Camp Journal
REDS AND BLUES GO BANANA BOATING
4th July 2013
Once the happy campers of the Red and Blue groups had enjoyed their now familiar breakfast spread, they split off for their productive mornings of language and sports lessons. Having returned from a diverse mixture of climbing, tennis, basketball and football, the campers chomped through some (or all!) of the wide range of lunch choices (pasta, baked potato with fillings, sandwiches, paninis and hot dogs) in our restaurant before hopping on the coach to Lake Geneva. Blue group camper JP entertained during the half-hour journey speculating on potential pairings for next week’s camp disco.
Upon arrival, the campers got changed and bounded gleefully into the water. Fadi, Ella and others were particularly insistent that their group leaders joined them in the water too. The campers then experienced the day’s main event: banana boating! Against a calm backdrop of snowy mountain peaks and glittering Montreux in the distance, the campers had a thrilling adventure skimming across, through and seemingly under Lake Geneva. Everyone got wet at some point, although some of the less nautically stable campers ended up in the water three or four times! Having made it safely back to shore, the campers either shooted down the water slide or relaxed with an ice cream in the sun. Some returned to the water; Siddiq in particular enjoyed a leisurely splash around.
Once back home, the campers dined on a veritable feast of breaded mushrooms, Thai green curry, and Eton mess. Red and Blue groups’ day concluded with a murder mystery game, in which campers competed in groups to figure out which one of six staff suspects had committed the grisly deed. The tired-out but happy Red group campers swiftly returned to their chalets for bed-time, and many Blue group campers also caught an early night in anticipation of the early start for their trip to Glacier 3000 tomorrow morning.
– Simon, Blue Group Leader
I see Green
3rd July 2013
After the usual routine of sport and language lessons taking place in the morning, the green group had an afternoon of orienteering and team building games to look forward to. Unfortunately, after a few days of nothing but sunshine, the weather chose to be unkind and the rain showed no signs of stopping. Nevertheless, the green group were not prepared to let the weather dampen their spirits during the afternoon activities. Orienteering involved a lesson on map reading as well as using a compass. The group then hiked outside where their new and improved skills were put to the test using maps of the local area. Team building games consisted of six challenging exercises where the group were required to work together to solve certain tasks and situations. All group members demonstrated strong communication within their teams as well as creativity and leadership. All in all it was another positive experience for the green group as all campers thoroughly enjoyed their day!
Blue and Yellow at Aqua Parc!
A rainy day meant some improvisation was necessary for morning activities, but indoor futsal (small teamed football) and the climbing wall ensured all campers were eagerly awaiting their lunches. A trip to the Aquaparc with all the Blue and Yellow campers wearing their bright Camp Suisse t-shirts ensued with a chatty bus ride en route. The continuing rain not dampening the campers’ spirits. Upon arrival at the Aquaparc, many group leaders found themselves wondering whether they were leading the group of if the group was leading them as campers rushed from one slide to the next, laughing all along the way. The return bus journey to camp for “shower hour” unfortunately came too soon for all, but laundry had to be handed in, rooms tidied, and most importantly, parents to be called! A hearty meal of lasagne was enjoyed by all before all campers went for their evening of bingo. With many Camp Suisse prizes to be claimed, campers were eagerly scratching away at their numbers. Evening activities wound down for bed time for the Red group and Blue group after a long but successful day as the Green and Yellow groups had a little time to wind down before they too turned in for the night in preparation for another big day in Switzerland.
Greenland go camping
A sumptuous Swisss summer’s day greeted the GPIS group as they embarked on their expedition to camp. The group made great pace in marching Plan du Croix in just under two hours, before launching the final assault on the summit and the sanctuary of the plus Torgon Ski club chalet, which was to be home for the night. After a brief pause for refreshments, a further hike took the group to the Swiss-French border and another prime opportunity for photographs with views of Lake Geneva and out to the impressive Dents Blanches. After trying to spot the Eiffel Tower it was time for the barbeque – burgers and hotdogs for all followed by barbequed-bananas around the camp fire. “Black Socks” Camp Suisse’s favourite song was bellowed out, led by Activity Leaders JP and Taff. After a very merry evening it was time for bed. The night ended as all nights should, with the most exciting lightning storm Camp Suisse has witnessed to date.
