Camp Blog
22nd March 2023
Here at Camp Suisse, we have a long tradition of providing our campers with the utmost in adrenalin-fuelled adventure, and for over a decade, mountain biking has been a cornerstone of the Camp Suisse experience. However, we work hard to ensure that no two Camp Suisse adventures are alike and so, after a brief sabbatical, whilst our team scoped out new terrain, we are happy to announce that 2023 is the year we all get back on the bike!
Join us on two wheels this summer and discover all that the Swiss alps have to offer! Learn new skills, make new friends, and marvel at the breath-taking landscape. At our base, 1600m up in Les Crosets, you will be taught by our qualified, caring, and experienced instructors, well versed in all the tips and tricks you need to start your journey cruising through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
21st March 2023
Joining the Camp Suisse team as an Activity Leader in 2015, Steve was an instant hit among staff and campers and soon became our Activity Leader Manager. An engineer, qualified secondary school teacher and recent graduate in physiotherapy, Steve is currently our year-round Activities Manager. Steve has had a huge impact on our activities programme and played a pivotal role in launching The Ed-Venture Award for our school trips here at Camp Suisse.
1) Where are you living at the moment? What do you do there? Where have you lived in the past?
I live in Sheffield and I am a physiotherapist, I’ve previously lived in the UAE, Scotland, England and France for a while.
2) Favourite thing about Camp Suisse?
It has to be living in the shadow of the dents du midi in Switzerland.
3) Most Suisse thing you have ever done?
Eating cheese in a restaurant whilst watching the goats that made the cheese get milked.
4) Favourite Camp excursion?
Glacier 3000, who doesn’t love a winter wonderland complete with huskies!
5) Favourite activity at Camp?
Art jamming by the cookie café on top of one of the peaks in Les Crosets
6) The mountains or the lake? And why?
Mountains, water sports aren’t really my thing and I enjoy how small the mountains make me feel.
7) If you were offered a place on a one-way trip to Mars, would you take it?
Absolutely.
8) Apart from Camp Suisse, what has been your favourite job to date?
I enjoyed working behind a bar talking to people and serving.
23rd February 2023
Here at Camp Suisse, we are constantly evolving and developing our activity offerings. To the great excitement of both staff and campers, to keep moving with the turbulent times and to seek to make the most of the rapid change, we have added rafting to our activity program!
Armed with paddles, their fellow raft mates and a qualified and experienced instructor our campers embark on their first voyage down the Rhône, the biggest feed river of the Mediterranean. Under the watchful eyes of their instructors and group leaders, campers will learn new skills, make new friendships, and marvel at the magnificent Swiss alps from a truly unique perspective.
Experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable guides will help campers navigate their way down the river, tailoring the experience to suit both the white-water thrill seekers and those looking for a gentler ride.
24th June 2021
Joan first worked for Camp Suisse in 2019 and instantly made his impact with both staff and campers. His caring attitude, attention to detail and empathetic approach make Joan not only a delight to work with but also an excellent teacher. This year Joan will be heading up the Camp Suisse language team, using his expertise and excellent social skills to create unique learning experiences and aiding his team of language teachers in providing quality lessons.
- Apart from Camp Suisse, what has been your favourite job to date?
It may sound weird — most people wouldn’t consider being a waiter as the job of one’s life — but I remember when I moved to England and worked in a pub for almost a year. For me it was exciting; a new culture, a new country, new people, I had English lessons every day which I got paid for! And most importantly, I had a lot of fun!
- Where are you living at the moment?
I still live near Valencia (in Spain), but when the COVID situation gets better, I plan to move abroad. Where to? Time (and work) will tell.
- Most Suisse thing you have ever done?
Having filets de perche and a cheese fondue by the Lake Geneva on my day off.
- Favourite language?
Absolutely all of them, I am a true enthusiast and I love and appreciate all languages and dialects. At the moment I study some foreign languages (although far from perfection to be honest haha) but I really enjoy learning languages and I don’t rule out the possibility of learning new ones eventually in the future. Each language is a window to new possibilities and ways of understanding and connecting with this world. There is not a language better than any other.
