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10% DISCOUNT ON YOUR SUMMER CAMP BOOKING

Dear Parents and Partners,

 

We know you are already receiving a large number of newsletters about the current worldwide situation but we believe the following information could be useful for you.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has influenced the entire Globe and created heavy consequences all around the World. 

For instance, Les Elfes camp is currently closed and our staff is safely working from home to guarantee the preparation of the summer camp 2020.

Considering that we don’t know when the authorities will give us the green light to open the campus again, we decided to offer free cancellation until the end of April to all the reservations received from the 9th of March 2020 onwards. At the end of April, we will reconsider if postponing the deadline for the free cancellation is necessary.

Moreover, a 10% discount is offered on the summer camp 2020 reservations received since the 26th of March. Don’t lose this opportunity!

Our head office is continuously receiving requests and bookings for the summer camp and for this reason, we look forward to receiving your registration before the summer camp 2020 in Verbier is fully booked.

 

Stay Positive!

 

We all know how complicated it is to stay at home without having the opportunity to visit friends and family but in this difficult moment STAY AT HOME is the best decision we can take.
Then, why not re-discover those passions and hobbies that we put aside? Maybe some of you want to learn a new language, or paint, write a poetry or just read a new book. Maybe some of you are willing to discover some practices such as meditation or yoga. So, now is the time to take a break and dedicate minutes, hours to yourselves. 
And for the ones of you who are sharing their days with their kids, why not teach them how to bake a cake, sew, fix a motorbike or other of those activities most of us have lost with the frenetic everyday life and that schools don’t propose.

How much should a Winter Camp Cost?

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The onset of winter ushers in a cold season. Many people would rather spend time indoors to avoid the uncomfortable weather.

Still, some people can’t wait for the excitement that comes with going for winter camps.

If you are planning to go winter camping you need to have a concrete plan and budget ideal for everyone who will be attending.

This is where you’re probably wondering: how much should winter camp cost?

Unlike summer camping escapades, camping in winter requires specialized equipment to help you cope with extremely cold temperatures.

Here’s a rough estimation of your camping budget this winter.

Cost of Winter Camping Gear 

The general cost of your camping gear will range from $231 to $2,762 per person. This cost can be higher depending on where you buy your gear.

If you choose to buy your own gear, this will be a one-time investment. The advantage is that you can use your gear over and over.

Some people opt to rent gear at their campgrounds of choice. This can be an ideal albeit expensive option, especially for regular campers.

If you go camping frequently you may want to invest in good quality camping gear or even borrow from your friends.

Did you know you can buy used camping gear online? This can be a cheaper option for you if you’re shopping on a budget.

·         Rent camping gear from your campground

Depending on where you go camping, some resorts offer excellent quality camping gear for very reasonable prices.

Les Elfes for instance, is a camping resort that’s been in existence for more than 30 years. The team behind the facility has mastered the art of providing excellent quality camping gear for rent.

You’ll find good quality sleeping bags, tents, and ski gear for cost-friendly prices. There are different activities you can engage in during your winter camp in Les Elfes.

The resort runs all year long which means you can visit anytime regardless of the season.

Having hosted thousands of campers since its inception, the team is experienced enough to provide services that suit your needs.

Visiting Les Elfes exposes you to Verbier, one of the largest ski camps in Switzerland. Here, you’ll get a chance to interact with numerous people from different cultures.

Learn more about other countries, interact with different people, and make new friends. 

A Breakdown of your Camping Essentials and their Cost

A backpack complete with Rain cover will cost approximately $150.

You can use any of your backpacks but it needs to be waterproof. If it’s not, improvise by putting it inside a trash bag.

This is a cheap method that will cost you very little if not nothing. However, winter can be harsh and this method may not always work.

To be on the safe side, you want to invest in a good quality waterproof backpack. If you’re traveling as a group, you can have one backpack for two people. This way, you can share the cost. 

·        Tent

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A good quality winter compliant tent will cost from $400 to $191.

Whatever you do, avoid buying substandard tents whether you’re a regular camper or not. You need a tent that you can use across seasons and a cheap one may not do the trick.

We are not saying that cheap tents are of poor quality, but you need to exercise caution before you can spend your money on a tent.

Often, a tent is less expensive than a hotel room. 

·         Sleeping Pad

A cheap sleeping pad costs $10 but we highly doubt this will be ideal for winter camping.

Of course, you can incorporate a few tricks such as piling leaves under your tent to make it feel comfortable.

However, you’ll need a good quality sleeping pad to survive winter’s excruciating temperatures.

Your ideal sleeping pad should not only be insulated, but it should also be inflatable and the right size for your comfort.

Choose one from a reputable brand and while it can be costly, you will use it in many of your future camping sessions. 

·         Sleeping Bag

The cost of a sleeping bag ranges from $20 to $100.

Still, you can get more expensive sleeping bags in the market. For your winter camp, you need a robust sleeping bag that can keep you warm throughout the night without being overly heavy.

Cheap sleeping bags can be good but you’ll need to consider the specifications and weather conditions in your campground before you can buy them.

You don’t want to invest in a cheaper product only to be disappointed.

