ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The ATHA Tweens Camp will return during the August school holiday with five days of educational, recreational and social activities for children.
Asociacion Trabao di Hubentud na Aruba, known as ATHA, will organise the programme from Monday, August 10, through Friday, August 14, 2026.
Activities are scheduled daily from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. ATHA’s official registration form confirms the dates and operating hours.
Camp Designed for Children Aged 8 to 13
The programme is intended primarily for children between eight and 13 years old.
Franchesca Heinze of ATHA said exceptions may be considered for children aged seven or 14, depending on their maturity and developmental level.
The term “tween” generally describes children who are no longer very young but have not yet fully entered their teenage years.
ATHA previously explained that this transitional age can bring specific social and developmental challenges, making activities designed particularly for this group valuable.
Programme Includes Outdoor and Cultural Activities
Participants are expected to take part in a varied programme combining education, recreation and social development.
Planned activities include:
- A bus excursion;
- Activities on the reef;
- Fishing;
- A campfire;
- A visit to the murals in San Nicolas;
- A water park;
- Kayaking;
- Horseback riding.
The final programme and logistical details remain subject to confirmation by ATHA. Its registration page says additional information will be communicated beginning August 6.
Camp Connected to International Youth Day
The programme is being organised around International Youth Day, which is observed annually on August 12.
The United Nations established the observance to increase awareness of issues affecting young people and promote their participation in community and social development.
ATHA plans to recognise the occasion throughout the camp week rather than limiting activities to a single day.
Children Can Learn New Skills
Heinze said the camp is intended to keep children engaged in positive and constructive activities during the school holiday.
The programme will not focus only on entertainment. Activities are also intended to encourage participants to communicate, cooperate and develop new skills.
During the fishing activity, for example, children will receive an introduction to basic fishing techniques.
Other activities are expected to promote teamwork, responsibility, confidence and the ability to interact with children they may not already know.
Bus Trip Includes Community Cleanup Challenge
Environmental responsibility will also form part of the camp programme.
During the bus excursion, participants are expected to join a competition involving the collection of litter along the route.
The activity is intended to encourage children to care for their surroundings while demonstrating that community responsibility can be incorporated into an enjoyable group challenge.
It also connects recreation with a practical contribution to keeping Aruba clean.
Social Development Remains Important
ATHA said one of the camp’s principal objectives is to create opportunities for children to form friendships and develop socially.
Group activities can require participants to listen to one another, divide responsibilities and solve problems together.
The camp environment may also help children become more comfortable interacting with new people while participating in supervised activities outside their regular school setting.
ATHA was founded in 1986 and works to support opportunities, facilities and programmes promoting the cultural, recreational, educational and social development of young people in Aruba.
Registration Available Through ATHA
Parents interested in registering their children should contact ATHA or complete its official Tweens Camp registration process.
The online form currently lists a participation fee of Afl. 175 and requests emergency-contact, medical and insurance information from parents or guardians.
Parents should carefully review all participation conditions and confirm the final programme, transportation arrangements, meeting locations and collection times before the camp begins.
The ATHA Tweens Camp will run from August 10 to 14 and aims to give children an active holiday experience combining friendship, outdoor adventure, learning and community responsibility.
