46. Forest Schools, Planned Possibilities and Basoa Summer Camp in San Sebastian, Spain with Dara and Melpo

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🌎 Dara Epstein and Melpo Toundas dive into the magic of Basoa, a forest school-inspired summer day camp in San Sebastian, Spain. They share how a chance meeting sparked a mission to create a community hub for traveling families. This summer, they offer a six-week program that blends Basque culture and child-led exploration.

👍 We cover the Forest School approach, where kids will engage with nature as their third teacher using real tools, building bug hotels, and exploring the lush hills of Donostia.

✨ 5 Questions Answered:

• How does the Forest School philosophy differ from traditional education? Melpo explains child-led learning and how visits to natural spaces allows kids to take controlled risks, use real tools, and follow their own innate curiosity.
• What is the secret sauce for balancing remote work and family travel? Dara shares why the camp is from 2 PM to 8 PM (allows for work and morning family time!)
• How can families afford to maintain homes in multiple countries? Dara shares how she manages properties in Santa Monica and San Sebastian, using short-term rentals to make a multi-continental lifestyle financially sustainable.
• What does language acquisition look like? The guests discuss incorporating the local Basque language (Euskara) and Spanish through play, songs, and community interaction rather than formal classroom pressure.
• How do you build a local village in a brand-new city? Interviewing local sitters and checking references can lead to finding friends.

CONNECT WITH DARA AND MELPO:

Basoa Summer Camp details and interest form

Dara’s SmartSitting.com and LinkedIn

Melpo’s Athens Forest School, Greek language teaching and family restaurant on beautiful Alonissos Island!

Pop Up in Naples, Italy April 27-May 3! Join FB group or register here!

Preply connects you with language tutors from around the world at all times + prices! Start speaking TODAY! Book a trial lesson!

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CONNECT WITH SUZY: We live in Spain, CO and soon Japan. 🌞 I help families financially plan for slow + long term travel! Need help making a budget? Saving for a gap year? How to rent your home out?

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🚀 The info provided is for general info purposes and not intended as financial, investment, legal, or tax advice.

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