Camp IGLOO 2024: Skiing and Adventure Sports in the Mountains

Notre camp d’aventure « Igloo » en Février offre un mélange exaltant de ski, de snowboard et de nombreuses autres activités hivernales (compétition IGLOO, cascade de glace, raquettes de neige et plus) où quelques frissons et sensations fortes seront au rendez-vous.

Camp Gallery:

In brief:

Offer an unforgettable winter experience in the heart of the Alps (1st session (14.02.24 – 18.02.24) in Vercorin (VS) and 2nd session (21.02.24 – 25.02.24) in Schwarzsee (FR) for 8 – 16 year olds!

Our winter camp is designed for young adventurers who love winter sports and the outdoors. In the heart of beautiful Valais, your children will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a captivating winter adventure while developing new skills:

Skiing & Snowboarding: From beginners to experts, our professional instructors tailor lessons to your skill level, ensuring a fantastic experience on the slopes.
Adventure Challenges: Conquer ice climbing, ziplining, and more, push your limits and discover your inner adventurer.
Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Valais culture, taste the local cuisine and take part in traditional craft workshops.
Snowshoe Expedition: Explore hidden trails, capture the beauty of snowy forests, and experience nature like never before.
Freestyle Thrills: Improve your skills with freestyle skiing and snowboarding, perfecting tricks and jumps in our terrain parks.
Winter Survival Skills: Learn the essential techniques of building snow shelters, crafting fire, and navigating snowy landscapes.
Snow Tubing Fun: Hit the slopes on snow tubes, adding a touch of excitement to your winter adventure.

DETAILS & PROGRAM

Cliquez sur les différentes options pour voir toutes les infos!

Dates & Prices

The camp takes place in two sessions: 1st session (14.02.24 – 18.02.24) in Vercorin (VS) and 2nd session (21.02.24 – 25.02.24) in Schwarzsee (FR) for 8 – 16 year olds. With the help of our local sponsors we are able to provide a discounted price to all Swiss nationals: Swiss national: The price of the camp is 510 chf. International participant: The price of the camp is 670 chf . This includes all costs ( including ski pass) of the participant during the camp period, i.e. any 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: transport to and from the meeting point and any personal equipment (sleeping bag (contact us if you need it, ski, ski boots, etc.), clothing and other personal expenses). We offer a 30% discount on all second registrations (sisters, brothers or friends).

Camp Location

1st session (14.02.24 – 18.02.24) at Gîte du Crêt sur Vercorin (VS). A place. (Departure from Lausanne Gare (or directly from the chalet in Vercorin). Breathtaking accommodation at the top of the ski lifts. Fun is definitely guaranteed.

2nd session (21.02.24 – 25.02.24) at Chalet Chnewis sur Schwarzsee (FR). A unique little cottage with its own wooded area next to it and a lake, where many activities can take place. (Departure from Geneva Gare and also Lausanne Gare (or directly from the chalet in Schwarzsee).

Why should I attend this camp?

The Young Explorers Club was created with a very simple but profound mission: to foster environmental stewardship, teach responsible recreation, and provide opportunities for personal growth through life-changing experiences in nature.

What sets our program apart from other camps is our unwavering commitment to using the natural environment and outdoor activities as powerful tools to teach participants the skills and attitudes needed for a successful life. Our team, with expert risk management, designs adventure-driven programming that encourages participants to build their self-esteem and confidence. Beyond creating lasting memories, our goal is for participants to conclude their adventures with a deeper understanding of themselves, the world, and the environment around them.

An essential aspect of our program is the focus on community building, fostering friendships between participants and sharing enjoyable moments. We believe that the camaraderie developed within the Young Explorers Club not only enhances the overall camp experience, but also contributes to the personal development of each participant. By instilling a sense of responsibility towards the environment and promoting the joy of exploration, we aspire to inspire a new generation of conscious, adventurous, and community-oriented individuals.

In short, the Young Explorers Club is not just a camp; It is a transformative journey that goes beyond traditional outdoor activities, emphasizing holistic development and creating a unique space for young minds to flourish.

Logistics

For Swiss participants, the meeting point for all the different sessions of the camp is at Lausanne Gare. From Lausanne, transport is organised to the start of the camp.

Ages & Languages

We offer this camp for 8 – 11 year olds (activities adapted to the needs) and for 11 – 16 year olds. In addition, we have enthusiastic 17-19 year olds participating to help manage the camp tasks, in case you want to come as a helper, please contact us at [email protected]. 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.

Itinerary and activities
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
Arrival at the chalet, welcome and registration.
Camp orientation and safety briefing.
Icebreaker and team building activities.
Campfire and storytelling in the evening.
Day 2: Ski day
Full day of skiing on the slopes.
Ski instructors for all levels.
Warm-up sessions and technical improvement.
Hot chocolate, après-ski and social time.
Relaxing evening and group games
Day 3: Snowshoe expedition
Guided snowshoe expedition through pristine winter landscapes.
Explore hidden trails and snowy forests.
Nature photography and wildlife observation.
Cook over a campfire and enjoy a hearty winter meal.
Day 4: Adventure Challenges
Exciting winter adventure challenges and obstacle courses.
Zipline through snow-covered valleys.
Ice climbing lessons with instructors.
Evening stargazing and snowflakes.
Day 5: Winter survival skills.
Learn essential winter survival skills.
Construction of snow shelters and fire lighting techniques.
Navigation in snowy terrain.
Outdoor cooking and survival challenge.
Sharing memories and experiences.
Return Lausanne.
Note: This is only a sample itinerary and activities can be adjusted according to the needs and preferences of the group.
A typical day
7:00 am – Wake up and have breakfast at camp.
8:00 am – Camp preparation and start activities.
12:00 pm – Stop for lunch (sandwich, crackers, fruit, etc.)
1:00 p.m. – Resumption of activities.
15:00 – Explore the surroundings or relax.
6:00 p.m. – Cook dinner (freeze-dried meal, soup, etc.)
7:00 p.m. – Campfire and socialization, educational program (astronomy, team game).
9:00 p.m. – Lights off
Note: This is only a sample itinerary and activities can be adjusted according to the needs and preferences of the group.
What physical condition should I be in?

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 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.

What equipment should I bring?
  • Skis, boots and ski clothes (if needed the club rents it all!).
  • Sleeping bag, mattress and pillow
  • Favorite Snacks
  • Diapers for 4 days and 3 nights
  • Hiking boots
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Jacket/sweatshirt
  • Swimwear and sunscreen
  • Towels (Shower & Beach)
  • Multiple sets of socks and underwear
  • Sandals
  • Sneakers
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc.)
  • 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 from this trip:
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 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.
What if I don't know anyone else?

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.

What are the other students like?

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.

Safety: Is this camp safe?

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.

Do you have any other questions?

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.

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