Enrolling a child in a summer camp for the first time is, for many families, a small but significant decision. This article is not about the historical origins of camps in Spain — it is about the beginning as an act: how to take the plunge, what to look at beforehand, what it feels like and what happens next. The human side of “deciding to start”.
The start is not a date, it is a decision
The camp does not begin on the day the coach leaves Madrid. It begins months earlier, when a family sits down to talk about what to do with the summer. Some parents have had the idea on their to-do list for years. Some mothers grew up at camps and want the same for their children. And there are many families who are uncertain: is my child ready? Is this the right moment? Which camp is the right one?
What to look at before deciding
The participant’s age
Each camp has its own age range: from 6 at some, up to 17 at others. The division by age within a session is key to ensuring the group works well together.
Type of activity
Multi-adventure, surfing, English immersion, technology. It is worth choosing according to the child’s interests, not the parents’.
Accommodation
Hostel (beds, shared bathrooms) or tent (camping, bivouac). Not every child is ready for tent accommodation; others consider it the best part.
Duration
10 days, 13 days, fortnight. For a first camp, many families choose a shorter session; others prefer the full fortnight so that settling into the group is worthwhile.
The step-by-step of getting started
Talk to the child: let the decision be made together as a family, not presented to them as a fait accompli. It helps them experience it as their own adventure.
Reserve a place: the most popular camps fill up in the early months of the year. Booking early gives you more options and peace of mind.
Complete the registration form carefully: medical form, allergies, notes, emergency contacts. The more thoroughly we fill this in, the smoother the camp will run.
Pack the bag together: make sure the participant knows what they are taking and where everything is. This avoids the “I can’t find anything” of the first day.
A calm farewell: keep it short, without prolonging the emotion. The expression on the child’s face as they board the coach sets the tone for the first two days of camp.
What happens when it begins
The first day is always the most intense. A new face, rucksack on the shoulder, an activity leader introducing themselves. The camp routine (introductions, simple games, dinner, first evening event) is designed so that night arrives after many hours of shared play. By the second day, most participants are already hooked.
How it feels from home
Communication
- Arrival SMS
- Calls every 3–4 days
- Daily social-media diary
- Office open 10–14h and coordination 24h
Practical details
- Ratio: 1 activity leader per 8 participants
- 4 meals a day with adapted menus
- Mobiles collected on arrival
- Pocket money: 20–30 €
Frequently asked questions
When is a good time to start?
It depends on the child more than the age. Some are ready at 6; others need to wait until a shorter session at 9 or 10. What matters most is whether they have slept away from home before and whether they are genuinely keen rather than just going along with family pressure.
What if they have never slept away from home?
This is common and is not a problem. The activity leader team is prepared to support children through the first night; rooms are grouped by age and the first day’s routine is designed so that healthy tiredness does most of the work.
Is it worth starting with a shorter session?
Not necessarily. A shorter session (10 days) reduces the “leap” but also the depth of immersion in the group. Many families who start with a fortnight find that participants get much more out of it from day 5 or 6 onwards.
How do I know which camp is right?
By age, the child’s profile, type of accommodation and duration. If you are still unsure, the office can help you choose based on your specific situation — open 10–14h.
What if the first year doesn’t work out?
It sometimes happens and it is not a failure: it is useful information. The vast majority of participants who return the following year come back with a completely different outlook. Settling into camp life, like so many things, is something that can be learnt.
Starting this summer?
Check the available camps, ages and sessions to choose the right one for your child.
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