A Touch of Magic: Why Make-Believe Matters at Camp Mákemáke

In a world full of schedules, screens, and structured routines, there's something incredibly special about giving children the space to believe in a little bit of magic.

At Camp Mákemáke, we believe that childhood should be filled with imagination, wonder, and play that goes just a little beyond the ordinary. That’s why we make sure to weave a touch of make-believe into our days—creating moments where campers can step into a world that’s playful, mysterious, and sometimes even a little bit magical.

And this isn't accidental.

Our camp director is a trained drama teacher, coming from a long line of storytellers, and that spirit is at the heart of everything we do. Drama, creativity, and storytelling aren’t just occasional activities here—they’re part of the daily rhythm. Whether it’s inventing characters, solving mysteries, or getting into costume “just because,” the art of make-believe is always alive and well at camp.

We even have a massive costume room, packed to the ceiling with fancy dress, stage makeup, and hilarious props—from fake bloody fingers to giant inflatable chickens, pirate hats, superhero capes, and glitter wigs that defy gravity. It's a treasure trove that sparks laughter, invention, and transformation.

Too often, children’s lives are packed with structured activities and academic goals. There's little time to slow down, look for fairies in the forest, or pretend to be a wizard stirring potions in the mud kitchen. At Camp Mákemáke, we make time for all of that—because we believe it’s not just charming, but essential.

Here, children are free to invent stories, become wild characters, and explore who they are—without pressure, and without screens. They can be silly, serious, magical, mischievous, or anything in between.

Because childhood is short. The magic doesn’t last forever—but while it’s here, we believe it should be lived fully, wildly, and with a little sparkle in the air.At Camp Mákemáke, we make space for that kind of magic—because it’s what childhood is meant to feel like.