- What is your favourite thing about working at Camp Suisse?
Being in touch with people from all over the world in such a nice atmosphere and environment. It really is the perfect place to share many great moments and experiences you will never forget!
- Favourite Camp excursion?
Hmm, very, very hard to say! I would probably go for Lac de Taney, which is a great mountain excursion where you can enjoy an overnight by the Lac de Taney. Yoga, storytelling, bonfire, laughs, a dip in the lake, these are just a few examples of the possibilities that this trip offers! I would say it is one of the places where both campers and staff bond the most!
- Favourite meal at Camp?
Last day’s meal – the prom dinner! I’m not going to tell you though, so if you want to know, just come to Camp Suisse! 😉
- Favourite activity at Camp?
Dinner at the Italian restaurant next to Camp Suisse. Real Neapolitan pizza, the owners are from Naples and they are very friendly. It’s a different kind of evening where we all enjoy ourselves and relax. And if combined with a mountain biking afternoon, it just makes the perfect day!
- If you had to be an animal what would you be and why?
I would be a chameleon, capable of adapting to everything, although I’m much more sociable haha.
10. Is Cereal a soup?
Haha what a debate! No, the answer is no. Cereal is not a soup. Cereal is just cereal. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of soup is: “liquid food made by cooking vegetables, meat, etc. with water”. So, what does cereal have to do with it? Nothing.
- Would you rather have hands for feet, or feet for hands? And why?
Having hands for feet would definitely be much better. Just have a look at the evolutionary chain or ask a monkey and you will see why!
- If you were offered a place on a one way trip to Mars would you take it?
I would – if there was to be a new species or a different form of culture to talk to. Too boring if I had to be there by myself, don’t you think? Also, there is something quite important to consider: is it too cold? I always feel the cold too much haha.
- The glacier or the beach at Bouveret?
Both are excellent options, although very different. That is the nice thing about this camp: there is a great variety of things to do, you NEVER get bored! I suppose it depends on the day. I have to say that I love both beach and mountain but if I have to choose, maybe the glacier is my option: seeing snow in the summer, getting on the gondola lift, having a ride on the roller coaster, and contemplating the views are just amazing and campers love it too! From there you can see three countries: Italy, Switzerland and the Mont Blanc in France!
17th May 2021
| Floriane has a wide experience of European culture – from her home in Spain, to university in the UK and her time spent living in France. One of Florian’s finest qualities is her caring nature, whether it’s making sure everybody is included, sticking up for the underdog or lending an ear to those who need it.
We asked Floriane about her thoughts on life, the universe and everything Camp Suisse
1) Where are you living at the moment? What do you do there? Where have you lived in the past?
At the moment I’m based at the University of Warwick in the U.K. as I’m in my fourth and final year of my studies. Spain is home, so I spend as much time as I can there, but I’ve also lived in France.
2) Favourite thing about Camp Suisse?
How far away we are from the hustle and bustle of cities. Camp Suisse is located in a really quiet village surrounded by nature and makes for a really nice escape from the digital world. Waking up to the picturesque views of the mountains and Lake Geneva.
3) Most Suisse thing you have ever done?
On one of our days off, a few of us hiked to a chalet near Solalex. Upon arrival we realised that the elderly Suisse couple who owned it would also be staying with us and ended up teaching us how to make the perfect fondue.
4) What is your favourite thing about working at Camp Suisse?
100% the people! It’s such a privilege to be able to enjoy your work and spend the day laughing with everyone.
5) Favourite Camp excursion?
The trip to the glacier at Les Diablerets is my favourite! I don’t get to see much snow in Spain and when it has been super warm at camp it’s refreshing to cool down once you get to such a high altitude. The ‘mini’ (actually quite scary) rollercoaster is the best way to end the day.
6) Favourite activity at Camp?
I really enjoy the team-building activities we do. It’s so much fun watching the campers try to figure out how to complete each activity as a team and learn to communicate with each other. It really brings each group closer together and we can all have a laugh at how silly we might look trying each activity.
7) What’s the oddest food combination you have ever eaten?
