Different organizations of the Augustinian Recollect Family have organized a series of youth pastoral activities that will take place in different parts of Spain during the summer. During this summer period, which coincides with the months of June, July and August, camps, volunteer work and various training sessions are held with the aim of promoting values of faith, solidarity and community among young people.
The following is an overview of the main activities taking place in different cities in Spain:
1. Navarre: Peace Scout Group Camp
In the heart of the Roncal Valley, specifically in Burgui, has been held for the past 46 years the Camp of the Scout Group of Peace. This summer, from July 1 to 10, about 200 people have participated in this precious experience. The group is composed of 160 scouts, 26 monitors and a kitchen and logistics team of 12 people.
The older scouts (17-18 years old) make a 6-day trek from France to Burgui, covering 110 kilometers. During this journey, they discuss their personality, Christian commitment and service. The 16-17 year-olds make a 5-day trip, traveling between 80 and 90 kilometers, focusing their reflection on volunteerism and religiosity. The 14-15 year olds, with a 4-day journey, deal with the parable of the talents. The youngest ones (9-13 years old) spend one night out and travel between 15 and 25 kilometers, and deal with different topics according to their age.
The group is parochial and follows the Scout methodology with the objective of educating in the faith and Christian values to form critical and socially committed young people. According to José Luis Urriza, pastor of Our Lady of Peace in Pamplona between 1990 and 2001 and from 2013 to the present, about 20% of current scouts are children of former members of the group. Activities include the Sunday Family Scout Mass, which attracts about 300 people, and a youth Mass.
“Leaving the world in better condition than when we entered it.”
The Scout Group Our Lady of Peace is an eminently parochial youth movement, which follows the scout methodology in its educational task, mainly seeksknowledge, respect and development of nature and the human being in all its dimensions. They follow the motto of the founding father of the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell, thebest way to obtain happiness is to make others happy and, as they themselves say, they strive to leave the world in better conditions than when they entered it.
2. Madrid: ARCORES volunteering with Fundación Escuela de Solidaridad in Madrid.
The Solidarity School Foundation (FES)located in one of the most disadvantaged areas of Atarfe, Granada, provides shelter for some 120 socially disadvantaged people. This project, which has been in operation for more than 25 years, creates a family and community environment for mothers with children, immigrant youth and adults at risk, among others.
This summer, from June 24 to July 6,ARCORES organized an urban camp in Madrid with the participation of 67 children, supported by 17 monitors. Of these monitors, four are ARCORES volunteers from the Augustinian school who have collaborated during the year in school support and environmental activities, and two are former students and volunteers from the same school. The children come from Caritas’ Espacio Socio Educativo (ESE) in the parish of Santos Cosme y Damián, and from San Pedro Advíncula, as well as from the Ecologistas and Apoyo Escolar de Santa Irene groups.
The participants in the camp have carried out various activities such as pottery workshops, handicrafts, recycling, gardening and cooking, all with the aim of promoting personal and social development in an atmosphere of fraternity and love.
3. Camp ‘Restless Hearts’ MAR
Since 1988, the summer camp in Monteagudo organized by the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Augustinian Recollect Sisters Augustinian Recollect Missionary Sisters has been a long-awaited tradition for many. This year, from July 4 to 14, the theme of the camp was “Alice in the Land of SEA”. The children enjoyed days full of fun and learning, strengthening community bonds and sharing unforgettable experiences.
Each year, different leisure and free time activities are carried out in an undoubtedly privileged environment.
Among the activities that are practiced are sports, different games and group initiatives, excursions and walks, workshops, evenings, moments of creativity, and spaces for prayer.
4. Training of monitors and camps in Guadalajara
In addition to the usual camps, this year a scape was organized for the teachers of the schools of Granada, Motril and Guadalajara, with the participation of the students of the monitor course. This course, which is held annually, is crucial to train new monitors for the activities and camps.
The summer camps for children organized in the city of Guadajara are divided into three groups: Tagaste (3rd to 6th grade of primary school), Carthage (1st to 2nd year of secondary school) and Milan (3rd year of secondary school to 1st year of high school) and for a few weeks they carry out different activities including sports, group dynamics, excursions and moments of prayer.
