Gymnastics Camps In Switzerland

Gymnastics camps in Switzerland

Overview

Gymnastics camps in Switzerland follow four main formats: day camps, residential stays, elite training and one-week intensives. Camps are open to ages 4–18, with adult clinics available on request. Most camps run in spring, summer and autumn, with the largest selection in June–August.

Formats & who they suit

• Day camps — best for fun, introductions and shorter daily commitments.

• Residential stays — for steady progression and a more immersive experience.

• Elite training — high-volume programs aimed at competitive athletes and heavy technical development.

• One-week intensives — focused blocks for specific skills or themes (e.g., tumbling, vault).

Training load, ratios and facilities

Programs vary by daily training load (typically 2–6 hours per day), by coach-to-athlete ratio (about 1:3 to 1:12 depending on intensity) and by facility standards. Look for facilities with sprung floors, foam pits, tumble tracks and access to physiotherapy or sports medicine when needed.

Ages, seasons and booking

Most camps accept children from 4–18 years. Peak seasons are spring, summer and autumn, with the busiest weeks in June–August. We recommend booking 3–6 months ahead for popular weeks.

Costs and payments

Prices vary widely by format and facility — expect roughly CHF 100–2,500 per week. Many providers require a 10–30% deposit, which is often non-refundable. Plan for extra costs such as travel, equipment rental and additional medical care or insurance.

Health, safety and practical checks

Families should match camp format to goals, confirm medical and insurance coverage and review safeguarding procedures. Important checks include: clear supervision ratios, written emergency procedures, allergy/food protocols and staff background checks.

Key Takeaways

• Pick format by goal and time: day camps for introductions; residential stays for steady progression; elite programs for competitive volume; one-week intensives for focused skills.

• Peak seasons: spring, summer and autumn — register 3–6 months in advance for popular weeks.

• Daily training: expect 2–4 hours per day for day camps and 3–6+ hours per day for residential or elite programs; coach ratios typically 1:3 to 1:12.

• Facility & welfare standards: check for sprung floor, foam pit, tumble track, physiotherapy access, supervision ratios and written emergency/allergy procedures.

• Budget: plan for CHF 100–2,500 per week, a 10–30% deposit (often non-refundable) and additional costs for travel, equipment rental and medical care.

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Quick essentials: formats, seasons and daily training

Common formats

We, at the young explorers club, run and evaluate four main gymnastics camp formats. Below I outline what each looks like and who benefits most:

• Day camp — daytime drop-in programmes that run 2–4 hours/day; great for beginners, casual participants and families needing flexible schedules.
• Residential camp — boarding programmes from 1–7+ days offering longer sessions, evening recovery work and a stronger focus on progression; perfect for committed juniors wanting concentrated practice. residential camp
• Elite training camp — high-volume technical boarding programmes aimed at competitive athletes; expect multiple daily sessions, specialist coaches and video analysis.
• Week-long intensive clinics — compact 1-week camps that balance skill development with conditioning and injury-prevention work; often run as themed intensives (vault, bars, floor).

Seasons, durations and daily training

Availability peaks during spring, summer and autumn school breaks. Spring camps usually coincide with Easter holidays. Summer runs June–August and represents the largest selection and highest capacity. Autumn programmes slot into shorter school breaks. Elite training camps may operate year-round to match competition cycles and athlete needs. Many providers open registration 3–6 months ahead, so plan early if you want a specific week or coach.

Typical durations span from single-day drop-ins to two-week intensives. The most popular formats are 1-week day camps and 3–7 day residential stays. Day camps generally offer 2–4 hours/day of coached activity. Residential and elite camps commonly list 3–6 hours/day of training, and schedules are often described as 2–6 hours/day overall depending on warm-ups, conditioning and extras.

I recommend choosing by goal and time commitment:

• If the priority is fun and general skill exposure, pick a 1-week camp with 2–4 hours/day.
• For focused skill progression, conditioning and more coach contact, opt for a 3–7 day residential programme.
• For competitive-level technical volume and specialist support, book an elite training camp with multiple daily sessions.

Logistics to factor in: travel and boarding needs, medical forms, equipment levels (beam heights, foam pits), and daily recovery windows. We suggest scanning session breakdowns for warm-up, drill work and cool-down so you know how much active training versus games or theory is included. Camps that list 2–6 hours/day can still vary session intensity; ask for a sample daily timetable if you need precise training load information.

Camp types, target ages and sample schedules

We, at the Young Explorers Club, run several distinct gymnastics camp formats so families can pick what fits skill, time and ambition. Recreational/fun camps focus on play, motor skills and confidence. Skill-development day camps concentrate on technique, progressions and safe skill stacking. Performance/elite camps combine high-volume practice with choreography and routine polishing. Competition-prep camps add meet simulation, routine run-throughs and mental prep. We also run specialized offerings — trampoline, rhythmic, acro and Parkour/Gymnastics fusion — that let athletes concentrate on one discipline.

