Overview

Who we are

We, at the Young Explorers Club, run STEM camps in Switzerland that match the country’s strong R&D investment and vocational-education pathways. Our programs focus on hands-on projects that align with apprenticeships, university courses and employer needs in ICT, engineering and the life sciences.

Program Formats and Locations

Formats offered

We offer day, residential, university-hosted and corporate formats. Programs are designed to fit different schedules and learning goals.

Geographic hubs

Our camps run across hubs such as Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, Basel and various Alpine centres.

Curriculum and Equipment

Learning approach

Each format uses project-based curricula and age-appropriate hardware. Courses emphasise inquiry learning, practical problem solving and connections to local vocational and university pathways.

Typical tools and topics

We use tools such as micro:bit, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, CAD and basic lab equipment. Projects are selected to build technical skills, digital literacy and measurable outcomes.

Safety, Supervision and Logistics

Safety and insurance

We enforce strict safety and insurance procedures, with clear documentation provided to participants. Supervision ratios and emergency protocols are maintained across all formats.

Student support

Instructor qualifications, background checks and instructor-to-student ratios are prioritised to keep participants safe and ensure high-quality instruction.

Costs, Scholarships and Registration

Typical costs

Costs vary by format and location. Typical ranges are:

Day programmes: CHF 150–600/week
Residential programmes: CHF 800–4,000/week

Financial aid and timing

Many providers offer partial scholarships. We recommend registering 3–6 months in advance to secure a spot, particularly for residential and university-hosted weeks.

How to Choose a Camp

Selection criteria

Choose camps based on:

Instructor qualifications and vetting
Instructor-to-student ratios and supervision
Sample project portfolios and learning outcomes
Pre/post assessments to measure progress
Clear insurance and liability documentation

Key Takeaways

Camps leverage Switzerland’s strong R&D and VET system to prepare students for careers in ICT, engineering and the life sciences.
Offerings span day, residential, university-hosted and corporate formats, concentrated in hubs such as Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, Basel and Alpine centres.
Curricula focus on project-based inquiry learning using age-appropriate tools (micro:bit, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Python, CAD, lab equipment) and maintain supervision ratios to keep participants safe.
Costs vary widely (typical day programmes CHF 150–600/week; residential CHF 800–4,000/week). Many providers offer partial scholarships. Register 3–6 months in advance.
Choose camps based on instructor qualifications, ratios, project portfolios, assessments and clear insurance documentation.

Why STEM Camps Matter in Switzerland — national context

We, at the Young Explorers Club, position STEM camps as a practical response to Switzerland‘s national strengths and demands. The country invests heavily in research: R&D expenditure 3.4% of GDP (OECD/Swiss national statistics). That scale of investment shapes local labour markets and creates real opportunities for young people.

Swiss post‑compulsory education is distinctive. About 66% of secondary students enter vocational education and training (VET) after compulsory schooling (Swiss Federal Statistical Office). This pathway means many students are career‑focused early. Camps that offer technical, hands‑on experiences can fit naturally with apprenticeship trajectories and VET goals.

Performance data show a solid baseline in school science and maths. Switzerland sits around or slightly above OECD averages on PISA science/maths performance (PISA 2018/2021). That baseline gives camps a platform: we can deepen curiosity in students who already meet core benchmarks and lift outcomes for those who need extra challenge.

Labour forecasts and employer surveys show clear signals. There’s an increasing demand for STEM skills—especially in ICT, engineering and life‑sciences—driven by digitalisation, advanced manufacturing and biotech growth (national labour market reports, employer surveys). We highlight ‘demand for ICT, engineering, life‑sciences’ when speaking with parents and partners. Framing camps around future employability aligns with Switzerland’s innovation leadership and the country’s high R&D intensity.

