Cycling through the Alps

Are you really motivated to attend summer camp? Contact us to apply for a scholarship to reduce camp fees! The camp takes place in several independent sessions of two weeks with the possibility of also participating in 1 week only:

2-week sessions (R

recommended*

) (Swiss participant price: 1690CHF**. International Participant Price: 1980CHF**):

Session 1: 7.07.24 – 20.07.24

Session 2: 28.07.24 – 10.08.24

Possibility to participate in 1 week (Swiss participant price: 990CHF**. International participant price: 1370CHF**):

Session 1: 7.07.24 – 13.07.24

Session 2: 14.07.24 – 20.07.24

Session 3: 28.07.24 – 03.08.24

Session 4: 04.08.24 – 10.08.24

*Participating in the bike camp for two weeks rather than just one is highly recommended for several essential reasons. First of all, the different itinerary each week allows participants to discover a wider variety of landscapes and challenges, enriching their experience. Secondly, it provides the opportunity to deepen cycling skills through more sustained practice and continuous coaching. In addition, two weeks of immersion allow for better integration within the group, promoting friendships and team spirit. In addition to the benefits in terms of experience and learning, attending the bike camp for two weeks also has a significant financial benefit. The cost of participation for two weeks is, in fact, more advantageous compared to registration for a single week, when you consider the price per day. Participants may arrive or leave the camp on slightly different dates (depending on logistics and location), contact us for more information Attendees can participate in one or more consecutive sessions. And for those who want longer camps, we have other camps too (participation in multiple sessions is possible).

**Thanks to the help of our local sponsors, we are able to provide a discounted price to all Swiss nationals. The mentioned price includes all costs of the participant during the camp period, i.e. all public or private transport during the camp, food, accommodation costs, and any common group equipment (tents and any other equipment related to the activities, harness and climbing equipment). Not included: Bike and bike bags (possibility to rent with us at a very discounted price: Price mentioned on the online registration form) transport to and from the meeting point and possible personal equipment (sleeping bag (contact us if you need it), clothing and other personal expenses).
FAMILY / GROUP DISCOUNTS
: In order to promote the camp to more families (who might also share our values), we are able to offer a 20% discount on all bookings if they join a friend or family member. This means that if you register two or more participants, each of those registrations will be 20% cheaper.

For Swiss participants, the meeting point for all the different sessions of the camp is at Lausanne Gare. From Lausanne, transport is organized to the departure of the camp in Obergoms for 1 day of multi-activities before the start of the camp. Another meeting point will be organized from Geneva airport for international participants. Transport will also be arranged from there.

We offer this camp in 2 versions, one for 9 – 13 year olds (itinerary and activities adapted to needs) and the other for 14 – 18 year olds. For participants between the ages of 16 and 18, we offer our innovative, youth-friendly leadership program, offering a unique blend of camp participation and a specialized program. This program is designed to foster the development of technical and soft skills through a series of activities, workshops, and hands-on leadership opportunities. We believe in bringing together an international community, which is why the languages spoken at the camp are French and English, which is what we have seen from our past experience and the huge benefit of mixing Francophones and Anglophones and learning from both groups.

Participating in this camp offers a multitude of unique and rewarding benefits, designed to stimulate personal growth, adventure, and learning in an international environment. Here are some key reasons why you should consider joining this camp:

1. Adventure and Discovery: Every day is a new adventure, whether cycling through the majestic landscapes of the Alps, or exploring the cultural richness of Switzerland. These unforgettable experiences encourage you to surpass yourself and discover new passions.

2. Language Skills Development: As the camp is bilingual (French and English), it offers an exceptional opportunity to practice and improve your language skills on a daily basis, in a natural and interactive setting.

3. Environmental and Cultural Education: Beyond cycling, the camp incorporates educational activities focused on understanding the environment and local culture, enriching your knowledge of the world.

4. Personal Growth: Immersion in a diverse and international group promotes the development of social skills, self-confidence, and autonomy. Daily challenges and group activities encourage teamwork and resilience.

5. Varied Activities: In addition to cycling, the camp offers a variety of sports and creative activities, ensuring that each participant finds something they enjoy.

6. Unforgettable memories: Friendships made, landscapes discovered, and skills learned stay with participants long after camp ends, marking a milestone in their lives.

In summary, this camp is not only an opportunity to practice cycling in spectacular landscapes, but also a way to grow personally, forge international friendships, and explore new cultures in an immersive and playful way.

Day 1: Obergoms to Niederwald

Introduction: The first leg of our journey takes us through the Alpine valleys to Niederwald, where local history comes to life. This short distance is perfect for acclimatizing to the clean mountain air.

– Landscape: Alpine valleys, historic villages

– Activity: Visit to the Goms Bridge

Day 2: Niederwald to Reckingen-Gluringen

Introduction: Today we pedal in a picturesque setting, where every turn offers a new, vivid postcard of traditional Switzerland.

– Landscape: River landscapes, traditional Swiss architecture

– Activity: Nature walk and photography workshop

Day 3: Reckingen-Gluringen to Münster-Geschinen

Introduction: This route immerses us in the alpine meadows, a paradise of tranquility where nature reigns supreme.