We group participants by age and ability to keep sessions efficient and safe. Our range covers ages 4–18, with program bands for toddlers/kids 4–7, children 8–12 and adolescents/teens 13–18; we also offer adult/masters clinics on request. Skill levels run beginner, intermediate and advanced/competitive, plus talent ID squads for promising athletes. Many camps require a minimum skill level or a coach recommendation before joining a higher-level group. We screen entrants and will suggest the right level so sessions stay productive and injury risk stays low.

Training structure varies by type but follows a clear template: warm-up + technique + conditioning. Recreational camps keep volume low and fun. Skill-development day camps focus single-mindedly on drills and repetition. Elite and performance weeks add apparatus-specific blocks, choreography and strength work; residential elite examples often schedule 4–6 hours/day of on-floor practice plus dryland, and typical intensive weeks may run 4–6 sessions/day. We emphasize progression, deliberate practice and recovery, and we integrate spotting, foam-pit work and video review at higher levels.

Sample schedules and a 1-week progression

Below are practical sample schedules and a one-week tumbling progression you can expect at our camps.

• Recreational day camp (2–3 hours/day): warm-up (15–20 min), games that build coordination, basic floor skills and lines (45–60 min), small-apparatus time (30 min), cool-down and reflection (10–15 min). This format suits ages 4–7 and beginner to elite recreational athletes.
• Skill-development day camp (3–4 hours/day): dynamic warm-up, segmental technique blocks (tumbling, bars, beam), partner drills, conditioning sets, short routine work, cool-down. We focus on repeatable drills and measurable gains each day.
• Elite residential example (4–6 hours/day + dryland): warm-up + technique + conditioning; apparatus blocks (vault, bars, beam, floor), strength/plyo session, choreography and routine runs, video feedback and cool-down. Sessions split by objective so athletes get high-quality reps without excessive fatigue.
• Typical intensive week (4–6 sessions/day possible): morning dryland and mobility, mid-morning apparatus block, early afternoon tumbling/foam-pit drills, late afternoon conditioning or choreography, evening recovery/stretch. We schedule active recovery and monitor load to prevent overload.

Sample 1-week skill progression: skill progression: round-off → back handspring → back tuck

1. Day 1 — drills: basic run-up mechanics, round-off drills and landing work.
2. Day 2 — round-off → back handspring progressions with short series.
3. Day 3 — spotting, back handspring into foam pit and controlled rebounds.
4. Day 4 — back tuck drill progression (jump-tuck, spot-assisted tuck) and rebound control.
5. Day 5 — full skill attempts with emphasis on safe landing, strength sets and cool-down.

We recommend parents check our level descriptions before booking and read advice on selecting a camp; you can review a guide to the best summer camps if you need comparisons by age and focus: best summer camps.

Where they run: locations, facilities and residential arrangements

We, at the Young Explorers Club, run gymnastics camps across Switzerland in both urban and mountain settings so coaches can work year-round. Locations include major cities — Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel — canton sports centres, Alpine resort towns such as Davos, St. Moritz and Interlaken, and the national hub at Magglingen (Federal Institute of Sport). Each setting gives different advantages: cities offer easy transport and medical access; canton centres bring specialist equipment; Alpine towns provide altitude conditioning and a mix of indoor/outdoor training.

I expect facilities to cover all technical and recovery needs. The ideal site has sprung floors, foam pits and tumble tracks for safe skill progressions. Equipment like uneven bars, rings, pommel horse and trampolines must be available for event-specific work. Strength and conditioning areas with free weights and machines should sit close to the gym, and physiotherapy access or a recovery room should be on call for injury prevention and management. Indoor swimming pools are a useful cross-training option when teams want low-impact conditioning or active recovery.

Residential arrangements vary by camp size and target age. Common accommodation types include school dormitories, sports centre rooms and hotel-style lodgings. Most camps operate on a full-board basis; that usually means 3 balanced meals plus snacks each day. Camps should state their menu and allergy policy clearly. I always ask for written confirmation that allergies/dietary restrictions are catered for and that staff follow a documented food-handling procedure. We also advise families to request a sample menu or meal policy before booking so there are no surprises at meal times.

Child welfare in residential settings must be non-negotiable. Expect clear supervision ratios outside training, age- and gender-separated sleeping areas, set curfews and a 24/7 emergency contact. Staff should run daily welfare briefings and keep attendance records for training and free time. Medical forms and labelled medications must be stored securely but remain accessible to authorised staff.

