A Summer to Learn, Play, and Discover in Oaxaca

For six days in July, 47 children from preschool, elementary, and middle school in the Monte Albán neighborhood went to the Maria de Guadalupe Center eager to play, discover new things, and enjoy time together.

That is how Crecemos’ Summer Camp began: a week full of activities, with something new to experience each day. And although there were many special moments, when we asked the children what they enjoyed most, two answers came up again and again: the overnight camp and making mango sorbet.

Before each activity, however, there was a moment for everyone to gather around a story. Reading was the starting point of every day, a simple way to break the ice, spark curiosity, and connect with books while preparing for everything that would come next.

Hands-On Learning

In the Creative Cooking workshop, the children put on their aprons and discovered that preparing food can also be a way of learning. They followed recipes, explored different ingredients, and participated in every step of the process.

As they mixed, tasted, and shared, they learned that a varied diet can be accompanied by something equally important: enjoying what we do and doing it together.

Where Do Colors Come From?

On another day, curiosity led participants to experiment with elements from nature. They learned about pigments derived from insects (grana cochinilla), beets, carrots, and spinach, discovering that some foods can also become colors.

With their own hands, they ground grana cochinilla into a reddish powder and then used natural pigments to create their own artwork.

They also made small spheres of paper, soil, and seeds that each participant prepared to take home. It was a simple activity that helped them connect with nature through experimentation.

A Day at the Corn Museum

The adventure continued at MUMI, the Corn Museum, where the children were able to closely observe the growth of corn, beans, and tomatoes.

During the visit, they explored real crops, listened to the guides’ explanations, and, most importantly, had the opportunity to ask questions. After learning how these crops grow, they applied their knowledge in a creative activity using corn, beans, and paper.

It was an opportunity to look differently at something that is part of their everyday lives: the food that reaches their tables and the natural world it comes from.

Running, Working Together, and Laughing

There was also plenty of time to move. During the Rally, teams worked together to overcome different challenges: crossing a giant spider web without letting go of each other’s hands, moving through an enormous cardboard wheel, navigating blindfolded while following a teammate’s directions, and testing their aim.

There was water, balls, donuts, races, and lots of laughter. But behind every game was something more: learning to listen, trust others, coordinate as a team, and find solutions together.

And Then Came the Most Anticipated Night

The moment many children had been waiting for finally arrived at the end of the week: the overnight camp.

The evening began with games about healthy eating and a treasure hunt that challenged participants to use their creativity and problem-solving skills. Then came one of everyone’s favorite moments: the campfire.

Between marshmallows, songs, and shared games, the night took on a special rhythm. After dinner of hot dogs, it was time to get comfortable, choose a movie, and get ready for bed.

For some children, sleeping away from home for the first time was part of the adventure, but the excitement of being together made the experience feel especially memorable.

The next morning began with brushing teeth, games, balloons, and breakfast before everyone headed home.

Six Days That Will Be Remembered

Even after camp ended, the impact of this adventure continued: drawings made with natural colors, seeds ready to sprout, new recipes, memories from the museum, teams that had learned to work together, and, of course, plenty of stories to tell.

The Crecemos staff also left with an unexpected takeaway. Throughout the six days, they watched children interact respectfully, care for shared spaces, listen to one another, and fully engage in every activity. Even during the overnight camp, when they were away from home, the children maintained that same positive attitude.

This experience reinforced something we consider essential: when children have access to a safe, clean, and welcoming environment that is thoughtfully designed for them, they are better able to participate, connect with others, and discover all they are capable of doing.

And when staff asked what they enjoyed most, the children did not hesitate: the mango sorbet, the campfire, the movie, and, of course, sleeping alongside their friends.

Six days may seem like a short time, but when a child has a place where they feel safe, can play, learn, and share with others, those days can become memories that last much longer.

Thank you to everyone who helps make spaces like these possible.