Camp Journal
TorgonaBike!
4th August 2013
For the 24th year running, we were very proud to see the Torgonabike mountain bike race hosted in the village this weekend. It was a pleasure to see the town so animated and filled with families and friends who were here to enjoy the competiton. There were a range of stalls set up in the square with activities to entertain children and adults alike. There was a fantastic atmosphere and both Camp Suisse campers and staff jumped at the chance to enjoy the event.
Red and Blues spend an afternoon rock climbing
Today looked like it might be a dreary day with the weather looking dull. We reluctantly put on long trousers and jumpers, but still packing shorts (being hopeful)!
Luckily the Swiss sunshine came through and today was another beautiful day. After lessons and languages we headed down the mountain for an afternoon of rock climbing. Some of us crawled up the cliff with ease immediately, while other worked hard and persevered to get to the top. It was great fun but bet very tiring,., meaning lots of us fell asleep on the minibus back. Back at the Camp Suisse centre we had a great meal that ended with huge, yummy coco pop crispy cakes (aka chocolate crackles)… definitely a well-deserved treat!
Green group eat the forest!
What a great day for the Green group!
Today we had sports and languages as normal, but today was change over day to those kids moving onto their second choice sport. In the afternoon we had the bush craft hike. The bush craft hike is a nature walk and we learn loads of interesting facts about the forest and how to survive in the wilderness. We tasted wood sorrel, reindeer moss and learnt how to filter dirty water into drinkable water. The nature walk took us all over the surrounding forests of Torgon and we crossed high bridges and streams whilst climbing steep forest tracks.
When we returned for ‘shower hour’ and dinner, this was followed by ‘Murder Mystery Night.’
Clues were given when riddles, quizzes and games were completed. It turned out in the end, that Mr Brumwell murdered Poppy with a mop! Who would have thought??!!
Scrambled yellows
After Saturday’s chilled day, our campers were refreshed and raring to go. The day started off by our campers getting their bear grylls skills up to scratch during orienteering. This proved to be an afternoon that put their map reading skills to the test, and taught them how to use a compass.
The second half of the afternoon what ghyll scrambling!!! The campers were really excited about the prospect of drenching their group leader whilst walking up the river… The Yellows overcame several obstacles whilst scrambling up the river, stumbling and splashing as they go. Bido in particular enjoyed this activity as he used the opportunity to splash and launch soggy moss at staff and fellow campers. A fun afternoon of silliness and splashing for our Yellow group!
Saturday – all colours
3rd August 2013
An unusual day awaited our campers, mixed with a sense of bitterness as some very early goodbyes had to be made for those campers leaving us after this first week. While numbers might have reduced, the daily routine still remained largely untouched. A post-breakfast tidying of rooms was in order, followed by sports and languages as usual. The afternoon was spent in a rather chilled-out fashion with all of the campers being led to the football pitch via a rather more scenic route than usual so as to allow the campers to wath various stages of ‘Torgonabike’ which had been taking place all weekend. Upon arrival at the football pitch, still surrounded by the mountain bike tracks and competitors, the campers were left with the option to get involved with frisbee, football, or rounders. A brief dash of rain did not dampen any spirits as the campers enjoyed a chance to let their hair down on a less activity-driven afternoon. Shower hour and dinner ensued as always, before the Reds and Blues set about expressing their creative sides in ‘Arts & Crafts’ during their evening activities, while the Greens and Yellows split themselves between indoor football and the belting tunes of the hip hop dance lesson being hosted by Head of Colour, Tiff.
Mission Day for all colours
2nd August 2013
Big day at Camp Suisse as the campers and staff alike prepared for the treacherous and challenging missions ahead. Having been split into teams of all ages, strengths and characters, everyone headed out to the four different stations. We had vertical infiltration (climbing), vehicle mobility training (mountain biking) target practice (archery) and survival skills. At each station a new challenge lay ahead of our cadets and many obstacles were overcome.
After a great effort from every soldier and some amazing team work and spirit, it was team Echo who took the top prize and gained the most points across the very competitive board for their brilliant skills and hard work!
Photos to come!
Green Group go a-wall
1st August 2013
On an incredibly hot and sunny Thursday the Green group headed to St Trophin to partake in an afternoon of outdoor rock climbing! With Sarah, Taff, Craig and Ian leading the session, the 27 green group members climbed several routes all of which varied in difficulty. Everyone put in a fantastic effort attempting most if not all routes- some campers even overcame fears of heights which made for an enjoyable new experience!
Yellows take the hike way
Yellow
The usual morning combo of sports and languages awaited the Yellows on another glorious day in Torgon. After another slap up lunch it was time to take on the ever challenging ‘bush craft hike’. The ascent was steep and perilous but the Yellows scaled it with ease, leaving no man behind. After learning how to filter water with moss, how volcanoes are made and what ‘Aplage’ is the Yellows moved on to learn some life skills. They did this by assembling hammocks and shelters followed by an impromptu game of ‘40/40 Home’ broke out. Once they descended back to camp for ’shower hour,’ as it was Swiss Day the dinner was Raclette and Eton mess. Evening entertainment was the infamous Dracula Hunt and thankfully he was destroyed. Tomorrow is Mission Day for all the groups.. This shall be exciting!!
red & blues bananas
Today our Reds and Blues took to Lake Geneva for one of our favourite excursions- Banana Boating!
Whooping and walling the campers embraced a choppy ride, plunging into the lake at least once each. They all came together as an excellent team in the face of defeat to drag each other back aboard. Following their ride, the campers enjoyed the weather which was particularly kind to us on Swiss Day, by swimming; eating ice-cream and playing in Lake Geneva. The celebrations didn’t stop there on arrival back to camp. The campers entered into the spirit of Swiss Day by decorating themselves in red and white Swiss cross ribbons. They then sat down for a delightful 3 course meal including risotto, tartiflette and ice cream! It was a day thoroughly enjoyed by all those here at Camp Suisse!
Green Group test their skills on the wall!
31st July 2013
Today the Green group had a fun afternoon trying out their archery and climbing skills. After a hearty lunch the Green group split into two; Pete and Colin’s group going straight to the climbing wall, whilst Eilidh and Kaan’s group headed to the football field to try out their firing skills with a bow and arrow. In the Green group there were a fair few Robin Hood prodigy’s with a number of campers getting hitting the yellow bull’s eye and everyone managing to hit the board. After afternoon tea the two groups switched stations. Both groups loved the climbing wall as for many it was the second session of the day and they were able to practice more of the climbing skills on the indoor wall. It was also good to their skills up for tomorrow, as we are all heading to the real rocks to do climbing outdoors. Everyone will be well prepared now! It was a great day at Camp Suisse for Green group!!