How STEM camps bridge education and industry

We use these practical roles when designing programs and measuring impact. Below are ways camps complement academic and vocational pipelines:

Offer applied technical skills that map directly to VET apprenticeships, improving readiness for workplace training.
Create project‑based tasks that mirror real R&D workflows, reflecting the country’s R&D expenditure 3.4% of GDP.
Engage students not on an academic-only track by using hands‑on electronics, coding and lab techniques.
Provide short, intensive pathways into upper‑secondary STEM programs and apprenticeships, smoothing transitions.
Develop digital literacy and problem‑solving with tools employers seek, addressing demand for ICT, engineering, life‑sciences.
Connect participants with local companies and mentors so students see concrete career routes and credential opportunities.

We measure outcomes with both qualitative and quantitative metrics. We track skill gain, persistence into VET or further STEM study, and employer interest during demo days. For outreach and evaluation we explicitly use language such as ‘R&D expenditure 3.4% of GDP’, ‘66% VET uptake’, ‘PISA science/maths performance’, and ‘Switzerland innovation leadership’ to communicate relevance to funders and families.

For practical program choices and sample activities that balance outdoor learning and technical training, see our best summer camps link for guidance.

Types of STEM Camps and Where They Run

I separate offerings into four clear formats: day vs residential STEM camps, university-hosted summer schools, corporate-sponsored outreach, and short intensives (weekend or spring-break). Day programs suit younger kids and busy families. Residential or sleepaway camps give longer hands-on projects and social immersion. University-hosted programmes expose teens to lab facilities and faculty mentors, while corporate and FabLab partners focus on applied tech and prototyping.

I list common subject tracks and typical timing so you can match goals to a programme. Most summer offerings run 1–2 week sessions, though some advanced schools run 3–6 week programmes. The peak season is June–August, with smaller options during spring break and winter holidays.

Common formats, subjects, ages and hubs

Below are the core distinctions you’ll see when choosing a camp:

Formats and durations:
- Day camps for half- or full-day schedules; ideal for ages 6–13.
- Residential/sleepaway camps that run 1–2 week sessions or longer.
- Weekend intensives and spring-break short courses for quick skill boosts.
- University summer schools with multi-week research-style projects.
Subject specializations (pick by interest):
- Coding camps Switzerland — app dev, Python, game design.
- Robotics camp Switzerland — robots, microcontrollers, competitions.
- Biotech lab camp — pipetting, basic molecular techniques, bioethics.
- Engineering & maker, electronics, astrophysics/space, field biology, and data science/mathematics.
Target ages and segmentation:
- Primary (6–9) — play-based introductions and basic coding.
- Middle (10–13) — project-based learning and makerspaces.
- Upper secondary (14–18) — lab work, competitions, university-prep.
- University/young adults (18+) — research internships and advanced courses.
- Many providers run age-grouped tracks to keep content and pacing right.
Geographic hubs and typical providers:
- Zurich STEM camps: greater Zurich hosts ETH Zurich outreach and many local providers.
- Lausanne STEM camps: EPFL summer programmes and regional labs on La Côte.
- Geneva STEM summer school: CERN programmes and University of Geneva outreach attract older teens.
- Basel: life-sciences and biotech-focused offerings tied to pharma clusters.
- Bern and rural Alpine centres offer field-science and environmental monitoring, including glaciology and biodiversity — see Alpine science camps for outdoor field options.
- National research labs and institutes like PSI and Empa partner on specialized technical weeks.
- FabLabs, private providers, international schools, and corporate partners fill niche gaps (coding, robotics, maker bootcamps).

I recommend matching the format to both the learner’s age and the learning goal: short coding camps are great for exploratory curiosity, while multi-week university-hosted tracks suit students eyeing STEM careers.

Curriculum, Tools and Safety Standards

Pedagogy and safety standards

We mix hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning and maker/hackathon formats so campers learn by doing and iterating. Lab streams follow structured protocols for biotech and chemistry; environmental STEM includes fieldwork with clear data-collection procedures. Ratios aim for practical supervision: student-to-instructor 6:1–12:1 is common, with streams like lab or robotics kept closer to 6:1.