Polar adventures of the green and red groups
2nd July 2013
The green and red groups of international Camp Suisse session one had an epic day in every sense of the word. The schedule was a trip up to Glacier 3000 in the Swiss Alps, followed by an afternoon swimming on the edge of Lake Geneva, the day started with an early wake up at around 6am. Keen for the day’s activities they rushed to the dining hall with enthusiasm, wolfing down a selection of yoghurts, cereals, toast and fruit to fuel them for a long day ahead.
On the bus some campers slept, whilst other campers attempted to adopt the Scottish accent shown by some of the Scottish group leaders. The campers arrived at glacier 3000, eyes beaming and jaws agape. Husky dogs barked in the distance as we piled off the bus, staring at the somewhat long journey upwards via giant cable car onto the glacier.
Once on the cable car, green and red groups spread around the open windowed car, staring at the view as we towered above the lush, green valley below. Group leader Liam even managed to keep a hold on his fear of heights! We then ascended further via a second cable car and then onto the glacier itself, leading to a rolling, silken blanket of snow.
After walking towards the eager husky dogs, in groups of four everyone got a turn riding on the back of a sled driven by the huskies. An array of snow balls then followed, as red and green campers attempted to take down groups leaders. Panoramic views and information on glaciation were also on offer. The glacier trip finished with a ride down the toboggan for all the campers, winding down the side of the glacier, inducing screams of excitement the whole way down.
Following a hearty lunch, the campers showed off their impressive diving skills at the pool side by Lake Geneva. Mark the photographer managed to backwards belly flop from a seven metre diving board, whilst Faisal from the green group displayed a rather streamlined drop into the pool. Alongside this, the youngsters of the red group played games in the small pool beside the lake. The afternoon ended with a mini thunder storm as we all arrived back at camp, tired and eager for dinner.
All in all it was a day full of ice cream, the opposites of mountain glaciers in contrast to sweltering lake sides, but most of all it was abundant with beaming smiles and lots of fun.
CRATE CLIMBING REACHING NEW HEIGHTS! – Blue Group
Today was another great day at Camp Suisse for the Blue group. As usual the morning was kick started with the sport and language sessions.
All the language classes ran smoothly in the classrooms, whilst the sports sessions made the most of the beautiful weather outside!
After lunch, the blue group took part in team building and orienteering. On the team building front, all the campers seemed to thoroughly enjoy the activities, especially the crate climbing where Farrah and Melissa managed to overcome their fear of heights!
During orienteering all campers learned to read maps and navigate through the forest. The most enjoyable part of orienteering for the campers was when everyone huddled under a group shelter and had to attempt to mark a square in the grass. After dinner, the entertainment was Quiz Extravaganza, where we battled out for the top prize answering a variety of different questions on different topics.
Overall a great day for the blue group, who are all super excited for Aqua park tomorrow!
FEARGHAL TALKS FUNGHI – Academia Anjo
The sun rose beautifully over the mountain again this morning and we all knew it would be a fantastic sunny day. After a hearty breakfast of cereals, fresh fruit, eggs and toast, we were briefed by Fearghal from the activities team for our bush craft hike.
We set out on our adventure through the forest and put tarps and hammocks up comfy and dry enjoy to sleep in! Then we continued on our way and Ingrid also from Activities, showed us a differents method of filtering water – one using sphagnum moss.
Lunch was back at Camp Suisse and there were five different options to choose from, including jacket potatoes, filled paninis, and a variety of sandwiches.
We ventured back out in to the woods to out our map skills and team work to the test in a fun orienteering session in the afternoon before our english lessons.
