This article examines volunteer-based educational associations in Catalonia, mainly represented by scout groups and youth leisure organisations (esplais), as a distinctive educational model that combines pedagogical action, democratic participation, and a commitment to social transformation. Drawing on a review of specialised literature and a documentary analysis of the sector’s main organisations, the study identifies the key elements that define this model: holistic and experiential education, active participation, self-management, and democratic governance.
The findings show that participation operates both as an educational goal and as an organisational principle. The article proposes an analytical framework that highlights the relationship between governance, pedagogical function, and the development of active citizenship. It also systematises the main barriers and facilitators of youth participation at the micro, meso, and macro levels, providing conceptual tools to better understand and strengthen the sustainability of educational leisure organisations. Finally, the study contributes to conceptualising volunteer-based educational associations as a distinct field within non-formal education, highlighting the educational potential of participation and democratic governance.