TRAVEL CAMP: Cycling through the Alps

12* - 16 years old. 1 and 2 weeks possible.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR CAMPS (FREE OF CHARGE)

Book a place in the camps for free! 10% discount if you register 2 or more participants.

Summer Camp Switzerland - Camp d'été et vacances en Suisse

The Summer Bike Camp In a nutshell:

The Journey through the Alps by bike is a dynamic camp that combines exploration, learning and fun. For two (or one) weeks, participants cycle through breathtaking alpine landscapes, while taking part in a variety of activities such as hiking, outdoor challenges and cultural discoveries. With a program designed to encourage personal development and collaboration, this camp offers a bilingual and multicultural experience.

If you are between 15 and 18 years old? Leadership Program!

A Unique Travel Camp

Discover the scenic beauty of the regions where the cantons of Bern, Vaud and Fribourg meet. During this itinerant bike camp, we will move through unique landscapes filled with adrenaline options. This two-week trip takes you through stunning alpine landscapes, with stops to explore local villages, cultural sites, and to enjoy Swiss nature. The camp moves every other day (usually), offering a renewed adventure at each stage, but keeping the comfort.

Learn more

A balanced program

The Bike Trip through the Alps is much more than just a bike camp: it is a varied adventure that combines cycling with hikes, team challenges, cultural discoveries and activities focused on personal development. Participants explore spectacular landscapes while experiencing unique moments, such as convivial evenings around the fire and enriching workshops.

Our Philosophy

A program rich in learning

Building confidence and skills:

Our camp is not limited to physical activities; It’s a platform for personal growth. Campers learn how to overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop leadership skills.

A safe and supportive environment:

Safety is our priority. All activities are supervised by experienced instructors and we ensure that every camper feels supported and encouraged throughout their journey.

Our Phylosophy

Bilingual and International: English and French

The Young Explorers Club Summer Camp welcomes international and Swiss participants in a bilingual and multicultural environment. Our activities are mainly conducted in English, but French is also integrated, which allows all children to feel included.

Our team speaks multiple languages (English, French, German and others), creating a supportive environment, whether your child is fluent in English or is just starting to learn it.

Our Philosophy

Participants Suisses

^CHF2500_{/ 2 semaines}

Inscriptions

10% OFF: 2+ participants.
All Inclusive: Activities, etc.

Participants Internationaux

^CHF2950_{/ 2 semaines}

Inscriptions

10% OFF: 2+ participants.
All Inclusive: Activities, etc.

More info:

Dates

The camp takes place in several independent sessions of two weeks with the possibility of also participating in 1 week only:

Price:

2-week sessions (Recommended*):

Price Swiss resident participant: 2500CHF**
International participant price: 2950CHF**

Possibility to participate in 1 week only:

Price participant resident in Switzerland: 1300CHF**
International participant price: 1900CHF**

Dates:

Session 1 (2 weeks: 6.07.25 – 20.07.25)

Session 2 (2 weeks: 27.07.25 – 10.08.25)

Session 1.A (1 Week 6.07.25 – 13.07.25)

Session 1.B (1 week (3.07.25 – 20.07.25)

Session 2.A (1 week (27.07.25 – 3.08.25)

Session 2.B (1 Week (3.08.25 – 10.08.25)

More info:

*Attending camp for two weeks rather than just one is highly recommended for several key 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 several 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 the participant’s 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 equipment related to the activities, harnesses and climbing equipment). Not included: Bike and bike bags (possibility to rent with us at a very reduced price: Price mentioned on the online registration form (approx. 190CHF)) transport to and from the meeting point and possible personal equipment (sleeping bag (contact us if you need it), clothes 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 10% 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 10% cheaper.

Logistics

For Swiss participants, the meeting point for all the different sessions of the camp is at Lausanne Gare. From Lausanne, transport is organized until the departure of the camp in Les Diablerets 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.

Points system during the camp

At Bike Travel Camp (like all of our camps), we like to add a touch of friendly competition to our program to make each activity even more exciting. Here’s how our gamified camp works:

Points System: Every activity you complete earns you points for your team. The more you participate and succeed, the more points you accumulate.
Exciting Team Games: Immerse yourself in challenging team games where you’ll have to cooperate, communicate, and challenge together to earn valuable points.
Awards & Prizes: At the end of the camp, the teams with the highest number of points will be rewarded with exclusive prizes, medals and trophies.

