Camp Journal
Red and Blues test out the Glacier for themselves
31st July 2013
5.30am was the bright, early and slightly painful time on the clock when the campers of the Red and Blue groups were gently woken by the familiar friendly faces of their night guards and group leaders. After a slightly queasy bus and ski lift journeys, the campers reached their stunning destination of Glacier 3000. They learned that this glacier is so named for its altitude from knowledgeable activity leader Taff and JP. A chairlift ride down to the husky dogs was the next item on the agenda for the Red and Blue group campers. Everyone enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to meet the adorable creatures and experience a thrilling sledge ride. After a gripping ride on the world’s highest alpine roller coaster, the campers munched through their fresh pasta lunch and descended the mountain. On arrival at the swimming pool at Villeneuve on Lake Geneva, everyone was captivated by the 7 metre diving board. Having changed and passed their swim test, many campers braved the heights, whilst others relaxed in the sunshine. Once back home, everyone loved tucking in to delicious lasagne, and the ever-popular ‘Waffle Wednesday’. The Reds and Blues’ epic day was concluded with writing, directing and starring in three-minute videos.
Greens and Yellows take the husky way out
30th July 2013
Today Yellow and Green campers were raring to go for a visit to the Glacier 3000 despite a 5:30am wake up. Early in the morning it looked set to be a grey day, however upon the arrival of the campers the sun soon made an appearance. The campers’ excitement was matched by the huskies that were very bouncy and lively when being greeted by our campers. The day started by the campers being pulled along by the huskies on the sled, followed by a trip down the mountain side on the Alpine Roller Coaster. All the excitement from being thrown side to side on the sled and the roller coaster wasn’t enough for our Yellow and Green’s. A trip to Glacier 3000 was followed by a visit to lake Geneva where the campers were giving Tom Daley a run for his money with their dives from the seven metre diving board, or in Bido’s case ‘run and bombing it in from the diving board.’ A super-duper day for all involved!!
Blues take on the wall with style
Tuesday saw Blue group get lucky- with not one but two activities on the menu. First up for the group was the Camp Suisse climbing wall. The activity was met with great enthusiasm – particularly by Antonio and Timur who couldn’t wait to test their skills. Blue group progressed really well on the wall with Roberto particularly impressing the activity leaders. Perhaps the greatest success of the day as Nabilah conquering a fear of heights to pull off some of the climbs and descents, whilst Mina took the award for happiest climber – smiling constantly through the afternoon! The second activity was for the Blues to participate in team building games. This was an opportunity to develop communication and cooperation skills in a challenging yet fun environment. The magic carpet, shark infested river and electric fencer were all negotiated in style – with Giulia in particular demonstrating great teamwork and leadership skills.
Aqua Parc Green and Yellow
29th July 2013
Switzerland’s stifling summer sunshine of the past few days gave way to a hefty storm overnight which rumbled on into the morning, requiring a reshuffling of morning sports which meant only indoor football & climbing went ahead. The campers had their first experiences of session with their teachers and some campers taking their first steps in a completely new language. The continuing rain necessitated a slight change of plan with the campers heading off to the Aquaparc. The cheers from the groups concerned seemed to indicate that this was not too much of an issue. The winding slides and small groups allowed campers to get to know each other in a more laid back atmosphere while the fun of the rides of and the dryness of the indoor facilities took care of the rest. Shower hour provided the opportunity to get back in touch with family back home and a hearty dinner provided the warm bellies from which to recover from another wet day. Evening activities gave the Greens and Yellow an opportunity to test their poker & black jack skills during casino night before the chill out and bed time allowed campers to prepare themselves for the early wakeup for glacier day.
Blue Group Bushcraft
After a busy morning of sports and languages, the buzzing blue group headed out on a mountain adventure called bushcraft and survival skills. We started our hike on the bridge just as the sun came out and then trekked higher into the mountains looking out for nature and even wild mountain hippos!!After successful water purification, we headed to the football pitch to learn how to set up hammocks which was great fun and they were surprisingly comfortable considering they are for emergencies. All in all, a fantastic and sunny day the mountains full of education and fun for the fantastic blue group.
Red Group Mountain Biking
28th July 2013
After yesterday’s rain we were ever so lucky to still run the mountain bike session with the enthusiastic red group. Luckily, the paths cleared up and we were given the go ahead! Lead by JP, Craig, Chris and Ingrid the session involved fun and games as well as some useful advice on the technical side of biking. The standard out performers were Evie and Ben who showed fantastic skill – but a special mention to Tara for significant progress. A great day roll on glacier tomorrow! 
Session 3 Arrivals day
27th July 2013
We are all happy to welcome the new campers for session 3!
We are ready… Are you???
A Mighty Fine Afternoon For Mountain Biking – Green Group
An awesome whole first day for the Green group! Everyone had the chance to get a first taste for the sports sessions and had their language skills put to the test. After a scrumptious Camp Suisse lunch they were shuttled up the mountain to do some mountain biking. The summer sun was glorious and the surroundings of Plan du Croix were beautiful against the blue sky. What an excellent day for some member of the Green group to do mountain biking for the first time! After doing a safety ‘m’ check all the kids were split into groups based on confidence and each group went through a varying difficulty of track. On the way back all the kids managed to cycle down the mountain back to camp. Mountain biking is always fun for the kids and staff alike! In the evening the Green group complete the Torgona Hunt, where the kids explore camp and some of Torgon having great fun getting to know each other in the meantime. 
Yellow Climbing
The Yellow group awoke to another glorious sunny day in Torgon. After breakfast, all the campers’ language skills were put to the test….results tomorrow! Sport coaching came after, followed quickly by a lunch time feast of hotdogs, Panini’s, baked potatoes and pasta. The afternoon arrived and the archery course and climbing wall beckoned. After scoring a few bull’s-eyes, a watertight broke out as an attempt to keep the heat at bay. Next up was the climbing wall where the ascent was braved by all, after discovering some keen spider men and women it was time for ‘shower hour’, then the Yellows sat down to a dinner of sweet and sour chicken. Evening entertainment was one of the favourites the fiercely competitive Torgon-a-hunt. Winners soon to be announced… Soon it was time for bed, Parc Aven! 
Goodbye to Session 2!
26th July 2013
Goodbye to all our new friends!
We hope you have had an amazing time here at Camp Suisse and hope to see you next summer!
Have a safe journey home!
Love from all the staff here at Camp Suisse
