By Ines Kudo
On Tuesday I had our regular meeting with the Mapache leaders: ten moms and dads who generously give their time to serve the community, to walk alongside and encourage other Mapaches on their own journey, and to help me in the mission of supporting and equipping all our families.
The question I brought to the table was simple: What do you appreciate about Family Day, and how could we make the experience even better?
The answers I got were much deeper than I expected. They did not just talk about logistics or activities. They spoke about what they love and admire in our community.
One of the points that stood out most was the top notch organization of the Spark families. They brought pop-up canopies, tablecloths, solar lights, a full-on buffet criollo and even created committees to take care of their breakfast, dishes, the grill, and the trash. One mom explained that this came from a previous outing where a few people ended up doing all the work and could not enjoy themselves. Inspired by their own Pumas, they even set up a “peace table” to resolve that conflict, and since then they have divided the tasks into committees.
Beyond the organization, they highlighted the magic of the spontaneous sharing that happened among everyone. Even though each family handled their own logistics and meals, the circular arrangement of the tents with the tables in the center encouraged connection, laughter, and shared moments. One mom shared that she saw this moment as a turning point in our community, bringing families from different studios closer together and changing how we interact in other events and celebrations.
At night, the celebration took on a life of its own. Food and drinks blended together in a single space, lit by strings of lights and accompanied by dance music. Between laughter, closeness, and generosity, the atmosphere turned into a party that no one expected. The next day, those of us who stayed after lunch gathered all the leftovers from the grill and from the day before, and turned it into an improvised buffet, balanced and delicious.
Meanwhile, the Pumas made the most of their freedom to explore. They were thrilled crossing the river, getting their socks wet, gathering branches for the bonfire, and losing themselves in games and adventures. One of the most memorable moments, the leaders mentioned, was when a few dads invited some Pumas on a nighttime walk with flashlights. What began as a small invitation quickly became a line of 25 explorers eager for adventure under the stars.
And then came the most genuine concerns of Mapaches who want the best for their children and for everyone:
Can we take the competitiveness down a peg? Maybe hold space for the younger ones to play, even if they lose?
Could we agree not to bring tablets or give smartphones, so the Pumas are not isolated in a tent with screens when a whole field is waiting for them outside?
Would it be better to organize ourselves around a single grill and caja china instead of dividing into groups?
How can we share more with the guides before they head back at the end of the day?
Suddenly, the conversation turned into pure enthusiasm: planning the menu, finding favorite providers, coming up with logistical ideas, and even offering emotional support to those who heartily dislike camping but still do it out of love for their children and the community.
For me, all of this reflects what the path of building community in Tinkuy really is. It is not only about organizing nice events, but about creating a space where families feel they belong, where every voice is heard, and where each person’s gifts are put in service to the whole.
Family Day and Family Camp are only in their third year, but they have already become a tradition. They are not just isolated activities on the calendar. They are milestones in the journey of our families, moments that remind us we are not alone, that raising and accompanying our children can be lighter and richer when we do it together.
Building community is a journey in its own right. And every conversation like the one we had on Tuesday confirms for me that we are weaving, step by step, a stronger and stronger network, capable of holding us and celebrating us in every stage.