Leadership & Service in Youth Development

Help run a summer camp program with local teams to lift and empower communities in need.

Interested in playing sports, making arts and crafts, and helping kids learn about teamwork? Join forces with a local nonprofit organization serving underprivileged children and teens in Santiago and help run a summer camp project. You’ll gain valuable leadership and coaching experience while helping to plan and implement a program that aims to improve the lives of approximately 400 children and youth. The camp is part of a prevention program focused on vulnerable communities where many children cut school and are forced to work.  

Outside of camp time, you’ll take functional Spanish classes to help you communicate with the locals and have ample time to practice your language skills in the cafes, shops, and markets of this scenic hilltop city. On group outings, you’ll tour Santiago’s murals, historic museums, and quaint architecture. On an excursion to Montecristi in the Northwest region of the island,  you’ll sunbathe on the beach, swim, and snorkel in the clear tropical water. You’ll also tour salt mines and hike up El Morro de for amazing views of the sunset.  

Back at your homestay, you’ll help prepare and share meals, shop at markets, learn local customs, and enjoy every-day routines and recreation with your host family. In your free time, join new friends to play dominoes in the park, catch a movie or local soccer game, go out for ice-cream or smoothies, and grab local street food like tostones and empanadas on the go. 

What will you gain through this full-immersion experience? Social empathy and awareness, global competence, and a whole new perspective. After three weeks of full immersion, you’ll return home with intercultural skills that will serve you well in future service projects and beyond. Having helped run a summer camp and team-building activities for students from 8 different communities, you’ll be equipped for your next big challenge.