Tips to Create a Fun, Educational, and Safe Summer Camp for Kids in 2023

17 Jul 2023

lesadmin

Besides creating lasting memories, sending your child to a summer camp allows them to make new friends. Summer camps provide an ideal environment for kids to develop their self-esteem and learn new skills.

An excellent international summer camp teaches kids how to be resilient and teamwork while offering activities allowing children to connect with nature. The right summer camp environment should prioritize children’s safety by ensuring camp staff are well-trained, caring, and experienced enough to allow children to grow.

Preparing for a Successful Summer Camp

Lots of organization and planning goes into creating a successful summer camp. So, where do the camp proprietors start? Here are some tips.

Define Camp Objectives

As a camp proprietor, it’s important to understand the purpose and goals of your facility. What do you want campers to experience and learn during their time at the summer camp? Establish what you want them to accomplish once their time at the camp is over. Think about the activities your camp offers. Do they encourage children to be creative? What about promoting learning or nurturing kids to develop various skills? Planning the ideal summer camp experience can be taxing, but proprietors can collaborate with professionals to customize their camp’s curriculum and activities to align with their camp’s objectives.

Plan a Well-rounded Curriculum

A well-rounded summer camp curriculum ensures campers have an engaging yet diverse learning experience. An extensive curriculum should incorporate the following.

Educational Activities

Include academic subjects that are age-appropriate and align with the camper’s interests. These include history, language arts, science, and math. Adopt interactive teaching practices such as educational games, experiments, debates, and projects to make learning enjoyable.

Incorporate activities encouraging campers to develop and nurture their creativity and artistic skills like dance, drama, music, and visual arts. Ensure the curriculum allows campers to learn new techniques and exhibit their talents.

Physical Fitness and Sports

Provide various physical and sports activities. Plan individual and team sports, outdoor adventures like swimming or hiking, and relay races. Incorporate teamwork and sportsmanship lessons, and ensure they understand the importance of physical well-being.

Teach Life Skills

Incorporate practical skills that can benefit campers in their daily lives. Provide leadership, communication, problem-solving, money management, first aid, and cooking workshops. Besides empowering the campers, these skills boost their self-confidence.

Camp proprietors should strive to balance structured activities with unstructured time to help campers engage in things they are passionate about, bond, and relax. A well-rounded curriculum should meet your camp’s objectives while catering to different age groups.

Evaluate and modify the curriculum depending on feedback from clients and your observations. Doing so helps you develop an engaging, dynamic, and rewarding curriculum for campers.

Engage Qualified and Enthusiastic Staff

Engaging the right staff helps you provide a successful summer experience. Finding and retaining talented and passionate individuals can be challenging. Here are tips to ease the process.

Advertise Open Positions

Today, you can advertise vacant positions on social media, job boards, professional networks, educational institutions, and local community groups. Communicate your expectations and staff requirements, and define the application process clearly to attract suitable candidates.

Outline the responsibilities and roles for each open position in your summer camp. Highlight the experience, qualifications, and certifications needed for critical roles such as lifeguards, activity instructors, counselors, and healthcare providers.

Conduct a Rigorous Interview Process

Use a structured interview process when screening applicants. Ask pertinent questions to gauge their skills, qualifications, passion, and experience working with children. Establish their ability to navigate challenging situations, assist with the camp’s objectives, and work in a team.

Run Background Checks and Contact References

Background checks are critical to choosing the right staff and guaranteeing the safety of campers. Call their references to establish their suitability, reliability, and work ethic for the role. Contact potential candidates’ previous supervisors or employers to establish their performance.

Creating a Safe Environment

A safe environment is crucial when creating a summer camp. Here are tips to help you guarantee the safety and well-being of campers.

Ensure Appropriate Facilities

Conduct an in-depth risk assessment of the summer campsite, planned activities, and facilities. Determine any potential hazards like water bodies, uneven terrain, poorly placed equipment, or weather-related dangers and work out strategies to alleviate them and guarantee campers a safer environment.

Acquire medical data and emergency contact details for every camper. Communicate with their guardians or parents to determine any special needs, medical conditions, or allergies campers may have. Secure a well-stocked first-aid kit and ensure all the staff undergo thorough CPR and first-aid training.

Ensure the campsite is spacious enough to accommodate all the planned activities adequately. Remember to thoroughly inspect the camp to ensure it meets local safety standards. Make sure the fire extinguishers and fire alarms are functional. Evaluate the emergency exits and provide adequate lighting. Perform regular maintenance of the summer camp to identify potential issues promptly.

Establish Clear Rules and Guidelines

Set up comprehensive but clear safety procedures and policies for your camp, including behavior management, transportation, emergency response, and supervision guidelines. Ensure all staff members and campers understand and adhere to the policies. Tailoring your guidelines and rules to your camper’s age groups is also important. Remember, young campers will need concrete yet simple rules, while older counterparts will understand complex guidelines. Establish rules based on the developmental stage and abilities of your campers.

Enforce rules across the entire summer camp consistently to ensure every party is conversant with and follows the rules. Consistency establishes a sense of fairness and guarantees an orderly environment.

Communicate the consequences of breaching the rules. Ensure the staff and campers understand the disciplinary actions they’ll face for violating the guidelines. However, ensure the consequences are appropriate, consistent, and fair for the violation.

Remember, you can reinforce rules and guidelines by adhering to the rules yourself. Ensure staff members follow the rules consistently. Practicing positive role modeling promotes a culture of responsibility and respect. Review your rules regularly to determine their effectiveness.

Ask your staff members, campers, guardians, or parents for feedback. Doing so will help you identify areas that require improvement. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure the rules maintain their suitability.

Implement Effective Supervision

Enforcing adequate supervision helps guarantee the well-being and safety of campers at your facility. But how can you uphold a solid supervision system? Here are tips.

Maintain Appropriate Camper-to-staff Ratios

Establish a suitable staff-to-camper ratio depending on the camper’s needs, age, developmental stage, and activities they’ll be engaging in. Study the legal requirements and industry standards governing camper-to-staff ratios within your location. Remember, these may vary based on factors like the type of activities your camp offers, duration of stay, and unique circumstances of the summer camp.

Remember, some activities require more supervision than others, meaning more staff will be required. These include outdoor adventures, water sports, and field trips. Are the campers attending overnight or day camp? The camper-to-staff ratios, in this case, will vary accordingly. Campers attending overnight camp will require more supervision than their counterparts at a day camp.

Assign Qualified Staff to Oversee Different Activities

Choose your staff carefully to ensure the safety and adequate supervision of campers at the facility. To enhance the effectiveness of day camp activities, consider matching staff expertise and interests.

Evaluate their qualifications, certifications, and experience and establish their areas of competence and suitability for specific activities. For example, staff with a background in arts will be suitable to handle arts and crafts lessons. At the same time, individuals passionate about sports can oversee athletics, tennis, mini golf, or athletic activities.

Provide your staff with the necessary orientation and training to execute their duties effectively. Doing so ensures consistency while enabling them to give campers a positive experience. Be flexible and ready to adjust based on the international summer camp’s changing dynamics and needs. Leverage camp feedback to make the necessary changes to provide the best experience for campers.

Adopt collaborative planning by making your staff members part of the planning process. Encourage them to share their ideas to improve activity programming. Collaboration promotes a sense of investment and ownership among your staff members, helping them deliver more meaningful and engaging activities.

Open communication with staff supervising different activities facilitates effective execution. Ensure they understand their responsibilities and roles clearly. Discuss any changes or updates regarding the activities regularly to ensure everybody is on the same page. Encourage your staff to share suggestions, concerns, or feedback to enhance the camp experience.

Monitor Campers’ Well-Being, Ensuring They Are Safe and Accounted For at All Times

Monitoring camper’s well-being at the summer camp significantly guarantees their accountability and safety within the facility. You can do so by:

Creating staff awareness:Teach staff members the art of always remaining vigilant and observing campers. Prioritize the importance of monitoring campers’ well-being, interactions, and behavior keenly. Your staff should beware of the camp surroundings and be alert to potential concerns and risks.
Supervise the camper check-in and check-out process:Adopt an effective system for checking campers during scheduled events or meal times. Doing so ensures that all campers are accounted for and are in the right location at the appointed time.
Maintain attendance and roster records for every event and activity: Doing so allows you to monitor the participation and presence of every camper. Analyze the attendance records regularly to identify any arising issues and ensure all campers are accounted for.
Supervision during transitions:Be overly attentive to campers as they transition between activities and during breaks. Transition periods can be disorganized, especially during the first week of camp. Exercising caution ensures all campers stay together and are accounted for.
Adopt the buddy system:This involves pairing campers and encouraging them to look out for one another. It encourages a sense of responsibility while increasing the likelihood of discerning when someone is missing without delay.

