Camp Journal
St Ivo Days One & Two – Coach 4
21st June 2016
Sunday
Coach 4 were split into two groups then half went to climbing and the other half went to archery. In archery they learnt how to aim like Katniss Everdeen! One of the Activity Leaders set them a challenge to split and arrow in half for 200 CHF! After a few practice rounds we played the holiday game where some students ended up at Disney in a private jet and living in a 5 star hotel and some visiting Norwich on a double decker bus and living in a bus shelter! The students were then asked to aim for their cutlery for dinner: gold = fork, red = knife, blue = spoon, black = hands, white = no hands and miss = elbows. Dinner was fun to say the least.
After lunch, Coach 4 set off on a hiking trip up to camping where we experienced everything from the hot sun to the pouring rain. After a three hour walk we arrived at camping. The students were sorted into rooms and given free time before dinner where they played table tennis, table football and some “just chilled”. We then handed out the students cutlery for the evening (which the students did not think we would follow through on). We had children trying to eat their BBQ with their elbows! After dinner, we all went on another hike to the French and Swiss border. On the walk up, the students played in the snow and found sticks for marshmallow toasting. At the top we all held hands in a line in Switzerland and jumped into France together. From the border we could see Lake Geneva, Chatel and snow capped mountains.
After the hike we gathered wood for the fire and started the camp fire. The students had a Camp Suisse Special of roasted bananas with marshmallows and chocolate. We then roasted the marshmallows on the camp fire. We all chilled around the fire and then had a riff off which was Girls vs Boys. After much debate, Girls won 3-2. The students then headed to bed for a much deserved sleep.
Monday
The morning at camping started off with Adam T’s Baked Beans Speciality and some very nice cornflakes – what a start to the day! We then headed back down the mountain on yet another walk (the students loved it really). After we got back they had free time before heading to the spa for a nice relaxing swim.
At the spa the students went on the water slides, chilled in the lazy river and swam in the pool.The day went swimmingly!
Strothoff International School, Day Two
16th June 2016
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day… As forecast, the sky opened for another day at Camp Suisse. However, with many ‘Plan B’s’ up our sleeve our campers boarded the bus and headed to the famous region of Gruyères. First stop was the Maison Cailler factory, home to the world-famous Cailler and Nestle chocolate products. At first you would think it is all about the free chocolate tasting everyone has heard about at the end of the tour… However, the tour of the factory – which illustrates the history and different techniques behind the chocolate making – really was amazing. The tasting at the end of the tour was still pretty good though!
After the Maison Cailler factory, our campers headed to the old medieval town of Gruyères and had a wander through the shops. Our campers took in the ambience of the old village surrounding the mighty historic castle. There will be a few Swiss Army knives making their way back across the border on Friday, safely tucked away in Mr B’s rucksack for the time being, of course.
After too much chocolate, our campers really needed a run around… A sports session in the sports hall after dinner was the perfect way to round off another great, albeit wet, day at Camp Suisse.
However, we can report that the sun was shining on Wednesday morning, so we plan on taking full advantage of the weather whilst we can!
Ecole Moser, Day Two
On a rain-sodden morning our campers woke up at the Alpine Refuge for a seriously hearty breakfast, before braving the elements to head back to Camp Suisse. Truthfully, our campers didn’t walk the whole way as the Camp Suisse minibus came and met them so they could could get off to the Aquaparc ASAP! Slides, slides and more slides… We couldn’t have been any wetter, so water-based activities couldn’t have been scheduled for a better time!
After a long, active afternoon at the Aquaparc, our campers headed back to Camp Suisse to hit the showers. After a delicious dinner, our campers engaged in a very lively bingo session. Numbers were called, prizes were won… Who would have though Bingo could have been such fun?
The teachers also allowed our campers to see some of the football match too, which is always a bonus!
The troops couldn’t wait for Wednesday’s planned activities of mountain biking and mountain adventure, so a good night’s rest was needed by all.
Strothoff International School, Day One
15th June 2016
After a long coach journey, the students of Strothoff International School arrived at Camp Suisse ready to roll into the week’s activities.
