Camp Journal
Hiking, biking, it’s all very exciting
9th August 2011
Today it was the turn of the Green and Yellow groups to brave the mud and the descending cloud as the activity staff led another action packed mountain biking session. The group firstly had the short walk up to Plan de Croix. Once the campers had been sized to their bikes the group then split off into their colours where each group tackled a different section of the course. Navigating steep hills, jumps, planks, cones and strategically placed logs required the utmost concentration from our campers- as well as plenty of bravery. Everyone tried their best and many overcame their fears; be it the steep rocky descent or trying the jump or bridge for the first time.
The group was then split into two in order to get down the mountain and back to the centre. One half completed a more challenging trail past Old Torgon which involved the steep and often fast paced downward meandering of woodland as the group traversed the mountain terrain. The others took a more direct route, yet were still challenged by patches of off-road trail which took its toll on the staff and campers alike.
Everyone arrived back to camp in one piece and ready for a well needed shower.
“The best hot chocolate I’ve ever had”
As we gazed out the window at the rain clouds we knew it wasn’t going to be the day for banana boating, despite the advice of Joe the Banana man. However, the Reds and Blues were more than happy with the afternoon at the Aqua Parc! After a fun filled morning of languages and sport we set off down the mountain.
Once inside the Aqua Parc we were like kids in a sweet shop, staff included, as we didn’t know where to go first; the wave machine, the lazy river or the brightly coloured flumes and slides?! It took less than five minutes for the group leaders to be well and truly splashed and soaked. Then it was a race to the slides, but there was no need to rush as we had a whole three hours to play.
The day came to a relaxing close with hot chocolate, whippy cream and chocolate flakes (with comments from some campers along the lines of ‘this is the best hot chocolate I’ve ever had’) and a film (Toy Story 3). The sleepy Reds and Blues went happily to bed eager for the next day’s adventure.
‘Whater’ day of adventure
8th August 2011
Making Waves
Today the Green and Yellow groups took a splash at the Aquaparc. We were spoilt for choice with around 10 different water slides to choose from. The bravest of the group ventured the Booster Loop; for those of you not familiar with the ride, you begin standing over a trap door in a tube that is rather rapidly filling up with water, once half full you hear the dreaded 3 beeps and the trap door opens, you plummet vertically for 20 metres before level off and looping round the rest of the not-so-tame slide. The Yellow group competed to see who could face the ultimate challenge the most number of times. With no clear victor and after much deliberation it was decided that they were all equally as brave… They recovered whilst floating down the lazy river before taking to the Jacuzzi to relax further.
Red and Blue Riders at the Ready
Helmets, gloves and bikes at the ready and the Blue and Red groups were off to Plan de Croix for an afternoon of, if you hadn’t already guessed, mountain biking!
First things first, campers learned how to perform the all important safety check of their bikes, under the expert instruction of one our our mountain bike leaders. Once all checked and in order it was time to begin the skills session. Various games and challenges tested their balance, steering and their braking, skills that would serve them well later on, on the off-road trails.
Following the skills session campers got to practice on the three control tracks. The groups start on a half track with a death defying drop, before moving onto some sharp turns and finally heading over to the rocky section of track. After campers master this track they qualify for the advanced course; a challenging course consisiting of riding over a balance bridge, a pyramid and onto a hard turn. This course set the campers up for the most challenging part of the activity- the ride home. Consisting of some road and some off-road sections through the woods, the course tests the riders’ abilities to the maximum. I’m glad to say that although we had a few wobblers and a couple of tumblers, everyone made it back to camp with the total number of injuries at zero, and their adrenaline levels sky high after a truly exhilarating afternoon of mountain biking.
Oompa loopma…
7th August 2011
No, don’t worry it’s not a bunch of orange-faced, green-haired slightly under sized men, it’s the little ones from the Red group running amuck at the chocolate factory!
The chocolate shop was the next stop of the day. Campers and staff almost bought them out of their extensive range of yummy chocolate bars and mixed selections. In three groups all the campers followed the fantastic Charlie-and-the-chocolate-factory-style tour explaining from where cocoa beans originated and how they’ve travelled the world from the Aztecs and to the chocolate we all know and love today!
Finally after eating almost, but not quite, our body weight in chocolate we had lunch then headed back to camp for an action packed dodgeball tournament and language classes, featuring the cheese factory quiz! The fun filled day ended with a spooky murder mystery evening as campers investigated the strange disappearance of Joe, of Activity team fame, despite all the strange turns and twists, alibis and counter-alibis most teams managed to work out that it was Kate, in the restaurant with mop. The night was a roaring success, although I must add a few of the team names may have been lost on this generation of campers; team Marple, team Clueso, team Poirot, team Morse, etc.
Torgona bike… we’re gonna hike!
6th August 2011
As the annual Torgona Bike event descended upon Torgon, the campers enjoyed an exhilarating ride up to the top of La Jorette (the ski piste behind camp) on the chairlift. Once at the top, we paused for a quick group photo, conveniently situated as we were above the cloud that blanketed the valley. Careful navigation down the hillside meant we dodged the dare devil riders as they raced down the mountain bike course beside us. The weather took a turn for the worse just as the main square came into sight so we donned the waterproofs and carried on down.
