When the school year ends, families on the Costa del Sol start looking for options that combine fun, learning, and respectful care. If you live in Estepona or nearby, the MIMS Kids Summer Camp 2026 organized by International Montessori School Sotogrande (IMS) is an alternative worth exploring. Just a few minutes away by car, in the privileged setting of Sotogrande, this Montessori summer camp is designed for children ages 3 to 12 who want to experience a different July, surrounded by nature, creativity, and a trilingual atmosphere that respects their individual pace.

This is no ordinary camp. IMS Sotogrande’s proposal is directly inspired by the Montessori pedagogy, a philosophy that places the child at the center, gives them a voice, and allows them to learn through freedom and movement. So, if you are looking for a Montessori summer camp in Estepona that shuns haste and meaningless directed activities, here you will find a complete guide with all the details: dates, schedules, activities, methodology, and how to reserve one of the limited spots.

What makes a Montessori summer camp special?

A Montessori summer camp is different from conventional crafts and sports programs. The difference lies in the view of childhood. In a prepared environment, children choose, explore, and collaborate. There are no impositions, but rather proposals that invite curiosity. The adult observes, guides, and trusts. And that trust translates into self-esteem that grows day by day.

At the MIMS Kids Summer Camp, each day is designed to respect concentration periods, free movement, and multisensory learning. The mixed age range (3 to 12 years) allows older children to act as role models and younger ones to learn through imitation, just as in Montessori classrooms during the school year. It is not just about entertaining, but about accompanying emotional, social, and cognitive development in an organic way.

Furthermore, bilingual immersion (Spanish and English) and the presence of French as a third language make the camp an ideal space for children to strengthen languages without realizing it, through songs, games, and everyday conversations. Music, art, yoga, and outdoor outings complete an experience that goes far beyond “passing the time.”

MIMS Kids Summer Camp 2026: IMS Sotogrande’s offering near Estepona

International Montessori School Sotogrande—known as the only school in the area with AMI, NEASC, and Junta de Andalucía accreditations—opens its doors every summer to welcome children from within and outside the school community. The camp takes place in the school’s own facilities, a bright space with prepared classrooms and outdoor corners where calm and beauty are palpable. Located in Sotogrande, just 10-15 minutes from Estepona, it is very accessible for families throughout the Costa del Sol.

The confirmed dates for 2026 are June 29 to July 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the possibility of extension until 5:00 p.m. for families needing more flexibility. Spots are limited and often sell out quickly, so it is advisable to keep an eye on reservations.

Although the camp takes place at IMS’s headquarters, it is not necessary to be a student at the school to participate. The organization opens this experience to any child between 3 and 12 years old who wants to experience a different summer, always in a carefully prepared environment with professionals trained in Montessori pedagogy.

Activities designed to spark curiosity

Mornings at the MIMS Kids Summer Camp flow without rush. The team, made up of guides and specialists with extensive experience, offers a range of activities that adapt to each group’s interests. Highlights include:

• Music and movement. With teachers like Tatiana Gavira and Adrián Rodríguez, children explore rhythms, songs in several languages, and body games that enhance coordination and expression.
• Art and creativity. Each classroom has its art corner, but during camp, opportunities to paint, model, build, and experiment with textures and colors multiply.
• Yoga and mindfulness. A common practice at IMS that helps children connect with their bodies, breathe consciously, and find moments of calm amidst activity.
• Outdoor sports. Alejandro Ledesma, Physical Education specialist, coordinates games and dynamics that promote motor skills and teamwork.
• Water games and themed parties. To cool off and celebrate, a weekly party where children participate in decoration, music, and performances.
• Collaborative projects. Small experiments, gardening, or constructions that invite investigation, hypothesis formation, and group work.

Additionally, the natural environment of Sotogrande allows for occasional outings (supervised and with permission) that turn learning into an outdoor adventure. Contact with nature is a pillar of the Montessori approach, and here every green corner is used to observe insects, collect leaves, or simply lie down and watch the clouds.