– Landscape: Alpine meadows, forest trails

– Activity: Introduction to mountain flora and fauna

Day 4: Rest day in Münster-Geschinen

Introduction: A well-deserved break that allows us to explore local traditions through creative workshops and build community connections.

– Activities: Local craft workshop, community service project

Day 5: Münster-Geschinen to Fiesch

Introduction: The adventure continues to Fiesch, with stunning views of the glaciers, reminding us of the majesty of the alpine world.

– Landscape: Mountain vistas, glacier views

– Activity: Guided tour of the Aletsch Glacier region

Day 6: Fiesch to Brig

Introduction: In the direction of Brig, we discover the vineyards and the rich historical past of the region, a perfect blend of nature and culture.

– Landscape: Vineyards, historic towns

– Activity: Visit to the Stockalper Palace and the Old Brig

Day 7: Rest day in Brig

Introduction: A day to immerse yourself in the local culture, with a cultural exchange program and well-deserved moments of relaxation.

– Activities: Cultural exchange program with a local school, swimming

Day 8: Brig to Visp

Introduction: The drive to Visp takes us through the Rhone Valley, with its lush orchards, a celebration of the fertility of this land.

– Landscape: Rhone Valley, orchards

– Activity: Fruit picking and tasting of local cuisine

Day 9: Visp to Stalden

Introduction: The road winds through narrow valleys, where the murmur of mountain streams accompanies our journey.

– Landscape: Narrow valleys, mountain streams

– Activity: Watercolour painting of the landscape

Day 10: Stalden to Zermatt

Introduction: Zermatt unfolds at the foot of the Matterhorn, inviting us to contemplate one of the most emblematic mountains in the world.

– Landscape: View of the Matterhorn, alpine terrain

– Activity: Storytelling evening by the fire, history of the Matterhorn

Day 11: Rest day in Zermatt

Introduction: A day to soak up the spirit of Zermatt, with nature hikes and an enriching cultural tour.

– Activities: Hiking, visit to the Matterhorn Museum

Day 12: Zermatt to Täsch

Introduction: We slowly return to Täsch, through alpine forests, silent witnesses of our journey.

– Landscape: Alpine forests, mountainous scenery

– Activity: Nature Photography Session

Day 13: Täsch to Randa

Introduction: The adventure takes us to Randa, where suspension bridges and rock formations provide an ideal playground for adventurous spirits.

– Landscape: Suspension bridges, rock formations

– Activity: Introduction to climbing with professionals

Day 14: Hike to Obergoms

Introduction: The journey ends where it all began, in Obergoms, with a heart full of memories and bonds of friendship that will last long beyond our adventure.

– Landscape: Trip Recap, Farewell Activities

– Activity: Closing ceremony, sharing of experiences and exchange of photos

This route is designed to provide young people with an immersive experience, combining the pleasure of cycling with cultural and personal enrichment.

Since we will be participating in different outdoor activities throughout the trip, our students must have a minimum of physical fitness to participate in the bike camp. But in our experience, this is the case for 95% of young people between 9 and 16 years old! In the months leading up to your trip, we recommend that you participate in physical activity at least once a week if you are not already doing so. Contact us if in doubt, we will be happy to guide you to the best camp.

List the material:

• Leadership & Teamwork
• Outdoor Survival & Camping Skills
• First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
• Environmental Awareness and Conservation
• Personal Values and Ethical Decision-Making
• Cultural understanding and respect for diversity
• Fitness & Healthy Habits
• Citizenship and Community Service
• The ultimate goal is to help our participants become responsible and well-rounded individuals, ready to make a positive impact in the world.

Most of our students come to Young Explorers Club without knowing anyone before their trip. You’ll start making friends as soon as you arrive at the airport (and our instructors will be there to help). Once the journey is over, you won’t want to leave your new community! Most of our students remain friends long after their summer is over. We firmly believe that life is about having new experiences and making the most of every moment. However, we also recognize that the most meaningful experiences often require stepping out of our comfort zones and venturing away from familiar surroundings. When we do this, we find ourselves in unfamiliar and challenging environments, which forces us to fully engage with our surroundings and truly live in the moment. These new places and situations often bring new perspectives and can inspire us to continue seeking out new experiences that push us to grow and broaden our horizons.

The teenagers who come to the Young Explorers Club are kind, welcoming, eager to learn and come from all over Switzerland, France, USA and elsewhere. Our groups are full of positive young adults who will work well with each other. Young Explorers Club places a strong emphasis on group dynamics and creating a supportive social environment, and our students reflect this.

During each activity, all preventive safety measures are in place and strictly followed. To see all our safety measures and protocols, please visit our dedicated page: SECURITY & TEAM.

We believe in human-to-human interaction: write to us via our contact methods (https://youngexplorersclub.ch/contact/) and schedule a call or meeting with one of our employees. We will be happy to answer any doubts or questions you may have. Or find the list of all frequently asked questions on FAQs.