Infusing Fun and Educational Elements

Incorporating fun and educational features in your summer camp program creates an enriching and engaging experience for campers. Provide a wide range of activities to allow campers to choose the best that align with their interests. You can accomplish this by:

Offer Diverse Activities

Adopting theme-based activities: Classify campers according to their age groups or skill level, choose a theme for each group, and design activities around it. These can include attending a wilderness adventure, biking, attending field trips, or engaging in swimming competitions. Having a theme makes educational-based activities more fun.

Hands-on learning: Create opportunities for campers to practice hands-on learning. Incorporate science projects, interactive experiments, cooking workshops, arts and crafts, or nature exploration. Doing so allows campers to participate in various experiential activities and learn through them actively.

Outdoor adventures: Plan outdoor adventures like camping, hiking, field trips to farms, gardens, parks, and nature walks. Include environmental education, wildlife observation, and nature-based activities to help campers connect with and appreciate nature.

Creative arts:

Incorporate activities that encourage campers to be creative and self-expressive.

Provide drama, visual arts, dance, music, and creative writing sessions.

Encourage the campers to probe their artistic talents, develop new skills, and display their creations.

Team building and sports:

Incorporate team building and sports activities in your program.
Plan team sports, relay races, cooperative games, and obstacle courses.
Reiterate the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy competition.

Stem exploration:

Include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) activities to provoke campers’ problem-solving and curiosity skills.
Provide coding workshops, science experiments, robotic challenges, and engineering projects.
Make STEM activities accessible and engaging with age-appropriate challenges and hands-on projects.

Workshops and guest speakers: Invite experts, guest speakers, or professionals to run workshops and provide talks on topics related to the camp’s areas of interest. They can share their experiences, provide insights, and inspire the campers through their prowess.

Physical and sports activities: Include sports like volleyball, swimming, basketball, soccer, or tennis in your program. You can also provide non-traditional sports such as archery, yoga, or martial arts. Provide options for different interests and skill levels to accommodate a wide range of campers.

Performing arts: Provide activities in music, dance, improvisation, or theatre. Allow campers to learn new dance styles, perform skits, play musical instruments, and participate in a talent show.

Foster Experiential Learning

Experiential learning keeps campers engaged in hands-on and active experiences, enhancing their knowledge comprehension and retention. To foster experiential learning, you need to:

Engage campers’ senses: Develop activities involving multiple senses to boost the learning experience. Integrate sensory elements such as sound, sight, taste, smell, and touch to create more immersive and memorable activities.

Adopt real-world connections: Linking your lessons to real-world applications helps learners understand the relevance of their lessons. Bridge academic ideas to everyday experiences and practical programs to illustrate the application of knowledge in the real world.

Outdoor exploration and field trips: Accompany campers to nature reserves, historical sites, local businesses, museums, and field trips. These experiences provide the ideal opportunities for hands-on learning while allowing campers to explore the world away from camp.

Project-oriented learning: Allocate campers to projects that compel them to apply things they’ve learned in a practical context. These may involve problem-solving, research, collaboration, and creativity. Encourage campers to be liable for their projects and provide the necessary guidance.

Discussion and reflection: Reserve time for campers to ponder their experiences and participate in meaningful discussions. Encourage campers to share their connections, insights, and thoughts when participating in the summer camp activities.

Use simulations and role-playing: Doing so allows campers to recreate real-life scenarios. Campers can assume different roles, make informed decisions, and encounter the outcome of their actions within an educational and controlled environment.

Making mistakes is part of learning: The summer camp environment should be a safe space where campers can make and learn through mistakes comfortably. Encourage campers to evaluate their mistakes and reflect on the lessons. Doing so helps them develop problem-solving skills and resilience.

Integrate Team-Building and Social Interactions

Incorporating team-building activities and promoting social interactions helps create an inclusive and positive environment in summer camps in Switzerland 2023. To achieve this, you must include the following in your summer camp program:

Icebreaker activities: Whether campers attend camp for the first time or not, icebreaker activities help them interact with and get to know each other. These activities include team-building exercises, name games, and get-to-know-you activities.

Team challenges: Plan team challenges that campers can collaborate in to counter challenges and solve problems. These challenges can either be mental, physical, or both. Reiterate the importance of strategic thinking, effective communication, and teamwork to achieve success.

Group projects: Allocate group projects encouraging campers to work together towards a common goal. This may involve developing a structure, creating a performance, or planning a themed event. Group-based projects encourage creativity, collaboration, and collaborative decision-making.

Team-building initiatives and games: Include games and team-building initiatives focusing on communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and trust-building. These activities encourage campers to work together, develop robust relationships, and learn from one another.

Conflict resolution and communication workshops: Provide sessions or workshops on effective conflict resolution and communication. Ensure campers understand how to settle conflicts constructively, listen actively, and express themselves assertively. These skills help campers develop healthy relationships and maintain positive social interactions.

Communication and Inclusion

Proper communication and inclusion are crucial to creating a positive summer camp environment. Here are tips to help camp proprietors actualize this.

Maintain respectful and open communication:

Provide an environment where campers will share their ideas and thoughts while expressing themselves comfortably.
Encourage respectful communication and active listening among staff, campers, and volunteers.
Exemplify positive communication practices and guide campers to ensure they understand the practical communication approach.

Encourage participation:

Create opportunities for campers to participate and contribute actively.
Make sure that discussions and activities facilitate equal engagement and participation from campers of different personalities, backgrounds, and abilities.
Don’t allow exclusionary or favoritism practices.

Use respectful language:

Train campers on using considerate, respectful, and inclusive language among themselves.
Discourage stereotypes or assumptions about abilities, race, or gender.
Promote an inclusivity culture by reiterating the value of diversity and celebrating individual differences.

Establish clear communication channels: Campers, their parents or guardians, and staff should be able to communicate via dedicated communication apps, online platforms, phones, or email.

Encourage feedback:

Encourage parents, guardians, staff, and campers to provide feedback regarding the camp program, activities, and overall experience.
Consider availing anonymous feedback options for individuals who prefer sharing their feedback anonymously.
Leverage feedback to make the necessary improvements and address arising matters.

Communicate with guardians and parents regularly:

Keep parents updated about camp schedules, activities, changes, or any updates.
Communicate regularly through parent meetings, emails, and newsletters.
Provide a platform for parents to share their concerns and ask questions.

Provide staff training: Train staff members to ensure they understand effective communication strategies, conflict resolution approaches, and active listening skills. Ensure staff members communicate accurately and timely, address concerns, and manage communication challenges.

Create an Inclusive Environment

An inclusive environment helps campers feel respected, welcomed, and valued in the summer camp. You can promote inclusivity by:

Embracing diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate the diversity among campers, such as differences in ethnicity, race, gender, socioeconomic background, ability, and religious or cultural beliefs.

Educate staff and campers: Train staff members and campers about inclusion, equity, and diversity. Organize workshops or create activities that promote appreciation, empathy, and understanding for varying experiences and backgrounds.

Create equal opportunities: Ensure all campers have equal opportunities to engage in decision-making processes, leadership roles, and activities. Allow campers to showcase their unique talents without favoritism.

Promote understanding and empathy: Encourage campers to listen and learn from each other’s experiences. Cultivate a culture of empathy, kindness, and acceptance.

Peer mentoring and support: Have campers support one another and provide mentorship programs, allowing more experienced or older campers to guide and help newer or younger campers.

Continuous assessment and improvement: Evaluate the inclusivity of the summer camp environment by running surveys, collecting feedback, or holding discussions with parents, staff, and campers. Leverage the feedback to make adjustments and improvements to ensure the camp meets the needs of all campers.

Conclusion

You need excellent planning skills and attention to detail to create a fun, educational, safe summer camp in 2023. A well-organized summer camp creates a structured, nurturing environment supporting children’s holistic well-being and development. It provides opportunities for social connections, learning, creating memorable experiences, and promoting personal growth.

The ideal summer camp facility nurtures children to discover their talents and acquire skills they can leverage to shape their future lives. Implementing the tips in this article will help create a memorable and enriching summer camp experience for children.

Revisiting Les Elfes: An Enchanting Alpine Experience for Student

15 Jun 2023

lesadmin

The Les Elfes Switzerland summer camp is located in Verbier. Les Elfes camp attracts thousands of children from different parts of the world. The camp is popularly known for its remarkable beauty and the availability of multiple outdoor activities.

Les Elfes camp lies in the charming Swiss Alps. If you’re planning to send your children summer camp, then you can be sure they’ll enjoy the camp’s blend of educational, cultural immersion, and adventurous experiences. Les Elfes camp is known for its unique summer activities for children of all ages including mountain biking, rock climbing, mountaineering, orienteering, and water sports. These activities enable children to learn new skills.

