Camp Journal
Welcoming New staff and st ivo to Camp Suisse
22nd June 2013
Today is a big day for Camp Suisse!
Not only are we meeting our new school who will be bringing 154 children to Camp Suisse, we are meeting our new colleagues and friends, 32 of them!
Yesterday, we cleaned, washed and prepared for all our new arrivals today. In between our nervousness, we are all very excited!
All I can say, this is going to be fun adventure ahead and we are all thrilled to be sharing these stepping stones with you!
-Shaan
Arrivals All Around
Having said a sad farewell yesterday to our groups of last week, it was all hands on deck from the Camp Suisse staff to turn around the chalets and centre ready for another jam-packed week.
Early this afternoon the 3 large coaches of St Ivo school pulled into the square. After their long 20h coach journey everyone was glad to stretch their legs with a walk up through the woods to the stunning Torgon football pitch for a kick about. Dinner started with homemade garlic bread followed by a delicious spaghetti bolognaise and topped off with pineapple cake.
As I write this, a coach load of 30 new staff has just pulled up. Everyone is now here – all 90 staff! They will be in training this week with the senior team and shall be ready to hit the ground running when our international campers arrive in 6 days time.
With so many arrivals today now unpacking and settling in, this week is shaping up to be yet another incredible week up here in Torgon. I certainly am excited!
Mont Olivet go camping!
19th June 2013
After a hearty breakfast, as the sun was shining beautifully over the mountains, Mont Olivet A were ready to start some fantastic team building games. As instructions were explained in both English and French, all three groups revelled in working together on the “spider’s web”, “the electric fence” and the “plank walk”. After a morning of team building, Taff from the activities team explained to the group what was needed for the short hike and overnight stay at the ski club deep in to the mountains. Before having a delicious picnic outside, we packed our bags for camping making sure we didn’t forget pjs and toothbrushes. During our walk to the campsite, we stopped to relax every now and then taking in the surrounding views. As we reached the site, we continued on to explore more and see the views of France! We were all in awe of the views, taking endless photos. We then returned to our temporary residence at the dormitories to have a nice outdoor BBQ, of sausages, burgers, our special camp potatoes and salad. As the sun set above us, we melted chocolate and marshmallows in bananas over the camp fire that Taff built for us. After a long day packed full of activities, we were all ready to hit the hay for night. After a night’s sleep, the next morning on our walk back to camp, we sang and grew excited to get back to our homes and rest after an adventurous night away!
We spent the afternoon mountain biking, riding up and down the trails which helped us to perfect our riding skills. We then returned to base to enjoy our dinner of lasagne and waffles, followed by an evening of Bingo. All I can say is Switzerland – you do not disappoint!
Camp Suisse in full Swing
18th June 2013
From Huskies to Hikes to Climbing to Camping and to Swimming in the Swiss Sun!
With 150 campers now on site, breakfast was a busy affair with cereal, yoghurt, toast, boiled eggs & of course chocolate spread flying out of the kitchen. For half of Mont-Olivet, Geneva English School and CGB there was an early start with a 6.15am breakfast to be ready for the sensational journey to the Glacier at 3000m above Les Diablarets. After two spectacular cable car rides and a chairlift, which landed them directly on top of the glacier itself, our very excited campers were met by the Husky Dog Sled team. With the panoramic views of the Alps, including the ‘Toblerone’ Matterhorn as the backdrop, the campers took it in turns to ride the sled as it hurtled across the perfectly white snow. Lunch was enjoyed by all at high altitude before students of the Mont-Olivet and CGB group made the journey to ‘La Plage’ in Villeneuve on the banks of Lake Geneva. The students were in for a real visual treat as they appreciated the stunning Swiss backdrop while taking a dip in the swimming pool and Lake Geneva. While students from Geneva English School instead headed with their group leader Freddie, office administrator Jodie, Camp Suisse’s camp baby Maisy and Nanny Amy to the thermal baths for an afternoon of relaxation. After their long arrival day yesterday, Strothoff relished the opportunity to head to the beach at Le Bouveret with banana boating on Lake Geneva where campers made the most of the sweltering heat in Rhone Valley with group leader Matt. Meanwhile back at camp Ecole International de Genève enjoyed the challenges of archery and indoor climbing wall while learning some useful survival skills in the bushcraft hike. There was a trip down to the mountain’s foot for the excitable throng of campers who then tried their hand at a bit of outdoor rock climbing at the crag in Collombey. With their newly acquired belaying skills, each camper was required to entrust their peers while making the journey up the rock face. All the while other members of Mont – Olivet School invested time in getting to know their friends better while building on their communication and teamwork skills during a host of team building games. No rest for the wicked and after some necessary packing and kit checks the campers hiked deeper in to the mountain towards the Torgon Ski Club where they spent the night camping. Meanwhile, back at Camp Suisse HQ, students from Mont-Olivet, Strothoff and Geneva English School joined forces to try their hand at Bingo, which was conducted in English, French and German – a perfect opportunity to pick up some new language skills! All vying for the chance to get their hands on a stash of coveted Camp Suisse merchandise, the lush evening panned out well for the students allowing them to make friends and learn about the different nationalities present. Finally, on request for their (students from CGB) last night on camp, activity leader Féarghal along with their group leader Tiff opened the doors to the Camp Suisse casino. – Jenny, Head of group leaders
More Schools Arrive at Camp Suisse!