This friendly competition adds an extra dimension of fun and camaraderie to each activity, creating an atmosphere of contagious enthusiasm and excitement among the participants.

Ages & Languages

We offer this camp for 12* – 16 year olds (itinerary and activities adapted to needs). For participants between the ages of 15 and 18 who wish to participate in the camp, they can with 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.

*Under 12 years old? At our discretion and if the participants are particularly fit and motivated, we allow age exceptions, contact us for more information.

Learn more about the Leadership Program (15-18 years old)

Why should I attend this camp?

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.

Program and Activities

Program 2025: Under construction.

EXAMPLE: The 2024 program:

Day 1 (July 28): Arrived in Schwarzsee, Fribourg from Lausanne – In a chalet. Description: Arrival and installation at the camp. Activities: Introduction to safety rules, first exploration of the surroundings. Team games, from the cottage to the lake by bike.

Day 2 (July 29th) and Day 3 (July 30th): Schwarzsee – In a chalet. Description : Day by the lake. Activities: Water sports such as kayaking and paddle boarding. Explore a cave near the lake.

Day 4 (July 31st): Schwarzsee -> Lake Gruyéres – In a tent. Description: Start of the bike route. Activities: Bike ride through mountainous landscapes, nature photography.

Day 5 (August 1st): Lake Gruyére – In a tent. Description: A route through one of the highest plateaus of the Fribourg Prealps, a pass that ends in a beautiful lake. Activities: Team games. Rock climbing. Bike ride through mountainous landscapes, nature photography.
Day 6 (August 2nd): Walopsee -> Jaun – In Chalet.

Description: After two days in the mountains, we arrived at the magnificent chalet of Jaun, the very small and last village in Fribourg, which speaks Swiss German.

Activities: Climbing and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Team games and activities around the chalet.

Day 7 (August 3rd): Jaun – In a chalet. (END FOR PARTICIPANTS at 1 week (July 28 – August 3)) Description: Full day around the gastlosen!
Waterfalls, sun, climbing and local cheeses! Activities: Climbing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Day 8 (August 4): Jaun (Unter-Moos Chalet). Activities : Rock climbing, camping, observation of the local fauna and flora, games. Optional: Crossing the Gastlosen massif by bike.

Day 9 (August 5): Jaun (Chalet Unter-Moos) -> Rougemont (Chalet La Planche) by bike. After-cycling activities: Games in the forest, exploration of local waterfalls.

Day 10 (August 6): Rougemont (Chalet La Planche). Activities : Survival lessons, wildlife observation, cabin building, boat building.

Day 11 (August 7): Rougemont – Schönried by bike (Chalet Kuonolf). After-cycling activities: Adventure activities, climbing.

Day 12 (August 8): Schönried (Chalet Kuonolf). Activities : Visit Lake Hongrin.
Lakeside activities, campfire, games.

Day 13 (August 9): Schönried (Chalet Kuonolf). Activities : Panoramic cycling route.
Local volunteering activity.
Lakeside activities, campfire, games.
Discovery of the surroundings, evening of tales and local legends.

Day 14 (August 10): Schönried (Chalet Kuonolf). Activities : Closure of the camp.
End of camp ceremony, graduation and final farewells.

This route offers a balanced combination of sport, culture, and relaxation, ideal for an immersive experience surrounded by nature.

A typical day

7:00 am – Wake up and have breakfast at camp.

8:00 am – Camp preparation and start the bike trip

12:00 pm – Stop for lunch (sandwich, crackers, fruit, etc.)

14:00 – Camp set up for the night

15:00 – Explore the surroundings and schedule activities.

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.

Some Moments from the Camp:

– Theme Nights: Entertaining evenings with themes such as “Night of the Superheroes” or “Camp Olympics”, encouraging creativity and camaraderie.

– Campfire Sessions: Engaging discussions, storytelling and reflections to strengthen the bonds formed during the week.

– Adventure Journal: Campers will keep an adventure journal to document their experiences, thoughts, and personal growth throughout the week.

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?

List the material:

List here!

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.

Stay tuned for new camps and unique offerings:

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Our Camps in Photos!

''A picture is worth more than 1000 words''

All our 2025 camps:

CAMP ADRENALINE

8-18 years old: Multisport camp and action at the chalet on Les Diablerets

CAMP Football ACADEMY + Adrenaline

8 - 18 years old: Mix of outdoor adventures, and football academy at the chalet on Les Diablerets