Dinner was enjoed by everyone: chicken fahitas, unlimited salad and tropical fruit for dessert.
Acadamia Anjo joined with the colour groups for the fantastic Quiz Extravaganza. There was an impressive thunder and lightening storm down in the valley, with picture perfect lighetneing bolts flashing through the sky! After a fun-filled day, everybody still slept soundly when it was bedtime! Zzzz….. A demain.
Blue Skies, Green Hills… it’s the Yellows!
It was a beautiful day in Torgon as the yellow group woke up to clear blue skies and an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. With it only being the yellow groups third day at Camp Suisse everyone was eager to rush through breakfast and get going with the days’ activities.
The morning sessions consisted of sports and language lessons, some language sessions were even taken outside due to the beautiful weather!
After sports and languages the yellow group re-grouped for a delightful lunch of paninis, hot dogs, pasta, baked potatoes and so much more! After an hour to re-energise it was time to set off to mountain biking…
Up at the mountain biking, the sessions were led by Craig and Rosie who really put the campers through their paces! They attacked with vigour our range of ramps and obstacles as they weaved their way down the challenging trails at our fabulous mountain biking spot. A special mention to Aymen who impressed us all by getting straight back on his bike after a little tumble!! 🙂
After a long day at Camp Suisse it was time to sit down and tuck in to some well earned dinner – fajitas and fruit salad, it did not disappoint! Before the day ended Tiff made a very popular announcement, telling the yellow group they would be going to the aqua park tomorrow – and with that to look forward to it was off to bed and resting up for another fun filled day at Camp Suisse!
Yellow taking on the mountain!
It was a beautiful day in Torgon as the yellow group woke up to clear blue skies and an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. With it only being the yellow groups third day at Camp Suisse everyone was eager to rush through breakfast and crack on with the days activities.
The morning session consisted of sports and language lessons, some language sessions were even taken outside due to the beautiful weather!
After sports and languages the yellow group re-grouped for a delightful lunch – paninis, hot dogs, pasta, baked potatoes and even more! Then it was time to set off mountain biking….
The mountains bike sessions were led by Craig and Rosie who really put the campers through their paces! Ayman certainly had an experience he will never forget – coming off his bike down one of the harder routes, but getting back on in fine fashion and completing the sessions!
After a long day on camp Suisse it was time to sit down and tuck in to some well earned dinner – fajitas and fruit salad, it did not disappoint! Before the day ended Tiff made a very popular announcement, telling the yellow group they would be going to the aqua park tomorrow – and with that to look forward to it was of to bed and resting up for another fun filled day at Camp Suisse!
Activities at Camp Suisse
1st July 2013
Yesterday the yellow group went orienteering. After a quick look at the maps and how coordinates work, we set off to find our way to the football field. Everyone seemed to brilliantly grasp the art of map reading and we found the football field almost effortlessly. After afternoon tea it was time for team building activities. Ashley developed a never – seen – before technique of deleting the bomb and the girls gracefully managed to get to safety pass the electrical wire. The whole group also got through the spider web using impeccable communication and team building skills.
The green group, after completing their various sports and language lessons, sat down for a hearty lunch of hot dogs, paninis, jacket potatoes, pasta and sandwiches. After eating the kids were sent up the hill to begin their mountain biking experiences. All the kids seemed thrilled for the opportunity to go mountain biking, even those who had not been on a bike before. Anoushka, Sam and Tobi had all never cycled a bike before, but after their one – to – one lesson with their group leaders Iona, Pete and Hannah were all able to cycle freely and stop by themselves, all three kids did a fantastic job and were proud of their achievements. The rest of the group all managed to cycle smoothly down to the bottom of the mountain woodland courses. It was nothing but beautiful views coming down the mountain. All in all the green group seemed to really enjoy the mountain biking and all seemed impressed with their personal abilities. The green group are all now looking forward to attending the adventure park tomorrow, giving them an opportunity to gain and show off their skills.
