Every July, when schools pause for the Mid-Year Break, Elif transforms into a place where childhood feels a little more magical. This year's Summer Camp, held from July 13 to 24, welcomed 25 children between the ages of 4 and 11 for two weeks designed around one simple idea: vacation should feel like vacation.
Rather than focusing on academics, the camp encourages children to disconnect from the classroom and spend their days exploring, creating, moving, and making friends. It is an opportunity to enjoy everything Las Catalinas has to offer while experiencing the freedom and excitement that summer memories are made of.
This year's theme was Pirates, and it quickly became the thread that connected the entire experience. From pirate-themed arts and crafts to water games under the Costa Rican sun, every activity invited children to dive into the adventure while giving them plenty of opportunities to laugh, play, and simply enjoy being together.
Each day also introduced something new. Campers practiced yoga, learned acroyoga, danced, tried jiu-jitsu, took surfing lessons, and even enjoyed cooking classes. Special visitors, including local police officers and lifeguards, stopped by to share what they do and spend time with the children, adding another memorable element to the experience.
Of course, July in Costa Rica calls for plenty of water play. Every afternoon included an activity that helped everyone cool off, whether running through the fountains or enjoying games that left every child laughing, soaked, and ready for more.
What makes Elif's Summer Camp truly special, however, is not only the variety of activities. It is the community that forms over the course of two weeks. Children arrived from Elif, CRIA, Journey School, La Paz Community School, local families, and visiting families from abroad. Many had never met before, yet by the end of camp they were playing together as if they had known each other for years.
Watching children from different schools, countries, and backgrounds build friendships so naturally is one of the most rewarding parts of the camp. The activities certainly create excitement, but it is the shared experiences, the laughter, and the time spent together that leave the strongest impression long after the pirate costumes have been packed away.
For everyone involved, this year's Pirate Camp was another wonderful success, filled with adventure, laughter, new friendships, and memories that will stay with these young pirates long after the Mid-Year Break has ended.