Posts Categorised by 'Blue Group'
Mission Day for all colours
2nd August 2013
Big day at Camp Suisse as the campers and staff alike prepared for the treacherous and challenging missions ahead. Having been split into teams of all ages, strengths and characters, everyone headed out to the four different stations. We had vertical infiltration (climbing), vehicle mobility training (mountain biking) target practice (archery) and survival skills. At each station a new challenge lay ahead of our cadets and many obstacles were overcome.
After a great effort from every soldier and some amazing team work and spirit, it was team Echo who took the top prize and gained the most points across the very competitive board for their brilliant skills and hard work!
Photos to come!
red & blues bananas
1st August 2013
Today our Reds and Blues took to Lake Geneva for one of our favourite excursions- Banana Boating!
Whooping and walling the campers embraced a choppy ride, plunging into the lake at least once each. They all came together as an excellent team in the face of defeat to drag each other back aboard. Following their ride, the campers enjoyed the weather which was particularly kind to us on Swiss Day, by swimming; eating ice-cream and playing in Lake Geneva. The celebrations didn’t stop there on arrival back to camp. The campers entered into the spirit of Swiss Day by decorating themselves in red and white Swiss cross ribbons. They then sat down for a delightful 3 course meal including risotto, tartiflette and ice cream! It was a day thoroughly enjoyed by all those here at Camp Suisse!
Red and Blues test out the Glacier for themselves
31st July 2013
5.30am was the bright, early and slightly painful time on the clock when the campers of the Red and Blue groups were gently woken by the familiar friendly faces of their night guards and group leaders. After a slightly queasy bus and ski lift journeys, the campers reached their stunning destination of Glacier 3000. They learned that this glacier is so named for its altitude from knowledgeable activity leader Taff and JP. A chairlift ride down to the husky dogs was the next item on the agenda for the Red and Blue group campers. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to meet the adorable creatures and experience a thrilling sledge ride. After a gripping ride on the world’s highest alpine roller coaster, the campers munched through their fresh pasta lunch and descended the mountain. On arrival at the swimming pool at Villeneuve on Lake Geneva, everyone was captivated by the 7 metre diving board. Having changed and passed their swim test, many campers braved the heights, whilst others relaxed in the sunshine. Once back home, everyone loved tucking in to delicious lasagne, and the ever-popular ‘Waffle Wednesday’. The Reds and Blues’ epic day was concluded with writing, directing and starring in three-minute videos.
Blues take on the wall with style
30th July 2013
Tuesday saw Blue group get lucky- with not one but two activities on the menu. First up for the group was the Camp Suisse climbing wall. The activity was met with great enthusiasm – particularly by Antonio and Timur who couldn’t wait to test their skills. Blue group progressed really well on the wall with Roberto particularly impressing the activity leaders. Perhaps the greatest success of the day as Nabilah conquering a fear of heights to pull off some of the climbs and descents, whilst Mina took the award for happiest climber – smiling constantly through the afternoon! The second activity was for the Blues to participate in team building games. This was an opportunity to develop communication and cooperation skills in a challenging yet fun environment. The magic carpet, shark infested river and electric fencer were all negotiated in style – with Giulia in particular demonstrating great teamwork and leadership skills.
Session 3 Arrivals day
27th July 2013
We are all happy to welcome the new campers for session 3!
We are ready… Are you???
Red and Blues camping!
24th July 2013
The Red and Blue group set out on their hike after lunch to their camping destination, viewing beautiful scenery whilst collecting various types of wild flowers. After reaching camp and settling in to their rooms all Reds and Blues sat down for a delicious barbeque. After we collected wood and the camp fire was lit, the songs and activities began!
From roasting marshmallows, singing songs, eating barbequed bananas and chocolate, it was a pleasant night for all.
Once the activities winded down, all the campers were ready to snuggle into their sleeping bags ready for tomorrows festivites: ‘Mission Day’ followed by ‘Disco Night!’
I am sure all the campers are looking forward to getting dressed up for the disco!
OLYMPICS DAY!
