Casalet (rural day Camp)

Two weeks to discover oneself, take care of oneself, create, and grow surrounded by nature

For two weeks this summer, Lighthouse has offered Casalet*, a program aimed at children aged 9 to 12 with a clear objective: “I discover myself, I take care of myself.”

Casalet was established to encourage self-awareness, self-discovery, and self-compassion, guiding each participant to delve into their own being, recognize their feelings, understand their needs, and learn how to care for themselves with respect.

At the same time, we understand that personal growth doesn’t happen in isolation. At Lighthouse, we place great value on the communal aspect of learning: on connecting with others, on the opportunity to hear about different experiences, to learn from others’ knowledge, and to discover different ways of feeling, thinking, and living in the world. We believe that the group is a space for mutual learning, where each girl contributes something unique and, at the same time, finds in others new perspectives that enrich her own way of seeing the world.

For this reason, one of the pillars of Casalet has been the creation of a group based on trust, where every member can feel respected, heard, and valued; express herself freely; share her concerns; ask questions; make mistakes; and learn without fear of being judged. Feeling welcomed by the group fosters self-esteem, strengthens the sense of belonging, and allows each girl to find her own voice while also learning to listen, care for others, and be transformed by the experiences of her peers.

* In Catalonia, “Casal” is a term that refers to a community, educational, and recreational space or program designed for children and youth, typically held during school vacations. It is a daytime social gathering that lasts several days and, depending on its objectives, combines games, workshops, field trips, and outdoor activities. In this case, Lighthouse uses the diminutive “Casalet” to emphasize its small size in terms of the number of participants.

Nature has been much more than just the setting for Casalet; it has been a true partner in learning. Surrounded by pine forests, leafy paths, thickets, aromatic plants, and warm, earthy soil, the girls have spent each day immersed in birdsong, herbal scents, the buzzing of insects, and the constant fluttering of butterflies that filled the landscape with life. This vibrant and ever-changing environment has been part of their daily experience, inviting them to observe closely, awaken their curiosity, and connect with the rhythm of nature. Every walk, every observation, and every moment of play or creativity outdoors has become an opportunity to pause, listen, explore, and let themselves be surprised. This daily contact with nature has fostered curiosity, creativity, and emotional well-being, offering a different, more leisurely, and mindful pace that invites them to observe attentively and to connect with themselves and with others.

Nature has also been a source of inspiration for artistic projects, sparking the imagination and reminding us that, just as ecosystems thrive thanks to diversity and mutual care, we as people also flourish when we feel part of an environment that welcomes and cares for us.

In addition, Casalet has incorporated participatory research, and the group has delved into exploring Transformative Communication, offering tools so that the girls can express their ideas and emotions, develop empathy, strengthen healthy relationships, and learn strategies for the peaceful resolution of conflicts or tense situations.

Art has been one of Casalet’s primary languages. Beyond learning new techniques, using a variety of materials, or creating artworks, it has served as a tool for thinking, feeling, exploring, and communicating. Through various artistic activities, the participants have been able to explore complex themes creatively, delve deeper into their inner worlds, and find new ways to express what is sometimes difficult to put into words. The creative process has allowed them to connect emotions, experiences, and ideas; ask questions; imagine multiple answers; and discover that there is no single way to view or interpret reality. Sharing their creations with the group has also opened up spaces for dialogue and active listening, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves and others. At Lighthouse, we view art as a catalyst for personal and collective transformation: a space where imagination, reflection, and sensitivity intertwine to generate new learning and strengthen the ability to view the world with curiosity, empathy, and a critical spirit.

We continue to believe that art, nature, and participation are powerful tools that can support people’s holistic development. Over these two weeks, we’ve shared much more than just activities. We’ve created a space where every participant has been able to feel heard, recognized, and supported—a space to discover themselves, nurture their relationship with themselves, with others, and with the world around them, while creating, imagining, and growing as a community.

Lighthouse is convinced that the experiences that truly transform are those that spark questions, build confidence, and inspire people to continue exploring the world—and themselves—with curiosity, sensitivity, and hope.