ABOUT

MISSION

Our mission is to spark a lifelong love of learning Spanish through an immersive, inclusive, and culturally vibrant experience. We bring together children from all backgrounds—those discovering Spanish for the first time and those who speak it at home—to learn through spirited, hands-on activities that celebrate language and culture. Guided by bilingual educators, our campers grow as confident Spanish speakers and culturally curious learners who build connection, creativity, and community.

¡VIVA VERANO! People First Approach

¡Viva Verano! is a Spanish immersion summer camp in Philadelphia for children ages 5–12 that combines engaging cultural experiences with intentional Spanish instruction. Our program is designed so children are not just surrounded by Spanish, but are actively taught the language in clear, age-appropriate ways. Campers are grouped by age and proficiency level and guided by experienced bilingual educators who blend structured instruction with hands-on activities inspired by Latin American and Caribbean cultures, including art, music, movement, food, and storytelling. Older campers participate in a Model UN–style experience conducted in Spanish, with activities thoughtfully adapted to support each proficiency level—helping New Learners build understanding through bilingual instruction, while Understanders and Confident Speakers deepen fluency through Spanish-forward discussion, collaboration, and problem-solving. Through this balanced approach, children build vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and gain confidence using Spanish in meaningful, real-world ways.

¡Viva Verano! was created from a deep love of language, culture, and connection. We believe learning Spanish is more than vocabulary — it’s about discovering the stories, rhythms, and traditions that shape who we are. Through art, music, food, and movement, children learn not just to speak Spanish, but to live it with joy and curiosity.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, the stories we inherit often celebrate unity while overlooking the Indigenous and African roots that truly define our cultures. At ¡Viva Verano!, we choose to celebrate those roots — to honor the voices, wisdom, and creativity that have always been part of our shared identity. By weaving these legacies back into how we teach Spanish and play, we guide children see the fullness of the Caribbean and Latin America’s beauty and strength.

¡Viva Verano! was created from a deep love of language, culture, and connection. I believe learning Spanish is more than vocabulary — it’s about discovering the stories, rhythms, and traditions shaped by the people who created the culture.

People first.