I enforce strict safety practices across all activities. Staff carry first aid certification and background checks are standard for hire. Parents must sign informed consent and photo-consent forms before participation. We align accident-insurance procedures with SUVA guidance and respect cantonal childcare and education rules. Institutional liability varies between university-run and private camps, so I recommend you ask for proof of insurance and example liability policies.

Request these documents before enrollment:

Staff CVs and certifications, including first aid and technical qualifications
Background-check proof and emergency contact lists
Sample risk assessments and emergency procedures
Proof of institutional liability insurance and SUVA-compliant accident coverage

For program selection examples and planning, check our roundup of the best summer camps.

Hardware and software

I choose tools that match age and learning goals. Below are common platforms with one-line usage notes.

Arduino — electronics and maker projects (teens+)
Raspberry Pi — introductory computing and IoT projects (12+)
BBC micro:bit — block coding and simple sensors (younger kids)
LEGO Mindstorms — entry to mid-age robotics and design
VEX Robotics — competitive and advanced robotics
Makeblock — modular robotics builds and rapid prototyping
Scratch — beginners’ block coding and story-driven projects
Python — intermediate to advanced programming and data work
JavaScript & Blockly — web-interactive projects and visual coding
Tinkercad — intro CAD and simple circuits
Fusion 360, SolidWorks — parametric CAD introductions for older teens
Blender — 3D modeling for digital fabrication
Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets — basic data organization and charts
Jupyter Notebooks, MATLAB — introductory data analysis and visualization
3D printers (MakerBot/Cura) & laser cutters — prototyping and fabrication
DJI mini drones & sensor modules (BME, HC‑SR04) — aerial data collection and environmental sensing

I pair tool choice with clear age-appropriate objectives and supervised instruction. Safety gear, device checklists and digital data-protection measures tie the whole curriculum together.

Costs, Scholarships and Enrollment Trends

Typical costs and what’s included

Below are common price bands and the items they usually cover:

Day programmes: CHF 150–CHF 600 per week (day). These usually include instruction, basic materials and on-site supervision; meals may be extra.
Residential/university programmes: CHF 800–4,000 per week (residential). Multi-week residential stays or credit-bearing university courses sit at the high end and often include accommodation and meals.
Specialized lab courses: expect fees at the upper end or additional charges for consumables, safety equipment and lab supervision.
Larger lecture-format summer schools: these can list higher headline fees but commonly subdivide students into smaller lab groups, which affects actual hands-on time.

Ask programmes for a full cost breakdown. Request clear answers about which items are covered and which are optional. Compare inclusions such as meals, accommodation, lab consumables and excursions before you commit.

Scholarships, payments, and enrollment trends

Many university outreach and corporate programmes offer partial scholarships, fee waivers or sponsored places, and family/sibling discounts are common. I suggest you explicitly ask each provider for their scholarship stats — for example, “how many full/partial scholarships are awarded each year?” — so you can judge real availability. Corporate-sponsored outreach often supports places aimed at widening participation; enquire about eligibility criteria.

Payment terms usually require a deposit with a full-payment deadline several weeks before the course starts. Cancellation policies vary; standard refund timelines exist but check exact cut-offs. I recommend travel and medical insurance to cover illness or late cancellations.

Enrollment patterns I’m seeing make planning essential. Interest in coding/AI, robotics and biotech is growing fast, especially among parents and school partners. Demand for English-language STEM camps is rising in international communities. Many hands-on programmes limit cohort size to preserve instructional quality — expect cohort size 12–24 for workshop-style labs. Bigger summer schools might run 50–200 students total but split into smaller lab groups.

Popular programmes fill early. I advise families to register 3–6 months in advance and expect to encounter a waitlist for top providers; maintain flexibility on dates and consider second-choice weeks. If a programme is waitlisted, ask how often spots open and whether there’s an active cancellation list.

Practical checklist I use when evaluating options:

Confirm total cost and itemised inclusions.
Ask for scholarship numbers and eligibility rules.
Verify deposit, deadline and cancellation refund windows.
Check cohort size and daily staff-to-student ratios.
Confirm extra fees for lab consumables or field trips.
Register early — register 3–6 months in advance — and join waitlists where available.