I’ve had some pretty questionable meals since being at university. However, I’d have to say the ‘meal’ I had with my family on Christmas eve 2019 was the oddest. We travelled to the south of Spain and had forgotten to book anywhere to eat that evening. As Christmas eve is celebrated more than Christmas day in Spain, all the shops and supermarkets were closed except from a few corner shops. We ate whatever we could find in the corner shop which ended up being sardines, toast, crisps and some questionable yoghurts. Safe to say we were all pretty hangry the next morning and devoured some paella for lunch.
8) If you had to be a household object for a day what object would you be and why?
I’m a real foodie so I would have to be the oven. It’s warm and you can smell and see all your meals or cakes cook!
9) Does pineapple belong on pizza?
I can’t say I’ve ever been daring enough to try it…
10) If you were offered a place on a one way trip to Mars would you take it?
I think I’d consider it if I knew I didn’t have much longer to live. It could potentially get very isolating being so far from everything you know and I’m not sure that’s something I’d voluntarily put myself through. Also, the thought of eating dried or powder food for the rest of my life would definitely put me off!
11) The mountains of the lake? And why?
Although hiking in the mountains can be physically tough, I find it so much more rewarding, especially for the views and the nature that surrounds you.
12) Apart from Camp Suisse, what has been your favourite job to date?
It would have to be working at the Pre-Paralympic Cerebral Palsy qualifiers in Spain. The tournament was a pretty big deal as we were hosting national teams from all over the world which would then go on to compete in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Paralympics! I did all sorts of small jobs from being a ball-girl on the side-lines to interviewing players in different languages. The atmosphere was great, not to mention the weather! |
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5th April 2021
| Philipp is part of what makes Camp Suisse feel like home away from home. His first summer at Camp Suisse was way back in 2009! He has been back several times since then and we can’t wait to welcome him back this summer!
Philipp has made a career in working with young people and we are very proud to have him on our team. As a headteacher, Philipp is used to working within dynamic and varied teams and this summer he will be leading our Pastoral Care team. Round the clock, night and day Philipp and his team will be there to support campers emotionally and create welcoming spaces, in which they can feel comfortable and safe. Luckily for us he found the time to answer some questions!
1) Favourite thing about Camp Suisse?
I love to see how the campers grow as human beings in such a short time, discovering new things about themselves, becoming more confident, more resilient people. Also you can’t beat looking at thunderstorms rolling through the valley from above and having clouds come through the windows.
2) Most Suisse thing you have ever done?
I felt really happy when I saw a shop outside of Switzerland that sold Rivella.
3) Favourite Camp excursion?
Camping by a mountain lake is by far my favourite. Fire, stories, swimming and marshmallows never gets old. I always schedule my day off after the camping so that I can stay up all night by the fire, watch the foxes steal socks that kids leave outside and feel the first warming rays of sunrise.
4) Favourite activity at Camp?
I love all the informal times in between activities. When campers and staff find places they enjoy around the site. Some hang out by the piano, some bask in the sun and others play cards. The feeling of community during these times is amazing.
5) Bar Camp Suisse, what has been your favourite job to date?
In terms of pure fun it was definitely working on an adventure playground.
6) What’s the oddest food combination you have ever eaten?
As a child I used to like Nutella and salami sandwiches. Thinking of it, maybe I should try that again to see if it still works for me!
7) If you had to be a household object for a day what object would you be and why?
I would be a cosy sofa. A soft place to relax, preferably by a fireplace.
8) Does pineapple belong on pizza?
This feels like a trick question to ask a German. I have not eaten a pineapple pizza since about the time I last had a Nutella salami sandwich.
9) If you were offered a place on a one-way trip to Mars would you take it?
I probably could not resist but it might just depend on the company.
10) The mountains or the lake? and why?
A lake in the mountains. Why choose if you can have both! |
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18th March 2021
| Reliable, dependable and always enthusiastic, Louis is a ‘Yes man’ down to his bones and is a strong favourite amongst campers and staff alike! Alongside his 5 years at Camp Suisse, Louis has also completed a university degree, specialising in History and French. Louis is a super-talented musician and has played percussion and drums in theatres across Europe as well as heading up the Jazz Orchestra at Exeter University, from where he has just graduated. As well his incredible musical literacy, Louis is also fluent in French. When at Camp, Louis is usually found giving impromptu lessons around the piano or sitting around a campfire telling longwinded.. but engaging…stories!
