Posts Categorised by 'Green Group'
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.
Green and Yellow take on Parc Adventure
Finally the sun is out at Camp Suisse for the Green and Yellow group and it is time to play. A Great morning with languages and sports! Molly and Caridad were the stand out superstars at basketball and Samantha beat her group leader at tennis! Well done guys! Not to mention Henry and loads more kids receiving NOGROTS for being the best in their language classes.
After the morning activities it was time for lunch and then off to the experience life in the trees at Parc Adventure; a fun and exciting climbing obstacle course. All children participated and challenged themselves to new heights. Emilia was especially inspiring and encouraging by giving support to a group leader to continue on with the course even though Emilia herself at the time was overcoming her fear of heights. All in all an inspiring and challenging day at Camp Suisse! Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Departure Day
10th August 2012
The church bells chiming for the 5:30 call signalled with it the start of that dreaded day here in Torgon: the final departure day of the season.As children awoke early, there was a cloud of sorrow lingering in the cloudless sky as the sun rose over the Swiss mountains. For few could believe that some 3 months after it all began, the summer of 2012 was drawing to a close. So many memories created, friends made and experiences that will last a lifetime all happened here at Camp Suisse and we’re incredibly grateful to all of the campers and staff for making it happen.What are the highlights of camp this year for myself? Who would ever be able to forget the sheer volumes of snow that were found at the Glacier for the first international session, or the bitter cold and wind-chill accompanying it? Then fast forward one month to see the same location practically without snow and basking in temperatures that meant we were able to bask in the magnificent glory of the mountain-top views with just a t-shirt on. Talk about a special location to take a group photo! One of the things that has really impressed me this year though is the way that the campers have dealt with the variety of challenges that have been handed to them. Whether these were team building games, mathematical challenges or something simple like organising a football game for the staff against the campers, there has been nothing that has proved impossible. The team spirit and helpful nature of the campers in the yellow group when helping the younger campers onto the chairlifts almost brought a tear of pride to the eye, for it was remarkable how mature they were proving to be. Although the phrase “an old head on young shoulders” may be tossed around too often, it was particularly poignant to mention here.Another highlight for myself has to be the wonderful staff that decided to work for us this summer. Whilst the summer may well prove to be a long and tiring one, we staff enjoy an unforgettable and incomparable opportunity to take in such wondrous sights under the slight condition of having to work. The staff this summer have all contributed enormously, made their mark and have helped us to reflect back on what we can call our most successful season ever. We can only just say a huge thank you to the staff members who have helped create memories (both for staff and for campers) that will hopefully endure as long as the mountains around us do.From the superb sports sessions in the morning to the educational and interactive language classes, mornings in Torgon were never rife with boredom and although campers may have gotten used to their surroundings, the variety of our extensive programme here meant that there was always something different for them to partake in. Afternoons though brought with them something amazing, different and adventurous. Whether these were coordinated by our very own adventure specialists or on excursions with the group leaders (and coach drivers!) the dinner tables were rarely short of conversation of an evening, with many campers eager to share with anyone willing to listen an in-depth synopsis of the day’s activities.What’s left though for the remaining staff to do? High up on the priority list is a full-scale investigation into our programme for this year, to see which activities were most enjoyed and to see where we believe that our programme can be bettered for the summer of 2012 and onwards. The Camp Suisse ethic isn’t one that rests on its laurels because we know that despite our winning formula, we want to improve upon it for next summer so that for those people who wish to return (including Charlotte, Juliette and Martin who will return free of charge as part of the Queen/King of Camp competition) then there will be a different challenge for them to overcome. Then, as the floors are scrubbed and all of the mirrors have been polished, the doors to Camp Suisse will be locked, remaining staff will return to their homes and many will start to think of ideas ready for the next summer.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this summer the most magical of experiences for everyone who has taken part. You most certainly shall not be forgotten.
