Seasonal Job Opportunities

We are looking for an experienced camp leader to help run our Teen Spanish Summer Camp. Our camps are intensive two week programs that place students in homestays and small group Spanish classes, while also taking them on daily field trips to animal rescue centers, city museums and markets, rainforests, and beaches, among many others. The program is open to students ages 13 to 17, many of whom are traveling outside their home country for the first time.

The Camp Leader role includes planning and leading afternoon activities, acting as a bridge between students and school staff, communicating camp rules and expectations, organizing and supporting the daily itinerary, and providing emotional support to students who may feel homesick. The role also includes occasional WhatsApp communication with parents, as well as taking and sharing photos throughout the camp.

Experience working with teenagers or youth programs is required, and a fun loving, patient, and positive attitude is essential. Please feel free to message us with any questions.

2026 Schedule
June 14 – August 16

The Breakdown:
Prep Week:
• June 14 – June 20
Camp #1:
• June 21 – July 5
Rest Week
• July 6 – July 11
Camp #2
• July 12 – July 26
Rest Week
• July 27 – August 1
Camp #3
August 2 – August 16

Total Time Commitment
9 weeks

Responsibilities:
As Camp Leader, you will be responsible for the following duties:

Leadership & Supervision:
– Lead, supervise, and mentor a group of 10-25 teenagers aged 13-17 during camp activities, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
– Foster a positive group dynamic and encourage participation in all planned activities.

Activity Facilitation:
– Assist in the planning and execution of daily camp activities, including Spanish classes, cultural activities, tours, and adventure excursions.
– Participate in and supervise all tours, excursions, and extracurricular activities such as white-water rafting, zip-lining, dance classes, and yoga sessions.
– Help organize and facilitate camp activities in the event an activity is canceled due to weather or unforeseen issues.

Behavior Management:
– Ensure campers are following camp rules and guidelines, addressing any behavioral issues promptly, and keeping the program director informed of any concerns.

Emergency Protocol:
– Be prepared to manage emergency situations, administer basic first aid (if necessary), and report any health or safety incidents immediately to camp coordinators.

Communication:
– Act as a liaison between campers and the camp management team, ensuring smooth communication and resolving any issues.
– Update parents and guardians on camper progress and any issues that may arise.

WhatsApp Group Communication:
– Launch, update, and manage both Parent and Student WhatsApp groups, serving as the main administrators.
– Provide daily updates to parents with photos and/or videos of the day’s activities.
– Add new parents to the WhatsApp group upon request and ensure smooth communication.
– The distribution of specific WhatsApp management tasks will be determined at a later date.
– Note that back-end management parties, including a Program Advisor who speaks to all parents prior to booking, the School Director who conducts the oral exam for every student, and our Program Director, will only be involved as needed. 

Homestay Coordination:
– Serve as a point of contact for campers living in homestay accommodations, ensuring they are comfortable and adjusting well to their surroundings.
– Homestay placements will be conducted by the management staff.

Spanish Language & Cultural Engagement:
– Promote Spanish language usage and immersion during all activities, encouraging campers to use their language skills in real-life contexts.

End-of-Camp Evaluation:
– Assist in collecting feedback (or reviews) from campers to help improve the program for future sessions and facilitate the posting of online reviews for the program.

The ideal candidate is able to work all three camps. Compensation for working all three camps is the following:

Monetary Compensation:
$3,000

Additional Benefits:

– 45 hours of private Spanish instruction with a native Tico Lingo Spanish professor (1.5 hours/day, Monday – Friday) during active camp weeks only. This is an $1600 value.

– Homestay Accommodation for the entire duration of your stay (9 weeks), including breakfast, lunch, Wi-Fi, a private bedroom, keys to come and go as you please, laundry service, and opportunities to practice your Spanish. This is a $2300 value.

– Daily lunch during the six weeks of the three camp sessions, with a varying menu including typical Costa Rican meals, pizza, burgers, and more.

– Paid participation for all camp tours and activities (rafting, zip-lining, national park entry fees, coffee tours, animal rescue center visits, dance classes, etc.).

– Round-trip flight compensation to and from the United States. You will book your own flights, and Tico Lingo will compensate you. The initial flight to Costa Rica will be paid upon your arrival, and the return flight will be paid upon the completion of all three Teen Spanish Summer Camps.

Essential Staff Eligibility Criteria
Before submitting your application, please review the following eligibility criteria to ensure you’re prepared to take on this exciting and meaningful role.

As a Program Leader with Tico Lingo, you will play a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and success of students participating in our Spanish immersion programs in Costa Rica. This position requires adaptability, stamina, and a strong commitment to providing exceptional experiences for young learners. Candidates must meet the following qualifications:

Physical and Mental Stamina
– Walk long distances (up to 3 km or more, depending on program activities) and lift or carry up to 18 kg.
– Work extended hours, including early mornings and late evenings, while maintaining a high level of energy and focus.
– Adapt to shared accommodations, basic facilities, and limited amenities when necessary.

Health and Safety
– Hold current First Aid and CPR certification by the start of the program, or be open to acquiring them before starting.
– Be cleared by a healthcare provider for any ongoing mental or physical health conditions to ensure full participation.
– Manage personal well-being without access to regular therapists or external support systems during the program.

Adaptability and Flexibility
– Quickly adjust to changing schedules, environments, and program needs.
– Demonstrate patience, professionalism, and maturity in dynamic or challenging situations.
– Fully engage in the program’s demands without requiring special accommodations.

Technical and Communication Skills
– Proficient in English (spoken and written); Spanish proficiency is a significant advantage.
– Confident using technology for communication, planning, and reporting.
– Follow all safety guidelines and dress codes set by Tico Lingo and our community partners.

Attention to Detail
– Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
– Maintain situational awareness to anticipate and address group needs effectively.

Experience and Commitment
– Passionate about working with and educating diverse youth. Experienced in student engagement, problem-solving, and facilitation.
– Committed to fostering collaboration and understanding in cross-cultural settings.

Program Commitment
Program Leaders are expected to commit to 5-10 weeks of service and demonstrate enthusiasm, resilience, and readiness for the role. If you have concerns about meeting any of these criteria, please discuss them with the Tico Lingo hiring team before applying.