Young people from 12 countries gather in Rascafría to excavate history and share cultures

This summer, Rascafría has become a meeting point for 25 young people from 12 countries, brought together by a shared aim: to recover the historical memory of the Monasterio de El Paular and its surroundings. Under the name ‘Camino de papel’, the archaeological volunteering camp promoted by the Comunidad de Madrid combines professional excavation, history training and outdoor cultural activities.

For fifteen days, the Albergue Juvenil Los Batanes, in the heart of the Parque Nacional de la Sierra de Guadarrama, is hosting this project, which goes beyond fieldwork. Participants help with clearing vegetation, excavation and archaeological documentation, accompanied by an archaeologist and a historian who guide them using technical methods. The finds will be preserved at the Museo Arqueológico Regional in Alcalá de Henares.

Regional ministers Ana Dávila and Mariano de Paco visited the camp this Wednesday, highlighting its value as a tool for encouraging international cooperation, tolerance and heritage awareness among young people. The chosen site is no coincidence: centuries ago, Los Batanes had a paper mill that may have produced paper for the first edition of El Quijote. Beyond the excavations, the programme includes activities such as visits to Complutum and Alcalá, night-time walks, open-air cinema and archery. All in a setting that brings together nature, history and cultural diversity. “Camino de papel” is part of a programme of 12 themed volunteering camps that the Comunidad is organising this summer in different parts of the region, championing active, curious and committed young people.