Sixth Edition of "Estate Ragazzi" in the Vatican
On a summer morning, finding yourself in the Vatican Gardens, immersed in the cool waters of a swimming pool, surrounded by giant colorful inflatables and games, with a multitude of friends who become playmates.
Near the Pope and the tomb of Saint Peter, in the shade of the great dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, this is the summer camp many children are anticipating in Estate Ragazzi in the Vatican, an initiative now in its sixth edition, taking place from June 16 to August 1.
Children are welcomed with their parents by Don Franco Fontana—chaplain coordinator and leader of the initiative—and the camp counselors. It’s a time to get to know each other, break the ice, and receive colorful t-shirts and caps, divided by age group: green (5–6 years), yellow (7–8), light blue (9–10), and blue (11–13).
Every weekday morning, at the meeting point of the Paul VI Hall, dozens of children and youth, full of enthusiasm and excitement, begin their day. After welcoming the participants and playing the first round of games, breakfast is served with freshly baked croissants. The morning begins with the singing of the official anthem, followed by a moment of prayer and the presentation of the day’s activities.
The children are then divided by age group and begin their day: sports, creative workshops, and swimming, always under the supervision of the group leaders. Lunch follows, along with rest time, free play and small tournaments.
An important highlight of the day is the San Giuseppe Sports Center, which offers large play spaces and a swimming pool which is very popular with the children in the heat of summer.
In the afternoon, story-telling time as the participants listen to an episode of the adventures of Kerek, followed by educational activities. Then come team games and shows, finished off by an afternoon snack, usually ice cream. The day ends at 6:00 PM, except on Fridays, when activities finish at 2:00 PM after lunch.
Some participants are first comers, while others are returning with enthusiasm. Either way, everyone is eager to discover the new activities.
This year’s theme is Tutt’Altro – Quando l’Altro è Tutto [like no other – when the other is liked] aiming to promote values such as friendship, sharing, and inclusion.
The experience is designed to promote friendship and inclusion from the very start.
This edition, which takes place in the context of the Jubilee, follows the imaginary story of Kerek, a character who lives in a rigid and uniform world, and Pepe, a wise elder who helps him discover the importance of diversity.
Kerek is the main character who accompanies the children throughout their summer experience. He comes from Città Retta ("Line City"), a place where everything must be ordered, symmetrical, and conforming—anything different is excluded. Because of the spontaneous and direct way of expressing himself, Kerek is exiled to Foresteria, a marginal place in society.
This exile becomes the beginning of a journey of discovery. In Foresteria, he meets Pepe, a wise old man who is its guardian. With his experience and wisdom, Pepe helps Kerek understand the value of differences.
Other exiles—travelers from different cultures and worlds—also contribute to this growth.
In particular, through the spices they bring with them—symbols of richness and variety—Kerek discovers how diversity can be a valuable resource. This journey becomes a chance for him to reflect on fundamental themes such as friendship and inclusion.
The team responsible for the children consists of professional educators and animators, in collaboration with the Play It company, the entertainment agency Tutto in una Festa, and the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The program is coordinated by Don Franco Fontana from the Salesian Community in the Vatican.