One of Louis’ best qualities is in the way he will tirelessly take the time to ensure everyone has the best experience possible. Luckily for us he found the time to answer some questions!
1) Apart from Camp Suisse, what has been your favourite job to date?
My favourite job to date has got to be drumming at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo two years ago. It was a life-changing experience to play in front of thousands of guests every night alongside musicians from France, Germany, Nigeria, China, and New Zealand. The excitement and cultural diversity of Edinburgh during the festival is hard to beat.
2) Where are you living at the moment?
Currently living in London, which is further from the mountains and the sea than I would like!
3) Most Suisse thing you have ever done?
Doing group yoga in the morning sun alongside the lake at Taney. Either that or adjudicating a particularly loud Moo-off (the Camp Suisse tiebreaker) on Olympic day.
4) What is your favourite thing about working at Camp Suisse?
There are so many highlights from across the years, but the standout feature has got to be the location. Waking up to stunning mountain views every day, moments away from some of Europe’s best hiking, mountain biking and climbing, is the best perk of the job. It means on your days off you can really take advantage of the outdoors. And when you’re working, you get to share your passion for the mountains with kids from all over the world; it’s a great feeling.
5) Favourite Camp excursion?
My favourite excursion is definitely the hike to Taney (which we do with the older age groups). The initial hike takes you through green pastures of Swiss cows, up past the imposing peak of La Braye, and over the watershed to the next valley. There’s a fantastic climb from Le Flon that finally takes you to up to the crystal-clear lake for a rewarding swim. Relaxing by the lake in the sun followed by campfire stories in the evening really sums up the Camp Suisse experience. It’s always one of the most talked about activities among the kids and it’s a great opportunity for them to get to know each other at the start of the camp.
6) Favourite meal at Camp?
Fresh bread, butter and jam at Taney breakfast, or chicken pie at camp.
7) Favourite activity at Camp?
Mountain biking! After skills-based games and challenges to build up everyone’s confidence, we take small groups out on the trails around Torgon, so it’s really enjoyable both for the instructors and for the kids. As it’s a full day activity, many kids will start off the day having barely ridden a bike and will then develop the confidence to take on jumps, drops, and trails. It’s such a rewarding experience to see and be a part of that kind of progression – we often try and fit in extra sessions later on in the camp because the campers love it.
8) If you had to be an animal what would you be and why?
I am actually a dog person, but if I was going to be an animal it would definitely be a cat. They’re free to come and go and have a bit of an explore, but also like to chill out in the sun.
9) If you were offered a place on a one way trip to Mars would you take it?
No way – there might be mountains on Mars but they’re not green enough for my liking. Also, the food at Geneva airport is expensive enough for me, I can’t imagine what it would be like on Mars.
10) And finally: The glacier at Diablerets or the beach at Bouveret?
Definitely the beach. You can’t beat chilling out alongside Lake Geneva on a sunny afternoon.
If you would like to request staff members for upcoming interviews, or ask questions please get in touch via our social media! |
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24th February 2021
| Hannah is one of the backbones of the Camp Suisse team. At camp she can usually be found where the excitement is thickest and is always with a smile on her face. A veteran of 4 summers, Hannah is an integral part of the Camp Suisse family! Having spent time living in both France and Spain, Summer 2021 cannot come soon enough for Hannah, Hannah who is currently finishing her dissertation for her final year at university.
Hannah is an instant hit with campers and her fluency in English, French and Spanish means she’s always at the centre of attention! Here we get Hannah’s thoughts on everything from soup to super activities!
1) If you had to be a household object for a day what object would you be?
I would be a fridge. Nice and chilled and full of all the good stuff.
2) If you had to be an animal what would you be and why?
If I had to be any animal, I would be a monkey. They’re swift and agile but also not too intimidating. They also like bananas so I could roll with that.
3) What is your favourite thing about working at Camp Suisse?
