By Natz Vieira
With the arrival of 2026, my fourth year at Tinkuy began, and with it, a new challenge: guiding the Explorer tribe while Yass was on maternity leave.
When Inés and Yass first proposed that I take on this role in early November 2025, I received the news with great excitement. I felt it reflected a deep trust in me. But I was also very honest with them: I was afraid.
“Afraid of what?” Inés asked.
I told her that I was afraid of facing challenging situations I hadn’t experienced before: moments of frustration or dynamics I had only observed in my daily interactions with Pumas. Maybe it was fear of the unknown. Fear of stepping outside my comfort zone.
At the same time, that fear was balanced by the excitement of taking on a new challenge.
For several years I’ve been guiding visual arts workshops in different spaces, but I had never worked directly with children in the Explorer age range. I was stepping into something new and, as often happens, that can bring uncertainty and doubt. After all, it’s always easier to remain where we already feel confident and experienced.
As I write this, I think about the Pumas and how, day after day, I see them face their own fears and step outside their comfort zones. It’s impossible not to feel connected to that.
Learning through observation
That’s how my Apprenticeship in Explorer began. Mainly on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I carefully observed Yass in her daily routine: her interactions with the Pumas and the way she navigated different situations.
Little by little, I began to participate more: helping Pazita fall asleep, joining snack time, or going to the park together. Up until that point, everything felt quite calm.
Then the end-of-year break arrived, and when we returned we began the Summer Camp. I became more involved, supporting the activities alongside Yassira.
Gradually, we were moving closer to the moment when I would guide Explorer myself. I trusted that February would be a gradual transition, with Yass still present, and everything as we carefully planned it.
But things didn’t unfold that way. As we all know, Yass’s maternity leave began earlier than expected, and the plan had to evolve.
Discovering new routines
Since February 16, I’ve been guiding the Explorer Studio with great enthusiasm, full of energy and with a willingness to learn and unlearn.
In my fellow guides, I find valuable references, as well as the listening and support I need whenever questions arise. To them, my gratitude.
I also see growing confidence in the Pumas, Paz and Matilda, every day.
The excitement of finding their photos in their lockers and on the hooks where they hang their lunch bags. Arriving and taking off their shoes, following the step-by-step process of washing their hands, and gradually recognizing familiar routines. Matilda’s company while Pazita begins to feel sleepy.
Little by little, there is more interaction between them and with the Spark tribe.
Matilda already has a few favorite books: Mateo Dresses Himself and Luana Goes to Sleep.
And together with Paz, we’ve discovered that they enjoy having a moment to dance and try out different instruments.
Step by step
We also have some plans: painting a sun and a moon to place on the studio wall, and adding a tactile board with different objects for another open space.
Slowly and calmly, we keep moving forward.
I close this blog with gratitude to the Mapaches for their trust. Guiding the Pumas at this stage is also an opportunity to keep learning, to observe carefully, and to grow alongside them in this adventure that is just beginning.
