A Day at Camp Aventura: A Journey through the Spanish-Speaking World

At Camp Aventura, every day is a passport to a new Spanish-speaking country, crafted for an exceptional cultural and linguistic experience. Campers explore history, traditions, art, and architecture through immersive, hands-on activities—designed to inspire and captivate. Here’s a glimpse of a sample day —Monday: Mexico—where young adventurers step into a vibrant legacy.

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Arrival & Customs Check-In

Campers arrive and are warmly welcomed with “¡Bienvenidos a México!” (Welcome to Mexico!) by our skilled counselors. Each child with their Camp Aventura passport, lines up at our playful “customs” station, eager to receive their colorful visa stamped for Mexico where counselors ask “¿De dónde vienes?” (Where are you from?)—a fun Spanish hello as they step into the day’s country!

9:15 AM - 10:15 AM: Storytelling - Welcome to Mexico

The group gathers as a counselor unveils Mexico with flair, using a stunning map and vivid props. They’ll discover its dramatic landscapes—volcanoes to coastlines—its Aztec heritage of towering pyramids, and its spirited traditions like grand fiestas. “Volcán” (volcano) and “país” (country) come alive naturally. A “Legend of the Eagle” enchants 5-10-year-olds, while 11-14 dive into richer Aztec tales—a captivating start for all.

10:20 AM - 11:20 AM: Arts & Crafts - Aztec Sun Stones

Creativity flourishes as campers craft intricate Aztec sun stones. Younger ones (5-10) use paper plates and markers to create bold designs, while 11-14 design detailed “codex” strips with crayons—each piece a work of art. Counselors weave in “sol” (sun) and “piedra” (stone), blending Spanish seamlessly into this hands-on masterpiece session.

11:25 AM - 12:25 PM: Food - Salsa Fresca

A culinary delight awaits! Campers craft fresh salsa fresca (5-10) or pico de gallo with cilantro (11-14), chopping tomate, cebollas, and limas with expert guidance. “¡Delicioso!” (Delicious!) rings out as they taste their creations—an authentic preview of Mexico’s vibrant flavors.

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM: Lunch - Mexican Culinary Experience

Lunch elevates the day with an authentic Mexican feast—crisp tortilla chips paired with their handcrafted salsa, complemented by savory beans and seasoned rice. This curated meal immerses campers in Hispanic cuisine, with counselors sparking conversation with “¿Te gusta?” (Do you like it?)—a delicious bridge to culture.

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM: Music - Aztec Drum Beats

Music ignites the afternoon! 5-10-year-olds clap rhythmic Aztec drum patterns with their hands, while 11-14 explore colonial chants with layered beats. “¡Toca!” (Play!) inspires them to connect with Mexico’s musical soul—lively and unforgettable.

2:20 PM - 3:20 PM: Games - Juego de Pelota

Campers step into the vibrant world of Mexico’s past with a traditional game rooted in history and culture—the Aztec ball game, Tlachtli. Counselors set the scene with a captivating introduction: “The Aztecs played this game to honor their gods!”—weaving in key Spanish words like “pelota” (ball) and “¡Corre!” (Run!). From there, campers are challenged to play the Camp Aventura version: a spirited balloon relay that unfolds in three exciting rounds—practice, a team race, and a clever no-hands twist. Shouts of “¡Vamos!” (Let’s go!) echo as expert monitors ensure every camper thrives in this dynamic, immersive experience.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Recap/Quiz - Mexico Wrap-Up

The day ends with a lively group reflection, bringing campers together to celebrate their Mexican journey. Counselors spark curiosity with “¿Qué aprendimos?” (What did we learn?), prompting 5-10-year-olds to shout “pelota” (ball) and 11-14-year-olds to recall “Aztecas” (Aztecs). Using interactive games like Kahoot or Jeopardy, we turn the recap into a fun challenge—campers buzz in with Spanish words and cultural facts from the day, blending competition with learning. A spirited chant—“¡Aventura es increíble!” (Aventura is amazing!)—closes the session as they gather their crafts and passports, ready to share their day’s discoveries.