At the Fundación Rafa Nadal Centers in Palma, Valencia, and Madrid, every summer transforms into a vibrant stage of learning, sports, and fun for children and adolescents facing vulnerability. These Special Summer Schools not only offer a break and a space for healthy entertainment during school holidays but also serve as a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive development and family reconciliation of the participants.
Importance of Special Summer Schools
Fundación Rafa Nadal’s Special Summer Schools play a crucial role in providing children and adolescents with enriching and safe experiences during the vacation period. These activities include not only sports and games but also aim to foster educational, social, and emotional development in each participant. For many of these young individuals, who face challenges in their daily lives, these schools represent an opportunity to step out of their usual environment and explore new skills.
Dates and Participation Numbers
During the period from July 1 to August 11, the Fundación Rafa Nadal Centers cater to a total of 483 children and adolescents: 149 in Madrid, 213 in Palma, and 121 in Valencia. These numbers reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to the community, providing a safe and stimulating environment for participants during the summer vacation.
Activity Planning at Each Center:
Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Madrid: “Explorimpiadas”
In Madrid, the Special Summer School is named “Explorimpiadas,” inspired by the Olympic Games. Throughout the course, children and adolescents have explored different worlds, discovering themselves, meeting their peers, and learning more about the world. This journey culminates in the Explorimpiadas, including an opening ceremony and multiple sports events held every fortnight, concluding with a closing ceremony and awards presentation.
The sports activities are diverse and adapted to provide fun and camaraderie, especially during challenging times for family reconciliation. It promotes the creation of new friendships and participation in unusual activities, allowing children and adolescents to explore new spaces outside their usual environment.
Activities include Olympic and Paralympic sports such as hockey, volleyball, goalball, and indoor rock climbing. Educational activities related to creating sports equipment and board games are also conducted during break times. Each day consists of two activities and a lunch break, divided into three subgroups participating in different spaces.
Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Palma: “Eskala-2”
The Summer School at the Fundación Rafa Nadal Center in Palma follows the thematic thread of the course “Here and Now,” organizing activities in four key dimensions: physical, intellectual, personal, and social development, tailored to different age groups.
The aim is to familiarize children and adolescents with their environment, strengthen self-awareness, and teach strategies for social interaction. Values such as respect, solidarity, empathy, tolerance, cooperation, responsibility, and effort are fundamental.
Each day, participants face four challenges: Snack Time, Shower, Responsibility/Attendance, and Positive Attitude, aiming to promote adaptability and discipline, focusing on climbing as a universal sport requiring strength, agility, discipline, and mental stability.
Activities are divided into sports and educational categories, with specific age-group organization and controlled duration to maintain focus on healthy living and connection with nature.
Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Valencia: “Improvis-ando”
In Valencia, the Summer School adopts the theme of “Improvisando,” focusing on developing adaptive skills and effective response through educational, sports, psychoeducational, and scheduled outings.
It is designed for children and adolescents participating in the Education and Sports Program. The central theme is improvisation in all its facets.
The goal is for participants to develop and practice skills to respond and adapt effectively and creatively to various situations, promoting creativity, innovative problem-solving, adaptability, self-esteem, and self-confidence.
Social and communication skills are emphasized, necessary for interacting and collaborating with others in game and team activities.
During the summer school, various sports activities and cooperative games are practiced. Educational workshops include healthy cooking from different parts of the world, theater, water dynamics or guidance and other initiatives.
In addition to regular activities, educational and sports outings are carried out such as the visit to the Caixa Forum and the Water Route in Chelva in Valencia, trips to the beach, the park or the cinema in Palma de Mallorca or rock climbing excursion in Madrid, providing enriching experiences that broaden the participants’ horizons and strengthen their connection with nature and culture.
Fundación Rafa Nadal’s Special Summer Schools not only provide a safe and stimulating environment for children and adolescents during vacations but also play a crucial role in their personal and social development.
These activities are not only an important resource for families but also prepare young people to face future challenges with confidence and determination.
We remain committed to the comprehensive well-being of children and adolescents through our Special Summer Schools, creating memories, promoting inclusion, and supporting the development of minors.