Les Elfes Camp Offers Activities for Children of all Ages

It doesn’t matter whether children are experienced or a beginner in these activities. There are experienced and qualified trainers ready to train them from scratch. What’s more, Les Elfes offers extensive programs for children of different ages, and that allows them to make new friends, understand new cultures, develop new skills, and explore the alpine environment.

Whether students choose to marvel at the incredible scenery or participate in fun outdoor or educational activities, Les Elfes is your one-stop camp for them to enjoy unforgettable moments. Indeed, Les Elfes camp has an unforgettable and irresistible charm and allure, and this explains why I planned my revisit to the area, despite having spent some days in the camp last summer.

This article covers the magic of Les Elfes camp, the available activities for children of different ages, and how visiting the camp helps them create unforgettable memories. This comprehensive article will help you understand why you should send your kids to Les Elfes summer camp at least once in their lifetime.

Unveiling the Magic

Les Elfes is nestled at the core of the Swiss Alps, providing a charming natural setting. Crystalline mountain lakes, opulent alpine meadows, and splendid snow-capped peaks define the camp. The landscape is marked with scenic villages and a Les Elfes chalet, creating a postcard-appropriate scene at each end. Les Elfes’ spectacular mountain vistas are some of the camp’s breathtaking facets of natural beauty.

Towering peaks like the renowned Matterhorn control the horizon, providing the alpine landscape with a sensational backdrop. These impressive mountains provide breathtaking views triggering a sense of awe and wonder.

Les Elfes goes down in history as one of the camps with some of the most pristine forests in the world. These display vibrant colors all year round. During summer, beautiful wildflowers cover the hillsides before the foliage transforms to create an awe-inspiring collection of golden hues during autumn. Les Elfes camp is also surrounded by many rivers and lakes that reflect the neighboring peaks to create a relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re visiting Verbier for the first time, you can immerse yourself in exciting activities while marveling at the elegance of the alpine waters.

The scenic surroundings and natural beauty of Les Elfes camp offer a nice blend of tranquility and luxury, giving campers an alpine experience to remember.

New Activities for Different Age Groups

Les Elfes camp offers a wide range of fun and educational activities designed for kids in the discovery age group. These activities are tailored to give children an enriching yet fun experience while promoting cultural awareness and personal growth. They combine fun, education, and adventure to give the children an all-round experience that stimulates curiosity while promoting personal growth and creating lifelong memories.

. Activities for Discovery Age Group (6-10 years)

Here are some activities for children under this age group.

Outdoor Adventure

Children can engage in various outdoor activities that encourage them to work as a team while exploring. Other outdoor activities include building snow forts, ice skating, and tobogganing.

Arts and Crafts

Creative workshops take place at Les Elfes, allowing children to learn and practice their artistic skills. They can engage in activities like crafting and painting, which allows them to activate their imagination and creativity. These workshops create an opportunity for children to express themselves and carry their unique mementos and creations home.

Leadership and Team Building Activities

Les Elfes includes leadership and team-building activities in its program for children in the discovery age group. Children can learn and develop their communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving expertise through these activities. Children can also participate in collaborative projects, group games, and team challenges that encourage togetherness and cooperation.

Cultural Experiences

Les Elfes is committed to providing children with a multicultural experience. They can participate in activities that help them learn about the music, arts, and cultures of Switzerland and other international traditions. For example, they can attend cultural exchange sessions with their peers from other countries, participate in local delicacy-tasting activities, and learn traditional Swiss dances.

Nature Exploration Activities

Nature-based activities at Les Elfes camp help children appreciate the environment. They can participate in guided nature walks, learn the importance of conserving natural habitats, and study the local flora and fauna. These activities encourage children to connect with the natural world while helping them understand sustainability.

. Activities for Explorers Age Group (10-14 years)

Les Elfes offers various engaging and fun activities specially customized for children aged ten to 14 or the explorer’s age group. These activities provide children with an opportunity for cultural immersion, skill-building, adventure, and personal development. They include:

General Summer Camp Activities

Les Elfes international summer camp offers other activities for children allowing children to showcase their talents. These include: billiards, basketball, trampoline, musical instruments, card games, theatre, picnic, bonfire, barbecue, photography on campus, boat trips, disco, talent show, and shopping in Verbier.

Ball Summer Camp Sports

Campers can engage in a wide range of ball sports such as: tennis, minigolf, golf, football, volleyball, basketball (streetball), beach volleyball, table tennis, badminton, squash, and pétanque.

Outdoor Adventures

Les Elfes offers riveting outdoor adventures, and these allow participants to explore the surrounding natural landscapes. These include mountain bike excursions, guided hikes, and rock climbing expeditions. These activities are designed to give explorers an exhilarating experience and promote resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork.

Cultural Immersion

Campers can learn about the Swiss culture as well as the cultures of other international participants. They can do so by participating in cultural exchange activities that help them appreciate diversity while promoting intercultural understanding, learning traditional dances, and enrolling in language lessons.

Leadership Development

Les Elfes camp offers activities that help explorers develop their leadership skills. These include group initiatives that promote cooperation, decision-making, communication, problem-solving challenges, and team-building exercises. These activities are designed to instill resilience and confidence while enabling the explorers to work together as a team.

Environmental Awareness

Les Elfes camp stresses the significance of environmental stewardship. Explorers can engage in activities designed for ecological sustainability and conservation. They can also embark on nature walks, engage in environmental awareness workshops, and learn about the local fauna and flora. These activities promote a deep understanding of the natural world while teaching participants why they should conserve it.

Creative Workshops

Explorers can leverage the various workshops available at Les Elfes to discharge their creativity. These workshops include music lessons, photography, and arts and crafts. They allow participants to learn new skills and express themselves in a supportive environment. Further, they encourage participants to learn the art of self-expression and imagination and attain personal growth.

. Activities for Pioneers Age Group (15-17 years)

Activities for 15 to 17-year-olds are enriching and exciting. They’re designed to create cultural immersion, challenging adventurers, personal growth, and leadership opportunities. They include:

Advanced Alpine Sports

Pioneers can improve their skills in alpine sports via specialized training and advanced lessons. They can participate in advanced snowboarding or skiing lessons during winter. These activities offer a rewarding yet thrilling experience for teenagers seeking to push their limits.

Outdoor Expeditions

Outdoor expeditions at Les Elfes camp allow pioneers to explore the picturesque Swiss Alps. They can go on multiple-day camping, hiking, mountaineering expeditions, or challenging rock-climbing excursions. These activities promote self-reliance, teamwork, and resilience while giving participants an opportunity to marvel at the impressive alpine landscapes.

Leadership Development

There are specially designed leadership development programs at Les Elfes. Pioneers seeking to develop essential leadership skills can enroll in these programs. They include leadership seminars and workshops, and community service projects. By participating in these projects, teenagers become more resilient, improve their problem-solving abilities, and become better leaders.

Language Studies and Cultural Immersion

Pioneers can delve deep into language studies and cultural immersion. Language lessons help them improve their communication skills. The ability to speak well means that pioneers can participate in cultural activities or workshops that help them understand the Swiss culture better. These activities promote cross-cultural communication while giving pioneers a global perspective. They also widen their horizons.

Career and Life Skills Programs

Programs that offer practical knowledge and skills for a better future play a huge role in a pioneer’s life. These include lessons about building resumes, tackling interviews, time management, and financial literacy. These programs equip pioneers with excellent life skills that benefit them for the rest of their lives.

Environmental Conservation Drives

Les Elfes camp encourages pioneers to advocate for sustainable practices and promote environmental awareness. To actualize this, pioneers often participate in environmental stewardship workshops, ecological conservation projects, and nature-based activities, reiterating the importance of conserving the environment.

Adventure Awaits

As mentioned above, Les Elfes camp offers various adventure activities for children of different ages and adults of varying skill levels. These activities are specially designed to allow you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural environment of the Swiss Alps as you experience the alluring outdoors. You can participate in the following activities at Les Elfes regardless of your skill level.

Mountain biking
Climbing and mountaineering
Trekking and hiking
Ziplining and visiting adventure parks
Paragliding

Embracing the Local Culture

Les Elfes is in Switzerland, a country renowned for its rich traditions and cultural traditions. But it also upholds the local culture in different ways, as seen below.

· Swiss Cuisine

If you’re visiting Les Elfes camp for the first time, you’ll get to sample Swiss cuisine, popularly known for its delicious and hearty flavors. Some traditional dishes on offer include melted cheese served with bread cubes or fondue, melted cheese scraped onto potatoes or raclette, Swiss chocolate, and fried grated potatoes or rosti. These culinary experiences give you a taste of Swiss culinary art and its focus on traditional recipes and quality ingredients.

