Escaldes-Engordany Expands Summer Youth Programme to 300 Spots Amid High Demand

Escaldes-Engordany has expanded its Setmanes Joves summer programme to 300-302 spots for youths aged 10 to 17, with registrations opening on 6 May at 1pm via online portals or parish facilities in all seven communes.

Marking 30 years of the initiative—25 under joint organisation by the communes—the programme runs through July and August, featuring around 10 sports and leisure activities. These blend established options like climbing, beach volleyball, mountain biking, skateboarding and adventure sports with newer elements such as sim racing and nature immersion at Ràmio.

The increase from last year's approximately 260 places responds to consistent high demand, with activities often reaching 90-100% capacity. Andorra la Vella drives the key additions: a second sailing session at Hospitalet de l'Infant (now with groups of 30 and 16 places, potentially expanding to 30 each next year), four weekly sim racing turns in partnership with the Andorran Automobile Club, and an extra kayaking week at Parc Olímpic del Segre.

Sim racing pairs virtual driving on advanced simulators—hosted at the ACA's eSports facility—with equal time on outdoor pursuits like volleyball, badminton or swimming in the central park. Andorra la Vella sports director Josep Tudó explained the balance: organisers required that participants avoid spending seven or eight hours on simulators, opting instead for half virtual and half physical activities.

Costs range from €37 per week for beach volleyball to €250 for sailing, which includes travel and accommodation. Tudó noted that cheaper activities like volleyball self-finance 70-80% through fees, while pricier ones like sailing cover about 50%, with communes subsidising the balance.

Escaldes-Engordany sports head Julio Pintado highlighted enduring hits: a skate camp for ages 12-17 from 20-24 July at Prat del Roure skatepark (up to 10 places), and a mountain climbing camp from 17-21 August (10am-2pm), featuring indoor rocòdrom sessions, outdoor rock climbing and via ferrata at the parish's climbing school and facilities. Both draw waiting lists due to strong interest and local infrastructure.

Ràmio's Vacances Actives focuses on natural heritage via dry-stone walling and orienteering, with a potential overnight at the new colony house if operational.

Councillor for Sports Laura López praised the collaborative model. "This project is a very positive example of cooperation among all our communes," she said, adding that it delivers "enriching experiences, friendships and a connection to the environment" beyond mere summer recreation. She called sailing the "star activity."