Trip Highlights
Adventure Designed For Families
ILP Family Camps in Nicaragua are built for families who want more than just a trip. This is a fully immersive international experience where your family can travel, serve, and connect—together.
We take care of the details so you don’t have to:
- Meals prepared for you
- Transportation organized
- Activities and schedule planned
So you can focus on what matters most—being present with your family and experiencing it all.
This is not a resort vacation. It’s a blend of adventure and service, focused on connection for both your family and the locals you meet.
It’s the kind of experience your kids will talk about long after you’re home.
Group Size
The ILP Family Trip experience is a great fit for:
- Families with kids of all ages
- Multi-generational groups
- Travelers from the U.S. and Canada
We keep the experience cozy and personal by limiting each trip to:
👉 3 families
Family size is 6 individuals, with the option to add on at an additional cost
Dates & Schedule
Summer 2026:
June 1: June 13–19
June 2: June 20–26
June 3: June 27–July 3
Winter 2026
Winter 1: December 6–12
Winter 2: December 13–19
Each trip follows a simple, family-friendly schedule:
Sunday: Arrival + check-in
Monday: Orientation, camp prep, and time to explore
Tuesday–Friday: English camp in the mornings, with cultural activities and excursions in the afternoons and evenings
Optional: Extend your trip before or after to explore more of Nicaragua or for multiple weeks
*Group size is limited to 3 families per week
Granada, Nicaragua
Your destination is the colorful colonial city of Granada—one of the most vibrant and charming places in Central America.
With its bright, painted streets, historic architecture, and welcoming energy, Granada is both beautiful and easy to navigate as a family. It’s a favorite for travelers, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why.
Even better, its location puts you right in the middle of everything—
making it easy to explore:
- Nearby volcanoes and crater lakes
- Local markets and cultural sites
- Beaches and weekend getaway spots
Home For The Week
You’ll be staying in an ILP group home located within a local neighborhood—just a short walk or quick ride to the heart of the city.
These homes are designed for both connection and an authentic local Nican experience.
At the center is an open-air courtyard, surrounded by bedrooms and shared living spaces. It becomes the natural gathering place—where families relax in hammocks, kids play, and everyone comes together at the end of the day.
You’ll notice details that make the experience feel unique and memorable:
- Tropical plants and sunshine fill the courtyard
- Open-air spaces that connect indoor and outdoor living
- The sounds of the neighborhood just beyond your door
- And in some homes… even a few pet turtles that kids quickly fall in love with
An Immersive Experience
Homes in Nicaragua are different than what you may be used to, and that’s part of the experience.
While your home will be clean, comfortable, and equipped with the basics (including running water, electricity, and fans or A/C in most bedrooms), the open-air design and connection to the neighborhood create something much deeper than a typical stay.
This isn’t just another expensive hotel.
It’s real life.
And that creates something powerful.
Many families find that some of their best moments happen in the conversations that come from living differently—talking with their kids about what they’re seeing, experiencing, and learning together.
It becomes an eye-opening experience that gives your kids context for the world around them—
something that stays with them and shapes how they see future experiences.
Life in the Community
Step outside your home and you’ll quickly feel part of the neighborhood.
You’ll pass:
- Kids playing in the streets
- Neighbors saying hello
- Local shops and daily life unfolding around you
Granada offers a unique contrast
a lively, colorful downtown just minutes away, and communities nearby that give a deeper perspective on life in Nicaragua.
It’s this balance that makes the experience so impactful.
A Different Kind of Family Trip
All the meaning of international travel—without the overwhelm.
We handle the details so you can be fully present with your family and the experience. Less stress. More connection. More meaning.
Cost
$6,980 per family (up to 6 people)
Larger families are welcome (additional cost per person)
This is an all-inclusive, in-country experience designed to make meaningful international travel simple and doable for families.