When you need help comparing programmes or want guidance on specific offers, see our guide to the best summer camp options and selection criteria, including tips on applying for scholarships and spotting hidden fees.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Outcomes — What Students Gain and How to Measure Impact

Typical learning outcomes

Below are the main learning outcomes you should expect and verify after a STEM camp.

Increased STEM interest and confidence, tracked through self-report measures and observable engagement in sessions.
Foundational technical skills such as coding, circuitry, robotics basics and data handling.
Project-based deliverables that form a usable project portfolio: prototypes, code repos, lab notes and final presentations. I often ask to review a sample project portfolio.
Lab familiarity and safety practice for biotech tracks, including pipetting, basic assays and sample documentation.
Improved problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills demonstrated in team projects and judged presentations.

Measuring impact and questions to ask camps

We expect measurable evidence, not vague claims. Ask for these metrics and documents:

Pre/post surveys measuring interest and confidence.
Sample project portfolios showing concrete student artifacts.
Follow-up data on course-to-career pathways and alumni case studies showing internships, competition awards or university placements tied to camp activities.
Longitudinal data where available.

Use these template questions when you contact a provider:

“How do you measure progress?”
“Do you run pre/post assessments?”
“What % of alumni pursue STEM subjects?”

Insist on consistent comparison methods. Ask camps to compare the same age cohort using the same assessment instrument or to present normalized metrics — for example the change in confidence on a 5‑point scale. If they offer follow-up percentages, request the exact definition and timeframe for “percent who pursue STEM subjects” so the figure is comparable.

Treat anecdotal evidence cautiously. Ask for verifiable examples of internships, competition wins or admissions outcomes and ask camps to cite them in alumni case studies. We look for a mix of quantitative signals (pre/post surveys, retention in STEM pathways) and qualitative artifacts (project portfolio pieces, mentor evaluations). When both align, you get a clear picture of real impact.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

How to Choose the Right Camp — Checklist for Parents and Students

Decision criteria checklist

We, at the young explorers club, look for clear, practical signals that a STEM camp will deliver. Start with an age-appropriate curriculum that matches your child’s grade and confidence. Confirm the language of instruction and supervision; multilingual options matter if English isn’t your child’s strongest language.

Ask about instructor qualifications and the balance between academic and applied teaching. Compare university researchers versus industry professionals for different goals: researchers bring depth, industry pros bring applied skills. Demand transparency on staff CVs and examples of past projects.

Check the program mix: structured curriculum versus free exploration. Review a sample daily schedule to see how sessions, labs, and breaks fit together. Verify cohort size and aim for an instructor-to-student 6:1–12:1 ratio for true hands-on time. Insist on written safety protocols and insurance details; camps operating in Switzerland should state SUVA or cantonal compliance and first-aid staffing.

Factor cost, what it covers, and available financial aid. Look for clear tuition breakdowns (tuition, meals, materials, excursion fees) and data on scholarships and alumni outcomes. Finally, evaluate location and logistics: travel time, local transport, and for residential programs check accommodation standards and meal arrangements.

Practical checklist and top questions to ask providers

Below are the concrete items to confirm before you register — use them as a handover to providers and a packing checklist for campers.

Can you provide a sample daily schedule? (evaluate hands-on time and free choice)
Please share staff CVs and instructor-to-student ratios. (inspect instructor qualifications)
What safety and first-aid measures are in place? Please share insurance and risk-assessment documents. (look for SUVA/cantonal compliance)
What equipment and software will students use? Is there an equipment list? (get an equipment list)
How do you measure learning outcomes? (pre/post surveys, portfolios) (ask for alumni outcomes metrics)
How many full/partial scholarships are awarded each year?
What is your cancellation/refund policy and tuition breakdown? (tuition, meals, materials, excursion fees)
What languages are instruction and supervision available in?
Can you provide parent references or past student projects?