NEW CAMP: Escape to the Pre-Alps

Are you really motivated to attend summer camp? Contact us to apply for a scholarship to reduce camp fees! The camp takes place in several independent sessions of two weeks with the possibility of also participating in 1 week only:

2-week sessions (Recommended*) (Swiss participant price: 1890CHF. International participant price: 2280CHF – NOT INCLUDED: BIKE)**:

Session 1: 28.07.24 – 10.08.24

Possibility to participate in 1 week (Swiss participant price: 1130CHF. International participant price: 1370CHF – NOT INCLUDED: BIKE)**

Session 1: 28.07.24 – 03.08.24

Session 2: 04.08.24 – 10.08.24

*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 multiple 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 costs of the participant during the camp period, i.e. all 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: Bike and bike bags (possibility to rent with us at a very reduced price: Price mentioned on the online registration form (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.

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

We offer this camp in 2 versions, one for 9 – 13 year olds (itinerary and activities adapted to needs) and the other for 14 – 18 year olds. For participants between the ages of 16 and 18, we offer 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.

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 it’s 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 a unique 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 every participant finds something they enjoy. 6. Unforgettable memories: The friendships made, the landscapes discovered and the skills learned stay with the participants long after the camp ends, marking an important 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.

• 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.

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 bike 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.

List the material:

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.