· Cultural Workshops

Campers can participate in cultural workshops and learn about Swiss traditions, arts, and crafts. These programs include cheese-making presentations. These immersive experiences allow kids to understand the local traditions and culture.

Visitors can also explore the local culture through:

Attending alpine festivals
Participating in cultural and language exchange programs
Engaging in Swiss outdoor activities
Going on excursions to local villages

The Swiss people are renowned for their welcoming and warm hospitality nature. They are accommodating and ready to help, polite and friendly, and willing to share their local traditions with visitors. Swiss residents also respect others’ privacy while appreciating cultural diversity.

Rediscovering Winter Wonderland

The winter season is a time to behold in Les Elfes camp and Verbier in general. Thousands of visitors from different parts of the world visit the Verbier to experience the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Various aspects contribute to Les Elfes camp’s allure during winter, and these include:

Snow-capped alpine landscapes
Top-notch snowboarding and skiing during winter
Comfortable alpine chalets
A family-friendly and festive atmosphere
Adventurous winter activities
Apre-ski and nightlife

A Haven for Relaxation

Switzerland displays a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and this makes it an ideal location for people looking for a break from the fast-paced world. Various aspects are responsible for making the country a haven for relaxation, and they include:

Flawless natural surroundings
Serene accommodations
Calm and quiet environment
Spa and wellness facilities
A connection with nature
Mindful activities
An emphasis on the theory of slow living

Unforgettable Memories

During my revisit to Les Elfes 2023 trip, I created lasting memories that will remain in my heart. Here are some of the experiences that made my time revisit worthwhile.

Adventurous escapades such as skiing down the slopes during winter
Cultural immersion
The area’s breathtaking natural beauty
Beautiful sunsets
Availability of a wide range of activities to participate in
The warm and welcoming nature of the residents
Moments of serenity and calmness
The unforgettable alpine beauty
Personal development

Conclusion

Les Elfes international summer and winter camp remains one of the most beautiful camps in the world. Thousands of campers troop to the area every year to enjoy the alpine experience, participate in a wide range of activities, and immerse themselves in the winter wonderland. Les Elfes summer camp offers a combination of a serene atmosphere, warm hospitality, adventure, and natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a reason to send your kids to the camp, you should revisit les Elfes reviews to be convinced. Don’t let your children read about Les Elfes camp in the books. Instead, enroll them in the camp, pack their travel bag, and let them experience the allure of Les Elfes camp firsthand.

How Kids Can Learn English in Verbier During Summer Camp

13 Apr 2023

lesadmin

Children don’t have to attend private lessons to learn the English language. Instead, they can do so within the confines of a summer camp in Verbier. Unlike a school setting where learners cope with strict deadlines, the camp offers a flexible and fun learning environment, as we’ll learn in this article. Further, campers can learn and engage in activities as a group, making the process exciting. If you want your children to learn english in Verbier, consider sending them to a summer camp.

Why Children Should Learn English in Verbier During Summer Camp

When children are fluent in English, they can communicate better with people from different countries. Did you know that approximately 370 million people speak English worldwide? It’s also the formal language of 50 countries. The ability to speak the language is not just about communicating with native speakers. Worth mentioning is that learning English helps campers socialize better in summer camp.

Learning English can have a positive impact on your kid’s academic development. Spending more time in an English-speaking setting helps children learn the language quickly and naturally. This boosts their language skills while eliminating the language barrier in other subjects like geography and history.

Why Choose Verbier for a Summer Camp?

Besides the luxury that defines Verbier ski resort, the location has lots to offer during summer. Whether you want your children to experience the culture, engage in adventurous activities, or enroll in a snowboard school, there is something for everyone. Here is why you should pick Verbier for your child’s summer camp trip.

· An Opportunity to go Hiking

Verbier has more than 500 km of marked trails for visitors to explore. If your child is a hiking enthusiast, this makes the location suitable for their needs. Whether children want to practice athletic challenges, go for long treks, educational tours, or even themed paths, Verbier is an ideal location.

· The Thrills

High school students will have a field day in Verbier during the summer. What with the incredible views of Combins massifs, Mont-Blanc, and the Alps? If your children are passionate about paragliding, they can’t go wrong with Verbier. Older children who are not afraid of adventurous activities can try the 4000m helicopter jump in breathtaking surroundings. Younger children can enjoy thrills from Medran’s Aerial Walkway. This is a treetop adrenaline-filled adventure that tests their skill, balance, and agility on different courses of varied difficulty.

· Mountain Biking

There are marked biking trails in Verbier, as well as a bike park with different trails of varying abilities. If your children love adrenaline ski, they will love mountain biking in the summer camp. Verbier hosts various bike events in the summer, which children will be elated to attend.

· Benefits of Learning English in a Real-world Context

What does it mean when children learn English in a real-world environment? They’re able to apply their skills and knowledge, which allows them to use and transfer what they learn into the real world. They’ll be likely to determine the relevance of what they have learned to their role.

Some studies suggest that learning programs can alter behavior and generate positive results when learners are engaged in their lessons. Learning in a real-world setting enables learners to value the application of the skills and knowledge the learning activity promotes. This increases engagement and motivation.

· Accommodation Options Available at the Camp

There are different types of accommodation to choose from in Verbier, as seen below.

Host Families

When your child stays with a host family, they can adapt to the new customs and schedule in a comfortable environment. Besides immersing themselves and learning a different culture, they’ll practise speaking English.

Dormitories

Staying in a dormitory is only ideal for older children. Usually, children will have individual bedrooms and bathrooms, allowing them to organize their daily schedule. This instills in them a sense of independence. Supervisors are in charge of each child’s well-being and ensure that the children follow set rules to the letter.

Chalets

Chalets are structures built of wood and stone. Each has spacious recreation areas, a reception room, a living room, a terrace, a private dining area, a barbecue area, a library, a music room, a fireplace room, and a kitchen. Children can also conduct research in the available internet cafe.

· Support Offered to Kids during their Stay

Staff members are available to help your child learn in a manner that fits their needs. The summer camp has trained and experienced teachers who encourage your child in their quest to learn English Verbier course. Staff live onsite, which gives your child a sense of security.

A camp manager oversees the other staff members to ensure everything runs smoothly. Children also get pastoral care at summer camp. In this case, pastoral care involves peer support, mentoring, and counseling. Pastoral care is a foundational aspect that supports learning.

Language Learning Activities

Learning activities take place in a relaxed and fun-filled environment. Such a setting allows children to express themselves and practice using new words. Besides developing their communication and language skills effectively, it helps them become more confident and build lasting relationships. These activities include:

· Scavenger Hunts

Campers look forward to engaging in scavenger hunts. Camp tutors should ensure kids are doing language practice during the activity. So fun and exciting is this activity that the kids will learn without realizing it. Here are some fun scavenger-hunting versions children can engage in.

· Description Hunts

Instead of listing items for the children to find, tutors can write simple descriptions and clues in riddle form. This will help children practice and improve their reading comprehension.

· Vocabulary Hunts

A vocabulary scavenger hunt can be simple. For example, tutors can create a simple list of items the children have learned before.

· Adjective Hunts

Tutors focus on specific parts of speech, such as adjectives can provide learners with a simple descriptive items list instead of nouns. The campers will then need to find what each adjective could be describing. Always include adjectives the students don’t already know about to expand their vocabulary.

· Hiking

Camp supervisors can organize a hiking trip complete with written directions for the children to follow. Of course, they will accompany them on the trip, but the children will be the ring leaders. To make this exercise more fun, hide a token for the campers to find. Don’t give them longitude and latitude coordinates. Instead, give them written directions to help them find the prize. The kids will enjoy the searching process and practice reading while at it.

· Caption That

What if camp tutors capture fun photos of their campers, print them out, and ask the children to caption them? Campers will love captioning the images and reading what their peers write.

· Puppet Plays

Children passionate about arts and crafts will have fun about this activity. Start by creating a puppet and organize the students into different groups. Let the learners devise a puppet show for their peers in the other group. Ask them to write a script or come up with an activity that requires them to entertain the audience and still put in some vocabulary practice.

· Nature Impressions

Summer camp offers children an opportunity to explore the outdoors. Learners can create impressions of things they find, such as rocks, fern leaves, or branches in salt dough, reusable clay, or a ball of dough. Once the impressions dry, the campers can guess the materials their peers used to make the impressions. Tutors can use this time to teach children adverbs of frequency or modal verbs.

· Campfire Songs

Summer camp evenings are never the same without a campfire. Tutors can use this opportunity to help children with their language practice. For example, how about singing grammar or other songs that teach a particular vocabulary? Rewrite the lyrics of popular songs according to what you want the children to learn. Let them sing in turns until each grasps the entire song. You can teach them the meaning of the song as the language lesson of the day.

