Summer camp 2024: Complete guide for an unforgettable holiday for children and teenagers
Which summer camp in Switzerland is right for your child in 2024? This guide provides an overview of the options available, from sports camps to language workshops, highlighting the importance of these experiences for young people’s independence and social skills. Start here to plan a rewarding vacation for your child.
Key Points
Switzerland offers a wide variety of summer camps, ranging from sports trips to language camps, adapted to different age groups (4 to 18 years old) and designed to encourage children’s personal development and autonomy.
It is essential to plan the summer camp according to the school calendar of the canton of Valais and to take into account the interests of the child, the available budget and the desired length of stay according to the age of the child.
The quality of the summer camp experience is highly dependent on the child’s preparation, including the development of autonomy and responsibility, the communication of their expectations and apprehensions, and the equipment needed for the stay.
Summer camps in Switzerland: a unique experience for children and teenagers
Switzerland, a country of dazzling landscapes, offers a multitude of summer camps suitable for the different ages and interests of children and teenagers. Whether it’s summer camps, adventure camps, nature camps, sports camps, or stays organized throughout the school holidays, there is something for everyone. These camps are designed taking into account the age of the participants, with programs developed for children and teenagers between the ages of 4 and 18.
These camps, also known as “holiday camps” or “Corpus Christi”, offer children and teenagers a unique accommodation to live enriching experiences, discover new activities and develop their personal skills. They also promote social interaction and provide participants with a valuable opportunity to make new friends and develop their sense of autonomy.
Sports camps: skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports
For winter sports enthusiasts, winter holidays at sports camps in French-speaking Switzerland offer a range of exciting winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and many more. These camps are held in national performance centres such as Centre (Engelberg), West (Brig) and East (Davos), and in renowned Alpine resorts such as Gstaad, Zermatt, Verbier and Saint Joseph, which offer the best facilities for these activities.
These sports camps offer specialized coaching with programs designed by ski and snowboard experts, often combining sports instruction with language lessons. The cost of these camps covers all associated costs such as:
Travel
Meals
Accomodation
Ski passes
Rates may vary depending on the period, for example during the All Saints’ Day holidays.
A Summer Adventure Like No Other
Summer is just around the corner, and the quest for the perfect experience for your kids begins. If you are looking for a summer camp in Switzerland, especially in the canton of Vaud, that offers much more than just a school break, the Young Explorers Club is your ideal destination. This is no ordinary summer camp, it’s a transformative adventure.
Immersion in Swiss Nature and Culture
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the Young Explorers Club offers an immersive experience in Swiss life and culture. Our bilingual programs (French and English) welcome children from 8 to 16 years old, fostering an international and multicultural environment. Imagine your kids participating in mountain hikes, exploring crystal clear lakes, and even biking through the majestic Swiss Alps.
Personal Development & Educational Adventures
Beyond outdoor activities, the Young Explorers Club focuses on personal development and learning. Our educational workshops are designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage personal exploration. Children learn essential life skills while having fun, whether it’s navigating as a team in an orienteering race or creating artwork inspired by Swiss nature.
Safety & Professional Supervision
Safety is our top priority. Our experienced and qualified instructors ensure a safe and caring environment, allowing children to thrive with confidence. Each activity is carefully designed to be both safe and challenging, providing an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Why Choose the Young Explorers Club?
- Bilingual & Multicultural Experience : Perfect for bilingual families and those looking for cultural immersion.
- Outdoor Adventures : Unique activities in the mountains, lakes, and Swiss forests.
- Personal Development : Workshops focused on personal growth, teamwork, and autonomy.
- Quality Coaching : A dedicated and professional team to guide and inspire.
- Safety Guaranteed : High standards of safety for parental peace of mind.
Join us for an Unforgettable Summer!
The Young Explorers Club isn’t just a summer camp, it’s a lifelong adventure. The memories created here are not just moments past, but cornerstones in the development of adventurous and curious young minds. This summer, treat your children to an experience that goes beyond the boundaries of conventionality. Register today and get ready to see your kids thrive at the Young Explorers Club!
Language camps: language learning in a fun and stimulating environment
If your child is interested in learning languages, language camps in Switzerland offer an ideal opportunity. These camps offer language learning such as:
German
French
Italian
English
Romansh
in an environment that encourages playful learning.
A typical day at a language camp usually includes language classes in the morning, followed by discovery activities in the afternoon. These activities can include city outings, excursions in the area, and visits to tourist or cultural sites, which also contribute to the development of participants’ self-esteem.
Nature and Discovery Colonies: Exploring Swiss Flora and Fauna
For nature lovers, nature and discovery camps in Switzerland offer an unparalleled experience. These camps emphasize exploring the local flora and fauna, with activities such as treks, hikes, and creative workshops.
These camps offer an immersive experience of nature, which promotes environmental awareness and the development of social-emotional skills. In addition, they offer children the opportunity to immerse themselves in a different environment that strengthens their social skills.
Key dates for the 2024 school holidays in Valais
For parents who are planning to send their children to summer camp in 2024, it is essential to be aware of the key dates of the school holidays in the canton of Valais. Here are the holiday dates for the year 2024:
Winter holidays: January 8 to February 19
Easter holidays: from 19 February to 28 March
Summer holidays: June 22 to August 18
Spring break: from 07 April to 16 April
Autumn holidays: from 19 October to 29 October.