What’s Included
- In-country airport pickup and drop-off
- Housing in ILP group accommodations (local homes)
- WiFi
- Two meals per day (lunch and dinner), plus breakfast food provided
- English camp materials and planning
- Cultural activities and excursions during the camp week
- Spanish lessons
- Local guides, drivers, and transportation to activities
- On-the-ground ILP support
- 24/7 emergency support from ILP headquarters
- International SOS membership
- Meaningful service opportunities for your family
Not Included
- Flights
- Passports
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional excursions on your own before or after the English camp
- Personal spending (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Optional upgrades (accommodations, excursions, restaurants and dining, pre- and post-trip travel, etc.)
Payment Options
Flexible monthly payment plans are available to help make this experience work for your family.
Make Your Vacation Meaningful
Peek At A Day Of Your Adventure
Morning at Home
Wake up in your shared ILP home, located in a local neighborhood in Granada.
You’ll start your day slowly—making breakfast together in the kitchen and getting ready as a family.
Breakfast:
Simple breakfast foods will be provided for your group, and you’re welcome to pick up anything additional from nearby local stores to make it your own.
To begin the day, you may also have the option to take a Spanish lesson from a local instructor, helping you and your kids feel more connected to the culture and people around you.
Meals throughout your stay are part of the experience. A local cook prepares lunch and dinner each day, giving you a chance to enjoy authentic Nicaraguan food and take a break from cooking.
Morning at Camp
Head to the local school for your English camp. Each morning includes:
- A 2-hour structured English camp (games, songs, activities)
- Time for free play with the kids (sports, music, just being kids together)
This is where connection really happens—your kids building friendships, laughing, and interacting in a natural, meaningful way.
Midday
Return home for a shared lunch—typically the main meal of the day in Nicaragua.
After lunch, enjoy some downtime:
- Rest at the house
- Let kids play together
- Reset before the afternoon
Afternoon & Evening
Afternoons and evenings are for exploring and experiencing the culture together.
Activities may include:
- Swimming in a volcanic crater lake
- Zip lining
- Hiking a volcano
- Visiting the butterfly farm
- Boat tours through Las Isletas de Granada (the small islands on Lake Nicaragua)
- Visiting local markets
- Learning marimba (traditional music)
- Dance lessons
- Exploring the colorful town of Granada
- And of course—stopping for ice cream at Pops
Everything is organized for you—but flexible, so you can opt in or out based on your family’s needs.
You may also have opportunities to take part in additional service projects within the local community, depending on needs and timing.
Evening at Home
Central America gets dark earlier than you may be used to, so evenings are a bit shorter—but full days mean everyone is ready to wind down.
Return home for dinner prepared by your local cook and time together as a group.
Evenings are simple and meaningful—
sharing stories from the day, connecting as families, and settling in for the next day.
What Makes This Different
This isn’t a rushed itinerary or a packed vacation schedule.
It’s a rhythm:
- Serve in the mornings
- Explore in the afternoons
- Connect throughout
A balance of structure and flexibility that allows you to truly experience the place—and each other.
The Backstory of This Program
This program began with a simple idea: create more opportunities for kids who need them most.
In 2018, ILP connected with a local leader in Nicaragua who had spent some time previously in the U.S.
He started a small after-school program in a neighborhood outside of Granada—
a place where kids could come to:
- Stay safe and engaged
- Get help with school
- Be surrounded by positive role models
When he reached out to ILP, it was a natural fit.
Together, we’ve been able to expand what that program offers—bringing English education and meaningful connection to students who would not otherwise have access to it.
Local Leadership You Can Trust
Today, that same local leader is now a father himself and continues to be deeply involved in the program.
He works closely with ILP and is on the ground supporting families throughout their experience—offering guidance, connection, and a trusted local presence.
For many families, he becomes more than a coordinator—he’s a friend, a resource, and someone who helps make the experience feel safe, supported, and personal.
More Than Just a Program
This isn’t a one-time project.
It’s built on:
- Long-term relationships
- Trusted local leadership
- Years of consistency and care
And now, for the first time, families are invited to be part of it.
Adventure Designed For Families
ILP Family Camps in Nicaragua are built for families who want more than just a trip. This is a fully immersive international experience where your family can travel, serve, and connect—together.
