As every summer, in the months of July and August, the Municipality of Sondalo, in co-design with the Cooperativa Stella Alpina, enthusiastically organized the summer camp, an initiative aimed not only at local families but also at tourists choosing to spend their vacations in Alta Valtellina. Year after year, the project is increasingly appreciated: this summer, 77 children participated in the activities of the Mini Club “Creatively Together”, managed by the educators of the Cooperativa Stella Alpina. With passion and professionalism, the educators offered children and families a rich and balanced experience, consisting of socialization, group experiences, educational growth, and discoveries of the territory.

The summer camp was not only an opportunity dedicated to the little ones: some adults also had the chance to get involved through active volunteering.

An edition focused on nature and the territory

This year, the summer camp offered new outings and activities, with a clear guiding theme: nature and eco-sustainability. An important and topical theme that was translated into concrete and targeted experiences, allowing children to reflect on the environment and experience it consciously. The Mini Club program is renewed every year to offer always new activities that embrace the entire territory; in particular, the 2025 edition aimed to give ample space to the knowledge of the commercial and artisan realities of Sondalo, allowing children to discover the value of local activities through workshops and visits.

A model to be emulated

The Mini Club of Sondalo has now become a historic and established tradition, which has over the years become an educational and organizational model emulated by other summer camps in the area. The Municipality not only invests economic resources but also participates with an active collaboration, providing school spaces, the cafeteria, the school bus service for outings, and municipal sports facilities.

The words of the organizers

Great satisfaction was expressed by the Mayor of Sondalo, Ilaria Peraldini, who emphasized how the summer camp represents “a fundamental service for families, during the summer but also for tourists who choose Sondalo as a destination for a vacation; an opportunity for growth and aggregation for children and an added value for the entire community, capable of uniting territory, associations, and local realities in a shared and winning project.” The Cooperativa Stella Alpina also wanted to thank everyone for their collaboration and enthusiasm: “We are proud of the success of this edition, which has once again demonstrated the strength of teamwork and the ability to offer children quality educational experiences, in a serene and stimulating atmosphere.”

Thanks

At the conclusion of this wonderful experience, the municipal administration and the educators extend a sincere thank you to those who made the success of the initiative possible.
A special thanks to volunteers Ania and Dorina, who were present throughout the summer, and to Gabriele, who joined in during the final period. A thank you to don Mario, who made the oratory field available, and to the sports associations that collaborated enthusiastically: Atletica Alta Valtellina, Polisportiva Le Prese, Sporting Club Sondalo, Rugby Sondalo, ASD Tennis Club Sondalo, Annalisa (yoga) and Pallavolo Altavalle.

This year, particular attention was given to enhancing the territory and its local activities. Children experienced unique opportunities thanks to: Azienda Agricola Reginella di Canclini Valentina, Bar Black and White, Capitani Combustibili – Pedranzini, Macelleria Pozzi, Photo Idea, Pasticceria Bolandrini, Parrucchiera Èclisse, Toelettatura Wou Bau.

Thanks to the municipal library and the tireless librarian Paola, the CAG kids, and the "big" ones from the summer camp who read and told stories to the little ones. A thank you also to APT Sondalo for managing registrations and communications.

Activities and workshops

Many experiences enriched the summer camp: Loom weaving with Ilia and her girls, original readings in dialect and English with Daniela and Anna, preparing cornat with the volunteers of Sgangherati di Frontale, activities with the association Brava Bessi Stella Canina, card games with the senior citizens' club, musical workshops with Michele, creative activities with Piera and Mara, a workshop on fostering with the Cooperativa Forme and cooking workshops with Carlo.

There were also outdoor experiences in contact with nature: climbing with Guide Alpine Bormio, a nature walk with Laura Besseghini and Benedetta Sala, an educational farm with Michela Colturi, visits to Villa Visconti Venosta di Grosio and the Museo Vallivo Valfurva with a bread-making lab, a visit to the Azienda Agricola Al Renc’ di Michele in Valfurva, and activities with the MTB group of Santa Caterina Valfurva.

A special thanks to the cook Daniela, coordinated by Valentina (nido cook) and supported by Aurora, who carefully prepared the meals, and to Dino and the municipal drivers for their valuable transport service.

The municipal administration and the Coop. Stella Alpina, along with the educators