When the calendar marks June and classrooms empty, families in Nueva Andalucía start looking for a summer camp in Nueva Andalucía that goes beyond simple entertainment. At IMS Sotogrande, we have seen how every year more parents ask us if our summer camp in Sotogrande can be an option for their children, even if they live on the Costa del Sol. And the answer is yes, because a Montessori camp is not found on every corner.

Why does a Montessori camp make a difference?

Most summer camps offer recreational activities to keep children busy. However, a camp that follows the Montessori philosophy goes much further. Here it’s not just about filling time, but creating an environment where each child, from ages 3 to 12, can continue their natural development even during holidays.

At IMS Sotogrande, our summer camp is designed with the same principles we apply during the school year. The child freely chooses among different activities, works at their own pace, and moves through prepared environments outdoors and in the classrooms. This fosters autonomy, decision-making, and collaboration. In other words, a summer with meaning.

Moreover, being a bilingual Spanish-English environment, children naturally reinforce their exposure to both languages without pressure. And being in mixed-age groups (3-6 years, 6-9 years, 9-12 years), older children help younger ones, and younger ones learn from older ones. A microcosm that reflects real life.

Keys to recognizing an authentic Montessori camp in Nueva Andalucía

If you are looking for a summer camp in Nueva Andalucía that truly follows the Montessori method, do not trust just the name. Anyone can put the word “Montessori” on a sign, but the essence lies in the day-to-day. These are the signs you should look for:

• Guides and assistants have specific Montessori training (recognized by AMI or AMS).
• The space is prepared with sensory and manipulative materials, not just standard games.
• Individual pace is respected: no rigid schedules for everyone, but flexible work and rest blocks.
• Activities include practical life (cooking, gardening, caring for the environment) and outdoor movement, not just directed crafts.

In Nueva Andalucía and surroundings, you may find options advertised as “creative” or “in contact with nature.” However, an authentic Montessori camp goes a step further: the adult observes and guides, does not direct. And that nuance transforms the child’s experience. To be sure, consult official directories like the Montessori Spanish Association.

If you want to see firsthand how we work at IMS Sotogrande during the summer, Book a personalized visit to the school and we will show you our spaces.

Outdoor life: much more than games

A proper summer camp cannot lock children inside four walls. In Montessori pedagogy, the outdoors is an extension of the classroom. During the summer in Sotogrande, the climate allows for almost full days outdoors. However, many families from Nueva Andalucía tell us that some camps in their area limit outdoor time due to heat or logistics.

At IMS, our camp design includes moments of supervised free play, sports, yoga, music, and art in our outdoor areas and nearby pine forests. Children need to run, climb, get dirty, and explore. In fact, scientific evidence supports outdoor play as a key factor for children’s physical and mental health (study from the American Academy of Pediatrics). At our camp, every day is an opportunity to connect with nature and develop gross motor skills.

And if there is no Montessori camp in Nueva Andalucía? The Sotogrande option

We understand you might feel frustrated if you cannot find a summer camp in Nueva Andalucía that meets all the Montessori requirements you seek. The reality is that, as of today, the offer of camps with the AMI seal on the Costa del Sol is limited. But many families have told us that the trip to Sotogrande is worth it.

Our camp, MIMS Kids Summer Camp 2026 , runs from June 29 to July 31, 2026 at the IMS Sotogrande facilities in Campo de Gibraltar. It is designed for children aged 3 to 12 and operates from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with the possibility of extension until 5:00 PM. Places are limited and we usually fill up before May.

We offer a real bilingual Montessori environment, with guides certified by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Each day includes music, sports, art, games, and themed parties that the children themselves help organize. Additionally, all meals are included, and we offer sibling discounts. It’s not just about “spending the summer,” but living an experience that strengthens autonomy, creativity, and English.

If you live in Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro, or Marbella, getting to Sotogrande will take about 30-40 minutes by car. In return, your child will enjoy a prepared environment where they feel listened to, valued, and free to explore. For us, that is the true luxury of an educational summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need previous Montessori experience to attend the camp?

No. The camp is designed to welcome children who have never been in a Montessori environment. The guides accompany each one in their adaptation and show them how to move in the space. The key is that the child is willing to explore and respect the pace of others.

How is language managed if my child only speaks Spanish?

The camp is bilingual, but we do not force it. One adult communicates in English and another in Spanish. Children, especially the youngest, absorb the language naturally through songs, instructions, and games. It’s not a class; it’s immersion. And the results surprise us every summer.

What happens if my child doesn’t adapt in the first few days?

It’s normal for insecurity to appear in the first days. Our team consists of guides experienced in accompanying adaptation processes. We respect the need to be close to a reference adult and never force separation. Gradually, the child discovers the environment and usually integrates enthusiastically.

Are there options for extended hours after 5:00 PM?

At the moment, the camp schedule extends at most until 5:00 PM. If your work situation requires more flexibility, contact us and we will find a solution together. In any case, we recommend booking in advance so we can organize groups.

A summer that leaves a mark

Choosing a summer camp is not a minor decision. What children experience during those July days can boost their confidence, curiosity, and desire to learn. Or it can leave them with the feeling that the holidays were just an empty parenthesis. That’s why taking time to look for an option consistent with how we want to educate our children is a long-term investment.

From IMS Sotogrande, we accompany families from Nueva Andalucía, Alcaidesa, San Roque, and the entire Campo de Gibraltar so that summer is an extension of the child’s natural development. If this year you have to look for a summer camp in Nueva Andalucía, we encourage you to look a little further and come meet us. Sometimes a short car ride makes a big difference in childhood.

About Tamara Munoz: Certified Montessori guide with over 10 years accompanying families in Campo de Gibraltar. Specialist in 0-6 pedagogy and prepared environments. Credentials: AMI 3-6 Guide, Diploma in Early Childhood Education. Certification: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Full profile.