Immersion camps do more than just teaching grammar and vocabulary. They create repeated chances for kids to try, fail, succeed and be praised — the exact recipe for confidence. Here are the top five ways this happens, with quick tips you can use at home.
1. Real life practice means real life success
Speaking Spanish in everyday activities (mealtimes, games, routines) gives immediate and practical wins. Language learning is proven to become more attractive when it can be applied to real situations.
Tip: Encourage short daily language challenges at home such as naming five objects in Spanish at breakfast or giving directions from home to school.
2. Small risks in a safe setting
At camp, children try new activities (kayaking, hiking, camping) with counselors who support them. These manageable risks build a child’s belief they can handle change and overcome challenges.
Tip: Start with small “try-it” tasks before camp so newness feels familiar.
3. Teamwork and leadership opportunities
Group tasks and team games let kids take on roles — leader, organizer, encourager — which strengthens social self-esteem.
Tip: Let your child lead a small family task (plan a snack, choose a weekend activity, coordinate the house cleaning of a day) before camp.
4. Praise that matters (from counsellors and peers)
Camps encourage positive feedback from different adults and friends. When the counselors, who are the children’s more trusted people at the camp, congratulate you for your success, there is a reinforcement of effort and progress.
Tip: Ask counselors for specific examples of your child’s wins so you can celebrate them back at home.
5. Personal stories and successes to share
Returning with stories (a skit, a new friend, a phrase they learned) gives kids tangible evidence of achievement. Telling those stories builds up their identity as someone who can try new things.
Tip: Create a “camp brag” jar before your child leaves. After camp, write small notes about new skills and read them together.
Beyond boundaries
The confidence gained at camp is translated into other spheres: school, new hobbies and travelling. All of this enhances their self-esteem and contributes to a successful development. If you want, you can check how we have changed some children’s lives with our camp by getting to know their real testimonials.
