ISEC 2019 will take place at El Solitario (National Road N-630, Exit 427, Baños de Montemayor, Cáceres, Spain), between August 15th and August 31st. The cost of the camp will be 625€ for applications received before May 15th, 2019.
The location of El Solitario, Baños de Montemayor, Spain
El Solitario is a lovely facility in the middle of the mountains of Cáceres, located in the region of Extremadura, Spain. The beautiful landscape surrounds the camphouse and provides a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the fresh mountain air. You’ll be able to go on a hike through the mountains or sunbathe under the legendary Spanish sun. From the top of the mountain you can see the small village of Baños de Montemayor, which is famous in the region due to its 2000 year old Roman thermal baths. The village is sufficiently close to visit during your free time, but more than far enough for us to have our own space.
A view of the nearby village, Baños de Montemayor, Spain
El Solitario is divided in three main buildings. The central building contains all the bedrooms, which typically hold 4-8 people each and have a private bathroom and shower. A second building contains space for us to work and another room for fun, campwide non-scientific activities. This is also a space to hang out during free time – enjoy a soda, play some music, watch a movie or play card games. In addition to our dorm rooms and working and relaxing space, we have the best building of all – the dining hall! Here the wonderful kitchen team of El Solitario will feed us delicious Spanish breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you are worried about the relentless Spanish heat in the middle of August, have no fear! El Solitario has an incredible pool that we can use to play in and cool ourselves down. Also, if you don’t mind the heat you can relax in the playground or hike through the mountains. With all the time you’re going to spend playing and relaxing outside, don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
The lovely El Solitario facilities
Baños de Montemayor is in the Northwest of Spain and the easiest way to get there is through Madrid. Madrid has the closest major airport and is also connected by rail and bus to other major cities. To get to Baños de Montemayor from Madrid you can use public buses – we will provide you with more information once you are accepted to camp.
The application process will begin in February 2019. Additional information about the application process can be found here.
Once your application is accepted, we will send you more information about how to travel to camp. We will also require you to have health insurance valid in Spain during the length of the camp, and a travel VISA if necessary. Please, get both things completed as soon as possible and contact us if you need help with either.
We hope to see you in El Solitario this summer! If you have any further questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Also, if you have any questions about specific project ideas, feel free to email any of the mentors.
International Science Engagement Challenge 