Summer Adventure: Science, Sustainability & Community Volunteering
Learning, Volunteering and Sustainability in Action

The Summer Adventure: Science, Sustainability & Community Volunteering program offers students an interdisciplinary summer experience in the picturesque rural town of Espinosa de los Monteros, located in the mountains of northern Burgos, Spain. 

Surrounded by the landscapes of the Cantabrian Mountains (Cordillera Cantábrica) and close to the Pasiego valleys of Burgos, the area combines stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage, providing an inspiring environment for learning and volunteering. Its location also allows easy access to nearby cities such as Bilbao and Santander, offering additional cultural and urban experiences.

During this two-week immersive program, participants engage in three complementary projects - youth hostel support, beekeeping, and STEAM workshops for children - developing intercultural, STEAM, teamwork, and civic skills, while contributing to the community and environment. Beyond volunteering, students can enjoy hiking, nature exploration, and the authentic rural lifestyle of northern Spain, creating a memorable summer experience that combines adventure, learning, and cultural exchange. 

Project 1 – Youth Hostel: Outdoor Activities & Cultural Exchange

Description:
Volunteers support the operation of the youth hostel and organize outdoor and community activities. Tasks include setting up tents, preparing spaces for groups, logistical support, and participation in educational, sports, and cultural activities.

• Solidarity
• Cultural
• Environmental

Main Activities:

• Setting up and maintaining tents and outdoor areas.
• Logistical support and preparation of spaces for visiting groups.
• Supporting educational and group activities.
• Promoting intercultural exchange among youth from different countries.

Expected Outcomes:

• Practical skills, teamwork, and organizational abilities.
• Intercultural understanding and community engagement.
• Promotion of sustainability and respect for nature.

Participants: 5 international volunteers, supervised by hostel staff.

Project 2 – Beekeeping Experience: APIESPINOSA SL

Description:
Volunteers assist in professional beekeeping tasks, including hive maintenance, cleaning, frame repair, honey bottling, and support in the extraction room. The experience combines practical learning with sustainable agro-food practices.

Activity Type:

• Cultural
• Environmental 
• Technical Training

Main Activities:

• Fieldwork in apiaries: cleaning, hive care, frame inspection.
• Indoor tasks: honey bottling, jar preparation, facility cleaning.
• Use of tools and protective equipment provided by the company.
• Continuous supervision and teamwork with APIESPINOSA SL staff.

Expected Outcomes:

• Practical knowledge in beekeeping and hive management.
• Understanding sustainable honey production and agro-food systems.
• Development of teamwork, organization, and responsibility skills.

Participants: 2 international volunteers, supervised by APIESPINOSA staff

Project 3 – STEAM Workshops: Escuela de Pequeñ@s Cientific@s “Espiciencia”

Description:
International volunteers lead STEAM workshops for primary and secondary school students, fostering scientific thinking, creativity, sustainability, and cultural diversity. Activities use active methodologies based on scientific inquiry, engineering design, and playful science communication.

Activity Type:

• Educational Training
• Cultural
• STEAM / Innovation

Main Activities:

• Designing and delivering daily hands-on workshops:
  • Everyday science and basic experimentation
  • Engineering and design with recycled materials
  • Environment and sustainability
  • Creative technology and problem-solving challenges
  • Science communication adapted for children
• Supporting and accompanying students, facilitating groups, and evaluating activities.
• Participating in intercultural and intergenerational exchange activities through collaboration with the Cáritas and Autismo organization.

Expected Outcomes:

• Early scientific vocations and critical thinking.
• Increased interest in science and STEAM skills.
• Promotion of European values: cooperation, inclusion, sustainability, and civic engagement.

Participants: 5 international volunteers, supervised by Espiciencia staff

Participant Requirements & Accommodation

Participants should be comfortable with hands-on volunteering, including practical and sometimes physical tasks related to outdoor activities, community projects, STEAM workshops with children, or environmental and rural activities (e.g. setting up spaces, supporting activities, preparing materials, or working outdoors).

Willingness to stay in shared accommodation at the youth hostel and share spaces with other participants.

Accommodation for the group has been reserved at the Youth Hostel of Espinosa de los Monteros from Tuesday 9th June to Monday 22nd June (overnight stays), with departure on 23rd June. Volunteers will stay at the hostel during the programme, paying a daily fee of €28, which covers lodging, maintenance, and full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). 

All participants will receive financial support from their home institutions, which will broadly cover this cost, making the programme accessible and affordable for everyone. Participants are required to contact the RUN-EU office at their home institution to arrange this support.

European participants must bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while non-European participants or those seeking additional coverage should arrange personal medical insurance in advance.