How We Started a Summer Camp from Scratch—and How You Can Be Inspired to Do the Same

Starting a summer camp from scratch is a big undertaking—but with a clear vision, a love for children, and a commitment to nature, simplicity, and joy, it’s absolutely possible. Here’s how we built Camp Mákemáke and what you can learn if you’re thinking of starting your own camp.

1. Start with a Clear Vision

It all began with a simple desire: to create the perfect summer for our own children—a place where they could explore, play, and experience the magic of childhood on an organic farm.

Tip: Define your “why” first. Your vision will guide every decision, from activities to staffing to location.

2. Use What You Already Have

Our home farm in Huencuecho, Maule, became the foundation of the camp. Rolling hills, native forests, blueberry fields, and views of Volcano Descabezado created a natural playground.

Tip: You don’t need a perfect property. Even small spaces can become magical with creative use of nature and outdoor areas.

3. Focus on Games and Simple Fun

Games are central to Mákemáke. Children engage in relay races, scavenger hunts, tug-of-war, and fort-building. These activities spark imagination, encourage teamwork, and remind children that childhood is magical when it’s simple.

Tip: Choose games that are flexible, scalable, and easy to run with minimal equipment.

4. Make it Eco-Conscious

Being on an organic farm allows us to integrate nature into every activity. Campers help harvest blueberries, care for animals, build small garden plots, and explore native plants. Through these hands-on experiences, they learn to respect the environment while having fun.

Tip: Small eco-friendly practices—gardening, composting, or guided nature walks—can make your camp unique and educational.

5. Go Completely Screen-Free

From day one, we banned screens entirely. This allows children to fully immerse themselves in play, exploration, and friendship. Without devices, kids develop social skills, creativity, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Tip: Communicate the screen-free policy clearly to families and provide plenty of engaging alternatives.

6. Build a Strong, Connected Team

We were incredibly fortunate to have a team of friends and colleagues from bilingual schools across Chile, along with educators from Universidad de los Andes, who shared our vision. Their experience, creativity, and energy helped shape activities, routines, and the overall camp experience. Together, we created a seamless, joyful, and safe environment for children to explore, play, and grow.

Tip: Look for people who share your values and vision. Collaboration and trust elevate every aspect of your camp.

7. Keep Improving—and Simplify

We constantly refine the camp. Improvement often means simplifying routines, streamlining logistics, and creating seamless experiences so children can focus on play and exploration.

Tip: Start small. Simplicity ensures better experiences for kids and staff alike.

8. Create Community

Camp is about more than activities—it’s about connection. Kids leave with confidence, friendships, and stories of joyful, nature-filled days. Families feel part of a supportive community.

Tip: Encourage teamwork, shared meals, and collaborative projects to foster bonds.

9. Start Small, Dream Big

We didn’t launch with hundreds of campers or massive infrastructure. We started small, with a clear vision and passion. Over time, Mákemáke has grown while staying true to our values: simplicity, nature, play, magic, screen-free fun, and a strong team.

Tip: Don’t wait for perfection. Start small, learn as you go, and let your vision grow naturally.

Practical Checklist for Starting Your Own Summer Camp

1. Define Your Vision – What is your camp’s purpose and values?

2. Choose Your Location – Use what you have or find a space that inspires exploration.

3. Plan Activities – Focus on simple, flexible, fun, and meaningful games.

4. Integrate Nature – Make eco-conscious practices part of the daily experience.

5. Ban Screens – Create a fully immersive, screen-free environment.

6. Build a Team – Recruit people who share your values and vision; collaboration is key.

7. Streamline Operations – Simplify routines and logistics for a smooth experience.

8. Foster Community – Plan ways for campers, families, and staff to connect.

9. Start Small – Launch with a manageable number of campers and scale organically.

10. Constantly Improve – Evaluate each season and refine activities, schedules, and processes.

The TakeawayStarting a summer camp isn’t just about organizing activities—it’s about creating a space where children can explore, play, connect with nature, rediscover the magic of childhood, and experience a fully screen-free environment, all supported by a dedicated, passionate team.

At Camp Mákemáke, that’s exactly what we did—and it continues to inspire children, families, and educators alike.