The good thing about purchasing a higher-priced sleeping bag is they are often ideal for all seasons and made to be durable. 

·         Stove and Fuel

The cost of your stove ranges between $10 and $200 depending on the size of your camping group.

If your camping group is large, a two-burner stove will be more convenient. If your group feels that the buying price is on the higher side you can opt to rent one from the camp. 

·         Cook Set

Use your ordinary cookware when using gas stoves. However, if you’re looking for convenience, these may not be ideal because they tend to be heavy.

Packing them can also be an arduous task and you don’t need such problems when preparing to have fun.

Where possible invest in specially designed cooking sets for camping. Many of the available cook sets come with fire-safe utensils.

These will cost more compared to ordinary utensils because of the quality of material used. Remember, durable utensils will be lighter but more costly.

If this is too much for your group you can opt to rent utensils at the camping resort. 

·         Cooler

Perhaps you’re wondering why you’d need a cooler during winter. These come in handy to store instant meals.

A good quality one will cost approximately $350.

This is good value for money seeing that you can use it over and over again. What’s more, a cooler will help you save money you’d have spent to buy meals.  

·         Hydration Reservoirs or Water Bottle

You don’t have to break the bank to buy a water bottle.

You can always use your ordinary plastic bottle. If you need to upgrade, there are numerous insulated hydration packs and flasks available to choose from. These are specially designed for hiking and camping. A good bottle for your winter camp should come with an insulator. 

·        Headlamp

Head Lamp

A good quality headlamp shouldn’t be less than $20.

If you want a power economical, good quality, and economical headlamp, you’ll need to spend between $25 and $140.

With a good headlamp, you don’t need a flashlight. 

·         Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries come in handy to keep your camping lights powered.

While these can be costly, they’re valuable and you can use them over and over again.

The cost of excellent quality rechargeable batteries should cost between $6 and $12 per person. 

·         Lantern

A lantern is an optional albeit essential camping item. Advanced camping lanterns come with excellent features such as: Bluetooth connectivity. They are also collapsible.

A good quality lantern will cost between $10 and $150. 

·         First Aid Kit

A first aid kit can be costly but you can cut down the costs by building one. Buying a ready to use first aid kit will set you back at least $75

·        Water Treatment System

Rain Soft

A water treatment system comes in handy if you don’t trust the drinking water services at your winter camp.

If you’ll be camping at Les Elfes, you can save the money for more important things. Drinking water at the camp is safe to drink.

If you have to buy a water treatment system, a good quality one costs between $25 and $150. There are various water treatment systems you can choose from in the market today.

You can opt for other water purification systems such as water purification tablets or UV filters. 

·         Clothing

Camping clothes can be quite costly and you’ll need to spend between $25 and $600 per person.

You don’t have to spend colossal amounts of money on camping gear. If you don’t go camping often you can opt to rent at the camping resort.

Better still, you can opt for used camping clothes which are way cheaper. Ensure they fit you well. 

·         Power Bank or Solar Panel

You can use your winter camping experience to take a break from your gadgets.

However, you still need a power source for your: camera, phone to help you keep in touch with your loved ones, and GPS to help you track your direction in case of emergencies.

If you’ll be going for your camping trip at Les Elfes you will get a power source for a small fee. Still, you can purchase a portable solar panel and charger for emergency purposes.

You’ll need approximately $200 on these items.

You can also carry along a lightweight power bank to ensure all your gadgets are well powered. A power bank will be ideal if you’re going for short camping trips. 

As much as going for winter camp is fun and interesting, buying camping gear can be a difficult task. The good news is that you don’t have to go through all the hassle to find the correct gear.

If you’ll be camping at Les Elfes all you need is your basic gear.

You can rent everything else that you need to enjoy your trip from the camp at cost friendly prices.

Finally

There are other camping costs involved such as transportation and daily camp charges.

On average, a family or group of 4 people going on a 10-day winter camping trip will spend between $612 and $7,397.

If you’re going winter camping for the first time, the inaugural preparation costs can be insane.

However, after that you’ll only incur minimal costs, making your camping experience worthwhile. 

Sign up today and get updated on the latest activities at the Les Elfes camp.

How to Prepare Kids for their First Time at Sleepaway Camp

With summer fast approaching, children and their parents are already envisioning camp. Will your kids be going for their first time at sleepaway camp?

If this is the case, chances are that they are struggling with a combination of excitement and nervousness.

Parents too are not spared the emotions and this can make the planning process a difficult task.

Here are tips to help you make it through.

Ensure Your Child is Mentally Ready 

No matter how excited your kid is for their first time at sleepaway camp, there are various things you should do to prepare them before they depart.

If your child has never been away from home, the experience will be different for them.

Preparing in advance will help both of you feel at ease with the upcoming trip.  

Conduct a Mock Sleepover 

Prepare for a sleepaway summer camp by arranging sleepovers away from home. This is an ideal way of ascertaining how comfortable your kids will be when they spend a few days from home.

Organize a weekend getaway upcountry or plan a sleepover at a family member’s house for practice purposes.

Once the sleepover is done, ask your kid about their experience. What did they enjoy about the entire trip?

What didn’t they like? Did they have trouble sleeping? Did they experience any problems?

