Camp Journal
Sunny days all around at Camp Suisse
5th June 2013
Watching the sun rise over the mountains across the valley in the morning whilst eating breakfast, we all knew it would be a spectacular day at Diablerets. Arriving at Glacier 3000, all the campers were super excited to be traveling up the two cable cars a peak high in the Swiss Alps. The weather was amazing, hardly a breeze in the air, and bright blue skies with only a few cirrus clouds: making it a picture perfect day. Everybody loved the husky dog sled ride, even Mr Smith had a massive grin on his face. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch, before heading back down the mountain to Camp Suisse for a fun filled afternoon of sport. Tennis or Soccer were on offer. During tennis not only did we play in a tournament, but also played Volleyball Tennis, Round the world, and Funky seaweed a super fun warm-up game.Tonight it was ‘Waffles-Wednesday’! We had scrumptious lasagne, garlic bread and fresh salad for main course then delicious waffles and ice-cream for dessert. Feeling well fed and rested it then was Bingo time! This evening’s activity was this fab game of Bingo, there were prizes to be won: a juggling ball for a line and a backpack or t-shirt for a full house! Nicky, Group Leader
EIG activities at Camp Suisse
After another delicious breakfast eaten, the campers were ready for their day of activities. Class 6b kicked off the day with mountain biking where they enjoyed a range of activities and games to improve their riding skills. This was then followed by a bike ride through the mountains and back to the camp centre for lunch. Class 6d started with a bush craft hike where they climbed up the mountain learning about nature and survival skills! After both classes had devoured their lunch and basked in the gorgeous sunshine, they set off for their afternoon activities. Dinner was served with heaps of garlic bread, lasagne and salad with a dessert of waffles and ice cream. Campers ended the day with a big game of Bingo. Let the good times roll!! -Holly, Group Leader
EIG Adventures
4th June 2013
Campers from Ecole Internationale de Genève bounded up in to Torgon late Monday afternoon, with pockets over flowing with complimentary chocolates from the Caillers chocolate factory. Camp Suisse staff greeted ninety – nine thrilled campers comprising of classes 6B and 6D with a smashing three course dinner comprising tomato soup, the Camp Suisse chicken or haloumi pie and a plentiful supply of ice cream and fruit for dessert. Prior to arriving at Camp Suisse, our eager campers learned about the history of the cocoa bean while capitalising on the divine Cailler chocolate tasters before occupying the remainder of their day basking in the sunshine exploring the Château de Gruyères. Campers wet their whistle with a fresh raspberry juice and water before settling in to their rooms and squeezing in a brief game of soccer for the football enthusiasts before dinner where all students and Camp Suisse staff wished Lydia and Lilitha a big happy birthday. The Torgona Hunt finalised a busy day, where campers were required to explore the camp and surrounding areas in a bid to seek out the answers to questions about Camp Suisse. They learned all about Torgon and got to know a few members of staff along the way. Today classes 6A and 6C venture up in to the mountains to receive mountain bike coaching and learn about the local flora and fauna, while 6B and 6D head up 3000metres to see the glacier.
A beautiful day in Camp Suisse
Another beautiful sunny day at Camp Suisse! Mountain biking was the first exciting challenge on the agenda today with everyone taking part. From those who have ridden to those who may have never even ridden a bike before taking part in the twisty turns and bumpy obstacles. Riding down the mountain with the beautiful sun on our faces and the wind blowing through our hair put a smile on all the children’s faces. “This is so much fun” and “That was so cool” were comments heard on repeat at the bottom of the mountain.
After an amazing morning of mountain bike riding it was our turn for the bushcraft hike! A chance to get a different view of the beautiful Torgon and also to learn more about the landscape that surrounds us! The kids learnt a lot about how the rocks in and around the mountains were formed and then their survival skills were put to the test!! Everything from tasting reindeer moss (bush tucker) to learning what to use and how to filter water in a survival situation. Not only were they taught about what to eat and drink in a survival situation but they were also taught how to put up a shelter in the forest and a hammock under that. Each got the opportunity to experience how comfortable it could be sleeping out in the middle of the forest.
All in all, it was a beautiful day jam-packed full of challenges, new experiences and fun times all while the sun was shining brightly on Camp Suisse.