Below I list the essential equipment and what athletes should pack. Before you book, I recommend you choose the best camp by checking facilities and welfare policies directly with organisers.

Facility and packing checklist

Here are the must-haves and practical items I expect from a top gymnastics camp, plus a compact packing list.

• Facility must-have equipment:
  • sprung floor, foam pit, tumble track
  • trampolines
  • event apparatus: uneven bars, rings, pommel horse
  • dedicated strength/conditioning gym
  • on-site physiotherapy access or recovery room
• Nice-to-have facilities:
  • indoor swimming pool for cross-training
  • dedicated recovery room with ice and modalities
  • sports massage/physio on site
• Residential and meal expectations:
  • accommodation options: school dormitories, sports centre rooms, hotel-style lodgings
  • full-board with 3 balanced meals + snacks daily
  • allergies/dietary restrictions catered — written menu/policy provided on request
• Practical residential packing list:
  • training kit and spare training shoes
  • swimwear if indoor pool is available
  • refillable water bottle and labelled medications with instructions
  • small first-aid items, laundry bag and a few favourite snacks or special foods
  • basic documentation: medical form, emergency contact, insurance details
• Safety and admin checks before arrival:
  • request a sample menu or meal policy
  • confirm curfew and supervision ratios
  • verify 24/7 emergency contact and medical procedures

Coaching, safety, medical and legal protections

I set clear coach-to-athlete standards and explain their direct effect on safety and skill progress. Expect the practical ranges: recreational 1:8–1:12; skills/advanced 1:4–1:8; elite squads 1:3–1:6 — in other words, a typical camp will operate from “1:3 to 1:12 coach-to-athlete” depending on intensity. Lower ratios mean closer supervision, faster technical feedback and safer spotting for high-risk elements. Higher ratios work for general conditioning and fun sessions but slow skill progression and increase reliance on senior gymnasts.

I require coaches to hold recognised certifications. Core credentials include Swiss Gymnastics (Schweizerischer Turnverband) certification and FIG-recognised qualifications where applicable. Every coach also has current first aid/CPR training and completed safeguarding and child protection courses. Parents should ask camps for staff CVs and certifications before they enroll. At the young explorers club we publish coach profiles and copies of key certificates on request.

Safety equipment and teaching method are non-negotiable. I insist on mandatory mats, foam pits for flight work, trained spotters and a documented progression plan for every advanced skill. Coaches must demonstrate step-by-step progression, only advancing athletes when mastery at each stage is shown. Pre-camp health screening flags injuries and allergies early. Emergency protocols have to be written, rehearsed and visible to parents.

Parent safety checklist

Use the following checklist when vetting a gymnastics camp — it covers the essentials and helps you compare options.

• Vaccination and health checks provided and recorded.
• Staff-to-athlete ratios clearly displayed for each group.
• Qualified first-aiders on site (first aid/CPR certification shown).
• Emergency contact procedures documented and shared.
• Mandatory mats, foam pits and compliant apparatus in use.
• Trained spotters assigned for all high-risk drills.
• Progressive skill plans for tumbling, vault, bars and beam.
• Pre-camp health screening completed for every participant.
• Written insurance coverage and public liability statement available.
• Parental consent form required and signed before arrival.
• Explicit photo/video consent policy communicated in writing.
• Data protection statement confirming Swiss rules are observed.

Medical, insurance and legal notes

Participants must hold personal health/accident insurance: Swiss residents use LAMal; foreign visitors need appropriate travel/health insurance. Camps for elite training commonly have a physiotherapist on-site; typical day camps usually provide trained first-aiders only. I recommend you confirm the level of medical cover and the response time to local emergency services.

Legal protections should be visible and specific. A parental consent form is required before any athlete takes part. Photo consent must be explicit and time-limited; I don’t assume permission. Data handling follows Swiss rules and I keep records secure with limited access. Liability waivers will be part of registration, but they can’t replace clear safeguarding policies and active supervision. If you want guidance on selecting a camp that balances coaching quality and safety, check our advice on summer camps in Switzerland — we point out the most important red flags and green lights.

Cost, booking and practical booking tips

Pricing for gymnastics camps varies widely across Switzerland. We, at the Young Explorers Club, list typical ranges so you can plan clearly: CHF 100–400 / week (day camp), CHF 450–1,500 / week (residential) and CHF 800–2,500 / week (elite boarding).

Expect common add-ons that change the final bill. Early-bird discounts of 5–15% are widespread and sibling discounts often apply. Prices are quoted in CHF. Popular camps often fill 6–12 weeks before start, so book 3–6 months ahead to secure a spot. Typical deposit is 10–30% and is usually non-refundable. A refund window of 30 days is common; last-minute cancellations usually incur fees. Note that Swiss camps typically cost 20–40% higher vs DE/FR because of local operating expenses.

