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Spanish version
Who we are
For over 40 years, YMCA Spain has organized summer camps that combine fun activities, personal development, and the YMCA’s core values.
Our programs promote a safe and protective environment, grounded in respect and positive treatment, fostering teamwork, cooperation, and a strong sense of community in an inspiring natural setting.
YMCA has a long-standing tradition in youth recreation programs, both as an organizer and in the training of counselors and directors at its centers.
We firmly believe in the power of camp as a tool for growth and development for children and teenagers. Attending a camp is truly an unforgettable experience. The moments and opportunities offered to participants are unique and different from those they can experience in other settings.
The people who make this experience so special, fun, safe, and meaningful for every participant are the camp counselors, coordinators and directors. Our counselors, in addition to being creative and fun, are responsible adults who, in many cases, participated in YMCA programs during their own childhood or work for the organization in other areas throughout the year. They are committed to providing a safe environment and fostering a culture where respect and positive treatment are the core principles of daily life.
Spanish Camp Staff
Being part of the camp team means actively participating in creating a unique educational and recreational experience for the participants.
The camp staff will be responsible for designing, organizing, and leading dynamic and engaging activities, supervising participants to ensure their physical and emotional well-being, fostering a positive and respectful environment that encourages teamwork, and assisting with the organizational and logistical tasks necessary for the smooth operation of the camp.
School groups: from February to June
The Full English Immersion for School Groups program takes place during the spring and in selected weeks in the fall. From Monday to Friday, students enjoy the unique experience of staying at a YMCA camp with their classmates, combining an English-language project with traditional camp activities.
Summer Camps
YMCA offers several camp programs: Full English Immersion, a 100% English experience with recreational and cultural activities; Global Leaders Camp, for young people from around the world focused on leadership and multicultural skills; Fun in English, which combines games and workshops with two hours of English per day; and Adventure and Youth, featuring nature experiences, games, sports, and workshops. All programs take place at different YMCA camps across Spain.
Chaperone Counselor
Would you like to experience an adventure in an international YMCA?
YMCA Spain offers you the opportunity to take part as a Chaperone Counselor in YMCA international camps.
An experience that combines learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth while accompanying groups of young people from Spain in an educational and recreational environment.
What does the program involve?
The YMCA Chaperone Counselor Program is designed for young adults to take part in an international experience supporting YMCA’s educational and recreational work in camps.
For approximately four weeks between June 19 and August 3, 2026, you will accompany a group of Spanish children and teenagers who will attend a summer camp abroad, where they will experience full cultural and language immersion.
Requirements:
- Minimum age of 21.
- High level of English.
- Availability between June 19 and August 3, 2026.
- Experience working with children, preferably in a camp setting.
Testimonials
The best part was the relationships I built both with the participants and with the other counselors. Additionally, I felt that I gained a lot of self-confidence, especially in my ability to adapt, take on leadership responsibilities, and connect with people in an authentic way.
This experience has been truly rewarding and has allowed me to grow personally. You spend fifteen days living alongside children and fellow counselors who end up making you feel like part of a big family. Being a counselor is much more than taking care of children: it is a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Participating in the residential camp has allowed me to build relationships with a passionate international team and learn new ideas for creative and dynamic activities that I want to apply in Kosovo. I have understood the importance of planning, communication, and team culture.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s
Spanish Camp Staff
What are the requirements?
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Previous experience in camps as a counselor.
- Youth Leader Certification
- High level of English (for English-speaking camps).
- Ability to adapt to multicultural environments.
- Ability to work long days with a positive attitude.
- A certificate of sexual offenses (background check) will be required.
When are the camps scheduled?
School groups take place during the winter and spring (from February to June), and summer camps are held during July and August.
What types of programs does YMCA Spain organize?
The Full English Immersion program is a 100% English camp. It combines language immersion with all the fun of a YMCA camp: nature, sports, crafts, excursions, cultural exchanges, songs, swimming, and new friendships. It takes place at YMCA Camp Priego and YMCA Camp Salduero.
Global Leaders Camp is aimed at young people from all over the world who want to develop leadership skills and multicultural competencies. It takes place at YMCA Camp Salduero.
Fun in English is a bilingual program that combines English and Spanish with traditional YMCA fun. It includes two hours of dynamic English activities per day. It takes place at YMCA Camp Ordesa, in the Pyrenees.
The Adventure and Youth programs offer a full nature experience with educational activities, games, sports, workshops, and excursions. They take place at YMCA Camp Ordesa, in the Pyrenees.
Where are these programs held?
YMCA Camp Priego: Located in Cuenca. Full English Immersion program for young people aged 12 to 17. Accommodation in cabins.
YMCA Camp Salduero: Located in Soria. Full English Immersion program for participants aged 7 to 13. Accommodation in hostel-style facilities.
YMCA Camp Ordesa: Located in the Pyrenees. English for Fun program for participants aged 7 to 13. Accommodation in a hostel or tents.
What level of English do I need? Programs in English
The interview will be conducted in English to ensure that your language level allows you to lead camp activities and communicate effectively with participants and the rest of the team.
Will I receive training?
Yes, all camp staff participate in various trainings and meetings that cover the main areas of work.
How can I apply for the job?
If you want to be part of the YMCA Spain counselor team or receive more information, write to monitores@ymca.es
Will there be transportation to the camp?
Yes, we arrange transportation from the meeting point to the camp on a specific date, which we will confirm in advance.
What is included?
- Accommodation and full board during the camp.
- Laundry service and Wi-Fi.
- Transportation from Madrid and/or Zaragoza to the camp and back at the end of the camp.
- A multicultural and collaborative work environment.
- Compensation according to program and position.
What is not included?
Personal expenses: snacks, souvenirs, or activities outside the camp.
What is the team atmosphere like at the camp?
We offer a positive and multicultural work environment, where counselors from different countries collaborate, share experiences, and learn from each other.
How are the participant groups organized at the camp?
Camp participants are divided into age groups. Each group has its own daily schedule and assigned counselors, although there are times during the day when all groups come together.
Chaperone Counselor
What is included?
- Round-trip international flights.
- Internal transfers related to the program.
- Accommodation and meals during the camp dates.
- Medical, travel, and liability insurance.
- ESTA processing.
- YMCA international experience.
- Pre-camp training weekend.
What is not included?
- Personal expenses (shopping, leisure outside the program, souvenirs, etc.).
- Accommodation or meals outside the official program dates.
Can I participate if I have never been to a YMCA camp before?
Yes, although previous experience in leisure and recreational activities, international programs, and/or YMCA programs or youth volunteering will be considered a plus.
Do I need to have native-level English?
No, but you do need a high level of comprehension and expression that allows you to communicate fluently in English throughout your stay. The interview will be conducted in English.
Will I receive pre-camp training?
Yes, there will be a mandatory in-person training weekend for all selected participants. During this weekend, educational, logistical, and safety aspects will be covered.
What is the duration of the program?
Most programs are 4 weeks long although some are 3 weeks
How can I register or request more information?
You can contact the YMCA team through: monitores@ymca.es or fill out the form below and select the Chaperone Counselor USA program.
Train with us
As a Leisure and Free Time Monitor in our schools.
Work with us
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