Learning to care for the natural environment is one of the most valuable things a child can take away from a summer camp. It is not an isolated workshop: environmental education is learnt by living it, on a mountain hike, during a swim in a natural pool or on a night spent outdoors under the stars. In this article we look at how environmental education works at camps and which ones in the Natuaventura catalogue have the strongest focus on nature.
Environmental education: learning the environment from within
Environmental education is not a formal lecture but a set of habits, observations and shared experiences. At a summer camp it translates into three basic strands: respect for the environment (leaving no trace, not disturbing wildlife, waste management), knowledge of the ecosystem (what trees, rivers and wildlife exist in the surroundings) and an emotional connection with nature (so the child wants to care for what they have seen and enjoyed).
Natural settings in the Natuaventura catalogue
Sierra Norte de Madrid
Madrid Multi-Adventure and Sierra Madrid English Camp are based in Manjíron, at a hostel set within 20,000 m² of fenced woodland, with natural pools on the River Sequillo and excursions to the Atazar Reservoir.
Sierra de Gredos
Gredos Multi-Adventure (Hoyos del Collado) and Navarredonda are located deep in the Sierra de Gredos, with natural pools on the River Tormes, the Pozo de las Paredes and routes through forest and mountain.
River Tormes
Navatormes English Camp, alongside the River Tormes in Navarredonda de Gredos, accommodation in tipis. English immersion with nature as a permanent classroom.
Cuenca Highlands
Cuenca Multi-Adventure in Casillas de Ranera, with a river swimming area, natural pools and the highland scenery of Cuenca province.
Parque Natural Font Roja
Finca Daroca in Ibi (Alicante), close to the Parque Natural de la Font Roja and the Sierra de Mariola. A combination of inland countryside and two beach days on the coast.
Cantabrian coast
Santander Surf (10 days and fortnight) at Albergue Montecorona, with La Maruca beach 10 minutes away. Marine environmental education and respect for the ocean as central themes.
How environmental education works day to day
Guided hiking routes: identifying trees and plants, observing wildlife, following footpath guidelines. Every route is a practical lesson.
Swimming in natural pools and rivers: learning to swim in living water, respecting aquatic wildlife, leaving no food remains or plastic. Caring for water as a resource.
Bivouac and nights outdoors: at Gredos and Navarredonda, overnight outings that teach participants to pitch and strike camp without leaving a trace.
Themed workshops: recycling, crafts with natural materials, identifying tracks and signs, stargazing in areas of low light pollution.
Daily habits: waste separation in the dining room, responsible water use in the showers, turning off lights. Four meals a day from an in-house kitchen with home-cooked food, where respect for food is also practised.
Frequently asked questions
Is one camp more focused on nature than another?
All the mountain camps (Gredos, Navarredonda, Navatormes, Cuenca) have a strong environmental education focus. Sierra Norte de Madrid and Daroca also work within their own settings. Santander Surf adds a marine dimension.
Is it safe to swim in a river or natural pool?
Yes, in supervised areas and with activity leaders present. The natural pools on the River Sequillo, the River Tormes and at Cuenca are established swimming spots with supervision.
Do they actually learn something specific about flora and fauna?
It depends on the camp, but guided hikes usually include identifying local species (holm oaks, pines, oaks, birds of prey, amphibians). The learning is experiential rather than academic.
What if my child is a city kid who has never been to the mountains?
This is one of the profiles that benefits the most. Activity leaders work through the first contact with nature calmly and, within a few days, children move confidently through hikes and natural environments.
Do these lessons stick when they come home?
Families often report changes in everyday habits: separating waste, turning off lights, interest in family excursions and a desire to go back to the mountains. An emotional connection to a place is what lasts longest.
Learning about nature by living it
Discover Natuaventura’s camps in natural parks, mountain ranges and rivers: real environmental education for all ages.
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