Pocket Money for the camp

13 Dec 2012

Les Elfes

Upon arrival, students may deposit their pocket money in the camp bank at the reception for safekeeping and withdraw money as needed.

They can ask at the reception the amount depending on their needs each day. The reception will be open for the pocket money everyday at 5pm for the student use.

Parents who wish to set a limit on their child´s daily allowance may do so by request.

Spending money is generally used for the purchase of souveniers, extra snacks and drinks during activities or excursions and small purchases in the town shops including postcards, postage stamps, batteries, lollypops, etc.

It is recommended that each student bring about 100 CHF of spending money for each week they will reside in camp.

Before departure, any unspent money will be returned directly to the student.

How much?

This is a difficult question. Kids all have different needs and they don’t spend the same amount during the camp.
All is included in our camps so they only need pocket money to make shopping, buy memories, extra food, ice creams during excursions, etc.

To make you an idea to buy an ice cream on the lakeside, 1 scoop is 3-4CHF.

That’s why we use to recommend around 100CHF per week.

Weather conditions in Switzerland during Summer

13 Dec 2012

Les Elfes

Yes this does deserve a special mention!

Some people imagine that Switzerland is as cold as Alaska, but this is far from the truth. In the plain, temperatures can rise to 30ºC (86ºF) in the summer, and even in the mountains the sun is hot.

The weather in Switzerland varies greatly between different places.

About 20 percent of Europe’s Alps mountain range is in Switzerland. There are around 100 peaks close to or over 4000m above sea level. The area of the Alps covers about 60% of the country.

The Swiss Alps act as a natural division between the temperate climate of northern Europe and the Mediterranean climate of Italy to the south.
The impact of this divide can be felt within Switzerland itself, despite being a relatively small country.

Our campuses are located in the South of the Alps, in the canton of Valais. The canton of Valais boasts of having the most sunshine in Switzerland and is situated in the southwest of Switzerland.

The Valais region has a micro climate and it is famous for being a little ‘Mediterranean’ during the summer months when it is common for the day time temperature in Sion to average 25-35°C from June – September. Returning back up the mountain to Verbier or La Tzoumaz is always a pleasure as the temperature is usually 5-7°C degrees cooler.

The Valais has over 300 days of sunshine a year. Depending on the region, Valais promises guests over 2000 hours of sunshine annually – even more than Switzerland’s most southern point.
How is this possible? Reason is, thanks to the Valaisan and Bernese Alps, which, like a barrier, separate the intermediate Rhone valley and numerous side valleys from the humid conditions often prevailing in more nothern or southern spheres. Rain clouds generally climb before these barriers – leaving the remaining winds to penetrate the Valais in the form of the dry and warm ‘Föhn’ windthat grants the region its Mediterranean-like climate.

Precipitation is distributed over the entire year. From June through August, rain usually comes in the form of thunderstorms.

Sport benefits for kids

13 Dec 2012

Les Elfes

Playing sports offers children more than just physical benefits. Sports typically help kids academically and socially as well. The benefits are the same whether or not your child actually excels at the sport. Sports are more than a game; they are a set of life lessons.

The high altitude Les Elfes campuses are located in a great environment offering perfect conditions for fun adventurous outdoor sports suited for kids and teen.

Our aim is to allow youngsters to try out new fun activities and outdoor sports in optimum safety. Teenagers can also progress and improve their skills in sports they might have tried before and in which they may have some experience already.

Huge choice of outdoor activities

The Swiss Alps region offers a wide range of activities combining natural elements and gravity. During the summer camp, kids can discover more than 30 different sports such as:

Tennis
During all summer camps, kids can play tennis at the sport center, which is situed next to the camp. Tennis lessons are a part of the summer program. Optionally, for those who are fond of tennis, we can propose additional tennis lessons. The teacher will supervise and coach kids and give them professional training with professional exercises. We also organize tennis tournaments.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is a sport which consists of riding bicycles off-road, using specially adapted bikes. There are over 200km of signed paths around the campus, suitable for all ability levels. Kids will find delightful routes through a wide variety of scenery. No need for difficult climbing, the lifts do the work of carrying the cycles!
Swimming
Campers can go swimming in the large indoor and outdoor swimming pools in the Verbier Sports Center right next to the Les Elfes campus. They offer a great place for kids to play, swim, have fun or just relax and enjoy the panorama of the mountains, always under the supervision of our staff.
Ropes Course
One of the most popular activities at our summer camp! The ropes course includes different elements which participants have to learn in order to accomplish the objectives. Fully supervised and controlled by the staff, all elements are attempted with aid and moral support.
Golf (Verbier)
The 18 hole golf course on the hills overlooking the Verbier resort offers a striking panoramic view on the mighty Combins and Mont Blanc massifs. This top quality course is the place to discover this exciting sport which requests precision and focus or to bring your handicap on another level. The course is full of natural obstacles making the game interesting and challenging. During the courses, the kids will learn pitch and putt in a private practice area.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a sport in which participants climb up or across natural rock formations. Verbier and Val de Bagnes can boast an impressive number of equipped climbing routes, where climbers of all levels will enjoy testing their skills. It’s a physically and mentally demanding sport, where campers will gain strength, endurance, agility, and balance along with mental control. The experienced mountain guides ensure safety and competence to introduce kids to this sport in a fully supervised way.
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments. The Swiss Alps resorts of Verbier and La Tzoumaz offer over 400km of signed and safe paths. Kids will explore the magnificent landscapes surrounding Verbier and Val de Bagnes, they will be delighted by the cows, known as the “Queens of the Alps”, the plants, animals, and especially the magical contrasts of the scenery.
Water skiing:
The camp isn’t far away of the Geneva Lake. Located in Switzerland and France, it is one of the largest lakes in Western Europe. The high summits of Mont Blanc are visible from the lake. Kids can try out water skiing and also enjoy many other activities on the lake such as tubing which is a recreational activity of riding an inner tube on the water.
Horse Riding (extra option in Verbier)
Horse riding is a great way to enjoy the alpine views and discover the resort. The village of Verbier organizes each year a horse riding competition which is very popular in the equestrian sport world. If your child likes horses he/she could ride all around the resort and discover the wonderful panorama, improve their skills and see the famous competition during the month of August.
Various
On the campus of Les Elfes, a lot of various land sports are offered, such as football, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, badminton, petanque, trampoline and many more. More activities, such as squash and Minigolf are organized in the village of Verbier.