All Groups Go Camping
8th August 2012
A reasonable hike took all groups to their camping spot, a refuge deeper in to the mountains. This is a popular excursion that allows campers to experience some camping in true rustic spirit. Their meals are cooked and consumed in the outdoors, while they are also needed to hunt for suitable wood to build a camp fire to provide the heart and soul of their outdoor living. They entertain themselves with ping pong and table football tournaments and later in the evening share their stories while indulging in toasted marshmallows.Take a look at all the photos on our Facebook page International Camp Suisse
An Aquatic Adventure For All
6th August 2012
Monday morning and the sky was grey
It wouldn’t be much fun going walking today
Instead we had a much better plan
Going to the Aquaparc in the Camp Suisse van
But first it was sport and language time
A hockey match would do just fine
Who would win, green or blue?
Some amazing play and some great goals too
Lunch was delicious with lots of bread
Then on the coach and off we sped
Arriving at the Aquaparc, we could hardly wait
This day was turning out to be just great!
Splishing and splashing with all our friends
On the flumes with lots of bends
Then whizzing down the yellow slide
And into the wave pool to feel the tide
Back home just in time for tea
Followed by hot choc and a DVD
A casino night for yellows and greens
Before bedtime and off into our dreams
Would the summer rain be our downfall?
Certainly not, this is Camp Suisse after all!
Left, right, left – Mission Day
5th August 2012
The weekend brought thunder storms and heavy rain to Torgon, with an almighty storm taking place over night that continued in to the hours of the morning wake up and breakfast time. The ground was sodden with low cloud and rain still lingered during the morning as the campers partook in their language lessons and sports sessions.
The scheduled use of the football pitch and tennis courts therefore had to be unfortunately cancelled due to water logged pitches. They opted for the drier option of an indoor football tournament. Following this the campers separated into their squadrons for this session’s mission day. Mission day is an entire camp activity spanning the whole afternoon and requires the campers to work in their assigned teams to complete various tasks in which all aim to build up their score in a mission league. The team with the highest number of points are crowned mission day champions.
The teams – Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo all gathered firstly in the Patinoire for face painting and to devise a team chant of which could be heard all over camp throughout the entire afternoon. After initial preparations, a packed lunch was high on the agenda, while the teams briefed the squadrons for the tasks ahead.
Due to the stormy weather conditions, most activities were re-located indoors, apart from Archery where the campers dashed out in the midst of a sunny spell to shoot some arrows. The mountain bikers completed an obstacle course before clambering on to the climbing wall. The teams carried out an orienteering task by finding treasure around the centre and then they were required to make use of their inventive skills and design a rocket to be launched in a distance competition at the end of the afternoon. All squadrons completed their tasks with an impressive rocket launch by Alpha, which secured them their victory as overall champions.
After dinner the campers stayed in their mission day groups for the evening’s entertainment comprising of a murder mystery game. A fictional plot claiming that camp Director had been murdered was read out to the campers before they were given one hour and 6 locations to complete tasks that won them information from each suspect to enable them to piece together clues, leading them to the murder , motive and weapon. The majority of the campers correctly deduced that Night Angel Rachel had killed Rich in the Tuck shop over language teacher Lattifa.
The day ended with the clouds darkening and another storm looming over Torgon. Scheduled outdoor activity have been reshuffled with the Aqua Parc being tomorrow’s activity.
Goodbyes, Hellos and Hiking
4th August 2012
Another glorious day at in Torgon at Camp Suisse so the campers indulged in some breakfast, but today wasn’t like any other day as campers bid a farewell to fellow campers and 3 members of staff (Aimee, Calum and Sarah) Three new campers did, however, join us yesterday so we extend a big warm welcome to Anabelle, Constantine and Lara.
Campers embarked on their day with a sports session either led by JP (football) or Oli (Tennis) and a one hour language session. After topping up on plenty of sustenance for the great afternoon walk ahead the entire group we were treated to a chairlift ride to the top of the mountain. They then walked down the mountain while enjoying the postcard
like view of the Rhone valley, which became a central part of the conversation! Avery from the blue group kept everyone entertained on the walk with his campfire songs.
Upon the campers’ arrival back to camp, they were greeted with the exciting news of an alfresco dinner with a barbeque on the decking. After dinner, campers played a game of giant scrabble which was lots of fun and they are all looking forward to mission day tomorrow.
Treetop Adrenaline – Greens and Yellows
3rd August 2012
A delicious breakfast comprising lashings of chocolate spread Yellows and Greens headed to their sport and language sessions. Some soaring serves and super smashes on the tennis court bookmarked the morning and before they knew it, it was time for lunch.
