In the hills of Mount Ida overlooking the shores of Edremit Bay lies Çamtepe, a stunning-half-crescent stone building hidden in a pine forest just 10 kilometers from the sea, conceived and designed by the founder of Buğday himself, Victor Ananias. Starting in July but continuing through the summer to September, dozens of nature loving and ecological lifestyle aspiring like-minded individuals will be coming together to take part in a very special 'life' school held here each summer.It's that time of year when Buğday and Çamtepe resume its annual "Yaşam Okulu," with this year's being the sixth and perhaps the most diverse in terms of topics. This 'Life School', which is intended to provide the tools and space to experience nature, holistic healing, the arts and the inner self, is not taught in a traditional classroom. Instead, the setting is at their spectacular headquarters building, which is a half-moon arch stone building facing the sea and surrounded by nature, called Çamtepe. For anyone wanting to see somewhere new and experience a communal setting based on learning with similar souls, then Yaşam Okulu, which translates best to Life School, will undoubtedly be a once in a lifetime experience.This year's program, which is divided into four five-day long thematic school sessions spread throughout the summer, focuses in on observing nature, playing, sound and movement and creative design. The workshops take place at Çamtepe, which doubles as a headquarters for the Buğday Association for Supporting Ecological Living that works to support, create and promote ecological awareness and methods of sustainability and regularly offers workshops, courses and events geared towards offering solutions to support living in harmony with nature.The vision for the Çamtepe Ekolojik Yaşam Kültürü Merkezi (Çamtepe Ecological Living Cultural Center) came from Victor Ananias, a pioneering individual in the ecological living movement and the founder of the Buğday Association. Although officially established in 2002, Buğday was the harvest of what started a decade prior by Victor with a vegetarian restaurant and center in Bodrum. Unfortunately, sometimes 'truly great' people go early, way too early, which was the case with Victor. Since his passing, an unprecedented effort to continue his mission and vision ensues, and the ecological community in his memory is thriving.Victor was the visionary behind the outstanding Çamtepe Ecological Living Cultural Center, set between two villages approximately 10 kilometers apart and overlooking the Edremit Gulf and Küçükkuyu, where the provinces of Çanakkale and Balıkesir meet. Buğday also has a shop in this quaint Aegean summer stop, housed in the Adatepe Olive Oil Museum and Factory (Adatepe Zeytinyağı Müzesi ve Fabrikası).This will be the sixth year the Çamtepe Ekolojiik Yasam Kulturu Merkezi will be hosting workshops and more specifically, their "Yaşam Okulu." Buğday Chairman of the Executive Board Güneşin Aydemir carries on Victor's legacy not only by sharing her own wisdom, but also by gathering together a select group of specialists in a variety of integrative approaches all geared towards promoting awareness and ecological living practices. The annual 'life school' traditions are not the only workshops offered at this sacred space. As this goes to print, there is an Eco-Camp retreat ongoing and less than two weeks ago, there was a homeopathic and reflexology course on offer.The life school is not a set curriculum, nor taught in a classroom. Rather, It is more like the gathering of like-minded individuals sharing their experiences and expertise for others to benefit from. Classes could take place anywhere from the stunning Çamtepe building, which also has an extensive library room, or at the bottom of a waterfall, in a creek in the forest or on a farm. The sky, quite literally, is the limit!What started as an annual week-long affair six years ago, was expanded into four week-long 'Life School- Thematic Sessions' last summer. Participants spent the whole week at Çamtepe and would begin by planning each day together, taking part in workshops and in establishing a division of labor in the aim for a mini utopia together. This year will be no different with four separate five-day long Yaşam Okulu programs on offer.The first, which takes place from July 1-5, is entitled Doğa Gözlem, which translates to Observing Nature. Filled with observations of the forests, streams, flora and fauna through walks in the forest and much, much more, this program will provide techniques and exercises for those who want to learn more about nature and its cycles.The second week, which will be held from July 29 to Aug. 2, is entitled "Oyun," which best translates to "Play", and intends to teach people how to use the concepts of "games and playing" both individually as well as a society. Equipped with daily game time as well as dedicated hours for the games soccer, chess and Go, this course is aimed towards becoming more familiar with "transition games," designed to be a guide on an individual's spiritual journey.From Aug. 21-25 is "Ses, Hareket ve Müzik," in other words, "Sound, Movement and Music," which will hone in on rhythm and vibrations and how the music axle is one of the most important components of society. Don't fret, you do not need to be skilled on an instrument or terminology to take part, but do expect to enjoy nightly music and bonfire circles.The "Tasarım" or "Design" week, which will run from Sept. 9-13, challenges improving designs for access to basic needs such as fresh air, water, food, shelter, clothing and of course understanding and sharing with others. In addition, this year's Yaşam Okulu will also conclude with an overall evaluation week dedicated to discussing the progress made over the summer and what programs to include in the following year.The classes and discussions are held in Turkish for the most part and taught by mainly Turkish teachers who are experts in their respective fields, whether that be homeopathy, permaculture or one of the many holistic practices that are part of this life school's integrative approach. Participants hail from all ages and professions with a common goal of establishing a peaceful environment in which to learn, grow and how to work your body, mind and soul.There is no electricity at Çamtepe and therefore no refrigerators and no air conditioning. The food prepared is vegetarian and the days begin early. Participants camp out on the grounds bringing their own tents and sleeping bags. The lavatories and kitchen are shared, as are most of the daily duties. So, come prepared and willing to let nature, the surroundings and the people around you shape what this journey will be. Coming together is perhaps what this 'life school' is all about and participants most definitely come away with friends for life as well as life-changing experiences.This peaceful environment, which is immersed in pine forests overlooking the Aegean Sea's Gulf of Edremit and Lesbos Island, is a land of legends. In ancient times, Mount Ida once worshipped the Anatolian Goddess Cybele and in the mythology era this is where Paris once bestowed the 'Apple of Discord' upon Aphrodite, which eventually gave way to the Trojan War. Known to have one of the highest oxygen levels in the world, this area, which I myself have made my home, offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and an opportunity to experience a different side of Turkey. The majestic building and space devoted to ecological living and learning provides the chance to exist in a more communal and conscious space with other like-minded individuals, intent on making the world a better place. For more info, check out Çamtepe.org.