Choosing the right summer camp for your children can be a crucial decision: the experience they have will have a real impact on their growth. The choice on offer is so wide it can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks the decision down into clear steps — age, the child’s profile, format, duration, location, budget and organisation — using the criteria we apply every summer at Natuaventura when guiding families.
Steps to choose the perfect summer camp
Before comparing prices or destinations, it pays to answer in order the questions that really determine whether you get it right. These are the steps we recommend:
The child’s age and maturity. There is no magic age to start: it depends on each child’s development. At Natuaventura our camps run from 6 to 17 years old and within each turn the groups are split by age; camps such as Santander Surf 10 days are specifically for ages 13 to 17.
The child’s profile. Are they sporty, adventurous, sociable, reserved, curious about languages? Their preferences shape the type of camp: multi-adventure, surf, English camp or a day-camp experience close to their home city.
Format. Residential (with overnight stays) for autonomy and group living, day camp if they are not yet ready to sleep away from home, or language immersion if the goal is to practise English with C1 or native group leaders.
Duration. 10-day turns, ideal for first experiences, or fortnight turns (12–14 days) which embed routines and deepen relationships. At Natuaventura both formats run side by side depending on the destination.
Geographical location. Sierra Norte de Madrid, Sierra de Gredos, Serranía de Cuenca, the Cantabrian or Alicante coast: the setting defines the activities on offer (climbing, surf, kayaking, natural pools).
A realistic budget. Always compare prices on a like-for-like “all-inclusive” basis: meals, optional transport, materials and insurance. At Natuaventura prices range from €568 (Gredos 2nd fortnight) to €938 (Santander Surf 1st Fortnight).
A trustworthy organisation. Years of experience, group leaders qualified in leisure and free time, a 1:8 group leader-to-camper ratio, maximum group sizes of 40–50, communication with families during the camp and a written cancellation policy.
Comparison table: types of camp
| Type | Ages | Main focus | Natuaventura example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-adventure | 6–17 | Climbing, archery, hikes, big games | Madrid, Cuenca, Gredos, Navarredonda, Finca Daroca |
| Surf | 7–17 (fortnight) / 13–17 (10 days) | 4–5 day surf course + beach olympics | Santander Surf Fortnight and 10 days |
| Languages (English camp) | 6–17 | 100% language immersion, group leaders C1+ | Sierra Madrid English Camp, Navatormes English Camp |
| Day camp | Varies by city | No overnight stay, child returns home each afternoon | Day camps from the Natuaventura network |
| Sport / water | 7–17 | Kayaking, canoeing, natural pools | Finca Daroca (Alicante) |
Questions to ask yourself (and the camp)
What do I want my child to experience?
Nature and a digital detox, a specific sport, English, more independence, meeting new people. The answer points you to the right destination.
What is included in the price?
Four meals a day, accommodation, materials, qualified group leaders, insurance and optional transport from Madrid or Las Rozas in Natuaventura camps.
How do you communicate with families?
SMS confirmation on arrival, calls home every 3–4 days, a daily diary on social media and a direct channel for any query.
How many group leaders per child?
The benchmark ratio at Natuaventura is 1 group leader for every 8 campers, with maximum group sizes of 40–50.
What about mobile phones?
Mobiles are allowed but are collected on arrival and handed back to call home every 3–4 days. We recommend €20–30 in pocket money.
What is the cancellation policy?
Up to 1 March, €20 in fees. Up to 15 May, €100. From 15 May onwards, 100% of the amount paid.
Common mistakes when choosing a camp
What to avoid
- Deciding on price alone without checking what is included.
- Picking a camp that does not match the child’s maturity.
- Imposing the decision: if the child sees it as a punishment, it starts on the wrong foot.
- Not checking the qualifications of the group leaders or the track record of the organiser.
- Booking late and missing out on places for the desired turn.
What we recommend
- Involve the child in the decision: let them feel part of it.
- Ask for the information sheet with verifiable data (dates, prices, ratios).
- Check the organiser’s years of experience and genuine testimonials.
- Choose a short first camp if the child has never slept away from home.
- Book early to secure your turn and take advantage of better rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the recommended minimum age?
At Natuaventura our camps start at age 6 (Madrid Multi-Adventure and Sierra Madrid English Camp), although every family knows their own child’s level of independence best. If the child has never slept away from home, it is wise to begin with a 10-day turn before stepping up to a fortnight.
What duration do you recommend for a first experience?
A 10-day turn (such as Santander Surf 10) is usually the ideal format for first-timers: long enough to settle into routines and enjoy it, but short enough that any initial homesickness does not weigh too heavily. For returning campers, a fortnight allows for much deeper bonds and learning.
How do I know if a camp is reliable?
Check these five points: group leaders qualified in leisure and free time, a 1:8 ratio, an information sheet with verifiable data, the organiser’s years of experience, and clear communication during the stay (SMS on arrival, calls every 3–4 days, daily updates on social media and a direct channel for the family).
What does the camp price include?
At Natuaventura the price includes accommodation, four daily meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner, with menus adapted for allergies), all scheduled activities, materials, qualified group leaders and public liability and accident insurance. Transport from Madrid or Las Rozas is optional.
What information should I receive before the camp?
An information sheet with the exact address, departure and return dates and times, ages, itemised prices, a description of the accommodation and rooms, menus and meals, list of activities, group leader ratio, medical assistance arrangements, rules on mobile phones and pocket money, and the cancellation policy in writing.
Ready to choose the perfect summer camp?
Browse the full Natuaventura summer camp catalogue: multi-adventure, surf, English camp and much more, in Madrid, Cantabria, Cuenca, Alicante and Ávila.
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