The path got very muddy and slippery but most campers and staff managed to stay firmly in the upright position. We were soon back in the main square just in time to pay a visit to the Camp Suisse charity stand which was selling sweets, painting faces and offering up some classic fair games such as bat the rat (well, the French version that is; ‘Bats le rat’), all in support of Suranna’s Stepping Stone.
The evening’s activity challenged the new language skills campers have acquired over the course of the past week, as teams battled it out to be named the champions of Camp Suisse Giant Scrabble. With the oversized board marked out on the floor and a selection of giant letters in hand, teams pondered away thinking up all kinds of crazy and amazing words acceptable in any of the camp languages (English, French, Spanish, Italian and German). Luckily our language staff were on hand to settle any disputes, carefully scrutinising spelling and disallowing any precarious words.
If you go down in the woods today
5th August 2011
Today campers had a lesson in outdoor survival skills as they headed to the woodlands up the hill and over the back of Camp Suisse; the challenge was to build a durable shelter which could cover at least two people. Our trusty activity leaders were on hand to offer up some tips and advice, but the planning and construction was left up to the campers. All the materials had to be sourced and scavenged from the surroundings, but no living organisms were allowed to be uprooted, de-homed or just generally disturbed.
Campers certainly rose to the challenge; some structures stood at 8 feet, some with full overhead storage and some even had doors! Campers were encouraged to consider factors such as weather, durability and shelter positioning. Once the structures were complete everyone enjoyed some afternoon tea inside them, just so they felt at home! Campers reflected on what they had learned and it is safe to say some invaluable lessons in outdoor survival were learned!
Ain’t no mountain high enough
4th August 2011
Following a morning of both physical and mental challenges in sport and language sessions, rucksacks were loaded as the Red and Blue groups set forth on a hike to the campsite that would be home for the night.
The hottest day in weeks proved to be a challenging yet pleasant walking environment, as did the mountainous terrain on our way across the border to France. However, the time estimates for our hike from La Bourri were quickly forgotten as both groups proceeded at lightning pace, and before we knew it, the mountain-side campsite was in sight. One last push from all saw us as the first to arrive and we quickly began setting up the tents.
Once all had arrived we donned our rucksacks once more and set off for the Lac d’Arvouin, infamous for its brown trout and the disappearance of Chris Austin 10 years ago (more on this later). As dusk drew nearer the aroma of the BBQ welcomed us back to camp. With dinner finished the whole camp reunited around the roaring fire for an evening of toasting marshmallows, songs and ghost stories. Whilst the valley was filled with renditions of camp fire favourites. The staff must admit defeat in the knowledge that the ‘Chris Austin’ ghost story scared a grand total of no one. As the embers of the fire slowly came to a close, so did our day, with everybody returning to their tents for a well deserved rest.
Given the glorious weather of the day before, waking up to the sound of a heavy downpour wasn’t how we had envisaged our day beginning, but this was exactly the scene we faced upon waking up. With breakfast pushed back under canvas, a break in the weather provided us with enough time to pack up and set off on our return to camp. The attitude for the return journey was brilliant, with all focused on a strong finish as we once again crossed the border into Switzerland. For some of our younger mountaineers, the comfort of a minibus awaited them for the final push back to camp, whilst the rest took a route off the path and down steep declines through unmarked fields. It was during this stage that the hike turned from a walk into a run, with the ‘Big Dog Squad’ charging down the mountains like the fearless campers they are. Special mention must go to Axel, who not only ran down pretty much the whole mountain but chose to walk back up a hill to run down it one more time.
Once at the final stage, the minibus was waiting for all to return,and for some this was the end. However, a newly formed squad emerged. The ‘Elite Big Dog Squad’ was a team of six campers who decided that there was only one way to return to camp, the same way that had seen them cross borders and mountains with ease. So we walked the final leg of what turned into a mammoth journey, and it was nigh on impossible to see that they had already hiked throughout the morning. It was a great effort, and one that deserves a name check for those involved. So, hats off to Andre, Avery, Jessica, Jacqueline, Hannah and Heinke!
A quick lunch break and the relentless energy of the Red and Blue groups continue, as an afternoon of climbing on the indoor wall awaits all.
All in all, a very successful camping trip. To quote Marvin Gaye, “there ain’t no mountain high enough …”
Session 3 begins
2nd August 2011
So here we are, entering new waters, as we begin Session 3 here at Camp Suisse.
The sun has got his hat on, hip hip hip hip hooray and the staff are chomping at the bit to ensure that our final group of campers have an amazing experience. 18 campers stayed on from Session 2 and they began their week with a chairlift ride and a hike into France. As some cloud gathered across the Loire Valley, the view of Mont Blanc was obscured, but this didn’t affect the experience of looking down on the world below.
Sunday started with the children completing language assessments, swiftly followed by team building games and then the evening’s entertainment which evolved around the Swiss day celebrations.
Monday sees the younger campers going river rafting while the Green and Yellow groups learn about orienteering and get to chance their arm at archery.
