Spain: A Camp to Grow

Unlike in previous years, this camp coincided with the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Spain played against Argentina and won 1-0, earning its second star after the one in South Africa in 2010. The monitors set up a large screen where the children could watch and enjoy the match. The joy of victory created a favourable atmosphere that accompanied the activities throughout the week and strengthened the bonds among the participants.

Beyond being a summer leisure proposal, the camp is planned as a journey of human and Christian growth, with each day focusing on a different theme: self-knowledge, understanding the world around you, poverty and humility, love, etc.

Based on these themes, each activity was designed to foster the integral growth of the children, integrating formation, community living, and spirituality.

Eva Tobalina, a monitor since 2022, describes Aguiluchos as “a safe place and a second family” where children learn human and missionary values.

She adds: “The camps are not just a few days of vacation, but a space to grow, strengthen friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime.”

Ignacio García Navarrete has been collaborating with Aguiluchos for 16 years. In this edition, he helped out in the kitchen: “I have participated in many camps, but none has the magic of Aguiluchos. Here, the values of mission, fraternity, and service are lived out in a close and joyful way. Even from the kitchen, every hug from the children reminds us that we are still one big family,” Navarrete recalls.

Alberto Rojas was invited by friends to participate as a junior monitor at the Aguiluchos camp in 2019. After participating this year as a monitor, he reflected that “you don’t stop being a child when you become a monitor; it simply marks the beginning of a new stage to keep learning and growing.”

If there is one phrase that summarizes the feeling of many monitors, it is probably “the children fill your soul.” This was stated by Ángela López, a monitor and the person in charge of the infirmary during the camp.

For scholastic Jonathan Rodríguez, who experienced his second camp with Aguiluchos, “sharing these days with the children, accompanying them in moments of fellowship, prayer, and fun has been a deeply enriching experience. I leave with a heart full of joy and gratitude.”

The 2026 Aguiluchos camp concluded with a celebration presided over by Fr. Zoé Musaka, who recalled during the Eucharist that “the camp seeks to sow human and Christian values.”

There was tiredness, yes. But also tears at the farewell. The Aguiluchos returned home knowing that the experience does not end when the camp is over, but continues throughout the year in every gathering.

As the final hugs brought this edition to a close, the children were shouting: “How long until the next camp?”

Justus Oseko, mccj
Misioneros Combonianos