We take care of the details so you don’t have to:
- Meals prepared for you
- Transportation organized
- Activities and schedule planned
So you can focus on what matters most—being present with your family and experiencing it all.
This is not a resort vacation. It’s a blend of adventure and service, focused on connection for both your family and the locals you meet.
It’s the kind of experience your kids will talk about long after you’re home.
Group Size
The ILP Family Trip experience is a great fit for:
- Families with kids of all ages
- Multi-generational groups
- Travelers from the U.S. and Canada
We keep the experience cozy and personal by limiting each trip to:
👉 3 families
Family size is 6 individuals, with the option to add on at an additional cost
Dates & Schedule
Summer 2026:
June 1: June 13–19
June 2: June 20–26
June 3: June 27–July 3
Winter 2026
Winter 1: December 6–12
Winter 2: December 13–19
Each trip follows a simple, family-friendly schedule:
Sunday: Arrival + check-in
Monday: Orientation, camp prep, and time to explore
Tuesday–Friday: English camp in the mornings, with cultural activities and excursions in the afternoons and evenings
Optional: Extend your trip before or after to explore more of Nicaragua or for multiple weeks
*Group size is limited to 3 families per week
Granada, Nicaragua
Your destination is the colorful colonial city of Granada—one of the most vibrant and charming places in Central America.
With its bright, painted streets, historic architecture, and welcoming energy, Granada is both beautiful and easy to navigate as a family. It’s a favorite for travelers, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why.
Even better, its location puts you right in the middle of everything—
making it easy to explore:
- Nearby volcanoes and crater lakes
- Local markets and cultural sites
- Beaches and weekend getaway spots
A Different Kind of Family Trip
All the meaning of international travel—without the overwhelm.
We handle the details so you can be fully present with your family and the experience. Less stress. More connection. More meaning.
Cost
$6,980 per family (up to 6 people)
Larger families are welcome (additional cost per person)
This is an all-inclusive, in-country experience designed to make meaningful international travel simple and doable for families.
What’s Included
- In-country airport pickup and drop-off
- Housing in ILP group accommodations (local homes)
- WiFi
- Two meals per day (lunch and dinner), plus breakfast food provided
- English camp materials and planning
- Cultural activities and excursions during the camp week
- Spanish lessons
- Local guides, drivers, and transportation to activities
- On-the-ground ILP support
- 24/7 emergency support from ILP headquarters
- International SOS membership
- Meaningful service opportunities for your family
Not Included
- Flights
- Passports
- Travel insurance (required)
- Optional travel before or after the program
- Personal spending (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)
- Optional upgraded accommodations
Payment Options
Flexible monthly payment plans are available to help make this experience work for your family.
Make Your Vacation Meaningful
This isn’t just a trip—it’s a chance to serve together as a family in a really meaningful way.
ILP partners with college-age volunteers who are already in Granada, Nicaragua each day, teaching English through immersive, hands-on lessons with local kids. These programs give children from limited means consistent access to education, mentorship, and a place where they’re encouraged, supported, and excited to learn.
When your family joins, you’ll step into that same environment in a new and really special way.
Peek At A Day Of Your Adventure:
Morning at Home
Wake up in your shared ILP home, located in a local neighborhood in Granada.
You’ll start your day slowly—making breakfast together in the kitchen and getting ready as a family.
Breakfast:
Simple breakfast foods will be provided for your group, and you’re welcome to pick up anything additional from nearby local stores to make it your own.
To begin the day, you may also have the option to take a Spanish lesson from a local instructor, helping you and your kids feel more connected to the culture and people around you.
Meals throughout your stay are part of the experience. A local cook prepares lunch and dinner each day, giving you a chance to enjoy authentic Nicaraguan food and take a break from cooking.
The Backstory of This Program
This program began with a simple idea: create more opportunities for kids who need them most.
In 2018, ILP connected with a local leader in Nicaragua who had spent some time previously in the U.S.
