Encamp Youth Council Allocates Full €20,000 Budget to Weekend Activities and Intergenerational Outings

The Encamp Youth Council approved on Thursday by majority vote to allocate its full €20,000 participatory budget to two initiatives: weekend youth activities under "Caps de setmana en marxa" and intergenerational outings through "No et quedis fora de joc!".

Culture, Childhood and Youth councillor Joan Sans thanked the young councillors for the quality of the four proposals submitted in November. He explained that over recent months, the council had reviewed budgets, checked site safety, and assessed alignment with parish needs. "Caps de setmana en marxa" will offer weekend events including rotating sports tournaments, concerts, youth talent shows, and gymkhanas to encourage coexistence, belonging, and healthy habits. The open-air cinema idea was set aside to split funding equally with the intergenerational project.

For "No et quedis fora de joc!", the Comú proposed two separate sessions—one in spring and one in autumn—allocating €5,000 to each and dropping the original overnight stay to fit the budget.

Two proposals were debated but rejected. "Som verds: Reforestació al Cap del Rep" targeted a high-risk area scarred by the 2001 fire, with steep slopes where over 1,950 red pines, 1,700 black pines, and 16 birches have been planted since 2006. Environment Director Vanessa Carrascosa praised the youth's environmental awareness but stressed the need to preserve open spaces for growing vegetation and wildlife. She suggested alternatives like the Engolasters lake area to boost biodiversity against fires and droughts.

"EncampEpik" was declined as it leaned toward adult nightlife rather than the Comú's focus on healthy leisure. Sans noted the existing Encamp Nit event and invited resubmission for 2027 to integrate ideas.

Cònsol major Laura Mas congratulated the councillors, including new members Roc Tugues and Aina Sánchez, who took office at the session. "I congratulate you on how you've worked the proposals and your willingness to advance more projects," she said. She praised their generosity in consensus-building, calling them "an example" whose efforts benefit the entire parish. UNICEF Andorra technician Aina Segarra attended.