Benefits of a Montessori summer for children ages 3 to 12

Families who have already experienced a Montessori camp at IMS Sotogrande highlight subtle but profound changes in their children. Some of the most commonly mentioned benefits include:

• Autonomy and confidence. By choosing their activities, children gain confidence in their own decisions and learn to manage small challenges without constantly relying on adults.
• Positive socialization. Mixing ages creates spontaneous bonds. Older children develop empathy and a sense of responsibility, while younger ones feel protected and stimulated.
• Language reinforcement without pressure. The bilingual environment and the presence of French as a third language allow children to naturally absorb vocabulary and structures through songs, instructions, and everyday conversations.
• Connection with nature. Away from screens, days are spent among plants, insects, water, and soil. An experience that returns children to the essentials and calms overstimulation.
• Emotional development. Yoga, mindfulness, and the attentive attitude of the guides help children identify and regulate their emotions in a safe environment.
• Educational continuity. For children already enrolled in traditional settings, a Montessori camp offers a respite, an opportunity to learn from a different paradigm that respects their rhythms and awakens a love of discovery.

Moreover, IMS integrates family support into all its programs through workshops like “Acompañando-té,” which throughout the year create community and support networks. Although the camp is a shorter experience, families receive daily feedback via the Growappy platform and can contact the team with any questions.

Practical information: dates, schedules, and how to reserve

Here is a summary of the key details for the MIMS Kids Summer Camp 2026 so you don’t miss anything:

• Dates: June 29 to July 31, 2026.
• Base schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with breakfast and lunch included.
• Extended hours: possibility of pickup until 5:00 p.m. (check availability and supplement).
• Ages: 3 to 12 years. Groups are organized by age range to respect the needs of each stage.
• Location: International Montessori School Sotogrande, Carretera de Cádiz, Edif. Sotocentro planta 1, Sotogrande 11310, Cádiz (above Mercadona).
• Meals: all included. Balanced diet, adapted for allergies or intolerances.
• Discounts: sibling discounts available.
• Spots: limited. Early reservation recommended.

To request a spot or ask questions, you can write directly to the camp email: [email protected] or call +34 691 225 041. If you prefer to get to know the school first and speak with the team, you can also schedule a visit at calendly.com/ims-sotogrande or contact admissions via [email protected] / +34 653 04 17 39.

Is the MIMS Kids Summer Camp right for your child?

If you are looking for a summer camp in Estepona or nearby where your child is not just another face but feels heard and valued, IMS Sotogrande’s proposal is a perfect fit. It doesn’t matter if they come from a traditional school, are going through a period of change, or you simply want to give them a different summer. The Montessori environment welcomes each child as they are, without labels.

The IMS team—with trained guides and over two decades of experience—knows how to create an atmosphere where childhood unfolds with confidence. Founder Olimpia Tardá’s phrase sums up the essence: “At IMS, your child will grow up feeling heard, valued, and safe, ready to transform the world with their own voice.” And that philosophy permeates every corner of the summer camp.

Families who return year after year speak of the peace of mind in leaving their children in a place where respect is not a slogan but a daily practice. And the children, without much discussion, show on their faces the excitement of those who wake up every morning eager to go to “their summer school.”

Experience the summer your child deserves

Organizing summer holidays can be a headache, but also an opportunity to offer your children an enriching experience. The MIMS Kids Summer Camp 2026 is not just a bilingual summer camp on the Costa del Sol: it is a window into another way of understanding education, where childhood is cultivated with care and each day becomes a small seed of autonomy, creativity, and joy.

If you still have any doubts, we encourage you to get in touch with the IMS Sotogrande team. They will be happy to explain how they work, show you the facilities, and listen to what your child needs to have an unforgettable summer. Don’t miss the opportunity: spots fly, and the best way to secure one is to ask now.

Remember: summer is long, but the experiences that leave a mark are planned ahead. Shall we start cultivating it together?