Student Leadership Program

Volunteer this summer and learn life long skills and experiences while exploring the Swiss backcountry

The Young Explorers Club’s Student Leadership Program is open to all students between the ages of 15 and 19! We are excited to offer young adults the opportunity to volunteer as summer camp counselors for our summer camp program.

The Student Leadership Program is a fantastic opportunity for young adults to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in a fun and educational environment. As a student leader, you’ll work alongside our experienced camp counselors, helping to lead a group of campers through a variety of fun and engaging activities. You will have the opportunity to learn new skills, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our community.

 

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The experience gained:

One of the key benefits of the Student Leadership Program is the opportunity to gain valuable experience. As a student leader, you will have the opportunity to work with children in a camp, which is a unique and rewarding experience. By taking on a leadership role, you will have the chance to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and gain confidence in your abilities. These experiences can be incredibly empowering and help you develop a sense of self-awareness and self-assurance that will serve you well in all areas of your life.

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Personal Growth:

Another benefit of the Student Leadership Program is the leadership development opportunities it provides. As a student leader, you will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced camp counselors, learn how to lead group activities, communicate effectively with children and parents, and manage a team. You’ll develop valuable leadership skills that can be applied in any future career or personal venture. Experience working with children can also help you develop skills such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making.

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Our values:

Our summer programs are designed to provide a fun and educational experience for children ages 6 to 13. We focus on creating outdoor adventure camps focused on the growth of our participants. We are intentionally a small club. Long-term relationships are important to us and we see ourselves more like family than a business. Our summer programs are a safe place where students can be themselves in a supportive and caring environment. Risk management is the foundation of everything we do. From the moment your child leaves home until they come back to you, minimizing this risk is our top priority. 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 role models.
TEAM

Here are some other benefits of the Student Leadership Program and how they can have a positive impact on young adults:

    • Career Exploration: The Student Leadership Program is a great way for young adults to explore different career options. By working with children in a camp, students can gain valuable insights into careers in education, social work, counseling, and more. This experience can help students make informed decisions about their future career path.
    • Cultural Awareness: As a student leader, you will have the opportunity to work with children from different backgrounds and cultures. This can help you develop a better understanding and appreciation of diversity, which is an important skill in today’s global society. You’ll also learn how to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds, which is a valuable skill in any profession.
    • Self-confidence: The Student Leadership Program can help build self-confidence in young adults. By taking on a leadership role, students will learn to assert themselves and take charge of themselves. They will also gain the confidence that comes from successfully completing tasks and responsibilities. These skills and experiences can have a positive impact on a student’s self-esteem and self-esteem.
    • College Applications: The Student Leadership Program is an impressive addition to any application for admission to college. Colleges and universities are looking for students who have demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to community service. By participating in our program, students can showcase these qualities and stand out from other applicants.
    • Making new friends: The Student Leadership Program provides networking opportunities that can help young adults in the future. As a student leader, you will have the opportunity to connect with other students and professionals who share your interests and goals. These connections can be helpful in finding job opportunities or getting mentorship and advice.
    • Memories of a lifetime: The Student Leadership Program offers students the opportunity to create memories that will last a lifetime. Working with children at a camp, students will have the chance to participate in fun and memorable activities, make new friends, and connect with fellow student leaders and camp counselors. These experiences can be cherished for years to come and create lasting friendships and bonds.

Overall, the Student Leadership Program is a great opportunity for young adults to gain valuable experience, develop their skills, and make a positive impact on the lives of children in our community. By participating in our program, students will gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and make valuable connections. They will also have the opportunity to explore different career paths, build their self-confidence, and create lasting memories. We encourage all eligible young adults to apply to our program and join us for a fun and rewarding summer camp experience.

The pillars of our camps:

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Explore & Travel Safely

We run camps and activities throughout the year that go beyond the typical sports camp that many other organizations offer. We believe in the tremendous opportunities for personal development that travel and exploration create, experiences that can only be achieved through a well-organized and structured environment where safety comes first without removing space for discovery and adventure.

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Self-discovery

Our club offers a chance to set aside the competitive demands of school life. To slow down, open up and explore. And in doing so, discover who you are. Our members often say they feel more alive, connected, and more themselves at our many camps and activities.

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Our social aspect

Instead of competition, we value enthusiastic cooperation, friendly communication and playful participation. The camp's positive community creates a magic where participants feel safe, supported, and valued. We help create lasting friendships and relationships.

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A pedagogical approach to entertainment

Nowadays, soft skills are needed like never before. We are creating a learning program that fills the void that schools are unable to teach. It is the process of using focus and self-control to solve problems and set and follow goals. It uses other important life skills such as liaison, perspective-taking, and communication. Basically, critical thinking helps us make good, informed decisions.