Use their feedback to determine how prepared they are for their first time at sleepaway camp.

This will also help you figure out what you should do to prepare them more before they leave.

Assuming they felt restless, anxious, or had difficulties sleeping, this shouldn’t cause you to worry.

It’s worth mentioning that there is always a first time for everything. A bad first-day experience shouldn’t be the reason you rule out sleepaway camp.

Take some time before organizing another sleepover. You can even allow your kid to go for sleepover parties with their friends.

Eventually, these efforts will prepare the kid to manage sleepaway camp with ease.

Start Preparations in Advance

When it comes to sleepaway camp, you should start preparing early. If your mock sleepaway camp activity wasn’t successful, you can still organize for another one to ensure that your kid is well prepared.

You can start preparing months before the kids leave for camp. This way, they will be comfortable and excited to leave when the time finally comes.

Apart from preparing their travel documents, ensure they have their physical exam done in advance. Further, make sure they receive the necessary vaccines.

Preparing in advance is critical for a smooth transition. You don’t want to be running helter-skelter to have things done on the last day. 

Choose Your Preferred Summer Camp

There are numerous camping resorts in Switzerland that host both local and international kids for camp.

Take time to choose one that meets the needs of your child. There are various factors to consider before finding the perfect summer camp for your child. 

Kids Interests

In the case of their first time at sleepaway camp, establish what activities the facility offers and ensure they meet your child’s interests.

For instance, if your child loves swimming, find out whether the camping facility offers swimming lessons.

Does it have a swimming pool? Is it located near the ocean? Are there child minders ready to offer rescue services in case of an emergency?

·         Age

What age does the camping facility allow? Does your child fall within that age bracket? Some camps only accommodate children of a certain age. 

·         Safety

Your child’s safety is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to sleepaway camps.

Find out what measures the facility has in place to guarantee safety. You also need to ensure that the staff is qualified and experienced. 

·         Does the Camping Resort Run throughout the Year?

Choose a camp resort that remains open throughout the year. Les Elfes is such a facility and it offers a vast range of camping opportunities for your kids.

Popularly known for their spectacular winter camp experience, your child will love camping at the resort.

The facility has been in existence for the last three decades providing visitors nothing but the best experience of their lives. 

·         Ski and Field Trips

Apart from winter and summer camps, your kids will have the opportunity to participate in ski and field trips.

If your child loves learning new languages, sending them to the Les Elfes camp resort exposes them to language lessons.

Les Elfes is located in Verbier, one of the largest resorts in Switzerland. 

Interactions with Fellow Children

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Les Elfes is an all year round resort that hosts more than 5,000 students from different parts of the world per year.

Your child will get a chance to interact with other kids from different backgrounds, cultures, and races. They will also make lifetime friendships. 

Involve Your Kids in the Preparation Process

Involving your child in the planning process is an ideal way of developing their excitement as their first time at sleepaway camp day approaches.

There is a lot you can do together before they depart for camp such as: buying the right gear depending on activities they will participate in and packing their bags.

Give your child a chance to make some decisions and recommendations about the trip. For instance, you can have them decide what outfits they pack for camp.

Will they need their toys or books? Some of these items are necessary to help them relax, especially on their way to sleepaway camp. 

Have a Checklist

Have a brainstorming session with your child and come up with goals they need to achieve out of their summer sleepaway camp.

For instance: overcome a fear of heights by participating in zip-lining or bungee jumping, learning the basics of a new language, making at least one friend from a different country and learning their culture, learning how to sail, and tasting one of the local cuisines.

Let your child carry the checklist with them to camp and send you feedback on their progress. 

Go Shopping

Your child may not need new clothes, but they will need a few things to facilitate their trip and ensure they are comfortable.

Take them to the shopping mall to purchase some personal essentials such as toothpaste, bathing soap, moisturizing cream, and sunscreen protection cream specially formulated for kids.

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have fun on your shopping trip. You could also buy them some snacks but you need to confirm the camp’s policy regarding food items.

Buy them their favorite books to keep them busy on their way to camp and complete the trip with a huge cup of ice cream. 

Take Care of Their Hair

Take your child for a haircut or have it cleaned thoroughly before they can proceed to camp. Further, you want to have them checked for lice.

Remember, many camps conduct lice checks on every camper on arrival. You don’t want your child to be left out in the camp hospital for treatment while their colleagues are out having fun.

Further, you want to avoid the costs involved if your child receives treatment at the camp hospital. You are better off taking precautions and handling the problem in advance. 

Take Control of Expectations

While your child will be emotional about going for the first time at sleepaway camp, how you respond is critical.

For instance, some parents encourage their kids using different words such as everything will be alright, you don’t have to worry, and you will have a great time.

While this may be true, it’s important to let your kid know that the first days will be slightly tough before they can get used to the camp schedule.

Let them that this is normal not only for first-timers but also for seasoned campers visiting a new camp.

Ask them to share their concerns and fears and discuss how they can handle them. In the end, ensure your child understands there is a time for everything.

Any challenges they face at camp will help them gather the experience they need to conquer bigger obstacles. 

