A Parent’s Perspective: Summer Camp 2025

“Momma, we want Valley Camp to last forever!!! Can it?!”

My boys 9 and 7 were beyond excited to tell me about the adventures, the fun games, the funny and kind leaders, and their new friends every day, as soon as they were picked up from the gates of Valley Camp.

“Can you come late so we can play longer with our friends?”  My guys did not want the time with the team and new buddies to end. “No guys, I’m sorry, the team needs to get home after a long day, but we’ll schedule time to get together with friends. I’m so glad you guys had such a great day!”

Legit guided rock climbing, ancestral bread making, cultural dances, natural dye making, and of course, the adventure parts, hiking, camping, and learning how to pack a bag to be prepared for a day on the mountain—Valley Camp touched on so many things to keep a range of kids with many personalities engaged, included and inspired.

I love that Valley Camp doesn’t dismiss the natural physical energy that so many kids have innately. They celebrate it, envigorate it, and channel it into fun activities guided by caring and observant leaders with many different personalities. There wasn’t a stifling movement or natural questioning. Fresh air, time to run, natural creativity, and an active lifestyle were encouraged. 

I’ve been here living in the Sacred Valley for over a decade observing Cole (Valley Camp’s Executive Director) and her team with admiration and respect. We recently returned after a 3-year stint in the High Jungles. This was the first opportunity for my boys to participate and connect socially in the well-organized, incredibly well thought through and adventurous camp for kids ages 6-12.

I was amazed by the training of their varied leaders in mindfulness (breathwork, listening, and stretching), ecological connection (seeing old native forested areas), and multiple languages to connect to the amazing cross-cultural kids who participated.

Honoring kids' natural curiosity and freedom matched with the need for some structure and guidance, Valley Camp seemed to have a bit for everyone whether it was “futbol” time for the sporty kids, crafts for the artistic, visits to museums like Inkari, or field trips up the mountain for my adventure boys.

The kids got to visit a native plant sanctuary of sorts to see what the whole valley used to look like with pisonay trees, fruit trees, and native soil regenerators like molle, tara, and other Peruvian trees from the area. 

They were taught to respect and care

for each other and nature.

In a world full of division and otherness this place was a safe haven where varied worlds could connect as sweet innocent kids. Valley Camp was able to bring in a range of socioeconomic levels and cultures with its scholarships, support, and funding for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate due to financial constraints.

Kids from villages of the highlands like Patacancha in their colorful original clothes, speaking Quechua and Spanish were welcomed as they learned some of the new guidelines for a structured camp, like waiting patiently in line to wash hands.  Meanwhile, kids fresh from modernized Western nations came in to disconnect from screens and classrooms to get plunged into time in the sun walking up old sacred mountains (apus). Lots of expat/extranjero and local Peruvian kids came together, and my boys said that some of their friends even spoke French, German, and Portuguese.

Making these adventures and new opportunities available to all was one of the most moving parts of the lived values of Valley Camp. In a land where Ayni (reciprocity, giving back, and harmonious exchange) is still lived, the leadership does an amazing job in being a living example of this profound value by giving back to the land by giving children a direct relationship with Pachamama (nature), Papa Inti (sun) and Wayra Fresca (fresh air). It gives back to the local community and gives back to the families here knowing that our kids are loved, cared for, and seen as they are.

I personally felt moved to give back, not only because we were a recipient of the scholarship as we hit hard financial times, but because I saw how necessary this place is for our children and for the Valley itself.  

I would like Valley Camp to find good gear, ongoing financial support and practical things like a washing machine so they can wash sleeping bags and donated backpacks for those who can’t afford them. I hope that the Sacred Valley community, the backpacking community, the families, and the world at large get behind this incredible project.

Megan Youngmee - Feb 28, 2025