Splish, Splash, Splosh
On the second day of Session 3, twenty four excited campers (and three excited members of staff) headed off into the sunshine for an afternoon of rafting. On arrival we were fitted out with an assortment of clothing, including a rather fetching wet suit, rubber shoes, a water proof jacket and life vest just as the outside temperature touched 30 degrees! This all added to the amusement as we waddled back to the minibuses in order to be dropped at the starting point of our adventure.
We set off in three rafts where we were taught how to paddle properly in both directions and how to follow a series of instructions and those at the front gained leadership experience as they were the ones responsible for setting and maintaining the rhythm for the afternoon.
As we learnt how to get back to the raft following a possible ‘man over board’ situation the children overcame the chilly waters and enjoyed jumping and swimming from raft to raft as well as testing their balance by walking around the edge of the rafts.
On disembarking the rafts, we were able to dry off in the sun before returning to Camp Suisse exhausted, but with another day of fun under our belts.
‘Au revoir’ and ‘Bonjour’!
29th July 2011
In true Camp Suisse style session 2 drew to a close with a lively and successful, final evening Disco followed by the departure of those campers leaving after their stay.
Despite the lack of sunshine for the past 2 weeks, the activity team continued to lead mountain biking, archery and rafting. All campers had the opportunity to test their nerves on a daring river raft down white water rapids that culminated in everyone plunging from the rocks and into the water!
There was also a new addition to the mountain bike trail as the advanced cyclists took a new route back from Plan de Croix. There was no chance of staying clean as the route traversed down the hillside, testing the campers’ balance as rocks had to be avoided and changes in surface negotiated.
Unfortunately the planned camping trip had to be called off at the final hour due to a thunder storm looming over the camp site. Despite this, the Green, White and Yellow groups hiked around the mountains circling Torgon to a roaring camp fire and a BBQ feast courtesy of the Activity and Kitchen teams. Although the fun of camping out was slightly hampered by the weather, the hike proved to be a great success with everyone feeling a sense of achievement at the end of the day.
The competitive flare of the campers shone through on both Olympic and Mission Days as teams battled it out to win the prestige fame of champions! Brazil took the Gold on Olympics day, beating eleven other countries in challenges such as Tug of War, Egg and Spoon and Water Carry. It was a closely fought battle on Mission day, also which required a dance off between Team Alpha and Team Delta at the Disco in order to decide the final winners, Team Alpha.
On the final evening the award for princess of camp was awarded to Diana for her bubbly approach to everything and her willingness to always help others. Our King of Camp this session was awarded to Ioannis, fondly known to campers and staff as John, who showed great enthusiasm during his four week stay and an outgoing personality that will be missed by everyone at Camp Suisse.
As we look forward to welcoming a fresh set of campers for Session 3, we are also sad to say goodbye to the campers who are leaving us.
It has been a great two weeks and we hope you have enjoyed it just as much as we have. Although we are now a smaller family for the final fortnight, everyone is raring to go for another two weeks of excitement and fun!
Mission Day: Operation Black Socks
28th July 2011
Once again, with the threat of an enemy attack iminent, an elite squad of brave campers set forth upon Mission Day in the quest for glory. After a briefing session and copious amounts of face paint, the five teams set out on their mission, tackling five of the toughest obstacles to have ever faced Camp Suisse.
Agility was pushed to the limit in the Advanced Mobility Skills training, where the ability to successfully navigate challenging obstacle course upon a mountain, saw many staff cast in the shade, with some outstanding individual camper performances. Shooting practice at the archery targets re-ignited the Robin Hood within most, although there were a few Maid Marion performances too. No names being mentioned.
Physical ability was pushed at the climbing wall, with five challenging ascents succesfully navigated by all. Arms aching, and legs tired, team work and accuracy were tested at the tennis courts, whereby the fruits of morning sports sessions were evident for all to see. Shooting hoops like an NBA pro, demonstrating the tennis finesse of Roger Federer, mastering a hockey stick and exhibiting the fleet footed dribbling skills one would associate with Lionel Messi. Nothing was beyond the squadron members. Add in some of the greatest goal celebrations to have ever graced the hallowed turf – Dare I say Delta giving a masterclass in legendary celebrations (Gascoigne, Romario and Fowler to name a few). As if that wasn’t enough, brains were put to the test in the toughest orienteering challenge to hit Torgon. Compasses in hand andarmed with little more than a bearing and distance, the forest was there to be navigated and markers found.
Once the five challenges were complete, the squadrons reconvened fortheir top secret mission. Equipped with a range of materials, the brief was to build the longest bridge possible. Two teams rose to the top: Alpha and Delta. To decide the winner? The battleground was the dance floor, with the two teams in the dance-off to end all danc-offs. Hips were shaking and legs were shuffling as both teams battled for supremacy. In the end, the moves of Alpha Squadron proved too hot to handle and they claimed overall glory for Mission Day, Session 2. Whichever team you were on, it didn’t really matter. All had a great day and competed fiercely. What started as five rabbles of rookies ended the day as five elite mission day squadrons. And once the face paint was washed off, dancing shoes were put on, and the whole camp danced the night away.
Camp Suisse, Session 2, 2011, It has been a pleasure.
Over and Out.