Avoid Getting Overly Emotional on the Day of Departure

Parents can get too emotional when their children leave home for an adventurous sleepaway camp.

While these feelings are normal, you want to avoid a situation where it makes you tear down in front of the children.

This might make them sad and guilty for leaving you all alone. You can cry all you want albeit away from the children. 

Finally

Participating in a sleepaway camp is an exciting moment for your child. It’s an opportunity for them to face the world from a different perspective, learn new things, and grow. Of course, first-timers will experience various challenges during the first days. However, they’ll learn how to navigate from difficult situations better when they are away than they would at home.

Not only will they learn how to be independent, but they will also realize their strengths. With your cooperation and support from their camp supervisors, your kids will benefit from attending a summer sleepaway camp.

FREE CANCELLATION UNTIL THE END OF APRIL

Are you thinking of reserving a summer camp for your child, but the health news related to the coronavirus makes you hesitate. Do you want to guarantee your child a place this summer but you don’t want to risk paying fees in the event of cancellation? 
 
At Les Elfes we have decided to bear for you the risks linked to the coronavirus and we, therefore, allow you to book your child’ stay guaranteeing the full refund if you decide to cancel the trip before the  30th of April 2020. This offer is valuable for reservation received from today, the 9th of March 2020.
 

Les Elfes International organize all-year long camps from kids and teens since 1987. Every year we welcome more than 5000 students coming from all around the world and more than 40% of them are returners. 
Our staff and nurse have been trained for extra measures to be taken since the Coronavirus scenario took place and we are more than willing to keep on providing unforgettable experiences to our campers.

Understanding Snowboarding History and 7 Fun Facts about the Sport you should know

Snowboarding evolved in the 1960s and 70s and only became popular in the 1980s. It would later develop to become an Olympic sport in 1998.

According to snowboarding enthusiasts, the sport that combines the adventure of competition, the allure of nature, and space for self-expression is therapeutic. 

Snowboarding History

There are no comprehensive details in snowboarding history to show exactly where the winter sport originated. However, some reports indicate that it emanated from the US.

The prototype of modern snowboard started in 1965 when Muskegon, Michigan Engineer, Sherman Poppen, who also known as the father of snowboard designed the model that ushered in the modern ball.

His wife named the model Snurfer by combining surfing and snow, the purpose for which the model had been created.

The inaugural model comprised of two bolted skis.

Later, Poppen attached a rope at the front which would be used for steering. Users weren’t going to need any specialized bindings or boots to use the snurfer. 

Snurfer’s Popularity

The popularity of the toy that Poppen had developed for his daughter would spread fast beyond his expectations.

This is how Brunswick Corporation, a sports equipment manufacturer discovered, licensed and started producing and distributing it across the country.

The snurfer was received well with approximately 70 million pieces sold by the end of the 1970s. This brought about the concept of gliding sideways on snow to new developers who picked the idea and enhanced it. 

What makes Snowboarding Different?

While there are many winter sports, snowboarding and skiing are the most popular. Here are some differences between the two. 

  • The main difference between snowboarding and skiing is the equipment used. While skiers use two boards, snowboarders use a single wide board. In skiing, two skis are harnessed with bindings.
  • While both snowboarders and skiers are attached to their boards with bindings, there are some variations.

For instance, snowboarder’s bindings are placed side by side leaving his feet to face sideways.

A skier, on the other hand, binds on the board at its length leaving the feet to face straight.

In case of an emergency, a snowboarder will have a hard time separating themselves from the board. Skiers, on the other hand, can do so with ease. 

  • Skiers utilize the skies to navigate and thrust themselves on the snow. Snowboarders, on the other hand, leverage their bodies to navigate and thrust themselves on the snow.
  • There are notable differences when it comes to the terrain as well. For instance, the skiing terrain is diverse as compared to snowboarding.

What’s more, skiers can control their movement better since they have two skies to balance. This way, the skiers can navigate through forested areas which snowboarders can’t. 

  • Often, snowboarders sit and apply energy whilst on the edges. Skiers, on the other hand, can maintain an upright position when they are not skiing. 
  • Learning how to snowboard can be an arduous task both to beginners and seasoned skiers. When snowboarding was invented, skiing was already a popular winter sport.
  • Snowboarding is easier on the knees as opposed to skiing. Further, snowboarders are unlikely to get knee injuries. However, snowboarders may have it rough on the wrists. Skiing is better executed on ice and bumps while snowboards are better executed in crud and powder. 

Popular Ski Resort in Switzerland

Are you wondering where to go snowboarding in Switzerland? Verbier, the main resort of the 4 Vallées ski area is the largest ski region in Switzerland.

There are numerous ski cams in Verbier and Les Elfes is among the best. From the onset of December to the end of April, guests can enjoy winter camp lessons each week.

These sessions are specially designed for children and teenagers between the ages of 6 to 17 years.

Les Elfes strives to combine off snow learning and outdoor experience by offering diverse excursions and language courses.

The team of experienced professionals at Les Elfes is committed to maximize student’s experience on the mountain and enhance their skills.

Students also get a chance to interact with other students from diverse cultures and make new friends. To encourage students to perform better, a prize-giving ceremony is held after each trip. 

