Summer Camps 2026: Rabat Launches a National Program Benefiting 200,000 Children

This new edition is part of the implementation of the recommendations issued during the National Conference on Summer Camps and continues efforts aimed at transforming camps into genuine educational spaces dedicated to children and young people.

On this occasion, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, emphasized that his department is working alongside elected councils and several government departments to strengthen investment in this sector and develop new camps capable of presenting “the best image of Moroccan camps.”

The minister also recalled that summer camps constitute an important pillar in a child’s development, as they help strengthen concentration and prepare children for their return to school. He also praised the role of partner associations, particularly the National Federation of Summer Camps and the various stakeholders involved.

In this context, Bensaid noted that several ministries have expressed their willingness to collaborate with his department in order to consolidate the national network of summer camps. The main novelty this year lies in the scale of the planned investments as well as the creation of new camps expected to open in 2027 and 2028, notably in the cities of Dakhla and Nador.

The minister also stated that his department is examining new forms of investment to provide increased support to associations and various partners. He referred in particular to the recent conclusion of partnerships with several ministries, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries and Rural Development for the development of agricultural camps, as well as the Ministry of Solidarity, Social Integration and Family, which intends to involve retirees in certain camp activities. A cooperation program is also being considered with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports.

For his part, the president of the National Federation of Summer Camps, Mohamed Kliouine, stated that camps are not only spaces for recreation and leisure but also places where future generations are shaped by strengthening skills, abilities, and the culture of living together.

Kliouine also welcomed the arrival of new partners and the attention given by authorities to territorial equity, which will allow more children from rural areas to benefit from these programs.

He also emphasized that vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, will receive significant attention within the national summer camp program, while elderly people will also be integrated into certain educational, cultural, and recreational activities.

During the meeting, a detailed presentation of the national summer camp program for the 2026 season was delivered. It notably indicated that 200,000 beneficiaries are expected this year. Among the new features are the opening of four new camp centers, including two in Taghazout, one in Oued Chbika and one in Toufliht, the launch of the national educational facilitator portal animateurs.ma, the digitization of the pedagogical aptitude examination, and the revision and improvement of educational content related to training and camp activities.

The launch ceremony was also marked by the signing of a partnership agreement between the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication and the National Federation of Summer Camps.

For this season, program officials also aim to adopt a more effective communication strategy, publish a book dedicated to the history of summer camps in Morocco, and strengthen cooperation with university institutions.

Editorial team/le7tv