Not all English summer camps offer the same experience.
To better understand what truly lies behind an English summer camp experience, we spoke with Dolores Peleteiro, Director and Co-founder of Chester College International School, who brings over four decades of experience in language immersion programmes.
Throughout the interview, she shares a number of reflections shaped by that experience.
More than 40 Years of Summer Programmes
How long has Chester College been organising summer programmes?
Chester College began its journey in the summer of 1985, organising English immersion courses—both day and residential programmes. (We were actually quite slow to adopt the word “camp”… and I must admit it still doesn’t fully convince me!)
Later, in 2010, we introduced Spanish as a foreign language programmes, which we can perhaps discuss another time.
This marks over 41 consecutive summers—including 2020. Over the years, more than 5,000 children and teenagers and nearly 500 teachers have passed through the programme, primarily from Ireland, the United States and the United Kingdom, among other countries.
Where It All Began: A Way of Understanding Learning
What motivated you to create an English immersion programme
Our main motivation was to create a learning environment that was both rigorous and effective, yet at the same time warm, familiar and genuinely enjoyable—very much in keeping with the spirit of summer.
Our guiding idea has always been: maximum learning, without having to leave Spain.
What an English Summer Camp Can Offer
From your perspective, what does the Chester College English Summer Camp offer children and teenagers?
The Chester International English Summer Camp is a fully immersive programme—100% in English, from morning to evening—delivered in small groups with specialised native teachers.
Participants take part in communication-focused sessions, music and drama, excursions, and a wide range of sports.
Most campers experience a noticeable increase in confidence when communicating in English. Beyond that, the camp provides an ideal setting to try new sports, discover and develop new skills, and make friends from different cities and countries.
Ultimately, it is a space to grow—both personally and socially—in a safe and genuinely supportive environment.
Return rates are particularly high: around 50% of campers return for more than one year, and over 60% stay for four years or more.
The Importance of the Details
What do you think differentiates one English summer camp from another?
I believe what makes the biggest difference over time is experience and a sense of closeness.
Since 1985, we have continuously refined our programmes. We are a small camp, with a maximum of 90 participants, which allows us to truly get to know each child and support them individually. In that setting, it becomes much easier for them to integrate, feel comfortable, and build meaningful friendships.
We also offer an international environment, where campers from different countries live and learn together.
Another key element is the role of the performing arts. All campers take part in the preparation of a full-scale musical, which becomes a central part of the experience. Through this process, they naturally develop communication skills in English, as well as confidence and teamwork.
For some families, it may also be relevant to know that campers have the option to attend Sunday Mass.
Finally, our location plays an important role. The camp takes place on a large, green campus on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela—a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its cultural life—within easy reach of Galicia’s coastline and natural surroundings.
The Value of a Shared Experience
You mentioned the musical—could you tell us a bit more about it?
Throughout the month of July, our campers prepare two full productions—one for children aged 8 to 12, and another for teenagers aged 13 to 18—which are performed at the end of the programme in a professional auditorium in Santiago.
It is a truly memorable experience—one that is best understood by living it.
Through the process of preparing a musical, children and teenagers work—often without even realising it—on vocabulary, pronunciation, intonation and public speaking, as well as confidence and teamwork. The benefits are wide-ranging.
The Role of the Team
What defines a good teacher or counsellor?
We work with a strong and carefully selected team of qualified teachers (English, music and drama) and activity and sports counsellors, all with experience in their respective areas.
Our selection process is rigorous and includes personal interviews and reference checks with previous supervisors.
We look for people who are positive, responsible and communicative—individuals who genuinely enjoy interacting with young people and can act as role models for them.
Mens Sana in Corpore Sano
How do you approach nutrition at the camp?
We place great importance on nutrition, designing menus that are both balanced and enjoyable, which are shared with families at the start of each programme.
We work with an in-house kitchen and local suppliers, ensuring variety, fresh seasonal produce and options for allergies or specific dietary needs.
Our aim is for campers to eat well, eat healthily, and enjoy this part of their daily routine.
Communication with Families
How do you recommend managing communication between campers and their families?
Residential campers (those coming from other cities or countries) have a dedicated time at the end of each day to contact their parents if they wish, and vice versa.
We generally recommend keeping calls moderate, especially during the first few days, as this tends to support a smoother adaptation process. That said, every child is different, and we adapt this approach to each individual situation.
Memories That Shape a Journey
Can you share a memorable anecdote from the camp?
There are so many that it is difficult to choose just one.
I often think back to those early years, when travelling to Spain to teach in the summer was far less common. Each year, we would bring over a group of teachers from Ireland who, upon seeing the sunshine, would be absolutely delighted. We had to insist quite a lot on the use of sunscreen—and only occasionally succeeded!
Generations That Return
After more than 40 years, are you now welcoming children of former campers?
Yes—and it is one of the greatest satisfactions.
Over time, we have started to welcome the children of campers from the 1980s and 1990s. Whenever possible, we even recreate old photographs with the new generation, sometimes including their parents.
It is a very tangible way of seeing the passage of time—and the exciting continuity of the project.