Snowboarding Learner Levels

Every snowboarding student goes through various levels before finally mastering the sport.

At the end of level one, for instance, the snowboarder should be able to stop and show their ability to slide using varying amounts of edge depending on their speed.

Learners at level two should be able to confidently execute basic turns on a blue slope with the toe and heel edge albeit independently.

They should be in a position to turn from one edge to the other. At the fifth and final level, snowboarders should be able to slide through Red Pistes.

Further, they can use a piste map effectively and have acquired sufficient experience in itinerary route riding.

Fun and Interesting Facts about Snowboarding

Compared to other winter sports, snowboarding hasn’t been in existence for a long time. Still, it has played a critical role in the sports world. Here are some fun and interesting snowboarding facts that you should know. 

1.      Snowboarding was Initially Referred to as Snurfing

Sherman Poppen, Muskegon, Michigan, the engineer first invented snowboarding in the 1960s. He belted skis together and leveraged on a rope to steer the temporary board.

His wife would later combine the words snurfing and snow to come up with snurfing.

Following the snurfer’s popularity, companies knew there was potential in the new sport. The name was later changed. 

2.      Snowboarding Companies Thrive in Producing Viral Videos

Research indicates that promotional videos have played a huge role in promoting innovation in snowboarding tricks and gear.

In the past, such videos were circulated through VHS tapes.

Today, technological innovations have elevated the quality of these videos with companies producing and circulating them digitally.

Some sponsors today collaborate with athletes to produce promotional videos demonstrating the latest tricks and gear in the snowboarding collection.

Promo videos are ideal when it comes to selling new gear and encouraging athletes to try new tricks. The videos were critical in developing snowboarding support at the grassroots when the sport was less popular.

Snowboarding companies had mastered the art of creating viral videos before YouTube came into existence. 

3.      Snowboarding was outlawed in Resorts in the 1980s

Snowboarding may have evolved tremendously since it was first invented. However, did you know that this winter sport was once banned in resorts?

Due to its nature, snowboarding attracted many youths which made it appear like a teen craze as opposed to an Olympic sport.

This saw many resorts outlaw the sport in a bid to deter teenagers from proceeding to the slopes.

It was not until later when resorts started approving snowboarding, and this propelled them to instant popularity. This has remained the case to date. 

4.      Compared to Skiing, Snowboarding is more dangerous

Both skiing and snowboarding require lots of strength and balance. However, snowboarding is riskier as opposed to skiing.

During the sport, snowboarders utilize their bodies differently than skiers.

Snowboarders, especially beginners are likely to suffer injuries in the ankles, shoulders, and wrists. 

5.      The National Snowboarding Championship has been Prevailing for the last 33 Years

Some snurfing competitions were held in the 1970s. However, various snowboarding competitions were introduced in the 1980s.

Paul Graves who had previously supported Jake Burton in using his private board in snurfing competitions coordinated the inaugural National snowboarding championship in 1982.

Today, the competition is popularly known as the Burton US Open of Snowboarding. It has also been prevailing for the longest time.

In 1983, Tom Sims organized the World Championship Halfpipe Competition which was held in California.

The first Snowboarding World Cup would later be held in 1985 in Zurs, Austria. 

6.      The Inaugural Snowboarding Olympic Medal Nearly went up in Smoke

Canadian Ross Rebagliati won the inaugural snowboarding Olympic gold medal.

However, he was temporarily disqualified after blood tests returned positive results for marijuana.

The disqualification was later overturned.

To celebrate his victory, Ross smoked a joint and went on to become a medical marijuana crusader. Today, Ross runs his medicinal marijuana dispensary. 

7.      More than 10 Snowboarding Styles have emerged in the last 40 Years

There are numerous snowboarding styles.

Following the winter sport’s evolution that has been witnessed in the last 40 years, more styles will make it to the market.

Some of the popular styles include boardercross racing, freestyle snowboarding, and half pipe.

Snowboarding styles differ depending on various factors such as the terrain. For instance, freestyle snowboarding includes executing tricks on a snowboard while boarder cross comprises of racing over a bumpy course.

In big air competitions, snowboarders speed down a jump after which they execute tricks.

Other snowboarding styles include alpine snowboarding, jibbing, backcountry snowboarding, rail jam, slopestyle, freeriding, and cruising.

Snowboarders exemplify their personality through their snowboarding style and preferred board. 

Finally

Snowboarding has evolved over the years with the emergence of diverse snowboarding styles. These facts help us understand snowboarding history better. As we’ve seen, mastering snowboarding can be an arduous task. You need to be consistent with your training and practice to finally understand the tricks.

Coronavirus in Switzerland: What you Need to Know

Coronavirus, also known as the covid-19 virus has taken the world by storm forcing countries to adopt stringent measures to contain the menace.

WHO (World Health Organization) has declared a worldwide health crisis over coronavirus which started in Wuhan city China.

So far, the disease has claimed the lives of over 2,700 people with over 80,000 infection cases reported across the globe.

In this post, we will have a comprehensive analysis of coronavirus.

Further, we will discuss the myths involved, and establish what Les Elfes is doing to guarantee that visitors are safe. 

