The summer camps we know today in Spain have their roots in the nineteenth century. One of the most interesting chapters in that history was written in Granada, with the so-called Granada children’s colonies: a pioneering initiative that changed the way outdoor education for children was understood. Here we look at their origin, their key figures and why they remain a point of reference.
From School Colonies to Modern Camps
The success of summer camps, known at the time as summer colonies, was what prompted the Minister of Public Works to declare them a publicly recognised educational initiative in 1892. This was an important development that encouraged civil and political associations at the end of the nineteenth century to put similar initiatives into practice.
The Origin: The Real Sociedad Económica Competition
It was in the city of Granada that one of the most interesting initiatives emerged, when La Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País organised a competition inviting participants to debate and submit ideas on how school colonies could be established in Granada. The aim of the debate was to encourage the initiative and generate new ideas for implementing children’s colonies.
Berta Wilhelmi and Spain’s First Mixed-Gender Camp
The competition was won by Berta Wilhelmi, who subsequently directed the Granada camp. This camp gave rise to another initiative: the establishment of the first mixed-gender camp in Spain. At the time all camps were separated by sex, but from that moment on it was observed that children’s behaviour improved when camps were held together rather than separately.
9 Boys and 9 Girls
The first colony involved nine boys and nine girls who travelled to the site and enjoyed 26 days of excursions and various outdoor activities.
Healthy Habits
The first camp aimed to help participants develop healthy habits and important values such as respect for property, order, a love of work, teamwork and learning to be supportive across genders.
Goals Achieved
According to the records from Berta Wilhelmi’s memoir, these goals were met and the campers were able to spend different days learning and developing new values.
A Legacy That Continues
In summary, the origin of the Granada children’s colonies began at the end of the nineteenth century, the result of the city’s own initiatives and in particular of individuals like Berta Wilhelmi. In the years that followed, the Granada summer camps were held every year and their growth was unstoppable.
Today, what began as the Granada children’s colonies represents all the children’s summer camps held in Granada and across the rest of the country. Year after year, during the holiday periods, it is remarkable to see the number of children and young people willing to continue their learning, enjoying making new friends and having fun in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions About the History of Summer Camps
When were summer camps officially recognised in Spain?
The Minister of Public Works declared summer colonies a publicly recognised educational initiative in 1892. From that moment, civil and political associations extended them throughout the country.
What were the Granada children’s colonies?
One of the first structured camp initiatives in Spain, arising from the competition held by the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País of Granada. Berta Wilhelmi led the project.
Why were they pioneering?
Because they introduced Spain’s first mixed-gender camp, a decision that was groundbreaking in the nineteenth century and was based on the observation that behaviour and learning improved in mixed groups.
How long did those first camps last?
The first Granada colony lasted 26 days, with excursions and outdoor activities. A longer duration than most of today’s camps (which typically run for 10 to 14 days).
What values did they aim to instil?
Respect for property, order, a love of work, teamwork and solidarity between boys and girls. Many of those values remain at the pedagogical heart of modern summer camps.
From Those Early Colonies to Today’s Summer
Natuaventura’s camps carry on that tradition of outdoor education with July turns for ages 6 to 17.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
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