Soon after, there were 44 campers, 7 group leaders , 1 camp mentor and photographer Mark jumping on the coach to take them to their afternoon excitement. A high ropes course, rested deep in the forest known locally as Parc Aventure, is incredibly popular with all campers. So harnessed up and ready for action the campers swung and jumped through the trees with many of the Greens and Yellows completing some of the more difficult courses fearlessly. 
After an exhausting day, they returned to centre, however no one was too tired for the eagerly anticipated talent show. Staff and campers from all groups gathered to support their peers as the sun, danced and acted away showing off just how much talent there really is in Camp Suisse. The day was made extra special since campers on the 1 week programme will be departing tomorrow and hopefully it was a perfect end to a fantastic week -bon voyage to all those travelling!
A rocktastic day
2nd August 2012
The day had begun with languages and sport sessions, which gave the Greens and Yellows some practice at football in preparation for the evening game against the staff. Some of the Greens were on top form at the practice with some impressive passes from Tom and diving saves from Sammy and Alex. They put up a sterling fight against two of the staff team stars JP and Harry who also hit the deck attempting to steal the ball from Toby!
After some quick cheesy Camp Suisse photos in colour groups, it was time for the Green group to head down to Columbey to put their climbing skills they learned on the indoor wall to the test on the real life crag. Some made their way up in speedy timing like Vika and Meer others such as Oscar did well to overcome their fears or impressed activity leaders Tom, Toria and Sarah with their belaying skills like Melina and Matteo.
After climbing, the groups made it back up the mountain for some of Camp Suisse’s most popular dishes – lasagne. This gave campers some much needed energy for the evening activity of a staff vs pupils football match. Some good play was on display from Leonardo and Kaan against the larger more experienced (debatable) staff team. Sadly their efforts fell short marginally losing 5-3 but all including staff players, agreed that the kids were the better team with some very impressive play – well done greens!
Match of the Day
Last night’s evening activity for the Yellow and Green group was on a par with a small footballing event that took place a few weeks ago. Whilst the European football championships of 2012 may have been forgotten in place of the Olympic Games in London, Torgon played host to a game of ultra-competitive football between an elite bunch of athletes (the staff) and their equally gifted camper contemporaries.
Captained by Sam and organised amongst themselves, the campers set out to dominate from the very first minute. The temperature and conditions were perfect for a high-tempo game, with free-flowing football and samba skills on display from the off. Whilst there was clearly a large difference in size between some of the bigger staff members and the green groupers, our staff were often found wanting in the middle of the park, when the high energy levels and skill of the campers’ team meant that huge gaps appeared in the centre of the field. With William pulling the strings in the centre of the field, through balls just managed to escape the grasps of the staff team, so much so that after having taken the lead, one of these through balls managed to find its way past the last line of defence, causing a terrible mix up between goalkeeper and defence and our left back (Coach driver, Mike) was left with egg on his face as the ball trickled past goalkeeper Ian Seaman and into his own net.
The next 10 minutes of the match saw the start of the rolling substitutions from both teams (especially the staff!) as the high-intensity took its toll on both sides. Whilst the staff team were able to draw upon impact players, such as “Slim” Jim and Tom “Rooney” from activities, they were unable to create an advantage over their opposition, who were expertly marshalled in defence by the indefatigable Harry.
As half time beckoned, much to the annoyance of the crowd, the staff took a slender advantage, winning 2-1 before the superb referee (Taff) signalled an end to the first half. Yet in the blink of an eye, the game restarted in the same fashion as the previous half ended, with tackles flying in from JD and Rich and the youthful campers starting to get an extra bit of energy from those tired legs in Torgon. What happened next wouldn’t have been amiss on a goal of the season shortlist for the Barclays Premier League. As JD received a yellow card for a poorly-timed challenge on the edge of the area, the free kick was lined up to be smashed by Harry, only for him to roll it off for Will, whose sweetly struck shot sailed past Ian and into the top corner of the net.Whilst the match may have finished 6-3 in favour of the staff, the staff team were fortunate to escape with a victory, which in truth was deserved by the campers’ team. All that remains to be said is that whether they won or lost, the valiant effort of the campers’ earned the respect and admiration both of their opposition and of the throngs of people watching on. What a game!