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus is a group of viruses that can trigger illnesses such as SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) the common cold, and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome.)

While there is no comprehensive information about the virus, public health organizations such as CDC (centers for disease control,) and the WHO (World Health Organization) are observing the situation closely and releasing updates on their websites.

These organizations have also given prevention and treatment proposals to help deal with the disease. 

What are the Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Signs of coronavirus infection can appear between two to 14 days following exposure. These include:

  • Fever
  • Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
  • Cough

Coronavirus symptoms can either be mild or severe and often results in death. Researchers are still trying to understand this disease.

However, preliminary findings show that older people or those with an underlying medical condition often present severe symptoms.

When should you see a Doctor?

Reach out to your doctor immediately you notice the above symptoms and suspect it could be the coronavirus.

Let your doctor know if you’ve traveled overseas recently. You may want to call the doctor early in advance and inform them about your signs and symptoms.

They should be able to call you in for further tests. 

What causes Coronavirus?

Studies are still ongoing to get conclusive details on how this disease is spread.

However, experts believe that it’s spread when someone gets into contact with an infected person.

It can be spread through respiratory droplets discharged when an infected person either sneezes or coughs.

It’s still not clear whether you can be infected from touching surfaces that infected persons have touched. 

What Risk Factors?

These include:

  • Residence or having traveled to China recently
  • Older people or those who suffer from various medical conditions can be at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

These include people suffering from heart-related complications and diabetics. 

  • Getting into close contact with someone who is infected with the coronavirus.

For instance, when a healthcare worker or family member looks after infected persons

Prevention Tips

There may be no known vaccine available to prevent coronavirus infection. However, there is a lot you can do to reduce our risk of getting infected.

Centers for disease control and the world health organization have released preventive measures as follows. Adhere to them to avoid respiratory viruses. 

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water. You can also use a hand sanitizer containing a high level of alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unclean hands
  • Keep your nose and mouth covered with tissue or your elbow every time you sneeze or cough
  • Ensure the surfaces you touch often are well cleaned and sanitized
  • Avoid getting into close contact with a sick person. Experts say that sick persons should be quarantined immediately
  • Stay away from school, work, or other public areas when you get sick
  • Don’t share glasses, beddings, dishes, or any other domestic items if you are sick

 Apart from contacting your doctor if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, WHO recommend that you:

  • Avoid getting into contact with living animals or surfaces they could have touched especially when visiting live markets where coronavirus cases have been reported
  • Avoid eating undercooked or raw animal organs or meat

What about Traveling?

If you are planning an international trip you need to check for travel advisories.

Reach your doctor especially if you have any existing health conditions that put you at risk of contracting respiratory complications and infections. 

How Destructive is Coronavirus?

As we’ve mentioned above, the number of deaths so far stands at more than 2,700.

This has exceeded the deaths recorded during the SARS outbreak of 2002-2003 which had also emanated from China.

SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) death toll stood at approximately 9% of the infected persons.

This means that 800 people died across the world with China alone recording more than 300 deaths.

While MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) was more destructive, it didn’t escalate widely.

A third of infected persons died from the disease. Unlike SARS, coronavirus has spread more extensively in China regarding case numbers.

Still, WHO reports that the mortality rate is much lower standing at roughly 2%

Where have coronavirus cases been recorded?

A big percentage of coronavirus outbreak and deaths have been reported in China with a special focus on Hubei province.

Deaths have also been confirmed in the Philippines, Hong Kong, France, Jpan, South Korea, Iran, Italy, and Taiwan.

The coronavirus has escalated in other countries along the Asia-Pacific region as well as Africa, the Middle East, and North America.

Many of the cases reported outside of China are from people who traveled recently to the country.

Still, human to human transmission cases have been reported in various questions. 

What steps have been taken to Stop Spreading?

Scientists and researchers across the world are trying to establish a vaccine. However, they have indicated that it will only be available for bulk circulation after 2021.

Chinese authorities, on the other hand, have not only secured Wuhan, but they have also restricted travel between smaller cities in China.

Global airlines have called off flights to China and some countries have withdrawn their citizens from Wuhan.

Other countries have outlawed the entry of Chinese citizens in their region.

Coronavirus Statistics in children

Studies indicate that only 0.2% of kids and teenagers aged between 10 and 19 years have been infected worldwide.

Out of these, no fatalities have been reported. No infections have been reported in children between 0 to 9 years.

What has Les Elfes done about this situation?

Following this outbreak, Les Elfes, a holiday camping resort has been on high alert to guarantee that visitors are safe. The facility has also adopted tough scanning and measures within its entry points.

Further, Les Elfes is prepared to take care of a situation where a coronavirus case is suspected. It’s worth noting that children are less susceptible to the coronavirus.

This has been indicated clearly in some of the letters the center has circulated to clients. The latest statement from the group founder and CEO Mr. Philippe Stettler was as follows. 

Dear Client, 

This is the fourth statement regarding the evolution of the coronavirus, now named Covid-19.

Since last Friday I have been in touch directly with all of our clients from South East Asia and beyond, there have been developments which will be addressed, for Les Elfes we have been operating as normal, as per today: 

The Swiss government has not issued any bans against visitors from visiting the country. Groups can still make arrangements to visit the country and engage in their planned activities.

