Navarre faces a new round of controversy over funding Basque-language summer camps after local authorities once again approved subsidies for programs already under high-profile investigation. For Spanish families, this means public funds continue to support projects that have repeatedly been the subject of complaints and official probes. The decision to maintain such initiatives raises questions about the priorities of regional bodies and how the rights of minors are protected.
According to recent reports, Mancomunidad de la Sakana, managed by EH Bildu, has announced the resumption of financial support for several summer camps, including Euskal Udalekuak. These camps, located in Bernedo (Álava), Goñi, and Abaigar (Navarra), have drawn attention for several years due to parents’ complaints over staff conduct. As El Diario Vasco reports, incidents included adult staff showering with teenagers, as well as role-playing games involving inappropriate physical contact.
Investigations launched by the Ertzaintza cover at least four incidents from 2021 to 2024. Two are linked to the camp in Abaigar, and two to Bernedo. Parents state their children were exposed to situations where counselors appeared nude in shared showers, and made inappropriate comments and actions. In some cases, according to those affected, teenagers were forced to repeat these situations despite their objections.
Financing and authorities’ response
Financial support for the camps is provided through the Mancomunidad de la Sakana; however, the key funding comes from Euskarabidea — the Basque Language Institute, which is overseen by the government of Navarra. Annual subsidies exceed €30,000, allowing parents to receive up to €125 back per child if they attend one of the officially approved camps. This system has been in place since 2015, with funding increasing over the years to the current €33,000 per year.
Parents initially pay the full participation fee — between €200 and €350 — and then submit documents for reimbursement. Despite ongoing investigations and public protests, Mancomunidad de la Sakana continues to promote the camps as a safe and beneficial space for youth, emphasizing opportunities for learning the Basque language and engaging in active recreation.
The question of whether such funding is appropriate has already reached the regional parliament. Representatives from the Vox party have demanded the resignation of Anna Ollo, who is responsible for distributing the subsidies, arguing that public funds are being used to support programs where minors’ rights are violated. Additionally, Vox has filed complaints with the courts in Vitoria and Estella, insisting that responsibility should lie not only with the organizers but also with those who allocate funding for these camps.
Public and political response
The scandal surrounding the camps has caused widespread public outcry. Many families in the region are concerned that, despite serious allegations, funding has not been suspended. Authorities, for their part, continue to emphasize the importance of supporting Basque-language programs, considering them vital for preserving the region’s cultural identity.
In March 2026, Vox representatives, including national family spokesperson Ainhoa García, visited Bernedo to publicly condemn the continued funding of the camps and call for a review of the resource allocation policy. According to russpain.com, the situation with the camps in Navarra has become one of the most talked-about topics of the spring, and the authorities’ decision to support these controversial projects has heightened tensions between different political groups.
In the context of recent developments in Catalonia, where budget decisions have also sparked heated debates, as shown by the analysis of changes in regional budgets, it becomes clear that the allocation and oversight of public funds are becoming increasingly important issues for Spanish society.
Background and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has faced several scandals involving children’s and youth camps. In 2024, Galicia saw cases of inappropriate staff behavior at a municipal camp, leading to a temporary closure of the facility. In Andalusia in 2025, authorities tightened counselor selection criteria after a series of complaints about unacceptable disciplinary practices. These incidents are prompting regions to review safety and transparency standards for organizing summer activities for children. As a result, public scrutiny over oversight and reporting of state subsidies is growing stronger, with each new case sparking discussions about the need for reform.
