The mountains and the coast are present in the urban imaginary of São Paulo State in the 1940's as appropriate spots for summer camps. The climate, the altitude, the water and the sun are natural elements at these places, scientifically considered as instruments able to restore organic frailties of children who have their health spoiled by the disturbing pace and stratagems of their urban lifestyle. Therefore, educational and medical procedures are organized at these school holiday institutions, turning them into time dedicated to educate and strengthen the body. This article aims to study this education of the body performed in summer camps that, by privileging nature and its elements, reinforces and draws behaviors and manners of a hygienic lifestyle for the city and its dwellers.
summer camps; nature; city; education of the body; history