Tenerife Launches Second Annual Inclusive Summer Camp Program for Children with Disabilities

Tenerife is taking another step toward better social integration with the launch of its second annual summer camp program for children with disabilities. According to the island council (Cabildo), these camps are designed to be more than just a fun activity; they are a tool for building a more connected community. The project, which runs throughout July and August, is backed by 180,000 euros in funding from the Institute for Social and Socio-sanitary Care (IASS).

The program’s real value lies in its inclusive approach. By bringing neurotypical children and those with intellectual disabilities together in a shared environment, the camps encourage interaction under the guidance of specialized staff. This initiative is a joint effort between the local government and several non-profit organizations, including Aspronte, Fundación Hospitalarias Tenerife, Orobal, and Afanes. This partnership ensures the camps are well-managed and can support hundreds of participants.

Águeda Fumero, the Councilor for Social Action and President of the IASS, explained that the program serves two main purposes: it helps families and children build vital support networks and provides parents with much-needed respite during the summer months. The initiative is part of a larger strategy by the Cabildo to make inclusion the norm rather than the exception. Through collaborations with groups like Sinpromi, Ideco, and the Fundación CB Canarias, the council hopes to make accessibility and participation a permanent part of island life.

At the program’s official presentation, representatives from the partner organizations and the IASS reaffirmed their commitment to making integration a standard practice. By building this network of resources, the Cabildo aims to ensure that young people with support needs have equal opportunities and are fully included in the everyday life of the island.