The programme comprises camps, summer camps, formation courses, technology camps, international exchanges, activities centred on the Itinerary of Education in the Faith (IEF), and more… It is estimated that the Salesian Summer initiatives will attract more than 20,500 participants. One of the cornerstones of Salesian Summer is the commitment of around 3,700 young leaders and Salesians. Following a training programme, they devote a significant part of their holidays to organising activities and supporting groups. Their work is entirely voluntary and constitutes one of the largest youth volunteering networks linked to the educational and pastoral sectors in Spain.
Camps, training and the National Campobosco
The aim is to provide spaces for leisure and free time in a Salesian environment with a variety of options: urban summer camps and summer activities at the centres themselves allow for more local participation. Countryside camps bring participants into closer contact with nature. The camps organised as part of the Faith Education Programme (IEF) mark the end of the academic year. During the summer months, the young leaders also take part in training programmes, such as courses to obtain qualifications as youth leaders or leisure coordinators.
From 31 July to 8 August, Turin will host the National Campobosco: a gathering of young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (MJS in Spanish) from across Spain and Portugal at the sites where Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello lived. This biennial gathering brings together young leaders from Salesian youth centres, with around 700 expected to attend this year. Under the motto ‘We follow in your footsteps’, the young participants aim to renew their commitment to following the example of Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello and the many educators who dedicated their lives to young people.
Local and global solidarity
Solidarity is also a key part of Salesian Summer, with both local and international initiatives. One of the most special experiences is missionary volunteering. Around a hundred young adults will travel to countries in Africa and Latin America to support the Salesian works in these regions. Destinations include Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Peru and Angola, amongst others. This activity is organised by the Salesian provinces in Spain and the organisations Salesian Missions, Youth and Development, and Bosco Global.
In addition to schools, parishes and youth centres, during the summer the Salesian Social Platforms maintain their commitment to vulnerable children and young people through camps, urban holiday camps, pilgrimages and other educational leisure activities.
These initiatives combine the work of professionals with the involvement of volunteers, many of whom were themselves participants in these very socio-educational programmes years ago. Furthermore, beyond these one-off activities, regular support continues in residential facilities, social and labour market integration programmes, and other socio-educational initiatives.
The Salesian Summer continues
The Salesian Summer once again turns the holiday period into an opportunity to learn, live together, grow and share with others. It is an initiative that, every year, brings together thousands of young people who are convinced that free time can also be a special opportunity for education and engagement.
You can follow the activities on social media using the hashtag #VeranoSalesiano. Further information is available on the following websites:
Maria Auxiliadora Province: https://verano.salesianos.edu/
St James the Greater Province: https://www.salesianos.es/verano-salesiano/
CampoBosco Nacional: https://pastoraljuvenil.es/campobosco/
Source: Salesianos.info
{gallery}Spagna – Verano Salesiano 2026{/gallery}
