The Basel Children’s Trust (BCT) is a community of individuals and families living in the Basel region who share a common interest in supporting each other while balancing parenthood, work, and life. They organize weekly playgroups, parenting workshops, special events, monthly activities, neighborhood groups and more. The BCT common language is English, but members come from all over the world (including locally) and represent many languages and cultures. They range from established families, expecting parents, and individuals who want to volunteer their time to families arriving in the Basel area for the first time. In any scenario, the BCT is a fantastic way to find friends in the greater Basel area.

Founded in 1992, the BCT began as a way of supporting expectant parents through pregnancy and birth in Basel. While that’s still very much at the heart of the organization, the BCT now also supports families with young children living in the Basel area. The BCT is a nonprofit volunteer-led organization. All BCT programs are made possible by generous volunteers, who give their time and energy to create resources and a welcoming community for other Basel families. Like the BCT members, the volunteer team is composed of international and local families and people who want to be involved.

The BCT organizes regular weekly playgroups for children to attend with their parents. The playgroups are the perfect place for parents to connect with others, received and exchange advice, and introduce their child(ren) to new friends. The “Bumps and Babes” playgroup is specifically focused on expecting parents and parents of young babies (about 1 year and younger) and provides an excellent social resource for new families. All BCT playgroups encourage open play and are suitable for young children and babies of all ages. Non-members are welcome to try a playgroup for two weeks before becoming members.

While playgroups are great for making friends, sometimes you just want to be able to connect with people who live close enough to drop in for a coffee or meet at the park. “Neighborhood Groups” bring the BCT to you. There are no rules to how these groups are run. Some are coffee mornings, some organize weekend catch-ups, and others meet up for dinner or drinks.

The BCT offers five weekly playgroups, parenting workshops, special events, monthly activities, neighborhood groups, and more. The BCT brings families together with annual Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, and Christmas parties. More frequent events include the popular “Nature Detectives” walks in the Basel area (buggy-friendly family walks that get adults and children to go out and explore all the nature that Basel and Baselland have to offer), educational workshops, and monthly readings at the JUKIBU Library  

An annual BCT membership costs just CHF 99 and includes free access to all BCT playgroups for parents with their little ones; Neighborhood Connections; free or discounted online workshops; free or discounted access to BCT special events; regular newsletters packed full of relevant topics for parents in Basel; volunteer opportunities within an international, enthusiastic, and engaged group; informational booklets and recommendations for families in Basel; and discounts/benefits at Basel based businesses.

For more information on becoming a member or to find out what is going on at BCT, check out their website.

https://www.baselchildrenstrust.ch

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