With not a minute to waste, our campers had a quick spot of lunch, were allocated rooms and then headed to the climbing wall. With Rosie and Steve, our fearless activity leaders, supervising the climbing wall, our campers were briefed, warmed up and thrown into climbing as high, as fast and as many times as they could. It was a great way to work off the built-up energy from the journey!
Mr. B started where he left off last year and ambitiously headed straight up the hardest route for his first climb of the day. The students cheered and with all the pressure of the world focused on his next move, Mr B made it to the top and rang the bell with ease (almost).
After dinner we played some bingo and then laid out the plan for Tuesday. With more dodgy weather forecast, it was decided that our campers would be heading to the world-famous Cailler chocolate factory and visiting the historical medieval town of Gruyere.
…Until our next update!
Ecole Moser, Day One
After being picked up on a misty Geneva morning, our Ecole Moser campers headed to Camp Suisse for another exciting week of adventures.
Upon arrival, the students were met by Orpheas to show them around camp and help everyone settle into their rooms for the week. Rooming….always an exciting time on a class camp!
After lunch we all headed for the Camp Suisse Alpine Outpost for an overnight camp, high up in hills. Despite the weather we trudged on through the mist and arrived to lit fires and a welcome drink at 1600m.
The Activity Leaders, led by Emma, ensured there was never a dull moment on the Camp Suisse camping expedition. Night lines were set up, charades were played and a tasty BBQ dinner was served by our chef, Mike.
The next morning, conditions weren’t in our favour, so after a spot of breakfast and a quick tidy up, we descended directly back to camp with the exciting news we were heading to… the Aquaparc! Stay tuned for further news on Tuesday’s events at Camp Suisse.
EIG Day Five
7th June 2016
EIG Coach 1
After a change in the program due to the ever-changing Alpine weather, Friday was 6A & 6C’s turn to hit the glacier and go husky dog sledding. After some quick drying of kit after Thursday’s Shelterbox Day, our campers woke at 5.45am, had breakfast and headed into the misty abyss of Les Diablerets! The fog couldn’t dampen the hounds’ enthusiasm. As ever, they were very excited to see us and couldn’t wait to run us around the glacier. The fog came and went and then came again… However, great fun was had by all. After some sad goodbyes between the CS staff and our campers, it was back to school, ready for the weekend with family!
EIG Coach 2
With sore muscles from cutting shapes at Thursday night’s Camp Suisse disco, our campers boarded the bus and headed to the Maison Cailler to learn about one of the most revered products in Switzerland: the chocolate! After hearing all about the history of the world-famous chocolate dynasty (and tasting our fair share), the sun came out and our campers headed to the old town of Gruyere for a spot of lunch and some free time. Lunch in Gruyere marked the end of a great week at Camp Suisse and we waved a sad goodbye to our legendary students from 6B & 6D.
EIG Day Four: In Desperate Need of Shelter on Our Shelter Box Day
3rd June 2016
It took raw enthusiasm from all classes yesterday to brave the elements and embark on their day of adventure yesterday. With ominous grey skies and the rain threatening, our campers courageously faced the elements and set off on an adventure.
Across six different stations our campers learnt about what it takes to survive in harsh environments… from sourcing water and food, to lighting fires, seeking and building shelter, cooking in the wild, and basic first aid techniques.
At lunchtime the the weather really closed in and it was decided to bring the Shelter Box adventure back to Camp Suisse for the afternoon to continue the educational journey under cover. Spirits remained high and hot chocolate was served, just to make sure our campers were warm enough after the morning’s activities.
As the afternoon went on, focus began to turn to the main event of the evening….and some would say the week… the Camp Suisse disco! Dressed up and still full of energy, students and staff carved up the dance floor until it was time for bed, in preparation for the last day of activities and the journey home on Friday.
EIG Day Three
2nd June 2016
For Classes 6B & 6D, yesterday was Glacier Day. It was truly beautiful; the glacier was in fine form, and the husky dogs were raring to go. Our campers were taken around the Glacier by sledge and they got to play with the dogs.
