November 6, 2024

Is summer camp like school?

Summer camp isn't like school in several important ways. Although both places offer activities and are organized to care for and educate children, the approach and objectives are quite different.

1. Main Objective

• School: Its mission is to provide formal academic learning. The school follows a curriculum and teaches specific skills in areas such as mathematics, science, languages, and social studies.
• Summer camp: Its focus is on personal and social development. The activities are aimed at fostering trust, independence, teamwork and creativity, rather than at transmitting academic knowledge.

2. Structure and Flexibility

• School: The routine is very structured, with specific schedules and subjects, exams and evaluations. There is a clear focus on discipline and task fulfillment.

• Summer camp: It is much more flexible and has a freer environment. Activities can vary daily and there is less pressure on performance. Instead of homework, children participate in recreational activities, such as sports, crafts, and outdoor exploration.

3. Type of Learning

• School: Focuses on intellectual development, teaching academic concepts and cognitive skills.

• Summer camp: Learning is experiential, through practical activities. Life skills are developed here, such as empathy, conflict resolution, self-confidence and decision-making.

4. Social Environment

• School: Children primarily interact with their classmates in a structured and supervised environment.

• Summer camp: Children meet people of different ages creating a more diverse social environment. In addition, the activities are designed to build relationships in a relaxed context and without the pressures of school.

5. Evaluation and Pressure

• School: Students are constantly evaluated on their academic performance, which can create pressure.

• Summer camp: There are no formal evaluations or academic pressures. Children are free to enjoy, explore and learn at their own pace, without worrying about grades or grades.

6. Physical Environment

• School: Usually in classrooms, with a more closed and formal approach.

• Summer camp: It usually takes place outdoors, in open or natural spaces, which allows a connection with the natural environment and provides different experiences.

“While the school seeks to prepare children for academic learning and intellectual challenges, summer camp seeks to provide a space for rest, enjoyment and personal development. Both are important, but they complement each other rather than replace each other”

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Upcoming experiences

Adventures, learning and friendship await you at Camp Santa Úrsula!

Camp Santa Ursula Summer Camp
July 5 to 18

Summer Camp 1

Immerse yourself in two weeks full of fun, learning and exciting adventures at our first summer camp. From exciting outdoor activities to creative workshops.

The Camp is exclusively for boys and girls from 7 to 14 years old.
Sign up!
Camp Santa Ursula Summer Camp
July 10 to 18

Summer Camp 2

The fun continues with our second summer camp! From July 20 to 28, your children will have the opportunity to explore our activities, challenge their limits and immerse themselves in exciting adventures.

The Camp is exclusively for boys and girls from 7 to 14 years old.
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Explore a place where every day is a new adventure!
With nearly 50 years of experience, we have witnessed the transformation in the lives of thousands of boys and girls aged 7 to 14, creating memories that last forever.
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What our campers think

“From the reception area everything is excellently well maintained, my daughter has had one of the best experiences, since her first day she felt taken care of.”

Liliana S.

Mama Camper

“My son was super happy!! He came out telling me that it was better than Disney! And that he wants to come back next year.”

Gabriela E.

Mama Camper

“The arrival at the camp was very interactive and they made sure that the boys and girls would relax and feel at home. The office service is always attentive and very quick to respond.”

Begoña

Mama Camper

“The place is beautiful and every activity is safe. The food and desserts taste great. My son returned very happy to have gone and he had a great time.”

Álvaro S.

Papa Camper

“The camp met our expectations one hundred percent! My youngest son was happy all 15 days and doesn't hesitate to return next year. He learned to be more independent.”

Veronica M.

Mama Camper

Frequently Asked Questions about the camp

We answer all your questions!

What is the age range for children to sign up for camp?

In the Camps we only welcome boys and girls from 7 to 15 years of age.

Who takes care of the children?

The children are cared for by an instructor and an assistant, together with instructors specialized in various activities and camp managers who are on the lookout for all campers.

If my child goes with a friend can they be together?

Yes, as long as the children are the same age and both they and the parents agree. Although we can't commit to more than 3 campers on the same team.

Do the rooms or cabins have their own bathrooms?

The vast majority of rooms or cabins have their own bathroom.

Do you help young children bathe and dress?

No, we ask that you consider that children should be independent in activities such as bathing, dressing, combing their hair, going to the bathroom and taking care of their things. Instructors are waiting, but cannot take care of each child individually.

How is communication with children? Can we talk to them?

Calls are not allowed. The communication is through messages on the camp page, delivered daily at breakfast time or the first activity in the morning. Children respond to these messages in letters that are taken photos and sent to the parents' emails.

If my child is carrying medications, how do they manage them?

We have medical staff who administer medications. Parents should write down the information in the registry and hand in medications when leaving their children at the camp.

What do you do in case of an accident? Do they warn us?

The protocols are followed. In case of minor injuries, there is no warning so as not to worry parents. There's a paramedic in the camp. In more serious cases, parents are contacted before taking the child to the hospital.

Do you have any health insurance?

Yes, we have accident insurance that covers up to $150,000.00.

How safe is the camp? Do you have any systems in place?

The camp is safe, with measures such as electric fences, closed circuit television, among others.

What are the foods like? Can you briefly describe what they eat?

  • Breakfast: Fruits, juices, smoothies, milk, cereal, eggs, beans, chilaquiles, waffles, hot cakes, sweet bread.
  • Food: Salads, vegetables, soup, cream, chicken, fish, beef or pork, flavored waters and dessert.
  • Dinner: Salad, cereal, sweet bread, pizzas, club sandwiches, muffins, milk, flavored water, tacos.
  • Refreshments (mid-morning and mid-afternoon): Flavoured water, fruit, vegetables, whole wheat crackers, sandwiches, wraps, popsicles, jellies, and so on.
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