Qualified Language Instructors

Are you planning to send your children to summer camp in Verbier? Do you want them to learn English while at it? Language instructors in Verbier are not only trained, qualified, and experienced; they’re conversant in teaching the English language to children. They understand how kids’ brains work and possess the right skills to accelerate learning. They have adopted a raft of teaching methods designed to create a suitable environment for campers, as seen below.

· A Cooperative, Supportive, and Active Environment

An active learning environment includes and facilitates various learning tasks to help learners move around in group lessons. This keeps them focused while ensuring they remain attentive and motivated in their tasks. Language classes should be comfortable enough for every learner. They should have the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes, and make progress in the pursuit of learning the new language. The tutors in Verbier encourage learners to communicate with one another in English as much as possible. Doing so develops their core language skills and fluency.

· Addressing Student Needs

Tutors in Verbier prepare their classrooms to ensure the environment meets their student’s needs. For example, they ensure the learning area is orderly, calm, and secure. Learners get more motivated when their psychological and physical needs are met. Sometimes the teachers involve the learners in planning, helping them create their preferred learning environment. Creating a conducive learning environment encourages students to do their best.

· Visual Materials

Educators use visual materials to help learners actualize what they are learning. Tutors in Verbier begin with items that learners encounter frequently at the summer camp. They also use pictures and labels to outline lessons.

How Kids Can Learn English in Verbier

Learners attending camp at Verbier can attend language lessons as a group of a maximum of eight students. Tutors can arrange private classes and a conducive place within the camp. The services you will get include reading and writing, conversation classes, homework support, immersion courses, and exam preparation.

Classes start between 9 am and end at 4 pm. There are breaks in between to allow campers to engage in other activities. Learners are grouped based on their age groups to make learning smoother.

The program focuses on the immersive English language environment concept. This means that learners speak, listen to, and learn the language in original everyday settings and interact with it in their surroundings. That helps them learn the language naturally like they would their mother tongue, with minimal vocabulary stress or even pressure.

Benefits of Learning English in Verbier

Learning a new language through the immersion concept comes with various benefits, which include:

It helps children become bilingual while acquiring proficiency in the language.
Learners who learn through immersion perform better in English-based tests than their counterparts who don’t.
Children who have gone through the immersive language learning process are better prepared for the job industry, where being bilingual can be an asset.
Immersion learners develop higher cognitive flexibility and demonstrate better memory, problem-solving, and attention control skills. They also display an improved understanding of their core language.

Learning English opens up the following opportunities for children.

· Ability to Travel More

Traveling to a new country where you don’t speak the primary language exposes you to a communication breakdown. Learning the language from an early age helps you communicate better in your future travels.

· Connecting with People

Language can hinder you from communicating with people you meet in a different country. However, being conversant with the language they speak helps you create lasting connections.

· Opens Career Opportunities

Speaking English can be all you need to land your dream career. Today, the job industry is global, meaning numerous companies look for bilingual staff who can communicate with clients and partners globally. English can play a crucial role in advancing your career.

Conclusion

Learning English in Verbier during summer camp eliminates any language barrier children may have in other lessons. Apart from communicating better with their peers, being conversant in the language improves a learner’s performance in school Verbier.

A summer camp is an excellent place for children to acquire fresh ideas, have fun, and make new friends as they learn English in an immersive environment. If you want your child to learn the language and have no idea where to start, consider enrolling them in a summer camp in Verbier. The enrollment process is simple. Navigate to our user-friendly website and book your slot for the upcoming summer camp.

Summer Camp Switzerland Safety Tips During Covid-19

12 Apr 2022

lesadmin

Summer camp enthusiasts are looking forward to camping and engaging in their favorite activities this year. The availability of Covid-19 vaccines has shifted the direction of the pandemic in Switzerland. Further, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recently released the latest Covid-19 directives, reiterating that fully vaccinated people are free to resume normal activities without social distancing or wearing masks outdoors and indoors.

Many regions across Switzerland have welcomed these guidelines, and summer camp organizers are currently working on releasing the itinerary for the next summer camping expedition. Still, the pandemic is not yet over.

As a result, everybody should exercise caution when attending camp or other social gatherings. This article shall discuss some safety tips you can adopt to protect you and your family members from catching the virus.

How does Covid 19 Affect Summer Camps?

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted summer camps, especially with prolonged lockdowns that saw many campers spend most of their time indoors. To ensure a smooth flow of services and guarantee the well-being of camping enthusiasts, camp organizers are forced to implement stringent safety measures. Some of them have had to release statements reassuring parents of their commitment to adhere to the set procedures and policies defined by the Swiss authorities, the WHO, and the FOPH (Federal Office for Public Health). Both camp organizers and supervisors have monitored the ever-changing Covid situation and usually change their processes accordingly.

Based on the guidelines refined by the FOPH, WHO, and the Swiss government, many summer camps hold webinars to ensure parents understand the set guidelines. Some of the preventative processes and strategies that many summer camping hubs are adopting include:

Providing face masks when the need arises
Having staff members on duty round the clock
Providing hand sanitizers in different stations across the facility
Conducting temperature checks
Asking campers about any existing conditions and their international travel history
Encouraging regular cleaning processes

At the pandemic’s peak, many camping facilities were lenient enough to offer refunds or reschedule the camping sessions until an appropriate time. Even though the pandemic has been slowly fading away and everything seems to be getting back to normal, camp organizers are not relenting to monitor official guidance from local authorities and institutions of learning. They are committed to setting up their strategy and preparing for what they know is their camper’s best interests.

Switzerland Travel Restriction for Summer Camp

Switzerland is easing Covid-19 restrictions. People coming into the country do not need proof of recovery or a negative PCR test. However, foreigners have to provide proof of vaccination to enter the country.

Wearing face masks is no longer mandatory, and neither is presenting a negative test result to access most public areas. However, wearing a mask in medical facilities and on public transport is still mandatory.

All visitors coming into the country from Canada and the US must be fully vaccinated to be authorized to enter Switzerland. Gaining entry into the country is almost impossible for unvaccinated individuals.

According to health officials in Switzerland, full vaccination means that you have received your Pfizer vaccine, booster, or second shot 270 days before arriving in Switzerland. Other vaccine brands to choose from including the single-dose option from Johnsons and Johnsons.

Switzerland accepts any vaccine so long as it has been dispensed according to the Federal Office of Public Health’s directives or one the WHO has approved. When it comes to air travel, the local gov is responsible for evaluating the adherence of domestic foreign airlines to Covid-19’s international safety regulations.

Campers planning to go skiing or mountaineering should share their itinerary with friends or family. They should also understand the laid down practices to help curb the pandemic in Switzerland.

13 Summer Camp Switzerland Safety Tips during Covid 19

Revised CDC directives have left many vaccinated individuals happy while confusing the unvaccinated ones. Many people opine that unvaccinated individuals will stop wearing masks, increasing their risk of spreading the Covid-17 virus. Here are some things that vaccinated and unvaccinated people should beware of during these unpredictable Covid-19 times.

1. Being Unvaccinated Means You are at a High Risk of Contracting Covid and Spreading it to others

The revised CDC guidelines on wearing masks are likely to have severe consequences. For example, if unvaccinated people choose to forgo the mask, they will be at a higher risk of contracting and spreading the virus.

According to Lisa Maragakis, an associate professor of epidemiology and medicine at the University School of Medicine at Johns Hopkins,

“Unfortunately, the risk to unvaccinated individuals will dramatically rise as everyone else abruptly stops wearing masks. These individuals might need to curtail their activities even further and be even more cautious until they become fully vaccinated. The bottom line is that if you are unvaccinated, you are susceptible to the virus.”

Vaccinated people have a higher chance of recovering from Covid than their unvaccinated counterparts. Get vaccinated before interacting with other campers.

2. You Won’t Need Masks When Biking or Running

Biking and running are some of the most exciting activities for camp enthusiasts. Whether you are vaccinated, you can run, walk, bike, or wheelchair roll outdoors without a mask. The risk of contracting Covid-19 outdoors is lower than is the case indoors. Engaging in outdoor activities without a mask is better because air circulation is properly.

3. Engaging in Outdoor Contact Sports is Safe

Outdoor-related sports such as soccer present a minimal risk of transmitting Covid-19.

“Studies of sporting events show that contestants on the different teams don’t spend a great deal of time in very close proximity to each other throughout a basketball game, for instance”, Maragakis says.

However, Paul Pottinger, a professor in the infectious diseases and allergy division at the department of medicine in Seattle’s branch of the University of Washington, says that off the field team gatherings could be the perfect ground for unvaccinated individuals to spread Covid. Campers participating in off-the-field activities should wear a face covering and practice social distancing to be on the safe side.

