Camp Journal
St Ivo – Day Three, Coach 2!
1st July 2015
Coach 2 had a scorching day in the sun today! After a later start due to campfire songs last night, everyone took a different route back down to camp, slowly winding down the steep mountain! It was a very picturesque walk, with lots of breathtaking scenery to be looked at!
Before lunch everyone had the opportunity to shower and freshen up before climbing aboard our bus, the Aquapark Express! Our group leaders set up base camp at the Aquapark whilst all the campers whizzed off to enjoy some water slides! Everyone had a great time splashing around in the various pool and slides but after a few hours unfortunately it was time to head back to Camp Suisse HQ! Everyone enjoyed a wonderful Thai Green Curry and Chocolate Yogurt Cake cooked for us by the Camp Suisse chefs! Then it was time for eyes down in our evening entertainment, BINGO!
Everyone can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
St Ivo – Day Three, Coach 4!
Coach 4’s activity for this morning was Banana Boating on Lake Geneva! The weather was scorching so it was the perfect day to spend by the lake, lots of sun cream was required though!
All the campers had a great time banana boating, especially the part where the kids had to jump in at the end of their go.After everyone had tried their hand at banana boating they tucked in to a picnic styled lunch before an afternoon of swimming, beach volleyball and other games by the lake.
After a full day of fun with a load of shattered children and staff everyone headed back up to camp for dinner and then to snuggle down and watch a movie!
St. Ivo Day Two!
30th June 2015
Alarm clocks were set for a 6.15am breakfast when the students of Coach 4 climbed out of bed to witness a majestic sunrise over the eastern Alps. Another glorious day was in store. After Kirstie, Rosie and Ed had marshalled the troops ensuring everyone was kitted out for the day we were off.
To say the huskies dogs were loud and excited to see us would be an understatement. Even as the sun came up and the heat increased the dogs appetite for running was incredible. After the dogs we all went for a ride on the Alpine Coaster and tested the new peak to peak bridge at Glacier 3000. By the very definition of glaciers, conditions on some days can be unimaginable however for Coach 4 we were at the other end of the scale; majestic. The view of the Alps was something to behold. We couldn’t however dwell too much as we had to cool off and get the sweaty socks off our feet and into the pool at Lake Geneva. Pretty amazing to think in the morning we were on a glacier with husky dogs overlooking some of Europe’s largest peaks and then within 40 minutes we were dipping our toes into the water and soaking up the summer sun of Lac Leman!
Coach 3 finished off their camping trip from Sunday and went on an excursion to the Aqua Parc; an enormous water park full of slides and uber amounts of fun. A quick stop at the Migros shopping centre on the way home gave time to purchase some treats (for loved ones at home obviously…) and then it was back to camp for a well earned break and some respite from the sun!! Everyone is very much looking forward to the glacier excursion tomorrow!. Its going to be an early start but when the weather is this good we may as well get up early and make the most of where we are!
Coach 2 packed their bags and headed off into the Alps for an overnight stay at our Alpine outpost; a full report will be given tomorrow however at last sight the students were seen standing at the top of the Col du Croix, smack bang on the Swiss-French border admiring the view across France.
Coach 1 stayed at Camp Suisse today and it was our turn to hit the climbing wall, archery range and the mountain bike tracks. A couple of words summed up mountain biking and archery; hot is one and awesome was definitely another. After the day in the sunshine, it was a welcome change after dinner to have a competitive game of bingo indoors. Is there ever a winner at this game?
Stayed tuned for more reports on Day 3 of Camp Suisse 2015!!!
St. Ivo Day One!
29th June 2015
Sunday saw the first group of St. Ivo campers head up to the Alpine Ski Lodge for a night of camping.
Coach 3 pushed themselves through a breezy 4-hour hike up to the campsite where they were grateful to tuck into a tasty BBQ prepared by our chef Adam!
After a heated quiz, that only an impromptu dance off could decide a winner, the group was re-united by the warm fire, oodles of marshmallows ready to toast and a few camp fire sing songs.
