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Posts Categorised by 'Red Group'

A Jam Packed Day at Camp!

9th August 2020

With the rise of the morning sun, the campers awoke to the call of Hannah. Following breakfast, the reds and blues embarked on their language or sport classes, all of the campers joining together for some time on the climbing wall at the end. After some tense competition of both climbing and drawing combined it was Bjorn, Neve and Gleb who came out on top, as the winners with their jigsaw mountain portrait.

After lunch, the campers migrated through the ancient forest to the archery range, where we were about to witness the greatest shooting spectacle Torgon had ever seen. We set up a tarp to create shade and we were very grateful to have help from some of the taller Yellows like Krisha and India. Quickly, it became apparent that Alexi was no stranger to the bow and arrow as he shot bulls eye after bulls eye. After a precarious start, Indi soon found her feet and too began to shoot with precision. It was Gary, however, who posed the biggest threat to the pack as the most juvenile member of the group – but soon learnt to follow in the footsteps of his elders. Zara in particular was very good at hitting the bulls eye.

After mastering the way of the bow, energy ran high, and the campers were needing to cool off. Preparations were made and helmets were donned as campers faced their greatest challenge yet: The Ghyll. We assessed the raging waters before plunging into the icy depths. All was calm venturing down the river until we reached… The Designated Splash Zone. Without warning, Bjorn and Meg sprang into action and drenched their fellow scramblers, even the leaders were not spared their wrath. We visited Ant’s Ghyll Spa and took turns in the bubble bath and jacuzzi and now all soaking wet warmed up during our sunny walk back to camp!

After shower hour, the campers await their well earned feast, and look forward to Louis’ Junk Yard Band and a spot of mountain biking around Torgon!

Camp goes Camping!

6th August 2020

We woke up bright and early expecting to see the sun splitting the rocks and instead were greeted with a gloomy grey cloud. The greens and yellows set off on their adventure into the mist, while the reds and blues went to their language classes. The younger campers were a little relieved to hear they would be getting the bus the majority of the way to the camp site and from there it was just a hop, skip and a jump to the lake, or so the staff lead the kids to believe.

We finally arrived at the lake to be greeted by scenic views and even some sun shine just in time for a quick dip in the lake. Following our escapades in the water we changed our clothes and went for dinner. It was a delicious 3 course meal and all of us helped ourselves to plate after plate of the generous mains. Dessert was apricot pannacotta, a specialty of the region!

The evening was spent by the campfire playing games and singing songs to our hearts content. Bedtime came and we all slept soundly, some of us even noisily as there were a few snorers!

Dawn broke and we began to stir. Breakfast was had after our rooms were made spic and span. Then the walk back to camp began and with the thought of a day by the lake ahead wemflew down the mountain and soon we we’re on the road to Bouveret Beach!

The weather difference between the hike to Tanay and the beach was incredible with highs of 26°C. We relaxed and bathed for the rest of the afternoon. Once all the rain from the day before was wiped from memory, and new ones were made of sun and sand, then we left and headed back along the winding road to camp.

It was the perfect evening in Caprins restaurant where we feasted on pizzas of every sort from Margaritas to the more exotic pizza Mafiosa. Soon it was time for bed again and a sound night sleep after two brilliant days at camp!

A visit to the Chocolate Factory!