Bring on tomorrow! 🙂 – Tiffany, Group Leader
EIG out on the Glacier
Early start this morning with breakfast served at 6.15am to begin the day and after a delicious hearty breakfast all the excited campers from classes 6b and 6d made their way down the mountain to enjoy an excursion to the glacier! They arrived at Glacier 3000 in Col du Pillon and jumped onto a cable car with panoramic views. With beautiful views of the most stunning alpine peaks all around, our giddy campers continued their journey through the Alps by chair lift to the husky dog sledding area. The joy of the campers and the barking of the dogs filled the air with a frisson of excitement. After the campers met the gorgeous friendly dogs they experienced the ride of their lives being pulled around a race track of snow! After all the morning’s action the campers enjoyed a packed lunch surrounded by the spectacular alpine view before heading back to discover the delights awaiting them back at camp. Mr Mardell’s class carried out several fun filled team building games while Mr James’ class went on an orienteering activity. The campers were filled with a filling dinner of nachos and fajitas followed by a DVD and sports night to end a fantastic day.
– Holly, Group Leader
EIG arrive !!!!
3rd June 2013
We are delighted to welcome l’Ecole Internationale de Genève back to Camp Suisse today to start their Alpine Adventure for 2013 !! They are busy visiting the Cailler chocolate factory and ancient town of Gruyeres as we speak! Watch this space for more news about their adventures!
Yum Yum!
Never mind the weather!
30th May 2013
The first day with kids arriving at Camp Suisse started with rain and clouds; sounds like a day to stay indoors and wrap up warm, but not for the kids from La Cote! Within moments of arriving they were running and screaming with excitement for their 2 day adventure, taking over the domain.
On arrival, they departed on an orienteering expedition, honing their exploring skills, with some time on the climbing wall in the evening. After a 3 course meal in their bellies, they stocked up in the tuck shop purchasing souvenirs and snacks, followed by the much loved game of bingo.
Today they have been on a bush craft walk, testing their survival and team building skills. After a hard day, we are going to finish this evening with a disco, dancing and boogey-ing down to the likes of Justin Bieber (my favourite). Will keep you posted folks! Shaan, Office Admin..
Walking in a Summer Wonderland
24th May 2013
Whilst we wrapped up our jobs for the day and some staff headed up to the wall for the first climbing session of the season after dinner, the weather was changing outside. The rain began to fall as sleet, then hail and eventually snow!
This morning we all woke to Torgon in the style of December – it’s all white! And there’s more forecast over the weekend. Maybe the activity sessions will have to include a few alterations this year – skiing, boarding or sledging anyone? I’m sure there will be plenty of ‘team-building’ staff snowball fights as we start our training in the next few days…
Suranna finally gets to the US
13th May 2013
Suranna’s Stepping Stone – update
“Everyone wants sunshine, no one wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain”
You will all recall the story of Suranna’s fight against Cerebral Palsy, Camp Suisse sponsored her Mum’s campaign to raise £50,000 to finance her life-changing trip to the USA.
Suranna has now landed in America to undergo the surgery which we hope will change her life for the better. Since the family has arrived, they have enjoyed the joys of America such as the zoo, meeting Benny the sea lion and a haircut-American Style!
We are all nervous and excited for the journey that Suranna will now venture on, sending positive thoughts and praise to this brave young girl.
Watch this space!
The end of the recruitment process….!
1st May 2013
Today we’re in Edinburgh, it is the final day of staff recruitment for the upcoming summer and it’s looking good! Spirits are high and the hopefuls are enthusiastically setting up tents as part of the team-building games that make up part of the recruitment process. Fortunately we end up with two decent tents that could no doubt stand stable through any weather (…any weather that we’re likely to encounter in the idyllic Swiss Alps anyway). However one tent hasn’t fared so well, but the recruits are optimistic and one quips “done!” (it isn’t!), while another remarks “well it’s shelter at least” (barely). Laughter follows and it’s obvious that this is a funny, team-oriented and capable group. We can’t wait to see them in action!
During lunch everyone gets to know each other a little better and I feel like I’m already back at Camp in Torgon…