4. Outdoor Concerts and Sporting Events could Pose a Risk for Unvaccinated individuals

According to the CDC, participating in outdoor gatherings like live performances or close contact sporting events is risky for unvaccinated individuals. If you must attend these events, ensure the facility has proper and socially distanced sitting arrangements. If you are yet to be vaccinated, wear a mask during these events.

5. Hand and Respiratory Hygiene

Encourage and ensure campers practice proper and frequent hand hygiene. Camp supervisors should ensure campers understand how to wash their hands thoroughly. Both campers and staff should always wash their hands before and after eating, after visiting the toilet, after activities, and every time they use shared equipment. Other things that camp organizers should do to promote proper hand and respiratory hygiene include:

Ensure every staff member and camper adheres to the laid down respiratory hygiene. For example, everybody should always cover their mouths with a paper towel when coughing or sneezing.

Ensure a structured process and program to monitor and refill hand hygiene supplies.

Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer with up to 90% alcohol concentration in different locations across the camping facility.

Implement respiratory and hand hygiene and disinfection practices suitable for the jungle setting during the wilderness tours, such as alcohol-based hand wipes and sanitizers.

6. Social Distancing and Cohorting

Cohorting is the idea of placing staff and campers into specific groups that remain together all through the camping experience. This approach plays an important role in controlling camp operations should a Covid-19 case be reported at camp. Restricting any connection between cohorts reduces the number of staff or campers that should be quarantined. To guarantee the success of this approach, camp organizers should:

Communicate the duties of each cohort at the beginning of the camping event
Practice social distancing between parents, staff, and caregivers at drop-off.
Every cohort should refrain from interacting with members of other cohorts.
Cohorts must remain together during all activities and mealtimes.

Staff and campers sleeping in the same bunkhouse or cabin are household cohorts and don’t have to practice social distancing or wear masks unless they are in the company of members of other cohorts.

Members of different household cohorts must wear face masks when using shared outdoor or indoor spaces. They should also maintain social distancing.

Worth mentioning is that evading quarantine can cost you up to CHF 10,000.

7. Transportation

Ensure vehicles are properly ventilated and encourage campers and staff to utilize natural ventilation methods like opening windows. Consult with a healthcare specialist who can help you understand effective strategies for boosting cross ventilation under different situations. Should any camper become sick during the day, they should be restricted from using group transportation and undergo a Covid-19 test before returning home.

Create a strategy to ensure sick campers or participants arrive home safely. Suppose a driver gets sick during the day, the facility should send another driver to replace them. They should then follow the laid down practices for ill people.

8. Handling Confirmed Covid-19 Cases

Develop policies for alerting authorities of positive cases, overseeing follow-up of cases, and alerting exposed individuals. Here are steps camp organizers should take should a coronavirus case occur in their facilities. Develop a plan for campers and staff who develop Covid-19 symptoms and those whose antigen test returns a positive result. This plan can include:

Immediate isolation in a destined isolation area of symptomatic people and those with positive test results.
Transporting campers home or to the medical center when necessary
Notifying parents when their kids test positive for coronavirus or become ill
Providing an exclusive space for campers and staff that test positive away from where other health services are delivered.

9. Wearing of Masks and Personal Protective Gear

Education providers at the summer camp must offer training on the proper and safe use, care, limitations, and mask disposal. Refer to the cantonal Covid-19 site in your region for additional information about masks. Here are some tips to make this exercise worthwhile.

Every unvaccinated camper or staff must wear masks while indoors unless a camper has special needs or a medical condition that hinders their ability to wear face-covering or masks such as:

Inability to wear or remove their masks without being assisted by another person
Is in an adequately ventilated area and practicing social distancing
Eating or drinking

10. Routine Health Monitoring

Daily screening of the staff and campers is unnecessary, but they should self-screen daily before starting their day camp activities. Camp organizers should provide self-screening tools to ensure staff capture possible Covid-19 symptoms early enough.

They should also train campers using non-stigmatizing and age-applicable language to ensure they understand how to recognize Covid-19 symptoms. They should also be encouraged to inform staff members immediately they fall ill.

Before recommending further assessment, healthcare and medical staff at the summer camps should beware of any pre-existing conditions and Non-Coronavirus related allergies such as migraines, chest congestion, and severe running nose.

11. Camp Activities and Operations

Summer Camp Switzerland Activities and Operations

Here are some factors to consider when planning camp activities in Bern and Geneva.

The more people gather in one location, the higher the risk of transmitting Covid-19.
Campers should engage in outdoor activities as much as possible and limit indoor activities. If campers have to participate in indoor activities, ensure the space is well ventilated.
Restrict nonessential volunteers and visitors
Open windows and doors as much as possible to facilitate proper circulation of fresh air.

There is a high risk of circulation of respiratory droplets during activities involving voices, such as acting or singing, or where wind instruments are used. Campers should conduct such activities outdoors and in adherence to social distancing protocols.

12. Building Regulations

Suppose the camping activity occurs in an amenity that is reopening after remaining shut for a long time. In that case, camp organizers should maintain all water and ventilation features and systems, such as drinking fountains and sink fountains. Doing so ensures they are ready for occupancy and use and in proper working conditions throughout the camping period. Here are some things you can do to improve or increase ventilation and encourage proper fresh air circulation.

Open windows and doors as long as it is safe to do so

Ensure proper functioning of the central air filtration system. Seal any edges across the filters and ensure they are well installed and within service life.

Ensure ventilation systems are in proper working condition to boost the quality of indoor air

Consult a professional to determine what is working and identify equipment requiring replacement in the facility.
Keep air filtration systems running round the clock whenever possible to promote air exchange inside the building

If you plan to perform any activities indoors, keep windows and doors open to increase fresh air circulation.

13. Staff Considerations

Implement non-inflicting and flexible leave policies to allow sick staff to remain at home. Leave policies to help account for:

Staff who report Covid-19 related symptoms
Staff members who have tested positive for coronavirus
Staff who have had their Covid-19 tests but results are still pending
Employees whose children have closed school due to an increase in Covid-19 cases in their schools
Any employee who has had close contact with an individual with Covid-19 symptoms

Camp organizers should encourage their staff to be fully vaccinated before the camping event. If the staff experience any side effects, supervisors should be kind enough to give them a few days off until they recover fully.

Finally

As Covid-19 cases drop, the CDC and WHO are relaxing regulatory measures. However, that does not mean that summer camp organizers should be lax. The virus is still here, and every camp organizer should implement prevention measures to ensure campers are safe during their stay at the camp facility.

These tips are ideal for camp organizers and parents who want to enroll their children in camp this summer. Summer camps come with numerous benefits, such as promoting a child’s mental health. However, the environment should be safe for campers to enjoy those benefits. A reliable camping facility will provide a FAQ page on their website to help parents find answers conveniently.

Understanding the Importance of a Summer’s Best Two Weeks Camping Experience

06 May 2020

lesadmin

Summer camps offer you the perfect opportunity to familiarize your child with different games, fun sports, and new friends. However, a short camping trip limits the number of activities and amount of fun your child can have. This is where a summer’s best two weeks camping tour comes in. On this post we shall discuss:

Les Elfes summer camps
Summer camp activities your child can engage in at Les Elfes
Benefits your kid will gain from a summer’s best two weeks camps

About Les Elfes Summer Camp

Les Elfes is an elegant international camp situated in Verbier, the French-speaking region of Switzerland. If you don’t speak French however, you shouldn’t worry because English is the official language spoken at the camp.

All international campers staying at the camp communicate in English both in class and during their free time. One good thing about Les Elfes is campers can enroll in foreign language studies. By adopting a communicative learning approach, foreign campers register speedy progress in their designated groups.

Verbier is characterized by an exclusive atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and glamour. Les Elfes, on the other hand, is the only camp in Switzerland that runs all year long. However, there have been inconveniences lately as the world struggles to contain the Coronavirus pandemic.

The management at Les Elfes is monitoring the situation and plans to open the summer camp on 20th July 2020. Non-English speaking campers can enroll for English lessons as part of their educational program.

Language Courses at Les Elfes

There are two types of language courses. The classical program is a spoken French, Spanish, English, and German course that runs for 8 hours per week. Lessons in this program are conducted at the summer camp in Verbier.

The intensive program offers English lessons for 15 hours every week. Lessons are conducted in the morning and follow a five-day model. Campers are free to engage in leisure time in the afternoon.

To make the lessons fun and exciting, the intensive program is structured to ensure students learn in small groups (not exceeding 7 learners.) The Les Elfes summer’s best two weeks camping experience includes fun sporting, creative, and entertaining activities as we shall see later.

Food and Accommodation

Campers participating at Les Elfes summers best two weeks camping experience live in comfortable, classical alpine chalets. These are built of wood and stone and each comes with a reception area, living room, and roomy recreational areas.

