Summer Camp for Children in the Vatican: After Traveling Around the World

Feeling part of a large community while embarking on the theme of Around the World in 80 Days, accompanied by Mr. Charlie, an eccentric inventor, together with Jeremy, his faithful assistant—half robot and half human—and Olympia, the Greek friend they met during the various stages of their extraordinary journey: this was the experience shared by hundreds of children and preteens who took part in the 2026 edition of the Vatican Summer Camp. One month after it came to an end, the time has come to take stock of the initiative.

This year, 420 families participated, with a total of 658 children and young people and 89 activity leaders. Last year, 364 families took part, for a total of 572 children. Since the initiative was first launched, it has involved no fewer than 1,968 families and 3,017 children and young people. A special feature of the 2026 edition was the introduction, for the first time, of a Mini Club for children aged three to five.

The most important day was Monday, June 22, when Pope Leo XIV met the participants in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Upon his arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the children singing verses from Jesus Christ, You Are My Life, and he joined in the singing. He then answered questions from the participants, warning them to be mindful of the risks of becoming dependent on new technologies. He also shared some personal experiences from his travels around the world, stressing that “God does not want to look at our cell phones: God wants to look at our hearts, at our lives.”

Another special moment of this year’s Vatican Summer Camp was the closing celebration on the afternoon of Thursday, July 23. Amid games, songs, performances, photographs and farewells, children, educators, activity leaders and parents celebrated together.

It was an opportunity to relive the most memorable moments of those weeks and to say “see you again” rather than “goodbye.” The children return home with more than just memories: they carry with them shared experiences, new friendships and memories.

Week after week, the Paul VI Audience Hall was filled with voices, songs, music, laughter and colors, but above all with many young faces, transforming it into a place where everyone could come together and feel part of a community.

Each day the participants were offered a variety of activities such as team games, tournaments, creative workshops, entertainment, outings and special events, allowing everyone to find their own place and encourage their abilities, imagination and enthusiasm.

Yet the Vatican Summer Camp was not just about having fun. Behind every game and activity there was something to learn: how to respect others, work together, accept defeat, rejoice in victory, and discover that together we can accomplish far more than we can alone.

A fundamental role was played by the activity leaders, who accompanied the participants with dedication and professionalism. They faced demanding days and many activities to prepare, but they were rewarded by the countless smiles of the children and young people as they enjoyed themselves.

An important—and at times challenging—role was also played by the the group of volunteer assistant leaders, and all those who worked each day to ensure the success of the experience. Among them were the organizers: Fr. Franco Fontana of the Salesian Community in the Vatican, in collaboration with Play It, the “Tutto in una Festa” entertainment agency, and professional Salesian educators, both men and women.

And then there were the true protagonists: the children and young people. With their vitality, their desire to have fun and learn, their passions, friendships, joys and difficulties - together they completed that journey “around the world”, which led them to explore unknown destinations and new people, overcoming obstacles and boldly taking on educational and physical challenges that normally they may not have attempted alone. Victories and defeats, laughter and a few disappointments—all of which, in the end, remain in their memory because they were shared in the spirit of friendship.