When choosing summer holidays for children, we parents are not just looking for a way to keep them occupied. Our questions are pragmatic and protective: Will my child be in a safe, well-supervised environment? What are the logistics? Does the programme offer real value for money, and what conditions apply on enrolment?
At the Slovenian Youth Orchestra, we are aware that parents' trust is the foundation of every successful project. Summer Orchestra Camp POK26 (taking place from 17 to 24 August 2026 for young musicians and singers aged 12 to 22) has therefore been designed with complete transparency in mind. In this guide you will find all the key logistical and financial information. If you would like to know what a dynamic day at the camp looks like and what the atmosphere is like among peers, read our earlier article on how to spend unforgettable musical holidays at POK26
What are parents really looking for when choosing a camp?
Every parent wants the same thing: for their child to spend the summer productively, far away from smartphones, and to come home more self-confident. Nobody wants poor organisation, inadequate care or hidden costs that might crop up later.
The POK26 camp offers exactly this balance: an active holiday where every minute of the day is meaningfully filled with first-class music and socialising, while the logistics and financial terms are known in advance down to the last euro.
Safe accommodation and 24-hour supervision at the St Stanislaus Institute in Ljubljana
Being away from home is a big step for many young people and their parents. That is why the entire Summer Orchestra Camp takes place in the safe, enclosed and peaceful setting of the St Stanislaus Institute in Šentvid, Ljubljana.
We look after your child's safety every step of the way:
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Professional supervision: throughout the camp (all 7 days, 24 hours a day), adult, trained youth leaders are with the young people – maintaining order, running activities and providing support with any homesickness.
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Outstanding mentors: musical progress is guided by several established professors and members of professional orchestras.
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Balanced meals: regular hot meals are provided. The on-site catering team adapts the menu to your child's individual health needs.
Dietary requirements (important notice for those already registered)
Before the camp, we carefully collect information on all allergies and vegetarian, vegan or other dietary restrictions.
⚠️ NOTICE FOR PARENTS: If your child is already registered for the camp, please be sure to double-check that you correctly sent and submitted all the necessary dietary information and any medical requirements when registering. This is the only way the catering team can provide safe, tailored meals for your child in good time.
Choose your participation package
When it comes to accommodation, we adapt fully to your logistical needs. Two participation packages are available: the Sleep at Home package (for those with their own accommodation in Ljubljana) and the Worry-Free package (which includes full accommodation and full board at the St Stanislaus Institute).
To avoid duplicating information, you can view the exact specifications of both packages, the prices and a detailed overview of what each option includes directly on our official registration website:
Key payment terms: how do you confirm and secure your place?
Because places at the camp are strictly limited by the orchestra's instrumentation and by the capacity required by the youth choir, simply filling in the online application form does not automatically reserve a place.
🎶 PLACE RESERVATION RULE
To confirm a place reservation, payment is required of the full amount or first instalment. This means that a place at POK26 is only guaranteed once at least the first instalment has been paid. Without it, we unfortunately cannot regard the application as finally confirmed.
Important dates for payment in instalments in 2026
If you choose to pay in instalments when registering on the official website, the following strict deadlines apply:
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First instalment must be paid no later than 24. 5. 2026.
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Final instalment must be paid no later than 15. 7. 2026.
Paying the first instalment on time allows us to organise smoothly and confirm mentoring capacity, and guarantees that your child will not miss out on a place in this year's ensemble.
The Power of the Word and a grand finale on a big stage in Ljubljana
This year's summer music camp has a highly topical theme “The Power of the Word”, in which young people will explore how words and music complement each other. The camp's special guest is the popular rapper Leopold I., with whom the young people will use rap and symphonic sound to open up complex social issues.
A whole week of discipline and creating together will reach its epilogue on the penultimate day of the camp, when the participants will step onto the main stage of the Slovenian Philharmonic, where, before a full hall of parents, friends and the public, they will proudly perform the programme they have prepared. Performing and receiving applause on such an important stage brings an invaluable boost to self-confidence and personal growth that your child will feel long after the summer is over.
Secure a place for your child at POK26
At POK26 the Slovenian Youth Orchestra welcomes a wide range of symphonic instruments as well as a mixed youth choir. There are no auditions, but basic sight-reading is desirable so that young participants can make the most of the professors' first-class mentoring.
Build your child's summer on safety, progress and unforgettable experiences. For a full overview of prices and terms and to submit the application form directly, click the link below.
