Camp Journal
The Adventure Begins…
30th June 2014
For the first full day of camp the red and blue group were straight in with a jam packed day, the day started with a trip to the Labrinth, with obstacles, playful challenges and hidden treasures along the way to keep all campers excited and looking forward to getting through the maze. Although the weather yesterday wasn’t typical of a Swiss summer, all campers had so much fun running around in the rain. The campers were so good at getting around the maze (Stephanie and Avora’s expert directional skills were brilliant) they even had time to play on the inflatables, bikes, trikes and other games that were on offer!
The next stop for the day was to Chateau de Chillon where all campers found out about the history of the castle and were able to look around the stunning building. Victor asked some brilliant questions about the origins of the castle, which the tour guide was very happy to answer. Everyone (even the group leaders) learnt something new and enjoyed the views from the castle across lake Geneva.
If that wasn’t enough for the campers, after an amazing dinner of Sweet and Sour Chicken the day was finished with a few energetic games of Football and Basketball, after some friendly competition any excess energy left over from such a busy day was used up and all campers were taken to their chalets for the evening.
Point Me In The Direction Of Camp Suisse
Today saw the yellow group take their language tests to decide on which level of class they will be in for their upcoming classes. After the language tests it was time for lunch followed by their first activity – Orienteering!! It may have been slightly wet out there but they had a great time anyway with some great map drawing and exploring the area. George especially showed his creative side. Once orienteering had finished it was time for team building games. This involved the very popular create climb and we were proud to see Dena conquering her fear of heights!
After a delicious dinner of sweet and sour chicken it was time for the evening entertainment – casino night. The yellow campers got chance to spend the evening at the Camp Suisse casino before going to bed after their first full day at Camp Suisse.
Hello Green Group
The green group began today by taking their language assessment to determine their ability for their upcoming lessons. They were then put into suitable classes and played a mixture of language-related games to warm them up before settling into their first classes.
After a morning of languages it was time for a well-deserved lunch. After re-fuelling from the large selection at the buffet lunch the green campers played some introductory games with activity leaders Ed and Féarghal before embarking on a hike.
Although it was raining it did not deter the group as they endeavoured to build the best woodland shelters they could, complete with hammocks and protective barriers!
After the building side of the afternoon, they learnt some information about the native flora of the area before returning to camp for a delicious dinner and casino night!
Red Group and Blue Group ÛÒ There is no Û÷IÛª in the word teamÛ_
The day started with a nutritious breakfast to get ready for a busy day ahead.
First activity of the day was with the Language Teachers who had organised some games to test the camper’s ability for their chosen language program.
Lunch was then ready and the campers got to go around each ‘food station’ where there is a selection of panni, hot dogs, filled baguettes and jacket potatoes – yummy!
Once everyone had finished this lunch it was time for the afternoon activity which was team building exercises.
There is an exercise called the ‘Crate Climb’ and this where the campers stack some crates into a column whilst one of their fellow campers is stood on top (of course we all put safety first with the campers wearing helmets and a safety harness). Another great exercise was throwing eggs over the balcony with parachutes attached, the aim is to try and get the egg to the ground without cracking – there was some great success with only a few egg splats here and there!
Later on during the activity everyone had a chance to draw some maps of the Camp Suisse site and then try and navigate using them, the campers are budding cartographers!
Soon it was time for shower hour and the campers had a chance to freshen up and phone home to their parents. The Camp Suisse chef had been busy making a delicious dinner of Chicken Pie and home baked cookies with ice cream for dessert.
The evening hours were passed by with a great time in the Camp Suisse casino!
Green and Yellow Group ÛÒ ÛÏNow IÛªm the king of the swingers – yeah!
The campers in Green and yellow group both had an action packed day! The campers started at Parc Adventure where everyone jumped straight onto the high rope courses in the trees. They were swinging from tree to tree on the Tarzan swings and zip-wires!
It was a great day and a special well done to Farouk and Eliza for conquering their fear of heights – both of them had a real sense of accomplishment and smiles on their faces!
After lunch the campers enjoyed a tour around the International Olympic Museum. Everyone had a go at racing against a computer video of Usain Bolt, unfortunately nobody could beat him yet as there would be plenty more training required!
It was great to look at the exhibitions on the Olympic history and highlights!
Back at Camp Suisse the campers enjoyed a dinner of chicken pie (including a veggie option) and a delicious dessert of home baked cookies and ice cream!
The evening activity was a fun round up of sports before lights out.
Welcome to all the campers for Session One!
28th June 2014
There was a great buzz in the air with all the new arrivals!
Once everyone had a chance to unpack and meet their new roommates the Group Leaders arranged some games to play so everyone could get to know one another. There was plenty of laughter and smiles – everyone settled in so quickly!
After a tour around the camp it was dinner time and the Camp Suisse Chef had cooked a delicious dinner of bolognese and pasta.
Everyone was tired after their long journey to Camp Suisse, so it was an early night ready for more adventure!
St Ivo School – Day Seven
27th June 2014
All of the students from St Ivo School set off this morning for a hike and left the centre feeling excited about the adventure ahead.
The students walked up to Plein de Croix in the stunning sunshine and hopped on the chairlift to take them further up the mountain. Everyone trekked along the ridge line, taking in the sensational Alpine scenery.
After a quick lunch stop, the students started to make their way back down the mountain. Everyone arrived back at Camp Suisse very tired but bursting with pride for their achievements.
The Camp Suisse Chef rustled up a delicious BBQ in the sunshine and everyone said their farewells before heading back home.
It has been a real adventure with the students from St Ivo School! Safe journey home!
St Ivo School – Coaches 1 and 4 – Day Six
26th June 2014
The students on Coach 1 went to the lake in the morning and enjoyed some Banana Boating!
It was a great day in the sunshine and everyone enjoyed the thrill of whizzing around the lake and trying to hold on without falling off.
After lunch the students on Coach 4 returned from their camping adventure and joined everyone for some more fun on the lake! Everyone had a great time splashing around in the water!
Back at Camp Suisse everyone put on their dancing shoes and enjoyed a boogie to their favourite tunes at the disco!
St Ivo School – Coach 2 – Day Six
The students on coach 2 split into two groups and got involved with some mountain biking and a climb on the indoor climbing wall!
On the mountain bikes everyone has a go at jumps set up by the Activity Leaders on the obstacle course – a great effort from the students! Later on it was further up the mountain for a wild ride back down along the trails.
After lunch it was straight up to the archery range to do some target practice in the glorious sunshine!
The evening time soon came around and the Camp Suisse DJ was ready to play some tunes for the disco. The students all looked very tropical in the Hawaiian themed outfits!
St Ivo School – Coach 3 – Day Six
Wakey wakey, Rise and Shine!
It was a early start for the students but the wake-up call was worth it because it was an excursion up to Glacier 3000!
The students enjoyed a ride on the cable car with spectacular views and once they made it to the top, the husky dogs were waiting and ready to give them a ride on the sled they pulled.
Soon it was time to stop for lunch and the students enjoyed a pack up made by the Camp Suisse Chef. It was great to sit there and take in the views!
In the afternoon it was back down the glacier and onto the Camp Suisse coach for a trip to Villeneuve for a swim in the pool with the other students!
Back at Camp Suisse the DJ was ready to play some tune for the Hawaiian themed disco during the evening!