3rd August 2020

After a peaceful night sleep for the reds and blues, campers awoke to a cooler day in the mountains. After a speedy breakfast, we got on the coach where the campers were on the edges of their seats for the journey to the much awaited Cailler Chocolate Factory. First was a tour of the factory, learning all about the history of chocolate and the Cailler brand which gave us a lot of food for thought. Bjorn in particular found it super interesting. The icing on the cake was when campers got to sample some of the different chocolates. Joachim and Charles were on top of the world when enjoying the intriguing and delicious flavours. After a quick stop in the gift shop, we then headed to the picturesque town of Gruyère. Sadly it was raining cats and dogs there, which only happens once in a blue moon but we found a lovely sheltered area for a spot of lunch. Campers were itching to make their way around the souvenir shops so we ventured out into the rain to explore. Despite the weather, Lei lei was in his element searching through all the fascinating Swiss gifts. It continued to raining buckets so we jumped back on the coach to camp for a quick climbing session before shower hour. Although she was nervous yesterday, Ariela took to it like a duck to water when climbing today and made it all the way to the top with ease. Samuel also felt at home with the climbing wall and was flying to the top in no time at all. A tasty dinner of pizza and chips awaited the hungry campers before an exciting evening of sports to finish off a fantastic day.

A Creative Day at Camp!

2nd August 2020

Waking up to a breezy morning in Camp Suisse, campers started off the day with a big breakfast. The morning was then filled with languages and the very exciting Camp Suisse Languages Talent Show. The English class opened the show with an incredible puppet show telling the story of the Wachta Ninja School, which in turn meant that everybody was Kung Fu Fighting. This featured a very impressive cameo from Joachim. The French class did a thrilling performance discussing the origins of the camp staffs nicknames through finger puppets thanks to Charles and Samuel.

After a spot of lunch, we then participated in a meditation class with some monk throat singing to get the campers into the right frame of mind for an afternoon of indoor climbing. Bjorn entered into such a deep meditative state that he looked to be peacefully asleep! After a creative warm up game thinking about the methods different animals use to climb around and then imitating these, we moved into the climbing wall. The first activity involved traversing across the wall so the campers were comfortable with the movements needed for climbing. Then came the real climbing, where all tried to make it to the top of the wall. Despite being nervous at first, Ariela really shone and was victorious in reaching the top. Lei Lei was a strong believer in the idea that “it ain’t about how fast I get there” and this was very successful for him. It was overall an exciting and fun day which is being followed by blind art jamming tonight which will be the perfect finish to a creative day.

The Camp Suisse Olympics!

1st August 2020

Olympics Day. The most anticipated day at camp has arrived. The cluster of campers awoke to another dazzling day in the Swiss mountains. After a pyramid of brioche at breakfast, Olympic qualifying was underway. The anticipation was growing as the chorus of contenders undertook heats in throwing, catching and running. The final athletes were then introduced from 3 countries- Nigeria, Argentina and Turkey. Intense preparation for the big event then began as the flock of finalists painted themselves in their country colours, with Joachim going the extra mile to represent Turkey.

Next was the Olympic opening ceremony with each country showcasimg their performance, including an incredible effort from Samuel from Nigeria.

The first event was then underway- the egg and spoon extreme which was a breeze for Lei Lei, successfully followed by a very competitive tennis golf competition.

A hearty lunch to fuel the convoy of challengers was needed as they went into the target throwing, a particular success for Charles. In a first for Camp Suisse, this event was followed by an intense limbo contest. Tug of war came next which brought out a strong sense of competition in all the campers. Matches of three-legged football were very fun and involved a lot of team work and cooperation.

The Camp Suisse relay extreme, incorporating skills developed throughout campers time in Switzerland, brought the exciting day to an end with a well deserved win to Turkey.

A day of fun at camp!

30th July 2020

This morning our Rowdy Reds and Boisterous Blues had a full morning of languages and sport. To help our campers fine their zen, we gathered our yoga mats and took a hike to the forest. We lit some incense, played some Tiberian throat singing music and did a morning sun salutation. Following this we did some fun and challenging poses. Emma in particular was very good, and was even able to cross her legs and walk on her knees.

After lunch, our budding archers set off to the football pitch where we shot arrow after arrow at the targets. Joachim was the highest scoring Archer with a massive 56 points!

Juice and biscuits were had for afternoon tea. Following this we donned our helmets and went ghyll scrambling! This involves us all climbing up a mountain stream in the cold water and splashing each other and trying to make our way though the obstacles! The cold may be a deterrent to some, but we welcomed it because of the hot weather.

