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Presentation

Young Explorers Club est un club lausannois pour tous les adolescents de 9 à 16 ans fondé avant la pandémie Covid avec une mission simple mais profonde : Faire revivre l'esprit aventureux des jeunes générations. Le club fonctionne toute l'année avec des activités hebdomadaires pendant l'année scolaire et nos populaires camps d'été et d'hiver pendant les vacances scolaires.
ABOUT

Develop skills, attitudes, and memories to last a lifetime.

The
Young Explorers Club
 was created with a very simple mission: to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunities for personal growth by facilitating impactful wilderness experiences.

Our goals for our youth program are to use the natural environment and outdoor activities to teach participants the skills and attitudes needed to lead successful lives. Through expert risk management and adventure-based programming, our team helps encourage participants to improve their self-esteem and confidence. In addition to creating lasting memories, our goal is for participants to end their adventures with a better knowledge of themselves, the world, and the environment around them. An essential part of our program is also focused on creating a sense of community, creating friendships between participants, and sharing fun moments!

Our weekly programs:

The club organizes all kinds of activities throughout the year apart from our multi-day holiday camps (summer, autumn, winter and Easter). During the school year, we offer 3 programs open to all young people enrolled in the club**:

  • Every weekend we organise outdoor outings throughout French-speaking Switzerland.
  • Every Wednesday shorter outings after lunch.
  • Our indoor climbing lessons every Thursday after school.

**To participate in club activities (excluding summer camps), you must be a member of the club. Joining the club is a simple process that allows you to participate in weekday and weekend activities and gives a preferential space to all summer camp participants who are also members. Membership is billed annually and can be cancelled at any time. Find the link to the registration form below.

Weekend outings:

Taking advantage of the extra free time that the weekends allow, the club organizes outdoor outings that are in line with the club’s pedagogical philosophy. Learn more Read more about our pedagogical philosophy here. The outings consist mainly of overnight stays in mountain huts, backpacking trips, climbing trips and alpine mountain routes Easy. Participation in weekend activities is open only to club members where they can access our portal to register for individual activities up to one semester in advance and no later than the previous week. Under the activities page you will find the calendar with upcoming activities for the semester with all the necessary information like meeting point, schedules and logistics. Participants in Wednesday outings or Thursday classes have preferential seats when joining a weekend outing with space limitations.

Weekend outings require registration for each weekend activity, so prices are different for each weekend. On average, one-day outings cost 60 CHF per participant. This includes all the necessary equipment in case of need for special sports equipment (harness, rope, tent). For day trips with overnight stays on average, the cost is CHF 150 (which includes food, accommodation and any group equipment needed for the activity). To sign up for the weekend’s activities, you can find all the upcoming outings on the club’s

calendar here

 and individually select the ones you want to sign up for. Activities are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Example activity: Weekend at the Gastlossen
  • Saturday 8:00 am: See you at Parc Bourget.
  • 8:15 a.m.: Checking all participants’ equipment.
  • 8:30 am: Departure to Jaun by car.
  • 10 a.m.: Ascent to Dent de Savigny.
  • 1:00 pm: Picnic, Games and Break.
  • 16:00: Hike to Grubengberghutte.
  • 7:00 pm: Dinner.
  • 8:00 pm: Camp relaxation activities and social games.
  • 10:00 p.m.: Bedtime.
  • Sunday 7:30 am: Wake up and have breakfast.
  • 9:00 a.m.: End of tidying up the hut.
  • 9:45 a.m.: Departure to the Wandfluh climbing area.
  • 10:30 am: Start of the climbing day.
  • 1:00 pm: Lunch break and group games.
  • 2 p.m.: Bike route and visits of the region.
  • 3 p.m.: Arrival at the camp. Sit back and take a break.
  • 4 p.m.: Group games, camp activities, hiking, water sports or a short climbing outing.

Find all the frequently asked questions on our dedicated page! Also, if something is unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Wednesday’s outings:

As the majority of schools have free periods on Wednesdays after lunch, the club organises shorter outdoor outings depending on the weather. Departing after lunch at 1:30 pm and returning at 5:30 pm, Wednesday outings are the perfect opportunity to take a break from the academic week and enjoy the outdoors with all kinds of activities within our 8 educational objectives: Differently from weekend outings where sporadic participation is allowed. Wednesday’s outings follow a semester-long dedication. A flat rate is charged per semester and takes into account the costs of all upcoming Wednesday outings. Participants in Wednesday outings or Thursday classes have preferential seats when joining a weekend outing with space limitations.

