to you for being there. You have your own class of children each week and teach your children for a couple of hours in the morning and then in the afternoon you play games and run activities for them, it is very rewarding experience to teach and spend time with the children at the camp. You work and live with the other volunteers at the camp who you spend most of your day with when doing activities for the children and then relax with the other volunteers in the evening by drinking and playing games. It is so much fun to meet lots of new people from different areas and then you become very close with them in such a short amount of time. The people who run the camp as well as the Romanian volunteers are so kind and welcoming to you and they will do everything they can to help you with anything you need. While you are there you get to explore and see wonderful parts of Romania, you visit different cities and get to explore them with your friends and without the children. Through volunteering at the camp, you are able to get out of your comfort zone, have new experiences, meet new people and overall have an amazing time with the children and your friends.