It is important to note that there are variations in the winter holiday periods within Valais. While in some regions, the winter holidays start on January 8, 2024, in others they start on February 9, 2024. This is something to take into account when planning your stay.
How to choose the perfect summer camp for your child?
Choosing the perfect summer camp for your child can seem like a daunting task. However, by taking into account some key aspects such as your child’s interests, your budget, and the quality of the coaching, this process can become much easier.
Assess your child’s interests
The first aspect to consider when choosing a summer camp for your child is their interests. It is imperative to understand what your child likes to do in order to choose a summer camp that will suit them and generate their enthusiastic commitment.
Whether it’s sports, nature, art, science or language, there are a variety of summer camps in Switzerland on offer, tailored to children’s different interests. For example, for children with an interest in science, there are:
Arts & Sciences Science Camp – Light & Colours And for those who are passionate about art, Apolline’s Courses and Summer Camps offer programs of:
Manga Drawing
musical.
Consider the budget and length of stay
The second aspect to consider when choosing a summer camp for your child is your budget and length of stay. It is important to understand that the cost of a summer camp can vary depending on several criteria such as:
length of stay
The Destination
Proposed activities
registration fees.
The average length of a summer camp stay in Switzerland is usually 10 to 15 days. However, it is important to choose the length of stay that is best for your child, based on their age and ability to spend time away from home.
Verify the seriousness and quality of the supervision
Last, but not least, to consider when choosing a summer camp for your child is the quality of the supervision. It is essential to ensure that the camp you choose offers quality supervision, with competent and qualified staff.
This includes:
compliance with hygiene standards
Cleanliness of the premises
A respectful pace of life in a community
the educational skills and personal qualities of the organizer
It is also recommended to check the qualifications of the supervisors, by consulting the certification of the organizer by organizations such as AFNOR.
The benefits of a summer camp for children and teenagers
A summer camp is not only an opportunity for your child to have fun and have adventures, it is also an environment conducive to learning and personal development. Summer camps play a crucial role in empowering children and adolescents by engaging them in activities that promote:
Decision-making
Assumption of Responsibilities
Group life
the exploration of new experiences.
In addition to self-sufficiency, summer camps also promote:
the development of social-emotional skills
Reinforcement of altruistic behaviours
Promoting creativity and self-expression
These long-term benefits contribute to the harmonious development of the child.
Preparing your child for a successful summer camp experience
Before your child leaves for summer camp, it is important to prepare them for this experience in a successful way. This includes encouraging autonomy and responsibility, communicating one’s expectations and apprehensions, and equipping oneself with the necessary equipment.
Encouraging autonomy and responsibility
Encouraging your child’s autonomy and responsibility before they leave for summer camp is crucial. This allows them to:
Develop daily skills
increase your independence
Make decisions on their own
Promote self-confidence
Demonstrate responsible behaviour during camp.
To instill responsibility in your child, you can:
Involve them in day-to-day tasks
Assigning age-appropriate responsibilities
Establish clear rules and boundaries
Valuing their efforts and successes to strengthen their sense of responsibility.
Communicate with your child about their expectations and apprehensions
Communicating with your child about their expectations and apprehensions before leaving for summer camp is an essential step. It’s important to address the expectations you have for camp, as well as your child’s character and preferences.
It’s also crucial to broach the topic of fear of homesickness with your child. Explain that this is a normal emotion and that many children feel it. Reassure your child of your support and encourage them to express their emotions and apprehensions.
Equipping your child with the necessary equipment
Equipping your child with the necessary equipment for their summer camp is another important step in preparation. Depending on the type of camp chosen, the equipment needed may vary. For example, for a summer camp focused on winter sports, it is recommended to equip a child with warm, waterproof clothing.
For summer camps focused on nature and discovery, it is recommended to have equipment suitable for outdoor life, such as:
Comfortable and durable clothing
Hiking boots
a first aid kit
a water bottle
a flashlight
possibly a backpack for excursions.
Testimonials and experiences at summer camp
The testimonies and experiences of summer camps illustrate the benefits and unforgettable memories of these stays. The children express their experience at a summer camp in Switzerland as conducive to the development of altruistic behaviours and have an overall positive outlook.
However, like any experience, there are also testimonies of less positive experiences at summer camp. These testimonials emphasize the importance of choosing the right summer camp for your child, taking into account their interests, your budget, and the quality of the supervision.
In short
To conclude, a summer camp in Switzerland offers a unique and enriching experience for children and teenagers. Whether it’s learning a new language, practicing winter sports, or exploring nature, these camps offer a multitude of opportunities to develop autonomy, responsibility, and self-esteem. However, it is crucial to prepare your child for this experience, taking into account their interests, your budget, and the quality of the supervision.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does school start again in Valais?
School starts again in Valais on 17 August.
What types of summer camps are available in Switzerland?
A variety of summer camps are offered in Switzerland, including summer camps, adventure camps, nature camps, sports camps and organized stays during school holidays.
What languages are available in language colonies in Switzerland?
The languages available in the language colonies in Switzerland are German, French, Italian, English and Romansh, with a particular focus on learning French in the language colonies in French-speaking Switzerland.
How can I encourage my child’s independence before summer camp?
Offer exercises to stimulate their imagination and concentration, get them used to getting away from the family cocoon and encourage their autonomy through fun activities before summer camp.