A flat rate is charged per semester and takes into account the costs of all upcoming Wednesday outings. The price for the autumn semester is 590 chf. This includes all the necessary equipment in case of need for special sports equipment (harness, rope, tent) except skis.

To register for the Wednesday semester, you must first be
a member of the club (here)
 and then with your account you can
register for the semester.

Example activity: Hiking and hot springs in Val d’Hérens
  • 1:00 pm: Meet at the train station.
  • 2:00 pm: Arrival in Bex.
  • 3:00 p.m.: Team games.
  • 4:00 pm: Bathing in the hot spring of Cambioula.
  • 5 p.m.: Return to Lausanne.

Find all the frequently asked questions on our dedicated page! Also, if something is unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Thursday Climbing Classes

On Thursdays, indoor climbing lessons are offered from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with groups of all levels. The courses offer a good opportunity for children who want to improve their climbing level in order to participate in more challenging climbing trips on weekends or just for a fun after-school activity. A flat rate is charged per semester. Participants in Wednesday outings or Thursday classes have preferential seats when joining a weekend outing with space limitations.

A flat fee is charged per semester and takes into account the costs of all upcoming Thursday classes. The price for the autumn semester is 430 chf. This includes all the necessary equipment in case of need of equipment (harness, rope) except shoes.

To register for Thursday’s races, you must first be
a member of the club (here)
 and then with your account you can
register for the semester.

Find all the frequently asked questions on our dedicated page! Also, if something is unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Best investment we could have made

"The travelling summer camp in Graubünden was the best investment we could have made for our child's summer. Not only did they come back with new skills and confidence on a bike, but they also came back with hearts full of unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Attentive and knowledgeable instructors made the trip possible, and the breathtaking scenery provided the perfect backdrop for our child's personal growth. We are truly grateful for the experience and the positive impact she had on our child. Thank you for giving them the gift of adventure and self-discovery.
Mana Blaga , Parent 2020

As parents,

As parents, sending our child to the Swiss bike trip camp was a decision we will never regret. Not only did they come back physically stronger and more confident on a bike, but they also came back with a new sense of independence and maturity. The memories and friendships formed at the camp will stay with them for the rest of their lives. We are truly grateful to the experienced and supportive instructors who guided our child on this incredible journey. Thank you for giving them the gift of adventure and self-discovery.
Jake et Caroline Luc , Parents 2020

Explore new challenges in a fun, safe and caring environment

This camp helps children overcome their fears and explore new challenges in a fun, safe and caring environment. The best part is really that our son was so hesitant to go to camp and had a very negative experience at other summer camps. The YEC changed all that. Raising children in today's high-tech and social media-driven world is a real challenge. The Young Explorers Club allows our child to be themselves, make friends and have fun in a safe and stimulating environment. It's a real break with city life where our children grow up too fast. His camp experience had an incredible impact on his self-confidence and willingness to be himself!
Pauline Blanchet , Parent 2018

His self-esteem and independence have increased tremendously.

It is interesting to note that there is no shortage of technology and the discovery that the great outdoors are a wonderful place. YEC was an amazing experience for my kids! My son conquered his fear of heights and continued to spend more time outdoors. My shy, quiet and reserved daughter was loudly singing camp songs, laughing and showing me the field when I picked her up. His self-esteem and independence have increased tremendously. They can't wait to go back next summer! Also: So impressed with the inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ parent and camper population. We were very pleasantly surprised and impressed. Especially with staff and camper introductions, including preferred pronouns.
Estella Moulin , Parent 2018

Great strategies to help kids feel comfortable and overcome challenges.

Because our children have anxiety or social problems, we were worried about how they would do or if they would stay all week. The camp had great strategies to help the children feel comfortable and overcome challenges. Everything went well and we are very grateful parents! It makes me happy to see my kids come back from camp with a newly acquired skill and lots of stories about his adventures. Last year, they learned to play guitar at camp. This year, they conquered the difficult rock face in the middle. The advisors are all very positive and supportive; It's a great place to gain self-confidence!
Xavier Chapdelaine , Parent 2018

She enjoyed the activities she participated in that she would never have if she were at home.