Registration & Details:

Find the preliminary registration at the bottom of the page.

Dates & Prices

The camp takes place in several one-week sessions: Session 1: 01.07.23 – 08.07.23, Session 2: 08.07.23 – 15.07.23. Attendees can participate in one or more consecutive sessions. Our ultimate goal as a club is to bring as many youngsters as possible outside, which is why the costs of our student leadership program are lower than many similar providers in Europe. The cost of a 1-week session is 690 chf. This includes all expenses during the camp period, i.e. any public or private transportation during the camp, food, accommodation costs, and any common group equipment (tents and any other activity-related equipment, harnesses, and climbing gear). Not included: transport to and from the meeting point and any personal equipment (sleeping bag (contact us if you need it), clothing and other personal expenses). In addition, we offer a3.0% discount to all participants (9-13 years old) coming with a student leader (brother/sister/younger friend).

For all Swiss student leaders, the meeting point is at the Parc du Bourget in Lausanne. From Lausanne, transport is organised to the departure of the camp in Château-d’Œx. Another meeting point will be organized from Geneva airport for international participants. Transportation will also be arranged from there.

The return point at the end of the camps is again at the Parc du Bourget in Lausanne where a small barbecue and farewell party will be organised.

Itinerary and activities

Since 2019, this camp has been a new addition to our proven hiking camp program. Our goal was to provide a hiking camp that incorporates all of our essential goals of exploration, safety, learning, and memorable experiences, but in an easier, more local route. We have adapted the Via Alpina Camp 2019 to make it accessible to all newcomers to the hiking camp. The route follows a version of the “Tour des Alpes Vaudoises” route in the heart of the canton of Vaud with start and finish in Château-d’Oeux. This area is known for its dark skies, and so one of the main goals of the trip is to explore this part of nature with nighttime activities and night sky observations. Each day will include hiking, backcountry skills lessons, delicious food, and lots of fun. Campers will learn how to cook meals in the woods, set up the campsite, read a map, and leave no trace. We’ll play scavenger hunt, search for native flora and fauna, camp along the lakes, and soak up the beauty of the area.

Stage 1: Château-d’Oex to L’Etivaz

The trail invites you to discover the meanders of the Sarine, before leading you to L’Etivaz, a destination known for its exceptional cheese L’Etivaz AOP. The rocky nature reserve of La Pierreuse, located in the Gruyère Pays-d’Enhaut Regional Natural Park, offers breathtaking panoramas.

Stage 2: L’Etivaz in Les Diablerets

You travel through the land of the canton of Bern, taking a gentle path that climbs gently upwards. The panorama extends as far as the Scex Rouge and the imposing Les Diablerets glacier. The Col de Voré, marked by a small stone wall, marks the language border and gives a foretaste of the adventure that awaits you.

Stage 3: Les Diablerets in Sepey

Trechadèze was the scene of violent clashes in 1798 between the Ormonians, supporters of Bern, and the Waldensian Republic. The Col de la Croix offers a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts, with its gypsum pyramids sculpted by the elements over the centuries.

Stage 4: The Sepey in Les Mosses

The route takes you through forests and pastures, all the way to Les Fers. You continue on your way to the Tour de Famelon, then the Pierre du Moëllé. This stage gives you the opportunity to admire spectacular geological formations. Following the Mont d’Or, you finally reach Les Mosses.

Stage 5: Les Mosses in Château-d’Oex

Pretty paths guide you to the Pays-d’Enhaut, crossing vast pastures. From La Lécherette you start the climb to Les Moulins, a charming little mountain village. The section ends in Château-d’Oex, the main town of the Pays-d’Enhaut.

Days 6 & 7: Multiactivity

Spend two days full of discoveries exploring the many activities offered in the region. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation or discovery, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

What should I take?
    • Sleeping bag, mattress and pillow
    • Favorite Snacks
    • Diapers for 4 days and 3 nights
    • Hiking boots
    • Reusable water bottle
    • Jacket/sweatshirt
    • Several swimsuits and sunscreen
    • Towels (Shower & Beach)
    • Multiple sets of socks and underwear
    • Sandals
    • Sneakers
    • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)
    • Medicine
    • Pajamas
    • Raincoat
    • T-shirts, shorts, pants and long-sleeved shirt
    • A slice of house (photos, notes, stuffed animals, etc.)

    *Note: A more detailed packing list will be emailed one week prior to camp*

Learning Outcomes:
Our participants gain a variety of skills and knowledge, including:
  • 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 Lifestyle
  • 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.
Security:

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

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