Vacations give us the opportunity to pause the rhythm, to breathe, and to reconnect with what truly matters. And this year, we decided to live them differently: by sharing a week full of joy, creativity, and learning alongside sixteen wonderful boys and girls. From July 28 to August 1, 2025, we were part of the “Hearts of Gold” Summer Camp, an unforgettable experience that is part of the program “Every Child Deserves to Dream,” lovingly and wholeheartedly promoted by the Hearts of Gold Foundation.
Every morning, laughter would begin to fill the space even before 9 a.m. Some arrived shyly, others with eyes sparkling with excitement. But all of them, without exception, came with open hearts ready to experience something new. From the very first day, through games and introductions, the spark of connection was felt. Soon, they were no longer a group of unfamiliar children they had become a true team.
The welcome day was full of creativity. With small hands, determined and full of imagination, the children built kites using recycled materials: colorful bags, wooden sticks, fabric scraps, and strong thread. They decorated them with such care that it seemed they were crafting dreams ready to fly. And fly they did: they ran out to the courtyard, and amid laughter and races, they launched their kites into the sky. Víctor, age 10, held his up proudly and shouted: “Look, teacher! Mine’s flying higher than all the others!”
Tuesday was an explosion of art. With paintbrushes, paints, and modeling clay, the children immersed themselves in their ideal worlds. They painted houses with endless gardens, smiling mountains, and people hugging under a clear blue sky. Later, their dreams took shape in clay figures: superheroes, fantastic animals, magical characters… even versions of themselves. In the end, they shared their creations in a small exhibit that overflowed with authenticity. It wasn’t about technique, but about expression opening their souls and feeling seen.
Wednesday was a slower-paced day a journey inward. We began with mindful breathing and yoga exercises guided by Michelle Dávila. Silence became a refuge. The children stretched, breathed, and connected with their bodies and inner calm. Later, during the art therapy session with Tibetan singing bowls and soft music, they drew what they felt. There were no instructions or judgments just paper, colors, and emotions. Jordi, one of the most restless children, finished his drawing and whispered, “I feel good here. I like it when it’s quiet and we’re all drawing without anyone laughing.” That moment of peace became a treasure for many.
On Thursday, the excitement was in the air we were going to cook! Mujeres Creadoras arrived with bags full of flour, yeast, and generous smiles. Each child made their own bread from scratch: they kneaded with enthusiasm, shaped their dough with creativity, and eagerly awaited the final result. At the end, everyone took home a little bag filled with loaves they had made with their own hands, ready to share with their families.
Yamile, holding her bag tightly, smiled and sweetly said, “I made a heart in the bread for my mommy. She’s going to be happy because I did it all by myself.”
For many, that bread was an act of love, a source of pride, and a sign of how capable they are when given the chance
And like all good things, the week came to an end with a very special outing: we went to the movies. For many, it was their first time in a dark theater with a giant screen. The movie was fun, but the most beautiful part was seeing them share, laugh, hug, and promise not to forget what they had experienced. They ate popcorn, took pictures, made jokes… it was a joyful day, but also one with a lump in our throats, because we knew the camp was coming to an end.
A seed of hope
At Hearts of Gold, we believe that every child deserves to dream. And this week, they didn’t just dream they felt heard, creative, and valued. The “Hearts of Gold” Summer Camp was a space where trust, laughter, tenderness, and freedom blossomed.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible. But most of all, thank you to those sixteen little hearts who reminded us that when love is planted, what grows is hope.