My child is not the most athletic or outdoor child. I love how this camp allows him to disconnect from social media and enjoy the outdoors. When she comes home from camp, she wishes she could go back and it's nice to hear how much she enjoyed her time at camp and all the activities she participated in that she would never have if she were at home. The staff was very supportive and helpful in guiding the children in developing their wilderness skills. There is a great sense of belonging, acceptance, tradition and camaraderie.
Jacques Toussaint , Parent 2018

It's the best investment in our child we've made over the years.

BEST part of our daughter's summer!!! My daughter has already participated twice and every year when we pick her up, she is so excited to tell us about her time at camp. Every aspect is above expectations and we can't talk better about the YEC team. Guillem (Wham!) does a great job and guides the whole process. Impressive. It's such a great experience. As a parent of a teenager, I can only recommend him more. It's the best investment in our child we've made over the years.
Héléna Dupont , Parent 2018

Truly exceptional.

My son loved his experience with the club. He met new friends from across the country and had new experiences, from rafting to hiking to mountain biking without his parents. Being outside with great instructors and kids and doing new things renewed and strengthened confidence. It was a very healthy experience in building independence. He and his friends are already planning the YEC trip they want to take next year. In addition, I am amazed at the organization of the club and the excellence and rigor of your communication. I also appreciated Guillem's attention to detail and responsiveness on all travel arrangements. Truly exceptional.
Jean Ansermet - Parent 2018

He was exhausted, happy and full of funny stories.

What an incredible adventure for our son. He was exhausted, happy and full of funny stories when we picked him up. He even told us that he would spend less time on his phone in the future (we'll see...). He is excited to take another trip with the club next year and also wants to continue learning rafting. What was most valuable to him was getting into nature with peers, forging relationships without media, working with the group toward a common goal, stretching to do things he wouldn't otherwise do, and finding inner strength. We are so happy that he was able to do this adventure!
Isabelle Piccart - Parent 2018

We can't recommend it enough!

While an outdoor experience wasn't our daughter's first choice, she came home thrilled with her trip. Not only has she been able to see a beautiful part of the country and make good friends, but she has learned that she is much stronger than she thought, both physically and mentally. She learned new skills (cooking, pitching tents in the rain, etc.), perseverance, and how being clumsy can help you get through almost anything. We wanted it to have a fun and technology-free experience, and with the Young Explorers club definitely delivered. We can't recommend it enough!
Farzanah Gangjee - Parent 2018

She feels like she's made friends for life

Young Explorers Club has been an incredible, challenging and life-changing adventure! What was so precious was the community and our daughter's realization that she is stronger than she thought. She feels like she's made lifelong friends and can't wait to travel with them again. It's a magical place, the Young Explorers Club. Everything you imagine in a camp experience. Our daughter was reluctant to get away from mom and dad for several weeks. Now she can't wait to go back. Lots of new friends, new experiences and, most importantly, a new sense of independence. In addition, the camp is run like a finely tuned machine - non-stop activities, lots of structure, encouragement and advice.
Anne Odile - Parent 2018

It was the best combination of children.

We searched the web and found Young Explorers Club. At first the camp seemed too extreme but we liked the age of the instructors and the ratio of children to instructors. The focus on community and good behaviour was essential. Young Explorers Club exceeded our expectations. It was an experience we had to push our child to sign up for, but he came back so optimistic, grounded, happier than we've seen in years and incredibly confident. He said, "It was the best combination of kids. An experience that changed my life and shook my world! Our son has learned that he CAN take care of himself, and despite the obstacles, he can overcome them and feel really good about himself.
Clara Potterat - Lausanne , Parent 2018

Any questions? We respond to all your requests within <24 hours!

N'hésitez pas à nous demander quoi que ce soit !
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Our Team

Nos guides de randonnée et nos éducateurs en plein air sont l'ingrédient clé de notre succès chez Young Explorers Club. Bien que nous soyons tous issus d'horizons différents, nous partageons tous une passion pour l'aventure, nos parcs nationaux et le partage d'expériences avec d'autres pour créer des souvenirs qui durent toute une vie.

TEAM

Why Choose Us?

Our values, goals and philosophy. In addition to a fun adventure summer camp, we strive to learn our 8 great results through adventure, immersion in an outdoor environment, and interaction with great models. Our focus on using close-knit community and fun and challenging outdoor activities makes the
Young Explorers Club the
 perfect place to enhance those skills needed to thrive in the 21st century:
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TEAM

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