Region Catalan Countries | Membership (2006) 35,000 | |
Type Non-profit voluntary association Purpose Educating children during their free time | ||
An Esplai is a non-profit voluntary association that works in the field of educating children during their free time. It has its origins in the Scout Movement, and has been popular in certain areas of the Catalan Countries since the 1960s. "ESPLAC, Esplais Catalans" is the largest and most representative federation in Catalonia.
Overview
In 2006, the Esplais had over 35,000 members in Catalonia, where the Scout Movement exists as well.
ESPLAC, Esplais Catalans are full member of the International Falcon Movement - Socialist Education International and have a presidium member for the Europe Region along with their sister organisation in the UK Woodcraft Folk
Esplais have less of a hierarchical structure than the Scouts, but they work in a similar way. They play games, do arts and crafts, have discussions and go on trips. There is a pedagogical aim behind it which promotes the integral development of the child. Typically, an Esplai centre can have about 100 children and 10 educators.