In 2025, the photography exhibition “A Century of Memories” in Saint-Avold offers a unique insight into the enchanted world of summer camps that have influenced several generations. Through an impressive collection of period images, this event traces the rich and touching history of educational stays organized in the region since the end of the 19th century. The retrospective, organized in partnership with the Alumni Association, invites visitors to relive these precious moments, from the École de la Nature to the camps on the edge of the Vosges Airfield. It echoes the first hygiene initiatives, which aimed to discover the outdoors as a bulwark against tuberculosis, through to the rise of the Scout movements and local leisure centers. Blending tradition and modernity, this exhibition shows how these stays shaped collective identity and left behind an aura of sincere emotions, often evoked through period photos and vividly preserved testimonies. Discover our unforgettable summer camps, where children have fun while learning new skills. Varied activities, professional supervision, and a friendly atmosphere are guaranteed for an enriching and memorable vacation.
The roots of summer camps in Saint-Avold date back to the social and health context of the late 19th century, a period when public health was a central concern. Hygienists, convinced that contact with nature could prevent diseases such as tuberculosis, encouraged the creation of facilities dedicated to young people. These first initiatives took shape around establishments such as the
École de la Nature, where learning and outdoor activities were combined. The Moselle region, rich in green spaces and sites such as the Vosges Airfield, became a prime location for these experiments designed to promote health through physical and educational activities. These first camps, often limited to around thirty children, quickly evolved into more structured stays, incorporating elements of active learning, games, and nighttime activities. Many people still remember these holidays, where people learned to live together, far from urban constraints and the rigors of daily life. Evolution of the Camps in Saint-AvoldMain Characteristics
LECTURE SUGGÉRÉE
Thézac: a captivating immersion through the lens of Tom Migot
In the heart of the commune of Thézac, nestled between vineyards and natural spaces, a…
LIRE L'ARTICLE| Late 19th – Early 20th Century | Hygiene initiatives, small groups, educational nature trips |
|---|---|
| 1930s-1950s | Scout experience, camps at the Saint-Avold Leisure Center, first simple sports activities |
| 1960s-1980s | Structure of programs, thematic trips, first cultural activities |
| Since 2000 | Integration of new technologies, diversity of destinations, promotion of civic values |
| An evolution marked by the diversity of activities and destinations | The post-war period saw the emergence of new formats, particularly as part of the Vacances pour Tous movement, which advocated for wider accessibility to summer stays. In Saint-Avold, this resulted in the opening of modern leisure centers, such as the Saint-Avold Leisure Center, perfectly equipped to accommodate diverse groups. The activities offered diversified, ranging from artistic workshops, such as painting or music, to sports activities such as tree climbing, kayaking, and even nature observation. The region, particularly around the Vosges Airfield, offers unforgettable experiences, such as glider flights or aeronautical simulations that appeal to young people and enrich their curiosity. The philosophy is now more integrated, encouraging the discovery of other French or European regions, with departures for the Côte d’Azur, Provence, or even the Alps, while maintaining the original friendly and educational spirit. The last decade has also seen the growing impact of new technologies, notably with digital photography and amateur astronomy workshops, which revive certain aspects of the narrator’s hobby as an avid astronomer of the starry sky. |
Discover our unique summer camps offering enriching activities and unforgettable experiences for children. Register now for a memorable summer vacation!
The key figures and emblematic programs of summer camps in Saint-Avold
Saint-Avold Leisure Center
remained the central hub for several decades, welcoming hundreds of children from all over Moselle each year. Among the flagship programs, Little Red Riding Hoods symbolize a whole chapter of educational and recreational history, combining storytelling, creative workshops, and cultural outings. Furthermore, the numerous camps organized by the “100 Years of Summer Camps” Exhibition highlight this rich history, highlighting the region’s specific contribution to outdoor education. TheChildhood Memories Photo Library also testifies to this richness, where each image recounts a moment of sharing, laughter, and learning. The succession of these figures and programs reflects the consistent local commitment, which continues to this day to make the region a leading destination for educational and recreational stays. Key FiguresActions and Innovations Saint-Avold Leisure Center
Ferrante Ferranti presents ‘Caressing the Light’: an immersive photography exhibition in Bar-le-Duc
In the charming setting of Bar-le-Duc, a town rich in history and heritage, Ferrante Ferranti unveils a photographic oeuvre of…
CONTINUER LA LECTURE| Annual organization, diversification of activities, collaboration with local schools | Little Red Riding Hoods |
|---|---|
| Creative workshops, storytelling, cultural outings, educational activities related to local history | Specialized stakeholders |
| Organization of thematic camps, participation in major events such as the Vosges Aerodrome | Today’s Memories: Witnesses and Cultural Events |
| Many former participants, now witnesses, willingly share their memories, often evoked during recent exhibitions such as the one organized by | Moselle.fr |
The “Photos du Temps” photographic collection brings together photos taken during stays in the 1950s, 1970s, and 1990s. These images illustrate the simplicity of wilderness camps, the conviviality of evenings spent around the fire, and the discovery of new horizons. The testimonies, reinforced by a series of speeches during the event, highlight how these experiences shaped the personalities of entire generations. The broadcast of a video dedicated to these childhood memories on the department’s YouTube channel reinforces the emotional impact of this retrospective, attracting a wide audience of families and local history enthusiasts. The positive mood and nostalgia emanating from them testify to the unwavering attachment to these moments of learning and freedom, still present in the collective memory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55mE8b99dZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wug1QBXLBBM FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the history of summer camps in Saint-AvoldWhat were the first establishments dedicated to summer camps in the region?
They have seen a diversification of activities, a modernization of facilities, and an opening to more distant destinations while maintaining their educational and festive vocation.
- What events related to these camps are still visible today? The “100 Years of Summer Camps” exhibition and local cultural events highlight this rich history, preserving memories and testimonies for future generations. Source:
- www.republicain-lorrain.fr