Finally to top it all off, one of our campers Ellie had a wonderful day celebrating her 13th birthday camping with all her school buddies. After sharing her cake around, everyone bunked down for a good night’s sleep in the warm alpine wilderness. Up early, they had their breakfast at the campsite, before hiking back down to Camp Suisse HQ, ready in time for their next day of activities.
Coaches 1 and 2 headed to the sunny shores of Lake Geneva to hit the beach and get dragged across the water on the banana boat. With the weather being more akin to the Cote d’Azur than Camp Suisse the students of coaches 1 and 2 had a great day.
Coach 4 stayed at Camp Suisse and undertook lessons on the climbing wall, the archery range and on the mountain bikes. After the long coach journey out many of the students revelled in the fact they could stay at home and enjoy the scenery. The mountain biking was awesome; more experienced riders really enjoyed the challenging environment whilst some of the less inclined snuck a stop on the swings mid lesson to soak up the summer rays!
Going away as a class is a great social occasion and on Sunday night all sorts of activities took place to keep everyone entertained; 5 a side football, volleyball and good old fashioned chilling
4 coaches, 150 excited faces and 1 beautiful Swiss afternoon!
28th June 2015
And they’re here! After a formidable coach journey all the way from Cambridgeshire, St. Ivo School have arrived at Camp Suisse, Torgon.
Greeted by smiling faces, our camp staff were delighted to see that the commendable coach journey had simply served to increase the campers’ excitement for their highly anticipated week ahead!
Yesterday a well deserved evening of good food, good company and bit of chill time was in order. After a hearty dinner of bolognese pasta followed by peach crumble, many of our campers took the time to explore the camp, enjoy the sun and play some games.
Well rested, the St. Ivo campers were up early this morning fresh faced and ready to tackle their first day of activities!
With the four groups split up and each taking on their own day of activities, banana boating, mountain biking and rock climbing were all on the cards today.
Whether they’re racing across Lake Geneva on a 20 foot banana, or perfecting their quadruple corkscrew backflips on our mountain bike trail, the St. Ivo campers could not have asked for a better day of weather. Touching a toasty 23 degrees here at Camp HQ, we are in no doubt that we will see some improved tans by the end of this week.
Day Five – Great fun and Goodbyes!
19th June 2015
Sadly the departing day has come around for our two remaining schools, luckily the sun was bright and there were still activities to be done!
Ecole Moser
The students of Ecole Moser got to spend their last morning with our mountain biking experts, trying their hand at maneoveuring around our course and cycling around the tracks through the alpine forest! After working up an apetite everyone headed back to Camp Suisse HQ where yummy sandwiches were waiting courtesy of the Camp Suisse chefs! Unfortunately it was now time to say goodbye, safe journey home!
Geneva English School
It was a very early start for the students of Geneva English School who were whisked off up the mountain to Glacier 3000 for a husky sled ride! After everyone had a chance to try sledding it was time for a yummy packed lunch on the glacier!
Unfortunately it was now time to say goodbye to both school. We’ve had a lot of fun, have a safe journey home!
Day Four – Discos and Departures!
18th June 2015
The sun was streaming into the campers rooms this morning to wake them up nice and early!
Ecole International de Geneve
The students of Ecole International de Geneve had a big morning ahead of them as their activity today has been the new Camp Suisse activity, Mountain Day. Their survival skills have been put to the test as they have been taught how to survive in the wilderness. They were introduced to the technique of navigation and are now confident in map reading and using a compass. Whilst walking around the mountains our skilled activity leaders introduced the campers into more ways of survival by demonstrating water filtration and tarp shelter building. All of the campers got involved with this and had a great time! Their confidence and improvement was fantastic to see!After a yummy lunch in the sunshine we sadly had to say goodbye to students and teachers, we’ve had a wonderful time with you all!
Geneva English School
Today the Geneva English School woke up from a fun filled camping extravanganza in our off site camp location. After a scrummy camp breakfast they enjoyed a long hike back down to the Camp HQ. After lunch they dived straight into a mountain bike session with Brodie and Ed, our skilled activity leaders! After being taught how to check the bike is safe, the students learnt how to safely manoeuvre around level ground! Once everyone had mastered this they got to go off on various courses and finally cycle back down the mountain! The fun doesn’t stop there as everyone shot off to get ready for tonight’s disco before dinner. We’re looking forward to seeing some groovy moves tonight!