They also have a barbecue area, terrace, music room, fireplace area, kitchen, internet cafe, a private dining area, and a library. Campers looking for a more adventurous experience can opt to camp outside in tents.

Planning a long term camping trip can be a difficult task. What with everything you have to organize? The exercise can be more challenging if your kids are going for their first camping experience. This is because you’ll need to buy camping gear.

By camping at Les Elfes you don’t have to struggle with buying camping gear. You can hire every gear you need at the camp at friendly prices. Campers can choose to cook their food or make arrangements for onsite catering services.

Activities at the Les Elfes Summer Camp

Summer provides campers with the perfect weather to engage in exciting outdoor-related activities. No parent will want to send their children on a summer’s best two weeks trip only for them to spend endless time indoors. At Les Elfes, there are plenty of exciting activities that your kids will enjoy. These include:

· Bike Riding

Kids and teens alike love bike riding and the camp organizers at Les Elfes understand this well. This is why there are bike riding activities for every age group. Apart from having fun, there are many benefits that your child will get from bike riding at the camp. Campers can hire bikes and riding gear at the camp.

· Wall Climbing at the Onsite Gym

Wall climbing is fast becoming a popular sport for both kids and adults. There’s an onsite gym at Les Elfes that has a climbing wall. Your kids will love engaging in this activity while bonding with their newfound friends.

Further, they’ll enhance their eye, feet, and hand coordination. There’s an onsite trained and experienced coach who will train and monitor the kids. All the gear kids need to engage in wall climbing is available for hire at the camp. However, you should ensure your kid has a proper pair of socks.

· Making Friendship bracelets

Creating friendship bracelets is an easy and fun activity that children of all ages can participate in. Parents should ensure their kids have enough yarn, tape, and colored floss. They’ll also need some lettered beads that they can use to sew in their friend’s name on the finished bracelets.

Remember, your kids will make new friends during their summer best two weeks camping experience. Exchanging bracelets at the end of the trip is a fun way of carrying unforgettable memories from the trip.

· Afternoon and Evening Activities

Afternoon and evening programs at Les Elfes are designed to meet the needs of each camper. They are divided into groups with each group engaging in a different activity between 2000hrs and 2145hours just in time for bedtime.

These activities include making ice cream from scratch, team challenges, ice skating, disco night, quizzes, telling stories, and campfires. Other activities include: dining in a Swiss restaurant, participating in games competitions, going for a torchlight walk, and mountain barbeque.

· General Activities

There are various general activities at Les Elfes for campers to choose from. These include arts and crafts where campers join different art clubs that are designed to help broaden their artistic skills.

Other general activities include treasure hunts, hiking, social activities such as playing musical instruments, shopping in Verbier, and going picnicking. Campers will also engage in different ball sports such as football, beach volleyball, minigolf, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, and badminton.

· Certificates and Prize Giving Activity

At the end of the summer’s best two weeks camping trip there’s always a final celebration and prize-giving party. All campers take part in the prize-giving night and the organizers reward campers who achieved specific goals.

During this night, organizers have various entertainment options for campers and parents who may have attended the camping trip. This event offers campers an ideal opportunity to bid their newly acquired friends goodbye.

Apart from the prizes, campers who may have attended language courses are handed language certificates. Every camper receives an activity attendance and progression certificate.

How Will Your Child benefit from a Long Term Camping experience?

Les Elfes summer camps offer the ideal environment for children to learn and enjoy an intercultural community. At the end of the trip, they’ll have gained numerous benefits such as seen below.

· Develops Lifelong Skills

During a summer’s best two weeks camping trip children get a chance to participate in a wide range of group activities. For instance, when a child takes part in a sport such as bowling or volleyball they learn teamwork. They also learn communication and problem-solving skills.

If the child is appointed to be the hiking group leader they’ll be tasked with guiding the team. This will help them develop leadership skills. When a child is tasked with distributing chores among the team members they’ll develop strong communication skills.

Children develop decision-making skills when faced with challenges or conquer obstacles when engaging in adventurous activities such as zip lining. These skills can be developed in a summer camp.

While children learn and develop social skills in school, camp brings together children from diverse cultures and communities. Such an environment encourages a sense of recognition for individual differences. This is different from the school environment which encourages academic achievement.

· Boosts Independence

While on a summer’s best two weeks camping trip a child will have some time away from their parents. This gives them a chance to grow a sense of personal individuality. Children learn how to be self-reliant as they evaluate their interests and identify their weaknesses and strengths.

With time they learn how to listen to and trust their inner voice rather than relying on their elder siblings, teachers, and parents. Independence plays a huge role in the journey to becoming a self-reliant individual.

Is your child afraid of going out or sleeping alone? If they are, summer camp will give them a different perception of the world and help them convert to independence. Independence plays a huge role in enhancing your child’s self-esteem. An independent child will not only be responsible, but they’ll also be good decision-makers.

· Creates the Right Environment and Time to Play

During the school year, children are accustomed to going to school, completing their homework, and preparing for examinations. This leaves them with no time to play. While some may engage in extracurricular activities, these are often executed within a regulated environment.

Summer camp, on the other hand, offers a relaxed environment, and enough freedom and time to engage in play. Unlimited play helps children to enhance imagination and creative thinking skills. It provides children with the right environment to express their emotions and thoughts. In the end, your child will come back happier and more refreshed.

Other summer camp benefits include:

Encourages teamwork and resilience
Helps children to connect with nature
Encourages children to get out of their comfort zone and try new things
Boosts confidence, and
Promotes growth within a secure environment

Finally

Long term summer camping trips provide your child with an opportunity to explore nature, relax, and benefit from the experience.

Book your child’s summer camp trip today and get a 10% discount.

What a Summer! Thank you For Visiting

04 Sep 2019

carlotta

Dear Parents,

What a summer. If you haven’t been to the Alps in Summer, do it I promise you it’s well worth it, fresh air, healthy living, tranquillity, and harmony all around. Les Elfes Verbier is no exception, although we do have up to 140 running around taking part in Summer Camp, maybe a little less tranquil than the Sound of Music, but fun is the word.

As I write this, the annual Horse Riding Festival is taking place, earlier this week Verbiers inaugural E-Bike Festival welcomed avid cyclists from all over Europe, July welcomed the Verbier Festival ( World Famous Classical Music ). It has the best of both worlds, a quiet village tucked away in the mountains, and yet a vibrant family-friendly resort bringing in energy and atmosphere paralleled only by the landscape and scenery.

The question isn’t why would you send your child to Summer Camp here, its Why Wouldn’t You? Please look at our latest Testimonials from Campers, follow us on social media and you will get a great picture of what Summer Camp has to offer.

To those of you who have sent your children to us this Summer, I have to say from all of us, a massive thank you. Each year we have the privilege of taking care of your children, being a father of three myself, I know the journey can be as tough for the parents as it can be for the children! Each Summer I see amazing displays of character from the children, and I look forward to seeing you return.

Winter Camp is upon us soon, many of you have been enquiring, and I hope to see some familiar faces on snow. A magical Summer Camp can only be matched by Winter, for more info do get in touch.

Transfers from and to the Geneva Airport

03 Jul 2019

Les Elfes

How and where do you welcome children coming by airplane?

Les Elfes welcomes campers in the arrival hall of the Geneva Airport (GVA).
We have our own office here.
Our friendly and helpful staff will take care of the youngsters right away and then drive them with our private bus to the campus. Our campus can be easily reached within 1h50 after leaving the Geneva airport.

This is a video made by our staff during an arrival day:

The Benefits of a European Sleep Away Camp for Your Child

27 Jun 2019

carlotta

According to Peter Scales, an established author, educator, and psychologist, camps provide the perfect environment for your children to encounter and fulfill their desire for creative expression, physical activity, and involvement within a community environment; something which Peter says many schools have not been able to achieve.

If you’re a parent, your desire is for your child to thrive in things they are passionate about. In today’s fast paced world, your children have to learn and master various skills to succeed. These include; self-esteem and resilience skills, self-reliance and problem-solving skills, and leadership skills. Camps provide the ideal and serene environment to nurture these skills, away from the hassles and bustles of the city.

What are Camp Organizers Doing to Maximize the Camp Experience?

With the recent popularity of camps for young children, organizers have listened to what the child development leaders have pointed out regarding children’s needs. This is why they are keen to adopt the best measures to ensure children get the best out of their European sleepaway camp.

A group of children campers residing within natural surroundings and participating in camp related activities are some of the best instruments organizers utilize to make camps healthy, prosperous, and the ideal environment to have fun and relax.