He started a small after-school program in a neighborhood outside of Granada—
a place where kids could come to:
- Stay safe and engaged
- Get help with school
- Be surrounded by positive role models
When he reached out to ILP, it was a natural fit.
ometepe
granada
Ojo De Agua
at the camp
penas blancas
granada
granada
the corn islands
apoyo lagoon
at the camp
the coast
popoyo
ometepe
granada
san juan del sur
ometepe
at the camp
at the camp
popoyo
leon
granada
ometepe
granada
popoyo
granada
masaya
apoyo
INFO REQUEST
Interested in a family trip, but still figuring out timing? Join the list below and we’ll keep you updated as new dates and destinations open up.
Service With Your Family
Supplementing ILP English Classes
ILP works with college-age volunteers who are already in Granada, Nicaragua, leading structured English lessons for local children through immersive, hands-on learning throughout the year. These lessons are the foundation of the students’ language development (and at the heart of ILP’s overall mission).
Your week with the kids adds something different, but just as important.
Each morning, your family will visit the camp for games, conversation, and play. It’s a unique chance for the kids to interact with other kids (who are natural English speakers) in a fun, relaxed way.
It seems simple, but it’s incredibly valuable. They’ll take what they’re learning in the classroom and put it to use with other kids their own age—trying new words, having real conversations, and learning as they go. These new friendships build their confidence in ways that go beyond the classroom.
The kids start to see that they can communicate in English, and that realization is what helps their learning really stick.
The time your family spends with the kids is a nice supplement to their current English classes with the college-age ILP volunteers. First, it’s additional English practice (usually by adding time to their typical class schedule or by filling the gaps during breaks between ILP semesters). But the biggest benefit is the confidence gained from authentic friendships with your family.
It’s A Win-Win Experience For Everyone
This is more than a family trip—it’s a chance to serve together in a meaningful and impactful way.
And for your kids, it’s just as meaningful. They won’t just observe a new culture—they’ll build friendships through play and shared experiences, connecting with kids from a different background in a way that feels natural and genuine.
It’s more than just time spent together; it’s a bridge between cultures. Through simple moments of play, conversation, and laughter, both groups of kids gain a better understanding of each other’s worlds.
It’s a simple but powerful exchange—one that strengthens learning, builds confidence, and creates connections that last long after the trip ends.
Experiences In + Around Nicaragua
Travel & Exploring the Region
One of the best parts of this experience is the opportunity to explore beyond the camp. While your camp days are thoughtfully planned, many families choose to extend their trip with bookend travel before or after the camp week. Popular options include island stays like Ometepe, beach destinations, and other cultural spots throughout Nicaragua. These extended trips are optional and are an additional cost, but ILP can help guide and coordinate them through trusted local connections.
During the camp week, your mornings are spent at the school, with afternoons and evenings open for cultural activities and local exploring—like time in Granada or visits to nearby places like Apoyo Lagoon. Longer or overnight travel is best planned before or after the camp, giving you the flexibility to turn this into a larger adventure if you choose, or keep it simple and focused on your time together as a family.
What Families Remember Most
Again and again, families say the same thing—the most meaningful part of their trip wasn’t just what they did, but the people they met.
One mom shared how her young daughter was immediately taken in by an older girl at the camp—helping her with crafts, explaining things she didn’t understand, and making sure she felt included from the very beginning. It was a simple, natural friendship, but one her daughter talked about constantly.
Another moment that stayed with us was saying goodbye.
One mom described hugging a little boy she had connected with throughout the week—reminding him to keep working on his English and to make good choices for his future. It was emotional in a way she didn’t expect.
There were also moments of pure joy—like the last day, when each child received a small Christmas stocking with simple gifts. One dad shared how a little boy lit up with excitement over something as small as a jump rope and a deck of Uno cards—some of the purest joy he had ever seen.
And for the kids, the connections were just as real.
One 9-year-old shared how every day after camp, her friends would walk down the road, turning back again and again to wave goodbye until they were finally out of sight.
This whole experience was one of the most meaninful and impactful things we’ve done as a family.
[on vacation at Volcan de Hoyo] probably the best two days of my life. i love it here.
Volunteering with ILP has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The beaches and volcanoes were cool, but these awesome kids are no doubt the highlight of my time in Nicaragua.
