Are you longing for some more sunshine this year? We’re very excited to announce that we’ll be organising our first gathering close to Poreč on the Istrian peninsula of Croatia. This gathering is for families, with a focus on those with teens and tweens.
We will be staying at Valamar Camping Istra – a large and luxurious holiday park with outdoor pools, water slides, playgrounds, sports fields and restaurants. It’s set directly on the Adriatic Sea and is close to the historic and touristic village of Poreč.
The gathering will take place from 5 October to 1 November. You are welcome to join us for one week or longer.
Practical information
Where? Valamar Camping Istra, Funtana, 50 km from Pula Airport, Croatia
When? 5 October to 1 November, 2025
For who? Homeschooling families
(homeschooling, unschooling, worldschooling, etc.) with a focus on those with teens and tweens
What does it cost? €50 per family (first time participants) + holiday park
Hosted by: Mirjam & Rob
This event will be a gathering. This means that we don’t organise planned activities. In contrast to our hubs, here we simply create a space that thrives on spontaneous hang outs. Families are welcome to organise activities if they wish. The holiday park has several pools and slides, which naturally become a favourite spot for kids and teens to hangout and play.
We keep things simple and relaxed, and there’s always something fun or meaningful to join if you’re up for it.
You can bring your own camping gear (camper, caravan, tent) and book a pitch, or rent one of the many accommodation options available at Valamar Camping Istra.
What does it cost?
The participation fee is €50 per family – regardless of family size and length of stay. This fee includes our support in advance of and during the gathering, our effort to get a a nice group together, and access to our dedicated Telegram group, but not your accommodation or any extras such as excursions or meals out. Families who have joined us before don’t need to pay the participation fee.
You can book your accommodation directly through the holiday park’s website after we have confirmed your reservation.
Good to know
There is room for about 10 to 12 families, with a focus on those with teens and tweens. Most of the spots are reserved for families with teens and tweens. A limited number of spots is available for families without children aged 9 or older.
The ages of the children that signed up so far: 18-18-17-14-14-13-13-13-12-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-10-10-10-9-9-9-9-8-8-7-7-6-6-4-2-1.
Our hubs attract families from many different countries, so the main language will be English. It’s easier for teens and tweens to join in if they speak at least a little English.
You are welcome to join us if you stay for at lease one week. However, experience has shown that that one week often feels too short, so if you can stay longer… 🙂
FAQ
How about the weather?
October in Funtana is usually lovely, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. There might be a few cooler days as well as some rainy days.
Is the waterpark still opened?
According to the holiday park, the waterpark is fully opened until approximately 20 October. Two large activity and relax pools will be opened afterwards. The opening of the waterpark is depending on weather conditions.
How to get to Funtana?
If you are coming by plane: The nearest airport is Pula Airport, about 50 km from the holiday park. There’s a car rental at the airport. See this website for more info on transport to Poreč, which is about 5 km from the holiday park:
myporec.com.
If you are coming by car or motorhome, don’t forget to buy an e-vignette for Slovenia. Motorhomes up to 3500 kg can buy the cheaper class 2A e-vignette. You can buy it here: https://evinjeta.dars.si/selfcare/en
How many families will be coming?
There’s room for 10 to 12 families, with a focus on those with teens and tweens. Most of the spots are reserved for families with teens and tweens. A limited number of spots is available for families without children aged 9 or older.
I don't have tweens or teens, can I come?
Yes, you are welcome to join is. As we focus on families with teens and tweens, most of the spots are reserved for those families. A limited number of spots is available for families without children aged 9 or older.
What happens if you cancel the gathering?
In the very unlikely event that an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control forces us to cancel the gathering, you will of course receive a full refund of your participation fee. The holiday park’s refund policy depends on the type of accommodation you book. You can find their policy on
their website. Please note that you’ll need to contact them directly, as all bookings must be made with the park itself.
What happens if we need to cancel?
If you cancel at least 1 month before the gathering starts, you will receive a refund of 50% of your participation fee. No refund will be given if you cancel within 1 month of the start.
The holiday park’s refund policy depends on the type of accommodation you book. You can find their policy on their website. Please note that you’ll need to contact them directly, as all bookings must be made with the park itself.
Are there accommodations available?
Yes, the holiday park offers lots of different types of accommodations, including glamping tents and holiday homes.
Do we need to come the full gathering?
You are welcome to join us if you stay at least one week. However, experience has shown that that one week often feels too short, so if you can stay longer… 🙂
What languages are spoken?
The main language spoken is English, so it will be easier to blend in for teens and tweens if they speak at least a little English.
What is the difference between a gathering and a hub?
During hubs, we offer planned activities on 3-4 days each week. At gatherings (like this one in Croatia), we don’t offer this iterinary, and we leave it open for spontaneous meet-ups, hang outs and activities. Every family can organise activities as they please. It is our experience that a lot of activities spontaneously occur. Also, knowing ourselves and our children, we are pretty sure that we will come up with several spontaneous things, like potlucks, games and sharing circles.
Are activities obligated?
No, all activities are optional, so don’t feel obligated to visit every activity. We know how valuable it is to have a good balance between community time and personal time.
Can I join communal meals with allergies/diets?
Yes, definitely. Everyone is asked to include a note with the ingredients at organised potluck meals. In our experience, there’s always a good selection of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
What's the price of the holiday park?
This depends on the type of accommodation and family size. Kindly check the
website of the holiday park for their prices.
See below some sample prices for reference. These are based on a one-week stay for family of four: 2 adults, and 1 child aged 13 and child aged 9. Prices of the holiday park can be higher or lower depending on your family situation.
Campsite pitch: from € 399 (€ 57 per night)
Glamping tent: from € 438 (€ 63 per night)
Holiday home: from € 586 (€ 84 per night)
These prices include electricity, hot showers and access to facilities like the swimming pools. Tourist tax is not included in above prices. For apartments: The costs of a final cleaning, linen and towels are not included. These prices might be subject to change and availibilty.
Do we need to book the holiday park ourselves?
Yes, you need to book your accommodation directly at the
website of the holiday park. You can do so after we have confirmed your spot. Let us know if you need help with making a reservation.
Can we decide last minute?
Yes, as long as we have spots available.
Sign up 🙂
Registration has closed, unfortunately. See our Events page for our other upcoming hubs and gatherings.