Prom was held after dinner, and everyone danced the night away under the disco lights.

Reds and Blues on top of the world!

29th July 2020

At the crack of dawn, the reds and blues were set for a sunny day in the Swiss Alps. After a hearty breakfast, we hoped on the coach and were entertained by Wall-E for the duration of the drive. Many windy roads later, we found ourselves at Col du Pillion, enshrouded in cloud, and ready for our gondola to the Glacier.

After Eli kindly offered to drive the gondola, the Glacier staff quickly jumped on and took the helm. As we ascended out of the clouds, Lei Lei was first to spot the summit. Above the clouds and in the sun, it felt as if we were on top of the world.

We kicked off the day with a peak walk and glacier talk, pointing out, the Matterhorn, Eiger and Mont Blanc. Roxy was especially keen for all the fun facts. After crossing the glacier, with a few snowballs thrown, we started the Husky sledding. Ella and Emma particularly enjoyed the huskies.

Up next was tobogganing, which all campers thoroughly enjoyed, and Lei Lei and Joachim even dared to try it backwards. Many slides later, we went back up to the viewing platform for a spot of lunch. After a thrilling time on the alpine coaster, we visited the shop before taking the gondola back down. Our sleepy ride home was accompanied by ‘cool running’s’ , which is now a new favourite for Eli.

A creative day at camp!

28th July 2020

In the morning Joachim and Lei Lei undertook an interesting survey around the camp for their English class. In French campers studied numbers and time telling which Samuel really excelled in, especially when playing what’s the time Mr Wolf in French.

Nature Art Jamming was absolutely brilliant. Especially Erin who had some really creative ideas of making portraits of the group leaders using different plants, twigs and flowers that we had found in the forest. We took some of these back to camp so that we could make paint prints of them, with Ella and Emma making the brightest pictures possible. Inspired by the small thunderstorm that passed as we painted, we finished off the afternoon by working in groups to paint the amazing skyline that we see each day on the Camp Suisse decking.

A brilliant and creative day at camp!

Labyrinth adventure fun for the Reds and Blues!

27th July 2020

As usual the sun was shining for the reds and blues on the first excursion of session 3. Although it was hot, the campers were well prepared for their day at Labyrinth adventure.

After arriving, the reds and blues split into three groups, with Ella, Erin, Emma, Melana and Chloe especially keen to go round the park with Mary. Roxy and Eli spent the morning on the donuts and hamster wheel, while Charles couldn’t get enough of the slides.

As it was such a scorcher, after lunch the whole group headed over to the water slides to cool off. After a wet and wild water fight and many slide races later, each group split off for the Labyrinth.

Back at camp, post-pizza dinner the campers were treated to a guest appearance from Louis for Junk-yard band night. After busting some beats before bed, the reds and blues were ready for a good night’s sleep before languages, sports and Art jamming tomorrow. What a fantastic day!!

A busy start to Session 3!

26th July 2020

On their first full day at camp the reds and blues spent the morning in their sports or language sessions. After lunch, the juniors set off into the forest for a mountain adventure day. We first learnt how to light fires- which Chloe, Malena and Erin we’re particularly good at- not only did they light their cotton wool using a fire striker, but also were winning team in the campfire construction competition!

We then moved on to shelter building, where we learnt the best way to construct shelters safely. We found that Roxy and Charles had a particular eye for interior design – as homely touches of skylights, doormats and ovens were added to the otherwise basic shelters.

After shower hour and dinner, the reds and blues undertook Torgonahunt. We split into 2 teams and searched for the answers to Torgon related questions in the square. Huge shout out to ‘The Hovering Potatoes’ (Lei Lei, Erin, Samuel, Malena, Charles and Emma) for winning with a whopping 19/20!

After a tiring day, everyone headed to bed (after our bedtime braiding session with the Blue girls) and we look forward to a day at Labyrinth Adventure tomorrow.