May 7, 2025

Educational Camps vs Recreational Camps: Which Option to Choose?

As summer approaches, many families face the decision of where to enroll their children. Among the variety of options available, two types stand out: educational camps and recreational camps. While both promise fun and learning, they have different approaches.

If you're looking for educational camps in Mexico, this article will help you choose the best option based on your child's interests and needs.

What Are Educational Camps?

An educational camp is much more than games and activities. These programs are designed to develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills through meaningful experiences.

At places like Camp Santa Úrsula, this type of camp includes thematic workshops, hands-on classes, and structured activities to foster:

Critical thinking
Creativity
Problem-solving
Leadership
Collaboration

Educational camps in Mexico are on the rise because they combine fun with learning, which is perfect for parents who want to invest in their child's holistic development.

What Are Recreational Camps?

On the other hand, recreational camps primarily aim for entertainment and physical enjoyment. They are ideal for children to de-stress, release energy, and enjoy free time in a supervised environment.

Some common activities include:

Sports
Pools
Outdoor games
Contests
Nighttime adventures

While they also encourage camaraderie and interaction, the focus is not on formal education but on emotional and sensory experiences.

What Are the Benefits of an Educational Camp?

The benefits of an educational camp are numerous and long-term:

Better academic performance: Children exposed to new topics and ways of learning return with increased motivation.
Higher personal security: By solving challenges on their own, they build self-esteem.
Greater social and environmental awareness: Activities like gardening, recycling, or debates promote responsibility.
Stimulation of logical and creative thinking.

At Santa Úrsula, for example, we offer workshops on science, artistic expression, ecological awareness, and more, all within a safe and fun environment.

And What Are the Advantages of Recreational Camps?

Recreational camps also have plenty to offer:

Stress reduction: Perfect after an intense school year.
Encouragement of physical activity
Relaxed socialization
Fun without pressure: In a freer environment, children connect with their spontaneous side.

Recreational camps are a great option for younger children or those having their first camp experience.

The ideal is to find hybrid camps, like those offered by Santa Úrsula, where learning is combined with recreation, resulting in a balanced experience.

What Does Camp Santa Úrsula Offer?

At Camp Santa Úrsula, we combine the best of both worlds. We are pioneers in educational camps in Mexico, offering unique activities such as:

Leadership, art, and ecology workshops
Sports and recreational activities
Go-kart tracks, zip lines, rappelling, and more
Hands-on classes and purpose-driven games
24/7 medical attention and safety protocols

And all this within a safe natural environment, with personalized supervision and a community that inspires values.

Additionally, we offer other programs, including:

School Camp: Ideal for academic trips organized by schools.
Workshops: Seasonal, specific experiences.
Meetings and Events: Family or corporate events with a recreational focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age for attending an educational camp?
From 7 years old. Our programs are designed for children aged 7 to 15.

Do educational camps also include games and recreation?
Of course! The difference is that every activity has a pedagogical purpose behind it.

Can I choose only workshops or only physical activities?
At Santa Úrsula, there are mixed options, but there are also sessions focused on specific workshops.

What if my child has no previous experience?
Our instructors are trained to guide them from day one. Many first-time campers end up returning every year.

Conclusion: Choose an Experience That Transforms

Choosing between educational or recreational camps doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. Nowadays, there are programs that integrate both options to offer your child a complete, safe, and enriching experience.

At Camp Santa Úrsula, we understand that every child is unique, which is why we offer a hybrid and personalized approach that combines education, play, and values.

Want to give your child an unforgettable experience this summer?
Learn more about all our options and secure their spot today at: https://www.campsantaursula.com

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What our campers think

“From the reception area everything is excellently well maintained, my daughter has had one of the best experiences, since her first day she felt taken care of.”

Liliana S.

Mama Camper

“My son was super happy!! He came out telling me that it was better than Disney! And that he wants to come back next year.”

Gabriela E.

Mama Camper

“The arrival at the camp was very interactive and they made sure that the boys and girls would relax and feel at home. The office service is always attentive and very quick to respond.”

Begoña

Mama Camper

“The place is beautiful and every activity is safe. The food and desserts taste great. My son returned very happy to have gone and he had a great time.”

Álvaro S.

Papa Camper

“The camp met our expectations one hundred percent! My youngest son was happy all 15 days and doesn't hesitate to return next year. He learned to be more independent.”

Veronica M.

Mama Camper

Frequently Asked Questions about the camp

We answer all your questions!

What is the age range for children to sign up for camp?

In the Camps we only welcome boys and girls from 7 to 15 years of age.

Who takes care of the children?

The children are cared for by an instructor and an assistant, together with instructors specialized in various activities and camp managers who are on the lookout for all campers.

If my child goes with a friend can they be together?

Yes, as long as the children are the same age and both they and the parents agree. Although we can't commit to more than 3 campers on the same team.

Do the rooms or cabins have their own bathrooms?

The vast majority of rooms or cabins have their own bathroom.

Do you help young children bathe and dress?

No, we ask that you consider that children should be independent in activities such as bathing, dressing, combing their hair, going to the bathroom and taking care of their things. Instructors are waiting, but cannot take care of each child individually.

How is communication with children? Can we talk to them?

Calls are not allowed. The communication is through messages on the camp page, delivered daily at breakfast time or the first activity in the morning. Children respond to these messages in letters that are taken photos and sent to the parents' emails.

If my child is carrying medications, how do they manage them?

We have medical staff who administer medications. Parents should write down the information in the registry and hand in medications when leaving their children at the camp.

What do you do in case of an accident? Do they warn us?

The protocols are followed. In case of minor injuries, there is no warning so as not to worry parents. There's a paramedic in the camp. In more serious cases, parents are contacted before taking the child to the hospital.

Do you have any health insurance?

Yes, we have accident insurance that covers up to $150,000.00.

How safe is the camp? Do you have any systems in place?

The camp is safe, with measures such as electric fences, closed circuit television, among others.

What are the foods like? Can you briefly describe what they eat?

Breakfast: Fruits, juices, smoothies, milk, cereal, eggs, beans, chilaquiles, waffles, hot cakes, sweet bread.
Food: Salads, vegetables, soup, cream, chicken, fish, beef or pork, flavored waters and dessert.
Dinner: Salad, cereal, sweet bread, pizzas, club sandwiches, muffins, milk, flavored water, tacos.
Refreshments (mid-morning and mid-afternoon): Flavoured water, fruit, vegetables, whole wheat crackers, sandwiches, wraps, popsicles, jellies, and so on.

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