Extra costs and what to budget for

• Equipment rental or replacement (special grips, leotards, protective gear).
• Travel to/from camp and optional airport or train transfers.
• Insurance and any medical coverage beyond basic health plans.
• Competition entry fees if the camp includes meets or showcases.
• Physiotherapy or additional medical care for injuries or recovery.

Booking windows, documentation and logistics

Check registration opening dates early—many camps open 3–6 months ahead for summer. If you need intensive or advanced classes, have proof of skill level ready; some programs require a trial video or coach reference. Bring a completed health form, parental consent and proof of insurance. Camps will tell you whether transfers from the nearest airports or train stations are available; confirm this if you can’t drive.

I advise securing early-bird rates when available and keeping digital copies of all receipts and forms. If you want help comparing options, use this link to choose the best camp. Pay attention to refund policies tied to the 10–30% deposit and to cut-off dates around the refund window 30 days. Booking sooner reduces stress and the chance of missing elite placements that charge the higher CHF 800–2,500 / week rate.

Talent pathways, outcomes to measure and sample camp listing template

We, at the Young Explorers Club, map clear routes from weekend camps to elite squads. Swiss Gymnastics (Schweizerischer Turnverband) talent programmes, regional performance centres and the Magglingen National Centre form the primary pathways for promising gymnasts. We track Talent ID signals that matter most to selectors: technical proficiency, coachability, physical metrics (strength, flexibility), and competition outcomes.

We set expectations up front. Only a small fraction of camp attendees advance: progression rates are typically under <5–10% progress to squads. That figure explains why camps focus equally on skill development and realistic goal-setting.

Key metrics we collect and report for program assessment include:

• Number of camps per region.
• Average price per camp type (day vs residential).
• Coach-to-athlete ratio.
• Percentage of camps offering residential accommodation.
• Percentage offering bilingual or English instruction.
• Proportion run by Swiss Gymnastics (Schweizerischer Turnverband) versus private operators.

For planning and budgeting we use placeholder benchmarks you should verify locally: average day camp price CHF 200/week; average residential CHF 900/week; average coach ratio 1:8 overall; Magglingen listed as primary national training centre.

We recommend collecting both objective and subjective measures each season:

• Objective: competition placements, standardized strength/flexibility test scores, attendance, and the coach-to-athlete ratio on each session.
• Subjective: coachability ratings, learning rate, and parental feedback on wellbeing and logistics.

We monitor outcomes at three levels to measure value and progression:

• Short-term: week-to-week skill gains, injury incidence, and satisfaction scores.
• Medium-term: selection to regional training centres or invitations to talent ID events.
• Long-term: selection to national squads and retention rates across adolescence.

We advise camps to publish these headline stats so parents and club directors can compare offers cleanly. For guidance on selection criteria and camp fit, we link to resources that help families choose wisely; for example, you can choose the best summer camp by matching athlete goals to camp format and coaching credentials.

Sample camp listing template (use these fields)

Use the following fields when you publish or assess a camp. These items keep comparisons objective and simplify registration decisions.

• Camp name
• Location (city / canton)
• Dates (start–end)
• Format (day / residential)
• Ages / levels accepted
• Price range (CHF)
• Coach ratio
• Facilities (e.g., sprung floor, foam pit, trampoline)
• Language(s) of instruction
• Operator (Swiss Gymnastics (Schweizerischer Turnverband) or private)
• Contact / registration deadline
• Deposit and refund / cancellation policy

Sample data entry example to copy and adapt:

Camp Name: Example Gymnastics Summer Camp — Location: Lausanne (Vaud) — Format: 1-week residential — Ages: 8–16 — Price: CHF 750/week (full board) — Coach ratio: 1:6 — Facilities: sprung floor, foam pit, trampoline — Language: French/English — Registration deadline: end of May — Deposit: 20% non-refundable

We encourage camps to publish coach CVs, safeguarding policies, and a clear pathway statement (e.g., links to regional performance centres or the Magglingen National Centre) so families can judge both daily quality and long-term opportunity.

Sources

Schweizerischer Turnverband (Swiss Gymnastics) — Jahresbericht

Bundesamt für Sport (BASPO) — Magglingen

Swiss Federal Statistical Office — Sport and recreation

Swiss Olympic — Talentförderung im Schweizer Sport

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) — Coaches & Education

Switzerland Tourism — Family holidays

Canton de Vaud — Sport

Stadt Zürich — Sportangebote

Bundesamt für Sport (BASPO) — Kurse & Weiterbildungen

Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) — Rules & Technical Regulations