17th June 2013
Bienvenue tout le monde a Camp Suisse!
What a big day at Camp Suisse! With CGB fuelled up & ready for an action packed day starting with Mountain Biking, the centre was prepared for our first of many new arrivals.
Having been met at school in Lausanne by some of their group leaders, Mont Olivet were the first school to arrive. After a welcome drink and moving into their rooms, La Jorette’s square was again full of arrivals. This time Ecole Internationale de Genève arrived, closely followed by Geneva English School. With everyone welcomed by their group leaders and a refreshing drink and orientation tours completed, lunch was ready and everyone enjoyed hot dogs to prepare for their busy afternoon ahead.
GES set off with activity leader Taff for an afternoon of Orienteering – attempting not to get lost in the woods!
Half of EIG got to head up to Plan de Croix: our mountain biking venue for an adrenaline filled afternoon, while the other half stayed closer to home getting to know & trust each other with team building games and then learnt some technical navigational skills with activity leaders Gemma and Jen.
CGB continued their full day with a bush craft hike around the beautiful surrounding area learning survival skills such as water filtration and all about the local flora & fauna.
One half of MO also got to explore the area’s nature and especially enjoyed putting up the survival hammocks. The other half got to experience our in-house indoor climbing wall attempting some tricky routes including on the overhang! After climbing, they got to practice their target skills with an archery session with a view!
Meanwhile, after an unfortunate delay, our final school for this week Strothoff managed to make it safely to camp ready for the delicious dinner of Chicken Pie.
Whilst Strothoff settled in and enjoyed a well deserved run around at the football pitch with their group leader Matt, everyone else was gathering in the Patinoire to prepare for a great round of Torgona Hunt. Whilst MO had quiz masters Nicky & Katy for a French frenzy of La Chasse du Torgon, everyone else enjoyed the English version delivered by quiz masters Holly & Colin. Questions were answered both about the centre and the resort meaning everyone well and truly now knows their way around our beautiful home of Torgon.
With everyone now here and settled in, there is a true international buzz about camp with Spanish, German and Swiss schools all ready for a great day full of fun in the Swiss Alps sun tomorrow! – Jenny, Head of Leaders
CGB Arrive!
16th June 2013
CGB arrived safe and sound in the darkness of night at Camp Suisse. All 14 kids were tired but really excited about being in Switzerland and about the challenging activities ahead.The morning brought clear skies, the warmth of the sun and 14 smiling faces ready and raring to go.First up on the days schedule was outdoor climbing at Collombey. All the kids from CGB were inspiring and really challenged themselves to achieving new heights. Every kid from CGB got to the top of the climbing wall more than once without any trouble, and this included the most difficult walls. Paco and Miguel were the most inspiring as they weren’t too keen about climbing in the beginning of the day but left the activity with a big smile on their face and excited that they had achieved it! After climbing and a picnic lunch in Collombey it was time for the kids of CGB to practice their aim in archery. All students were excited to get involved and tried their best at getting the highest score. Daniel Scored the most bulls eyes out of the whole class and the group with the highest score was group 4 (Fernando, Emma and Miguel). What a wonderful day for CGB, meeting new people and trying new things! Day 1 – Success! Bring on tomorrow! -Tiffany, Group Leader
The Calm Before the Storm
14th June 2013
It’s been a quiet week here at camp Suisse. The absence of kids always leaves its mark upon camp, as cloudy weather seemed to creep in on Monday with the arrival of new staff. Training and preparations have occupied everyone’s days, but today marks a change; the sun is up and shining a spell over us, old and new staff are united in their roles, and the eminent arrival of kids is in the forefront of everyone’s mind casting an air of excitement throughout camp. Group leaders are up and out on a whirlwind tour of the excursions the kids will be enjoying, the activity leaders are fine tuning their climbing skills on an outdoor climbing pitch in place, while the kitchen and restaurant staff are cooking up a storm and setting up the dining hall to cater for the new arrivals. Tonight the whole team will come together and regale each other with tales of our day, as we do every night, safe in the knowledge that we’re moving towards our common goal of making this the best year ever for the kids.
