Since 1993 we have been running summer camps every year. Summer Camp Las Mulas is a focused on fun, connection with nature and friendship with peers. Through a week in the mountains in the Cajón del Achibueno in the Andes, an inclusive and recreational space is created that has amazed thousands of campers over the years. We’ll tell you a bit about what a week of camp looks like…
Everything begins with the arrival of the campers at the meeting point to depart by train or bus. There they say goodbye to their parents and begin to get acquainted for the first time with the faces of those who will become friends that will last for years. After 3 hours of travel we arrive in Linares, from where we take another bus and later a walk to finally reach the Las Mulas Cabin. The cabin is located in the middle of a beautiful meadow a minutes from the river. The children settle into their rooms and a group circle is formed to explain the basic functioning of camp rules about care, coexistence, safety, camp schedules and then the team is introduced.
The next day, a typical day in Las Mulas would begin with a pancake breakfast around the campfire.
The children wake up at their own pace, have breakfast, and around 9 o’clock we hold a circle on the grass to do stretches, a short game, and also provide information about the day’s activities. Then it’s time for the class sign-ups, where each camper can choose the activity they want to do until lunch. The activities they choose from range from horseback riding, carpentry, archery, art, cooking, building forts in the woods, adventure hiking, filmmaking, among others. All activities are detailed further below.
Upon returning from their activities, we gather again to eat a delicious lunch prepared by Silvia, who has been working with us for many years. Something different is eaten every day; Silvia’s menu is always celebrated.
Then there is a rest period for the children to use their time freely; they can play in the meadow, read, play board games, take a nap, get to know the different tree houses, talk with their friends, etc.
When the bell rings, the entire camp gathers and we go to the river. Each day we try to go to a different area of the river so that the children can get to know several of the fun and beautiful places on the Achibueno. All the river spots we visit are very well known by our team, here we are all attentive to the safety of the children. So that they can have fun without risks, all the monitors have training and protocols on how to work in each area of the river.
In the river, the children play, sunbathe embracing the giant warm rocks after the cold water, in some parts of the river we jump from rocks or slide down the current with inner tubes; this is generally the campers’ favorite part! Upon returning from the river we are always greeted with watermelon or cookies, and then we play a game in the field such as dodgeball, capture the flag, volleyball, soccer, etc.
As the sun goes down, the children bundle up and prepare for the night’s activities. At 8:00 pm we eat a delicious dinner and then play a night game, or have a campfire with live music and marshmallows. And that’s how a typical camp day ends!
Throughout the week, the children are in a constant state of fun where they connect with nature and create new friendships that sometimes last years ahead. Many former campers have formed some of their deepest and most lasting friendships at Las Mulas. When the end of the week is approaching, each camper does their own “tie-dye” t-shirt. The last night is a Talent Show; here the children who want to can put together a presentation and finally the films created during the week in the Film Making activity are also shown. The next day, we pack up and prepare to return to Santiago to meet with our families.
Las Mulas is a place that has touched many hearts; it is an unforgettable experience that is almost always desire to be returned to. It is a project that is planned for an entire year to take care of every detail and try to make the experience exceptional each time. Our entire team works with a lot of love especially because it is made up of people who have been coming for years due to the love they have for Las Mulas. If you have more questions you can check the FAQ section, or write us an email. We’ll be waiting for you!