My Child Doesn’t Speak English — Will They Be Okay at Camp Mákemáke?

Yes — they will be more than okay.

At Camp Mákemáke, we work with kids from many different language backgrounds, including those who speak little or no English. Most of our campers are Chilean and speak Spanish with each other throughout the day. That’s normal, and it’s completely fine with us.

We don’t expect kids to speak English to enjoy camp or to be part of the group. Language isn’t a requirement for participation — and it’s certainly not a requirement for having a good time.

What Makes Camp Mákemáke Work for Non-English Speakers?

Most Campers Speak Spanish

Because most of our campers are from Chile, Spanish is the most commonly spoken language at camp. For Spanish-speaking children, this usually means they’ll find it easy to connect with other kids right away.

If your child speaks another language and not much Spanish or English, we’ll support them too. Our counselors are used to working with multilingual groups and finding ways to communicate clearly — whether through gestures, examples, or one-on-one help.

Small Tent Groups with Supportive Counselors

Every camper is part of a tent group, with dedicated counselors who stay with them throughout the session. These counselors are trained to support kids with different language needs and to help them feel included — even if they’re not speaking the same language fluently.

We focus on creating an environment where kids feel safe, respected, and understood, regardless of how much English they know.

Activities That Don’t Rely on Language

A lot of what happens at camp doesn’t require talking. Kids are building, exploring, cooking, hiking, making things with their hands. Instructions are usually shown, not just spoken. Counselors demonstrate and guide campers through each activity.

Kids who are quiet or uncertain at first often become active participants just by watching and joining in — without needing to say much at all.

If You’re Still Unsure

It’s completely normal to feel unsure about sending your child into a new environment, especially if they don’t speak the main language. But the truth is, we’ve seen this work — again and again.

Kids who start off nervous, shy, or unsure often leave camp more confident, connected, and proud of themselves — not because they learned English, but because they were part of something that didn’t require them to.

You Don’t Need to Translate Your Child to Fit In

We don’t expect campers to speak English. We don’t ask them to change how they communicate. We meet them where they are, and we support them from there.

Camp Mákemáke is a place where kids from all backgrounds can be themselves, connect through shared experiences, and enjoy being part of a group — no language required.

If you have questions, we’re happy to talk in Spanish or another language you’re comfortable with. Just reach out — we’re here to help.