FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

All right!
Most of our new students don’t have experience in most of the outdoor activities we do.
Our instructors work closely together to teach you the skills you’ll need.
By the end of the trip, you’ll be a pro at setting up camp, cooking in the backcountry, and more!
If you have experience, our instructors will be happy to help you improve your existing skills.

If you play sports during the school year, you’re probably prepared!
We get this question a lot.
Being scared is a common feeling whenever you do something new.
Outings during the week are not competitions.
Above all, they are fun experiences where we will explore a lot, travel, explore natural sites, do outdoor sports, learn life skills, make new friends and disconnect from an overly stressful city life.

Since we’ll be taking part in various outdoor activities throughout each trip, our students need to have a minimum level of physical fitness to take part in Young Explorers Club but in our experience this is the case for 90% of young people between the ages of 11 and 15! SO DON’T WORRY! . We know that fitness is different for everyone, but it’s important to prepare so that you and your classmates can succeed. 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. This can be hiking, jogging or running, biking, football or basketball, or anything else that helps your cardiovascular fitness.

Our programs and activities are based on the “challenge by choice” theory.
This means that we will encourage all campers to participate and challenge themselves in the activities, but if they are truly opposed to continuing, they absolutely do not have to.
We assess the intensity of any activity we do on the abilities of campers as a whole, not individually.
An example would be that: We walk as fast as our slowest hiker.
We strive to challenge each of our campers and also create situations that give them a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and achievement.

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.

The teenagers who come to Young Explorers Club are friendly, welcoming, eager to learn and come from all over Switzerland. Our groups are full of positive young adults who will work well with each other. Adventure Treks places a strong emphasis on group dynamics and creating a supportive social environment, and our students reflect this.

For International Participants: Yes! We offer organized transfers from Geneva Airport on arrival and departure days. Our team greets campers directly at the arrivals terminal and ensures a safe, friendly transfer to camp. You’ll receive a detailed travel schedule after registration. This service is included in the fees. For Swiss Residents: We organize transport from Lausanne Train Station where the meeting point will be.

Yes! You can bring him / her at our chalet in Les Diablerets the first day of camp.

Arrival is typically between 10:00 and 12:00 on the first day of camp. Departure is between 13:00 and 17:00 on the last day. If you are using our Geneva Airport transfer service, we will coordinate your pickup/drop-off times accordingly.

Young Explorers Club camps are fully bilingual – French and English. Activities, workshops, and instructions are delivered in both languages. This ensures a rich linguistic environment where campers also help each other grow in confidence in their second language.

Absolutely! Our team is experienced in welcoming international participants from all over the world. Campers are immersed in a multicultural, supportive setting where they learn by doing. Many return home with new language skills and international friendships!

Thanks to the help of our local sponsors, we are able to provide a discounted price to all Swiss residents.
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).

We offer healthy, homemade meals with a mix of Swiss and international cuisine. We gladly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets – just let us know in advance.

Camps are a chance to disconnect! Phones are kept securely and made available during specific hours. We encourage digital detox to help participants connect with nature, new friends, and their own potential.

Yes! We offer a unique Student Leadership Program for participants aged 16 to 19. It combines adventure, responsibility, and mentorship, preparing future leaders for real-world challenges. Spots are limited – early registration is encouraged!

Yes! Families and friends registering two or more participants receive a 10% discount. It’s our way of encouraging shared adventures and long-term bonds.

Our summer camps run in weekly sessions (Sunday to Sunday), with flexible dates in July and August. Families can choose the duration that best fits their summer plans. 1, 2, 3 or more weeks! Weekend camps and shorter getaways are also available throughout the year.

Find that info here or in each camp page: DATES AND PRICES

Each day includes a balance of adventure, learning, and relaxation. A sample day might look like:

• 08:00 – Breakfast & morning briefing

• 09:00 – Activity block 1 (choice of sports/adventure)

• 12:00 – Lunch & rest time

• 14:00 – Activity block 2 (choice of creative or outdoor)

• 17:00 – Free time / workshops

• 19:00 – Dinner

• 20:00 – Evening games, campfires, or movie night

• 22:00 – Lights out

Schedules vary depending on weather and group dynamics, but they always combine structured freedom and guidance.

Every day, participants can choose from several different activity options, allowing them to shape their experience. Options include:

• Mountain biking and bike trips across Alpine passes

• Hiking, climbing, and nature survival workshops

• Gel Blaster team missions and adventure games

• Water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding

• Creative workshops (photography, film, theater)

• Team sports and obstacle courses

• Cultural outings to nearby towns and Swiss landmarks

This freedom of choice is a key part of our philosophy — campers explore their interests and step out of their comfort zones.

Unlike standard international school camps, we offer a truly adventurous, personalized, and bilingual experience. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Daily activity choice – kids build their own journey

• Student leadership program – real responsibility for older teens

• Local immersion – experience Swiss life, not just a school abroad

• International and local campers – friendships across cultures

• Outdoor focus – not classroom-based, but growth through challenge

• Small groups – real connection with instructors and peers

Our goal is personal growth, independence, and fun, not just a school-style program in a new location.

The Young Explorers Club is led by qualified and responsible guides. The chaperones are at least 21 years old and have significant experience as outdoor entertainers. Our hiring process includes interviews, extensive background and reference checks, extensive training, and a high level of required certifications and qualifications. All staff are certified in first aid and CPR, and many have more advanced training. In addition, our staff are chosen for their specialized skills and abilities when it comes to travel-specific activities.

Absolutely. Our flexible schedule allows kids to mix language learning with outdoor exploration, choosing how much they want to focus on each. Some might prefer a full adventure week, while others balance sports and workshops with language growth.

es! We offer optional French or English language workshops, depending on the participant’s background and interest. These are interactive, fun, and practical, using games, dialogues, and activities rather than formal grammar lessons.

Language sessions take place in small groups and typically run for 2 hours per day, with a strong focus on real-life communication and confidence-building. Perfect for international kids who want to boost their skills in a supportive setting. MORE INFO

The registration fee includes all costs during the camp. That is, the cost of transportation, food, and individual equipment in case of need (climbing harness, helmet, group equipment such as rope, etc.). For specific camps like bike camps, you can see what the price includes in the camp specific page.

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 an activity prize.

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.

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.

• 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.

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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 (http://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.