The Origins of Summer Camps in Spain

Summer camps, which were originally called school colonies, date back to the distant 19th century. This means that in Spain summer camps have been operating for more than 150 years, welcoming programmes for children and young people throughout the country. From the very beginning, summer camps have included non-academic educational programmes that have formed an important part of core education in Spain.

Since the origins of summer camps in Spain are quite distant, we can well imagine the enormous number of campers who have been shaped by them. Surely millions of people — perhaps including yourself — have been able to enjoy the teaching, training and fun that characterises them.

The first summer camp held in Spain on record took place in 1887. This first camp was held in San Vicente de la Barquera and was attended by 18 participants.

That camp in Spain was organised by Manuel Bartolomé Cossío, who at the time was a prominent member of the ILE. The aim of the activities and the camp itself was essentially the same as the aim of camps today: leisure education, holistic development and personal self-knowledge.

When we think about the reasons that led the members of the ILE to begin developing these initiatives — which subsequently became the origin of summer camps in Spain — we cannot help but argue that the main motivation was to improve the education and hygiene conditions of the children of that era.

In those years, improving the physical situation of children and opening up new horizons for their personal development were some of the key reasons and ideas behind those brave individuals. Indeed, the most disadvantaged urban working classes were those who chiefly benefited from this movement that gave rise to the camps. It is historically well known that, during the height of industrial development, working-class neighbourhoods were kept in very precarious conditions.

This situation drove people such as Manuel Bartolomé Cossío and other members of the ILE to remove the youngest children from that situation, at least for a brief period, by carrying out activities that were unknown to them — such as interaction with nature and various group dynamics — which became a clear objective of the institution.

This movement, which gave rise to summer camps in Spain, was fully consolidated in the country decades later, during the Second Republic: in 1932, across the national territory, 294 colonies were held across 46 provinces, attended by more than 30,000 participants. By that time, summer camps, known as colonies, were already an important part of society.

Thanks to the efforts and initiatives that began in the 19th century, today we have a robust network of camps at national level. Summer camps are now an important part of our society. In them, our children and pupils will be able to learn, live new experiences, improve their social skills and, above all, enjoy themselves in the company of other participants, making contact with nature and experiencing unforgettable moments.

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For more information about all our summer camps in Madrid, write to us at info@natuaventura.es or call us on 91 714 06 36.