ORANJESTAD, Aruba – ATHA Tweens Camp 2026 is giving children between the ages of 8 and 13 a full week of adventure, discovery and social connection through activities organized across different parts of Aruba from August 10 through August 14, 2026.
The camp is organized by Asociacion Trabao di Hubentud na Aruba (ATHA) and is designed to offer participants an active and different kind of school vacation. Rather than keeping children in one fixed location, the program takes them to different environments around the island each day so they can discover Aruba, try new experiences, work together and build friendships.
ATHA explained that children in the “tween” age group often need activities that combine adventure, movement, greater independence and social interaction. For that reason, the organization developed a program that moves beyond the traditional camp format and gives participants a new experience each day.
Throughout the week, participants are taking part in activities that include bus tours around Aruba, kayaking, beach and sea activities, fishing, reef visits, campfires, a visit to a water park and horseback riding. The schedule also includes games and group activities designed to encourage teamwork and participation.
One of the distinctive parts of ATHA Tweens Camp 2026 is the bus tour activity. During the trip, participants stop at different locations where they notice litter along the road. The children then leave the bus and compete to collect the waste.
According to ATHA, this activity continues the impact of the winning Poder di Hubentud 2023 project by introducing new groups of children to the initiative while encouraging them to understand the importance of keeping Aruba clean.
The program places strong emphasis on active participation, responsibility, creativity, teamwork and discovery. ATHA believes that school vacations should offer more than simply keeping children occupied. The organization wants young participants to learn, explore possible new interests and create positive memories.
ATHA’s director explained that the goal is for children to finish the week feeling that they accomplished something they would not normally do. The essence of the camp is to encourage participants to step outside their usual routine, meet new people, explore their island and experience unfamiliar activities in a safe and positive environment.
This year’s edition also features significant community participation. A total of 120 children, 15 youth leaders and 17 adult volunteers are involved in the 2026 program.
Organizing an event of this size requires extensive preparation, coordination and cooperation. ATHA expressed its appreciation to the organizations, companies, professionals, leaders and volunteers who are helping make the activities possible throughout the week.
The involvement of youth leaders and adult volunteers also provides an important support structure for the children, ensuring that participants are guided and supervised during the different activities.
ATHA Tweens Camp 2026 forms part of the organization’s wider commitment to creating opportunities for the development and participation of children and young people in Aruba, particularly during the long school vacation.
Asociacion Trabao di Hubentud na Aruba continues to focus its work on youth development, well-being and participation while creating programs that give children opportunities to learn through experience.
Through the Tweens Camp, ATHA hopes participants will return home with new skills, stronger friendships, greater confidence and a deeper appreciation for the island they live on.
