I’m Rachel Athey, founder of Athena Language Camps — and a mum who wanted more than just a summer holiday for my daughter. I was inspired while working with a language school based at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, where every summer thousands of Italian teenagers arrive to immerse themselves in English. Seeing these teenagers having the absolute time of their lives, while learning real life skills (resilience, confidence, new friendships, as well as a language and cultural curiosity) I knew I wanted my daughter to have these experiences too.

However, I found there wasn’t an easy existing option, with connections in Scotland - so I decided to create one, and Athena Language Camps was born!

With a background in large-scale event management, including overseas challenges, and a career leading a team of professionals in fundraising and risk management for a major charity, I’ve always been passionate about creating safe, enriching experiences that bring people together. I know the power of travel and shared experience to build confidence and connection.

As a parent, like you, I understand the summer holiday juggle — trying to keep teenagers engaged, active, and off their screens while managing everything else life throws at you. Athena offers a real solution: a meaningful, memorable experience for your teenager, and a stress-free week for you — whether that’s to clear the decks at work or enjoy some rare time for yourself.

Athena was born from a desire to give young people a chance to step out of their comfort zones, develop resilience, and gain a broader worldview — all in a supportive, screen-free environment that’s as fun as it is educational. This is about more than just language learning. It’s about independence, curiosity, and the kind of growth that only comes from going somewhere new.