How to Run a Fun and Successful Summer Camp for ESL Students

Summer camps are a fantastic way to accelerate language learning, build friendships, and create lifelong memories. If you’re planning a summer camp specifically designed for English as a Second Language (ESL) students and teachers, you have a unique opportunity to blend language immersion with adventure and cultural enrichment. I have been doing summer camp for years (over 10 actually!), both working for schools and running my own camp here in Spain.

In this post, I’ll guide you through practical steps, ideas, and strategies to help you design a camp that’s not only educational but also unforgettable and it will keep the kids coming back every year without fail.

All in for Summer Camp fun!

1. Define Your Goals and Theme For Your Summer Camp

Start by clarifying your main objectives. Ask yourself:

What do I want students and teachers to walk away with at the end of camp?

Common goals for ESL summer camps include:

✅ Improving conversational fluency - speaking naturally without translation.

✅ Building confidence using English in everyday situations to take out into the real world.

✅ Providing authentic cultural experiences.

✅ Encouraging collaboration and problem-solving.

✅ Developing professional teaching skills for ESL educators.

Once you have clear goals, pick a theme to create a unifying thread throughout your activities. Some popular themes are:

Around the World in English: Students “travel” to different countries each day, learning related vocabulary, songs, and traditions. This one has been an absolute blast at my school. We have organised all other activities based on the country we are visiting. For example cooking typical foods, making famous art and learning songs and stories in theatre that originate in the country we are studying.

Fairy Tales and Popular Stories : This is great for learning a range of different vocabulary that maybe we don’t use day to day in English class. 

Eco Explorers: Combine English learning with nature studies and environmental projects. The past 2 years in my camp we have had an animal of the week. We watch videos to find out facts and the animals, and then we write it up like a project to take home. I have been using the following resource for this  - Animal Research Project Template

STEM in English: Explore science experiments and technology projects. Now I have this as a lesson within my camp and there are some great experiments or activities to do that are engaging and interesting. To practice speaking we also debate/predict what will happen, and say if we agree or disagree.

A clear theme helps you stay organised and if everything ties in together it makes the experience more engaging for students.

2. Design an Immersive Language Environment

The best ESL camps surround students with opportunities to hear, see, and use English all day long.

Ways to create immersion:

English-Only Zones: Designate areas where only English is spoken, like the dining hall or activity rooms.

Label Everything: Put signs on doors, furniture, and supplies to reinforce vocabulary visually.

Functional Language Phrases: Teach and model phrases students need for daily life, such as “Can I help you?”, “May I borrow…?”, and “What time is…?”.

Incentive Systems: Reward students who make an effort to use English with stickers, badges, or points toward a special treat.

English Buddy System: Pair more confident speakers with beginners so everyone feels supported.

3. Create a Balanced Daily Schedule

An effective camp schedule balances learning, movement, creativity, and downtime. Avoid long lectures or sitting for hours—active, hands-on learning is best.

Here’s an example of a balanced day:

🌞 Morning: (always get written work done and out of the way first)

Interactive language lesson focused on practical vocabulary (shopping, directions, introductions)

Small group activities to practice dialogues

🎨 Late Morning:

Creative project (art, cooking, building a model) that uses target language

🏃 Afternoon:

Outdoor sports, team challenges, or a cultural field trip

Free choice time

🌙 Evening:

Campfire storytelling, talent show rehearsal, or movie night with English subtitles

Tip: Post the schedule in English and review it daily with students. Visual timetables help everyone understand what to expect.

Hands on activities with lots of movement for the win!

4. Offer a Variety of Activities

ESL learners have different interests and strengths. Provide a diverse range of activities to engage everyone:

Role Plays: Practice real-life scenarios like ordering food or asking for help.

Drama and Skits: Act out short stories or create original plays.

Music and Song: Teach English through popular songs or campfire classics.

Outdoor Challenges: Incorporate language tasks into scavenger hunts or obstacle courses.

Cooking Classes: Make simple recipes and practice kitchen vocabulary.

Science Experiments: Conduct hands-on projects with step-by-step English instructions.

When students are active and invested, language learning feels natural.

One of the best and surprisingly not the messiest activities we have done! Slime! Students loved it!

5. Include Culturally Rich Experiences

For many learners, camp is a chance to experience the culture behind the language. Even if you’re not in an English-speaking country, you can create authentic cultural experiences:

International Food Festival: Have students prepare or sample dishes and describe them in English.

Cultural Show-and-Tell: Invite teachers or guest speakers to share traditions, music, or stories.

Holiday Celebrations: Recreate holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Pancake Day.

Themed Dress-Up Days: “British Royalty Day” or “American Sports Day” bring culture to life.

Pen Pal Project: Connect with an English-speaking school or group for exchange letters or videos.

These experiences build cultural awareness and make language learning relevant.

6. Support and Train Your Staff

A happy, prepared team is essential to running a smooth camp.

Before camp begins:

Hold orientation sessions to explain goals, schedule, and expectations.

Train staff in behaviour management and first aid.

Share techniques for differentiating activities by language level.

Provide a toolkit of games, songs, and prompts in English.

During camp:

Check in regularly to see what’s working and where extra support is needed.

Rotate responsibilities to keep staff energised.

Encourage teachers to share success stories and challenges during daily debriefs.

Remember to recognise your team’s hard work—a small gesture like certificates, thank-you notes, or a closing staff celebration goes a long way.

Cute gift idea!

7. Foster Community and Belonging

One of the most powerful parts of camp is the sense of community it builds. For many ESL students, this is their first time spending extended time immersed in English—and it can feel overwhelming.

Ways to build connection:

Camp Families or Buddy Groups: Mix ages and levels so everyone has someone to rely on.

Daily Sharing Circles: Give students time to reflect in English on what they enjoyed or learned.

Team Challenges: Create friendly competitions that require cooperation.

A Camp Journal: Encourage students to write or draw about their experience.

A Memory Wall: Display photos, artwork, and quotes from campers.

These traditions help create bonds that last beyond camp.

8. Gather Feedback and Celebrate Success

At the end of camp, it’s important to reflect and celebrate all you’ve achieved together.

Hold a closing ceremony where each student shares something they learned or enjoyed.

Present certificates or awards to recognise participation and effort.

Ask for feedback from students, parents, and staff through surveys or interviews.

Collect photos and stories for a camp newsletter or website gallery.

Schedule a debrief meeting with your team to discuss improvements for next year.

By celebrating milestones, you reinforce confidence and pride in everyone’s accomplishments.

Editable Shakespeare End Of Year Class Awards

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Final Thoughts

A well-planned ESL summer camp is much more than an English course. It’s an immersive experience that helps students:

Build confidence communicating in real-life situations

Connect with new friends across cultures

Discover their own creativity and strengths

See English not just as a subject but as a bridge to the world

With thoughtful preparation, a clear vision, and a supportive team, you’ll create a summer full of learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to start planning your camp? If you’d like help designing activities, choosing materials, or developing your schedule, just reach out—I’m here to help you make your ESL summer camp a success.