Our Phil runs for Diabetes UK!
10th June 2013
“I’m attempting to run the Edinburgh marathon for Diabetes UK because they are inspirational to us diabetics”
Many of you may have had the opportunity to meet one of our longest returning staff, Phil. For many years Phil has been dealing with Diabetes, so in an attempt to help fund research Phil decided to run for Diabetes UK. Phil’s target was to raise at least £600 at the Edinburgh Marathon that took place on the 26th May 2013. After months of training and indecisiveness on whether he thought he could do it, we can confirm that Phil has indeed completed the run and at a great time!
We are all very proud of Phil – completing the run in only 3hrs and 34 minutes and fundraising a whopping amount of £801 !! Good on you Phil! -From all the staff at Camp Suisse
EIG depart Camp Suisse
7th June 2013
Farewell EIG =(
Arriving at breakfast with bedding stripped and bags packed, everyone was ready for their last activities at camp. Despite being tired from throwing some great moves on the dancefloor last night, there was still a great buzz about camp. Miss Cameron and Mr Smith’s classes went off to learn orienteering, perfecting their compass skills. They also got to know each other well by completing some challenging team building games; conquering the spiders web, building a camera support and even saving the world! Meanwhile, Mr James & Mr Mardel’s classes got some great sports coaching in football and tennis courtesy of Activity Leaders Niall, Ingrid, Jen & Rosie. After one final lunch at camp, it is now time to head back to Geneva. Thanks to all of year 6 for a great week at camp. This weekend in Torgon is going to be very quiet without you all!
Have a safe journey home and we look forward to seeing you again next year! Love from all the staff at Camp Suisse!
EIG at the Roman Ruins
6th June 2013
Another gorgeous sunny day at Camp Suisse and first off down the mountain was 6A and 6C from EIG and after lunch it was 6A and 6D’s turn.
It was a stunning day to learn about the Roman Empire in Martigny and the Roman Ruins didn’t disappoint! From learning about the slaves to the worshipped Gods, all the students were fascinated and wanted to learn more about the History of the Romans. It then got serious in the Ampitheatre with the battle to the death! Miss Cameron gave it all she could but ended suffering an early blow from Jenny and surrendering. However when Auri took on Tiffany it was a fight to the death! Auri gave it all he could but ended up losing his shield and being defeated by Tiffany!
Final gladiator battle of the day was a close call with Jenny and Tiff neck to neck until the final minutes when Jen was caught off guard, stabbed and defeated by the Martigny Gladiator champion, Tiffany!!’
6A and 6C were lucky enough to experience Martigny markets in full swing in the morning. They were allowed to have a look at all the stalls and buy a little souvenir to take home for their families.
Meanwhile back at Camp Suisse Activity Leaders led archery and climbing wall sessions throughout the morning for 6B and 6D and during the afternoon for 6A and 6C. A special mention goes to Sonica 6D fighting bulllseye during archery. Then upstairs at the wall, Nicholas 6a showed excellent climbing skills completing a number of tricky routes in fine fashion. We have been particularly lucky over the past days having excellent weather allowing us to complete archery sessions outside while getting a tan. In the evening it was disco disco disco night!!! All of year 6 from EIG got their best disco outfit on and danced the night away!!! From glow sticks to ‘Gangnam style’; all of Year 6 enjoyed a night of candy, music, dancing and fun times.
Tomorrow is the final day for Ecole Internationale de Genève with tennis, orienteering, teambuilding and football on the agenda. Pedro will finally get a chance to show off his football skills in the morning before the group makes the journey back to Geneva after their tasty lunch. No doubt about it.. It will be very sad to say goodbye tomorrow. 🙁 – Freddie and Tiffany, Group Leaders
