Growing Away From Home: Between Nostalgia and Growth

At the heart of every great summer camp in Mexico lies a unique opportunity for children and teens to grow, explore their independence, and face emotional challenges that turn into valuable life lessons. At Camp Santa Úrsula, we understand that personal development often comes hand in hand with homesickness, conflict, and inner discovery. Our goal isn’t just to entertain — it’s to support this transformation with empathy, structure, and care.

Preparing Emotionally for the Camp Experience

Leaving home can be difficult, especially for first-time campers spending several days or weeks away from their family. At our camp in San Luis Potosí, we’ve seen how homesickness — while natural — can become a powerful tool for emotional growth.

Talking with your child before camp about what it feels like to miss home can help them feel emotionally prepared. Explain that feeling sad or uncertain doesn’t mean they’re doing anything wrong. It’s a sign they’re adapting and growing. At Camp Santa Úrsula, we promote an environment where all emotions are welcome. Our in-house psychologist, affectionately known as Big Mamá, is always available to help campers process their feelings and adjust to their new environment.

This emotional support is key to creating a nurturing space where children can thrive — even when they miss home.

How You Can Support Your Child from Home

Parents play an essential role before, during, and after the camp experience. Here are some helpful strategies you can share with your child:

• Talk to your instructor or team assistant if you feel sad.
• Bring a small comforting object from home, like a photo or letter.
• Remember that homesickness usually fades after the first few days.

These small tools, along with the warm environment of a camp focused on emotional development, help children feel secure and supported as they adjust.

Conflict, Community, and Emotional Intelligence

In a place filled with dynamic activities like supervised rock climbing and rappelling, water activities for kids, and extreme adventures for teens, it’s normal for occasional disagreements to occur. But rather than seeing conflict as something negative, we treat it as an opportunity to build life-long skills: communication, empathy, and peaceful problem-solving.

Some things you can say to your child before camp:

• “If something bothers you, take a deep breath before responding.”
• “Ask for help from a counselor or assistant if you need support.”
• “Try to understand the other person’s point of view.”

As a camp focused on teamwork and leadership, we help campers grow not just as individuals, but as part of a community.

Independence, Responsibility, and Self-Discovery

A camp with outdoor activities is the perfect setting for children and teens to practice independence and responsibility. From packing their bags to organizing their schedule, following the rules, and taking care of their belongings, every small task becomes a step toward personal empowerment.

Before camp begins, you can:

• Explore the camp schedule together
• Read the rules and guidelines as a family
• Encourage small responsibilities at home to boost self-confidence

After camp, celebrate their progress. Ask what they learned, what challenges they overcame, and what new abilities they discovered. Recognition helps solidify their confidence and encourages continued growth.

A Safe and Stimulating Environment

At Camp Santa Úrsula, safety is a top priority. As a camp with 24/7 supervision, we offer first-class facilities, balanced meals, and a highly trained team to support every stage of your child’s development.

Campers also enjoy enriching activities such as:

• Creative and experiential workshops
• Go-karts and motor sports
• Nighttime programs and games
• Nature exploration
• Environmental education and sustainability

These experiences, paired with strong emotional guidance, make us not just a camp, but a values-driven, internationally inspired space for growth.

Beyond Summer: Programs That Last a Lifetime

Our commitment to growth extends beyond summer vacation. Camp Santa Úrsula also offers:

• School and year-end camps
• Family reunions and private events
• Corporate retreats and team building experiences

Each experience is guided by the same philosophy: empathy, personal growth, leadership, and true human connection. Because growing away from home is easier when you feel at home.

Talking openly with your children about homesickness, conflict, and responsibility helps them make the most of the summer camp experience. At Camp Santa Úrsula, we combine fun, emotional growth, and character-building. Because some of the biggest lessons in life happen when we’re far from home.