So far, Switzerland is still among the safest country to visit amid all the confusion surrounding the coronavirus.

At Les Elfes the situation remains the same. Our camp nurse is still checking students (and staff) on arrival 

The Swiss Government does not ban any group from any country in the world to enter Switzerland. 

Switzerland remains one of the safest places in the world 

The WHO has hailed tremendous progress in the fight against the virus 

Attached is a link from CNN Asia, informing that a case mortality rate of 2.3% this is higher than influenza but far lower than SARS ( 9.6% ) and MERS ( 35%) https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-19-20-intl-hnk/index.html 

A statement from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) finds that 80.9% of infections are classified as mild, 13.8% as severe and only 4.7% as critical.

The number of deaths among those infected, known as the fatality rate, remains low but rises among those over 80 years old. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51540981 

I am still of the opinion that we all must carry on as normal remain with firm measures in place for checking, and respond should the need arise 

I am at your disposal for any further information you may need 

Previous letters that Les Elfes released showed that:

“The OFSP, Federal Office of Public Health, published the fact that Switzerland is 100 % prepared in case of the arrival of coronavirus and informs that the risk is extremely low.”

“Our camp nurse is on location 24/7 to test all students (and staff) on arrival and we have a procedure in place should any student present with a fever or flu-like symptoms.”

Switzerland has one of the highest and best levels of care. This way, you can be sure that any cases will be handled appropriately to ensure everything is under control. The country has not been placed under any block list.

As a matter of importance we advocate for and encourage children to practice regular hand washing practices. Further, we have adopted measures to guarantee maximum hygiene at the camp. For instance, our cleaners disinfect rooms thoroughly before the kids check in and after they have checked out.

 “The Swiss Government does not ban any group from any country in the world to enter Switzerland” 

Dispersing the Myths

There have been numerous myths surrounding the coronavirus case as seen below.

Antibiotics can be used to treat Coronavirus

Antibiotics are only effective in bacteria-based diseases and won’t work on viruses. However, patients with a bacterial based infection will get an antibiotic recommendation. 

Herbal Remedies are Effective for Treating Coronavirus

As at not, no particular medicine has been endorsed as effective in treating coronavirus according to the World Health Organization.

WHO also goes on to say that: “Those infected with the virus should receive appropriate care to relieve and treat symptoms, and those with severe illness should receive optimized supportive care,” 

Finally

While countries are on high alert, you should adopt safety measures to reduce your chances of getting infected.  

The recommendations given in this article will help you stay on the safe side. 

How to Stay Healthy and Fit During the Winter

Staying fit and healthy during winter is not an easy task. What with the extreme cold conditions?

Many people would rather stay indoors to keep themselves warm and this encourages unhealthy practices. Here are some tips to help you maintain good shape and fitness in winter.  

1. Exercise at home

Even when you spend most of your time at home during the winter, you can still find time to exercise. There are many exercises you can do from the comfort of your home without going to the gym.

Where possible invest in an exercise bike or a treadmill to facilitate your home-based workout sessions.

Exercising at home doesn’t have to be a huge investment. You can make use of what you already have. For instance, playing your favorite song and dancing the cold away can be a great way to lose some weight and keep fit.

If you have not yet tried yoga, winter is the perfect time to indulge in this activity. Buy a yoga mat, practice yoga, and enhance your mental and physical health benefits.

If you’re practicing yoga for the first time you can always learn from online videos. 

2. Diet and Exercise Tips

With winter, come weather-related injuries. However, one of the biggest risks to your general health is paying little attention to work out and diet routines.

Winter falls around the holiday season when many people are overly busy buying and wrapping gifts or concluding their travel plans. Others will be on the run to complete pending tasks at work in readiness for the end of year festivities.

As such, only a few people remember their health practices. Combine this with the chilly weather and you’ll lack the motivation to go outdoors and exercise or head to the gym.

The more time you spend indoors the more you snack on unhealthy foods and keep piling up the weight. The results will be low self-esteem and a lack of happiness over time.

Maintaining a proper workout and diet routine is critical to keeping lifestyle-related diseases at bay.

Studies show that approximately 20% of people living in the USA suffer flu or cold each year. Winter increases the risk of contracting flu or cold more than any other season.

The following workout and diet tips will help you stay fit and healthy during the cold season. 

·         Counter Your Carb Cravings

Often, winter will make your body crave more comfort foods and carbs. These foods stimulate your serotonin levels and convince your brain that you’re happier.

With time, your cravings get stronger and can become uncontrollable if you don’t curb them. To counter this situation, eat a protein-rich breakfast. This will enhance your energy levels across the day.

If after this you still crave carbs and sweets, try consuming healthy low-fat snacks.

The best solution however would be establishing a way of enhancing your serotonin levels without consuming excess carbs. 

·         Don’t forget your Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that are naturally present in different types of food such as nuts, plant seeds, and fish.

These fatty acids contain natural anti-inflammatory properties that come in handy to reduce stiffness and joint pain.

According to research, omega 3 fatty acids help lower depression rampant during the winter season. 