The fact that two days are never the same; kids always have a random fact to teach you or a new trick to show you. Seeing them grow into more confident people and learn new skills also makes working with them so worthwhile.
4) Favourite Camp excursion?
Banana boating! Always such a fun day out.
5) Favourite Camp souvenir item?
The Camelbak water bottles. They’re strong, sturdy and reliable.
6) Favourite meal at Camp?
Ooooh that’s a tough one, the catering team always put on such a great variety of meals, I think for me it has to be mac and cheese! So good and so comforting.
7) Favourite sport at Camp?
My favourite sport to play at camp is hockey. It reminds me of when I was at school and it’s such a fun and varied team sport which means everyone can join in!
8) And finally…. Is cereal a soup?
Absolutely not. Cereal is a god-tier food and should not be compared to soup.
If you would like to request staff members for upcoming interviews, or ask questions please get in touch via our social media! |
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2nd February 2021
When not at camp, Declan is either off counting mongoose in Africa, creating artwork in the style of the late great Bob Ross, or working as a qualified teacher in the UK. Currently Dec has been working for a Production Company in his hometown of Bristol, making TV shows for the BBC, Netflix and National Geographic.
Here we have some hard-hitting questions from past campers Declan – so make sure you give them some thought:
1) Is cereal a soup?
Absolutely not that’s ridiculous. Soup is warm and shouldn’t have bits in it.
2) Would you rather spend a lifetime counting mongoose or a lifetime painting like Bob Ross?
Bob Ross – I’ve done both and maths is not my thing.
3) Does pineapple belong on pizza!?
Absolutely not! You wouldn’t put bananas on a burger!
4) NASA is taking volunteers for a one-way trip to Mars, do you go? and if so what 1 luxury item do you take?
No – there are far too many (much cooler) things on Earth – Like mountains and Gruyères cheese. If I HAD to go and take one luxury – it’d probably be my camera, I go nowhere without it and would kick myself if I forgot to take it to Mars.
5) Favorite member of Camp Suisse?
It’s going to have to be a tie between Rosie and Steve – it would not be the same without you guys behind the scenes keeping things going (and coming up with ridiculous activities like 3-legged football).
Now for the serious stuff:
Dec…our first question has to be, out of all the fabulous things on offer at Camp Suisse – Banana boating, husky sledding on the glacier, the Aqua Parc – What is your favorite activity?
Well, what I really love about Camp is that there is ALWAYS room to be a bit silly. One of my best memories from Camp was when we me and a camper turned the ping pong room into a crazy golf course on an arrival’s day! We used everything and anything we could find to build obstacles – whether that was an entire library’s worth of books, a Jenga set and a hoover.
What about your favorite excursion?
For me it has got to be going to Villeneuve swimming pool for banana boating and paddle boarding. I grew up by the sea so it wouldn’t be summer without going to the ‘beach’.
If you would like to request staff members for upcoming interviews, or ask questions please get in touch via our social media!
18th January 2021
2020 has been a year of uncertainty for everyone and 2021 looks to be continuing in the same vein. To provide a bit of financial stability, here at Camp Suisse, we are introducing a brand new ‘Book now pay 31st May’ offer.
Available to all, this offer gives peace of mind, in that your child’s place at Camp Suisse is guaranteed for summer 2021 without any financial commitment necessary until the 31st May.
It is as easy as going to campsuisse.com/register, filling out your details and selecting the session you would prefer. Under ‘other payment options’ select the box ‘Receive an invoice to pay later by card or bank transfer’. You can then submit your form to us and we will confirm your booking.
And voila! You’re all set and can rest easy, secure in the knowledge that you have a space at Camp Suisse 2021! All with zero payment required.
When the 31st May does finally roll around we will be in touch regarding payment for the upcoming session.
As soon as payment is processed you are included in our cancellation insurance policy which provides protection for (non-COVID related) cancellations and curtailment.
We will further still offer postponement of your child’s place at camp, or a refund of your monies, if there are further restrictions preventing you from travelling after you have paid, or if we are unable to operate for any such reason.
We cannot wait to get back to the mountains this summer and hope your youngsters will be a part of it.