6B & 6D then toured the Roman ruins, exploring the Roman culture, architecture and general history. Unlike the top of the glacier, it was quite warm in Martigny and the glorious weather allowed our campers to relax and enjoy a quiz in the amphitheatre, followed by a sword fight between Steve and Rich! Guess who won…
In the morning, 6A headed to the Camp Suisse Mountain Bike Centre for some biking fun. It was great to see the sun and all the groups, from the absolute beginners right through to the very advanced, have a blast with our ever-enthusiastic instructors.
6C kicked off the day with some archery and team building games. The competition at the archery range was hot and the team building games were a nice end to a busy morning.
After lunch, the classes swapped activities and it was 6C’s turn to hit the mountain bikes. Again, a great afternoon thawing out in our first summer-ish sunshine of the week!
Once a tasty meal of burritos was consumed, all classes had the opportunity to choose which activity they wanted to do. The activities on offer were yoga, climbing, five-a-side football, crafts, and for those that had nothing left in the tank… a relaxing DVD.
Wow!!! What an action packed day our campers had yesterday. We are all really looking forward to the Shelter Box Charity Day today… Fingers crossed the lingering clouds clear for some sunshine!
EIG Day Two
1st June 2016
Yesterday, our morning activity sessions began with a whirlwind of fun activities based across camp. Classes 6A & 6C began with team-building exercises such as creating a ‘marble run’, crate climbing and plank walking. Teams rotated around the different activities developing leadership, team-working and communication skills, and most importantly, having immense fun!
Classes 6B & 6D began their morning with football-related activities including ‘Crab Football’, football rounders and a game of ‘Capture the Flag’, followed by a quick session on the climbing wall. It was an enjoyable morning for all!
The afternoon activity for all of our campers commenced with a walk to a local clearing beside the forest and athletics field. Our campers were given a scenario in which they were to imagine that they had to fight to survive through tough conditions, helping us all to gain a better understanding of the current refugee crisis. Our campers were given items in a ‘shelter box’ and had to put up a tent, as well as find water and food. They even had a go at making a fire!
After a fun-filled afternoon, our campers headed back to Camp Suisse for some relay races and other games. After dinner, the children had a choice of activities: doing yoga, going on the climbing wall, playing football, watching DVDs, and making friendship bracelets.
Day Three will involve a trip to the Glacier and some Roman ruins, thus an early night was required by staff and campers alike!
EIG Day One
31st May 2016
Yesterday marked the arrival of the first International Camp Suisse groups for summer ‘16. The picturesque mountains of Torgon were draped with heavy lingering clouds but the mood upon the arrival of the International School of Geneva could not have been better! Camp Suisse staff were excited to welcome the first group of the season and the children and teachers brought a fantastic, positive energy to the Alpine camp.
We welcomed the children from Classes 6A & 6C and took them to the Cailler Chocolate Factory at Broc. At the factory we took an amazing tour where we learnt about the history and processes of chocolate making in this world-famous area. At the end of the tour we indulged in the many different flavours of the Cailler Nestle brand… Maybe a little over indulgence for some people!
After the chocolate factory and a spot of lunch, 6A & 6C headed to the medieval old town of Gruyères. We explored the old town, visited shops, tried a few of the local cheeses (delicious) and walked around the old castle.
Archery with Class 6B was the first activity of the afternoon, while Class 6D began with the climbing wall. Luckily, the stormy weather held back while both 6B & 6D enjoyed the archery range. Some great shooting skills were displayed by both classes and Mr Chamberlain hit many bullseyes, dispelling the myth that he was ‘rusty’.
The games, ‘Shark Attack’ and ‘Crab Football’, got 6B & 6D all warmed up and ready to tackle the heights of the climbing wall. Some impressive skills were displayed on the climbing wall and the bells at the top of each wall were soon proudly rung by triumphant climbers from 6B & 6D.
After dinner (a scrumptious lasagne with all the trimmings), we all took part in the ‘Torgona Hunt’ before catching some much-needed sleep in preparation for tomorrow’s mountain adventure!