·         Include Mushrooms in Your diet

Some mushroom species come with naturally occurring antibiotics which boosts your immune system.

These medicinal properties help your body fight off different types of illnesses.

Next time you go grocery shopping, remember to purchase different types of mushroom species such as shiitake and white button and incorporate them into your diet.  

·         Consume more Fiber

Soluble fiber available in different food sources such as nuts, oats, and apples is critical when it comes to reducing inflammation.

They are also ideal for promoting immune system functions. Soluble fiber comes in handy to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, putting diabetes at bay, and aiding weight loss.

Are you’re struggling with digestive system-related complications? Increasing your soluble fiber intake is ideal for relieving the situation.

·         Increase your intake of Orange and Green Vegetables

Consuming orange and dark green fruits and vegetables is an ideal way of nourishing your body with healthy fats, sugars, and nutrients.

Some of these include spinach, Swiss chard, kale, squash, oranges, and carrots. All these foods are not only delicious during winter, but they will come in handy to keep you healthy.

Leverage on the numerous recipes available online to prepare delicious meals for you and your family.

·         Incorporate Spices in Your Recipes

Different natural spices such as cilantro, ginger, garlic, and onions are great when to add flavor to your meals.

What’s more, they help enhance immune function and counter various conditions such as heart-related complications and inflammation. Other spices contain potent antioxidant properties.  

3. Plan a Winter Camp Holiday

A winter camp holiday is a good way of putting winter blues at bay and reenergizing yourself. Planning a holiday, however, can be a daunting task but you don’t have to struggle with it.

What you’ll need is to get in touch with the winter camp organizers at Les Elfes and they’ll be glad to be of assistance.

Les Elfes lies in Verbier, one of the biggest ski resorts in Switzerland. Visiting Les Elfes during the winter is a great idea because the paths aren’t overly congested then.

What’s more, you get a chance to marvel at the beautiful surroundings, excellent restaurants, and snow-covered streets.

Verbier may be small, but it gives you one of the most thrilling experiences during your winter camp vacation.

Taking a winter camp vacation at Les Elfes is one of the best things you can do for you and your kids.

There are numerous activities you can engage in here which promote mental and physical workouts.

Les Elfes which has been in operation is home to more than 5,000 students per year. It’s a hub of activity throughout the year with summer camps being the most crowded.

If you dislike crowds, visiting during winter would be ideal. 

·         Ski and Field Trips

As we’ve seen before, being active during winter is one way to maintain fitness and good health.

The field and ski trips offered at Les Elfes are designed to help you maintain good shape even during the cold season.

At Les Elfes, safety is of utmost importance which is why you’ll get fully supervised trips throughout the year.

These are designed to incorporate educational ideas. The teachers at Les Elfes are not only well trained, but they are also experienced in their field.

Further, they usually attend refresher courses to ensure they are conversant with international safety standards and practices. 

·         Learn Skiing and Snowboarding

If you’re yet to learn how to ski, going for a winter camp vacation gives you the ideal opportunity to do so.

Strive to learn more winter-based sports before your vacation comes to an end. Remember, learning can be easy but mastering the skills will be a daunting task.

However, with regular practice and visiting the camp often during winter will help you enhance your skills. 

·         Will you Need Safety Gear?

Yes. Thankfully you can rent them at Les Elfes. This way, you don’t need to run from shop to shop in search of the ideal equipment.

·         Learn a New Language

If you’re passionate about languages, then there various language course sessions offered at Les Elfes.

Enrolling your child for foreign language lessons at Les Elfes exposes the child to different cultures.

Further, it enables them to interact with other students from different parts of the world. Beware that they will learn a thing or two from one another.

4. Salt Walkways and Driveways

The formation of ice is one of the greatest threats to your security during winter. Salting your walkways and driveways regularly helps prevent injuries and boosts your safety.

If your home has outdoor stairs you should exercise extra caution to avoid slips and falls during extreme winter conditions.

Be careful when walking on snow too. Remember, the ground will be slippery most of the time and you could easily slide and fall. 

5. Mental Health and Wellness Tips

Did you know that many people suffer from depression during winter? This condition can cause a deprivation of general mental health.

The onset of winter triggers sadness and depression in many people as a result of reduced levels of sunlight. This condition is more prevalent in women than it is in men.

Poor mental fitness can expose you to illness and stress, This explains why you need to pay extra attention to your health during winter.

There are different ways of improving your mental health and overall wellness as seen below. 

·         Wash Your Hands Frequently

Frequent hand washing across the day comes in handy to protect you and other people around you from cold and flu. 

·         Increase Your Vitamin Supplement Intake

Taking vitamin C supplements during winter helps your body to counter symptoms of flu and cold.

Vitamin D makes up for the lack of light experienced in winter. Remember to step out in the sun whenever it shows up to benefit from natural vitamin D.

This vitamin is particularly important because it facilitates the absorption of other vitamins and nutrients in the body. These include calcium, iron, and Vitamin A. 

Finally

Whether you’re out on your winter camp vacation or at home, be sure to relax well and get sufficient sleep. Remember, your body gets accustomed to the shorter days and will need to sleep longer. Leverage the longer evenings to meditate and relax before you can finally retire to bed.