Although January brings cold weather and summer feels a long way off, at Natuaventura it is precisely the month when the season kicks off. New year, new camp: we begin devising evening sessions, looking for native speakers for the English-language camps, confirming the surf school in Cantabria, kayaking in the Sierra de Madrid or horse riding in Gredos. This article explains how a summer is prepared from the inside.
January: the month in which summer begins
For families, the camp decision happens in May or June; for us, the preparation starts in January. This is when we design new games, rework the evening sessions that did not quite land the previous year, explore new excursion routes and lock in suppliers for the specialist activities. Everything families see in July has been in the making for six months.
What we are doing right now
Activity leader teams
Open call and selection of activity leaders for all camps. Specific search for native speakers for the English-language camps and technical profiles for the technology camps.
Activity providers
Meetings with the surf school in Cantabria, the kayaking company in the Sierra de Madrid and the horse-riding routes in Gredos. Everything that is not strictly in-house is confirmed before February.
New activities
The activity leader team contributes ideas throughout the year. In January we filter them: those that take shape become the highlight activities of the following summer.
Enrolments and booking
Up-to-date enrolment platform, clear cancellation dates and attention to the first families who book. The most in-demand places go in the early months of the year.
What we improve every year
Communication with families: we review how we inform before, during and after camp. Arrival SMS, calls every 3-4 days, daily social media diary and an office open 10-14h: each year we refine the how.
Adapted menus: coordination with kitchens for allergies, intolerances and coeliac disease. Every new case received is worked on before the fortnight begins.
Ratios and safety: we maintain 1 activity leader per 8 participants and review medical protocols, outings and emergencies with every new season.
Activity programme: we review each schedule to ensure the balance between tradition (Yellow Humour, gymkhana, bivouac) and innovation is maintained edition after edition.
Why booking early matters
Each year more than a thousand participants take part in Natuaventura camps. Some sessions — Villar, Santander Surf Fortnight, the language immersions — fill up in the early months. Booking early is not just a question of price: it is the surest way to secure the camp that truly fits each child.
Frequently asked questions
When do enrolments open for the summer?
Enrolments usually open at the end of the previous year and the majority of places are taken before May. The earlier you book, the more choice you have over session and age group.
Are there early-booking discounts?
Each season we offer specific conditions for early bookings and for siblings. Current conditions are published on each camp information page.
Can I change camp if I book early?
There is scope to change session or camp within available places, subject to the cancellation conditions. The earlier the change is requested, the easier it is to accommodate.
What happens if we cannot go in the end?
Cancellation conditions are detailed in each information sheet: €20 up to 1 March, €100 between 1 March and 15 May, and from 15 May the full amount applies, the same for voluntary and medical reasons.
How do I know which camp suits my child best?
By age, profile (sport, languages, nature, technology), type of accommodation (hostel or tent) and proximity. If you are unsure, our office (open 10-14h) can help you choose based on your specific situation.
Start the year with your place reserved
Browse this summer’s camps: sessions, ages, prices and conditions.
We organise trips for primary, secondary and high school
School Trips
across Spain
alicante madrid barcelona more destinationsCamps from 6 to 17 years old, in different regions of Spain: Alicante, Madrid, Ávila, Cantabria and Cuenca.
summer camps
2026
multiadventure surf english immersion