21st July 2013
The sun shone down on camp this Sunday making it a lovely day for the annual session 2 Camp Suisse Olympics. All the campers were split into teams after lunch with a country allocated to each team.Then, in camp Olympic tradition, it was time to paint flags on faces and banners (some flags such as Brazil and Kenya gave some countries more of an artistic challenge) and made up some war chants for each country as they prepared to compete. Then it was off to the football field for a variety of games from where campers would be able to demonstrate their skill, speed and strength such as 3 legged race, sack race and the bean bag toss. Some officials debated as signs of possible cheating were shown in the egg and spoon race but in sporting spirit the teams were only penalised their points rather than excluded. After the games it was onto everyone’s favourite… the chant off!! This involves each country demonstrating their own personalised Olympic chant with renditions of ‘Call Me Maybe’ from team Japan and the Lion King from team Kenya. However, the winners of the day with the most enthusiasm for each activity and their team country was….. AUSTRAILIA!!! The worthy winners were announced during dinner with Ireland and USA taking second and third. After dinner it was time for the language talent show where campers demonstrated songs, dances and plays for the rest of the camp. The most entertaining award of the night was given to Bart and his group.
Mid-Session Chilling!
20th July 2013
Today started in a chilled-out fashion with campers and staff enjoying a one hour lie-in followed by a leisurely breakfast. We all then embarked upon a ‘big clean’, leaving bedrooms looking spotless.Language lessons were in full flow from 11am with campers rehearsing for the talent show tomorrow evening. Some groups were heard enthusiastically practicing songs, others rehearsing plays but some groups were keeping their talent show plans a surprise until tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited event. At lunch we welcomed some new arrivals to the camp from Moscow and we all then posed for camp photos, some serious and some funny with piggy backs and wheelbarrows featuring among some groups! All groups then prepared themselves for a leisurely hike, starting with a sea of red t-shirts crossing the suspension bridge which was rocking from side to side! We then took a stroll through the forest to the football pitch where we took part in a variety of activities whilst enjoying the sunshine. Both campers and staff enjoyed making friendship bracelets and others engaged in a friendly kick-about in preparation for this evening’s “staff versus campers” football match… (Sports coaches were feeling particularly competitive in an attempt to keep their pride in the next football coaching session!) A great time was had by all today and at dinner campers were refreshed and revitalised after a little relaxation, ready to embark upon a second fun-filled week at camp….!
Blues get the waves
17th July 2013
Such an exciting experience for all those involved in the excursion to the Aqua Parc today. After enjoying a morning session of sports coaching and language lessons, we boarded the bus and were on our way. ‘The Devil’s Finger’ (a vertical drop water slide) was amongst some of the favourite rides, spreading giggles and thrills on the faces of kids and group leaders. Those that preferred a more relaxing experience chose to float about on the ‘lazy river’ and splash about in the wave pool. To finish up the day the kids were treated to a hot chocolate followed by Movie Night, where they could all chill out on bean bags. An eventful time was had by all.
Navigational Blues
16th July 2013
Today was a scorcher at Camp Suisse. All settled into our sports courses and language classes, we were really able to build on our skills. Goals were scored, baskets shot, climbs conquered & languages improved. After a busy morning another epic buffet lunch got us ready for a busy afternoon of orienteering and ghyll scrambling. We started with Activity Leaders Sarah & Gemma showing us how to read & draw maps. After mastering the art of grid references, it was then time to head outside and really test our navigation. Once at the football pitch, Sarah tested us on bearings and had us heading all over the place! Thankfully we had our newly acquired map & compass skills to ensure that we made it back safely to the centre for afternoon tea!Helmets on and pockets emptied, we then headed to the ghyll. The mountain water was cold and clear, but super fresh (we are only 15 miles from Evian as the crow flies!). After a bit of a splashing from the staff, we were all used to the temperature and set off up stream. We went under logs, over rope bridges and across stepping stones which was challenging but good fun. Nikita was the first to fall, in to much laughter and applause from everyone, but was soon followed by numerous others. Ami & Anthony started a water fight with group leader Jenny who fought back hard, but with Franka, Nikita, Guido, Luca, Max, Kate, Aleena, Adam A and Joe on-side, the campers definitely won that battle! We were very grateful for the warmth of the sun on the way back to shower hour! After our busy day, a game of giant Scrabble in the sports hall was a great way to calm down in the evening after our delicious nachos, fajitas & fruit salad!