Ecole Moser
After a scrumptious buffet breakfast the students of Ecole Moser School headed off on a sporting adventure! First they got a Football masterclass from Emma, our footballing whizz! This included shooting techniques, the correct way to tackle and was finished off by a game! There was no time to rest after as Kirstie lead the students straight into a rounders coaching session. Everyone had definately worked up an appetite in the morning session and enjoyed sitting in the sunshine whilst eating a packed lunch on the terrace! For the afternoon session the group was split into two. The first went off shelter building in the alpine forest, this helped improve teamwork and communication skills whilst being fun. The second team went off to try their hands at archery and enjoyed their time in the sunshine. The teams then swopped so everyone got to try both activites! Next it was back to Camp Suisse HQ to put their dancing shoes on for our disco tonight!
Day Three – The Great (and Sunny) Outdoors!
17th June 2015
Despite a misty morning the sunshine is finally back over Torgon today! All three of our School’s have been making the most of the weather by getting up to various outdoor activities…
Ecole International de Geneve
The students spent the morning Mountain Biking with Jack and Emma our expert activity leaders, learning about how to be safe on the bikes and then trying their hand at cycling back down the mountain! After a tasty packed lunch the team dived straight into Archery where they did their best Robin Hood impressions! It’s nearly time to get their dancing shoes on as they have the Camp Suisse disco to look forward to tonight!
Geneva English School
With activity leaders Abiy, Sam and Tom the students of Geneva English School headed off for on our Mountain Adventure day! Here they learn about using natural materials in everyday applications and learn about the local alpine forestry! There’s a lot more in the forest than you’d originally think and everyone had fun exploring!
Ecole Moser School
The students woke from their camping experience at our alpine outpost bright, early and raring to go! Once everyone was ready to go they hiked down to the rock face in the valley for some climbing! First things first the session started by a safety briefing by Kirstie who taught the kids how to have fun and be safe. A great day was had by all!
Another action packed day here at Camp Suisse!
Day Two – Super Tuesday!
16th June 2015
Even though the rain is pouring our campers are still full of energy and smiling from ear to ear! With three schools in camp this week the place is humming with giggles and excitement from kids all around!
Geneva English School woke up this morning packed and ready to spend a day relaxing in the Saillon Thermal Baths. The school spent a lovely day at the retreat which offered lots of laid back activities including four thermal spas and a whirlpool to splash around in. The teachers especially enjoyed this excursion using all things on offer to the fullest! After a hard day relaxing the school came back to camp and chilled out in our cinema room and watched a film.
Ecole international de Geneve walked down from our off site camp this morning after a night full of camping fun and night time adventures. After dropping their bags off and enjoying a lunch at the camp HQ they were ready for the afternoon activity! This involved lots of team building games to challenge the campers to see if they can work with each other solving problems and tasks set by our activity leaders.
Ecole Moser started their day after a big breakfast facing these challenges and team building games and were a roaring success! Then after lunch the school headed down to their chalets to pack their bags as tonight it is their turn to embrace the nature and go on a fun filled night of camping!
After such a busy day the atmosphere at camp is electric, lets see what tomorrow brings!
Day One – Welcome, Bonjour, Ciao!
15th June 2015
A very big welcome to our three school groups arriving today! Unfortunately the weather wasn’t as sunny as our welcome with grey skies and showers for most of the day! That didn’t put off our new arrivals though, diving straight into various activities….
Ecole Moser teachers and students walked straight into our Bushcraft Hike. This was a great way for the students to explore the local alpine forest and learn about the use of natural materials in survival techniques!
Students from Ecole international de Geneve hiked up to our Alpine outpost for a night of Camping (or glamping!). Everyone was brilliant at hiking and despite the rain there was plenty of smiley faces! The students can look forward to a night around the camp fire singing songs and sharing a spooky story or two!
And last but not least students from Geneva English School stayed at Camp Suisse HQ and took part in some team building games and got to grips with our Climbing Wall!
It’s certainly been an action packed day & we’re all crossing our fingers and toes for better weather tomorrow!