In such well-organized surroundings, children will connect with significant role models who are ready to talk and offer a listening ear, and professionals who help them reflect and relax. If you are struggling to allow your children to go for summer camps in Switzerland, perhaps the following benefits will convince you to let them go.

Separation from their Parents Influences Growth

European sleepaway camps may be short; however, they can have a huge impact on the child’s growth. Often, these mark the beginning of your child’s trips without you and while they allow the child to evolve in various levels, they also give you the opportunity to realize their growth. Remember, children are always developing and you will hardly notice it especially when you are with them on a daily basis.

Give them some time off to attend some of the best summer camps in Europe and you are bound to notice a significant change. Regular campers will not only be fit but they will also be happier and more exuberant, thanks to being exposed to sufficient sunshine and inhaling fresh air. By attending sleepaway camp, your child will experience physical, emotional, and social growth.

They Master Independence

If you want to teach your children how to execute tasks on their own, camp is the perfect opportunity to do so. Remember, you will not be going with them to camp. This not only eliminates the need for you to do things for them, but it also means that they have no choice but to do what there is to be done.

Further, they will have to remember everything you would otherwise remind them such as; brushing their teeth, making their bed, taking showers and even making healthy eating decisions, failure to which they risk getting punished by their group leaders.

The good thing about European sleepaway camps is; they are an ideal opportunity where even vulnerable children can master the art of depending on themselves while they are away from their loved ones. Once the camp is over, you will see that your children are able to execute tasks without being reminded.

Sleepaway Camps Enhance Determination

Children are encouraged to give their best in skill-building activities during camp. Further, they will feel the need to outshine their peers and this enhances their determination to achieve success.

The camp environment is conducive for learning activities and with robust role models, your children will be inspired to continue learning and improving their skills. It’s worth noting that there’s no ending curve when it comes to learning at the camps. Team leaders will be happy to cheer the children as they learn and advance various skills.

They get Sufficient Space and Time to Execute New Skills

While at home, your children have to deal with many things such as home chores and completing their homework. These can deny them the time they need to try out new things. When your children attend international summer camps in Europe, they will not only be exposed to challenges, but they will also be introduced to a safe culture where they can take risks.

The fact that camp leaders are there to provide the support they need is enough to motivate the children to take risks. Even the most reserved child will be inspired to try new and adventurous activities such as ziplining or even public speaking. Attending camp will challenge the most soft-spoken child to stand up and defend themselves when conflicts arise.

They Learn Social Skills

Social skills are not only essential for your children, but they are critical for everybody. With excellent social skills, your children will be able to communicate, interact, and work together with others with minimal struggle.

While some of the best summer camps in the world provide a wide variety of activities for your children, they also provide a community where your children can join and showcase their talents. The community comprises of camp instructors, counselors, fellow campers, and even the camp organizers. These possess the right expertise to instill in your child the social skills they need to; get along with fellow campers and master the art of collaborating to complete tasks with children from a different background.

For instance, your children will participate in shared duties where they’ll have to coordinate with one another to; win a competition, keep their surroundings clean, or help one another master new skills. A perfect European sleepaway camp will enhance both cooperation and leadership skills in your children.

They Take a Break From Technology

In today’s digital world where nearly everybody including children is techno-savvy, many parents are struggling to keep their children off the television, their tablets or phones. Many parents will agree that keeping children off these electronic devices and the internet is a major challenge.

Many European sleepaway camps are against the use of electronic devices and even if children have to carry their iPods or tablets, the organizers keep them safely until the camp comes to an end. This gives them sufficient time to engage in worthwhile activities. Taking a break from technology and electronics enables your children to make new discoveries, focus on their hobbies, and appreciate their surroundings more.

They discover themselves

Sleepaway camps expose children to group experiences from which they learn critical information about themselves. Participating in group-related activities during camps develops self-esteem, enhances self-advocacy, promotes self-discipline, and helps the children become more productive. These skills play a major role in preparing children for prosperous adulthood.

Your Child will Become more Grateful

When they are at home, children have everything at their disposal so much so that they may take them for granted. It’s not until they go for European sleepaway camps that they learn how to be grateful for their: big bathrooms, a warm bed, gadgets, snacks, and sufficient food.

Spending some days away on summer camp can be all your child needs to be grateful for the small things that life has to offer. What’s more, your child will learn to value you. Often, children take their parents for granted. However, children who’ve been on a sleepaway camp learn to be grateful for the effort their parents make to ensure they are satisfied.

They Form new Friendships

Is your child overly reserved? Do you constantly worry about their inability to make new friends? If the answer to these questions is yes, perhaps you need to expose them to an activity that gets them out of their comfort zone. Sending them for European sleepaway camps is one of the most appropriate ways of helping your children make new friends.

Of course, it won’t be easy for them to agree to attend a summer camp where they don’t have friends. However, they will get an opportunity to interact with other children and make friends with ease. Whether camp friendships are short-lived or last a lifetime, the experience helps your child to diversify and master the art of connecting with people from a different race and culture.

Your Child will Learn how to Make Decisions

During European sleepaway camps, you will not be near your child and they will have no option other than making their own decisions. They will have to choose their meals, contemplate on whether to sleep on the lower or top bunk, choose between playing football, swimming, or going hiking instead, they will even decide how to spend their pocket money. Of course, camp leaders and counselors are not as controlling as parents, children will be responsible for their own choices. This will prepare them for teenage and young adulthood where they will need to make informed choices.

Finally

Summer camps in Europe offers your child the perfect opportunity to interact with other children, make new friends, and get exposed to various learning opportunities. What’s more, they will get motivated by watching fellow campers do things differently. Not only will your child become more responsible, but they will also learn to appreciate the things you do for them.

Travel Arrangements

13 Jun 2019

Les Elfes

How to make sure children reach the camp safely?

Thousands of kids and teenagers go on holidays without their parents every year and they have a great – and perfectly safe – time.

Many of the risks that are associated with children flying alone can be overcome by using common sense and taking a few basic precautions. The following tips will help both children traveling solo and those responsible for the child to deal with many of the problems that may be encountered.

10 Frequently Asked Questions

How and where do you welcome children coming by airplane? Les Elfes welcomes campers in the arrival hall of the Geneva Airport (GVA). We have our own office here. Our friendly and helpful staff will take care of the youngsters right away and then drive them with our private bus to the campus. Both of our campuses can be easily reached within 1h50 after leaving the Geneva airport.
Can I accompany my child to the campus? Yes! We always are very happy to meet the parents when they visit the camp. We can arrange the welcome and transfer for the parents as well. You also can drive your child to the campus. We will of course provide you the travel details.
If I accompany my child to camp, can I stay the night nearby? Absolutely. We can advise you some beautiful hotels in the resort. You may also wish to spend your holidays in Switzerland to enjoy the peace of the Alps or to discover the lake Geneva region.
Are there any preferred arrival or departure times? No. Because kids arrive from all over the world, the time of the arrival depends on the flight possibilities. Les Elfes handles this in a very flexible way. In any case we will arrange the transfers according to the flight times of the kids.
Should your child fly alone? The unaccompanied child: Airlines call a child who flies alone an unaccompanied minor (UM). Generally, a child must be five years old to fly alone, and each airline has its own policies, restrictions and requirements. The airline will request from parents the name and phone number of the pick-up person. We would provide you all those relevant information if required. Once the child boards the plane, he is in the care of a flight attendant. If it is a non-stop flight, the flight attendant will transfer the child to the adult waiting at the arrival city. If the child will be making a connection to another flight, the flight attendant will accompany the child to the gate agent or airport employee who will then take the child to the appropriate gate. There should be an adult airline or airport employee with the child at all times. Depending on the number of legs on the trip, the child may be under the care of several different adults. If the child will be spending some time in the airport, the airline may have special kid-friendly lounges for UM’s. These may not be in every airport or available from every airline. The reservation agent will know if there is one in the airport a child is traveling through.
When is a child ready to fly alone? Parents are the best judges of that. Is the child comfortable around strangers? Is he/she able to keep track of her belongings, follow directions and entertain herself quietly for extended periods of time? The responsibility that goes along with flying alone can give kids a great sense of independence and confidence. But, if a child is unsure of herself, shy or scared, flying can be a frightening experience. Parents can help alleviate some anxiety by preparing the child ahead of time. Like so many other parenting situations, children pick up on their parents’ feelings. The child should know what will happen at the airport, through security, on the plane and at the destination. If he will be changing planes, parents need to stress that he follows the directions of the flight attendant or gate agent.
Is the Pre-boarding different? On the day of travel, parents should allow extra time at the airport to fill out paperwork and pass through security. Some airlines ask parents and UM’s to arrive three hours ahead of time. The reservation agent can provide that information. Parents can go through security to the gate with their child but won’t be able to board the plane with them.
Additional Fees? Not all airlines charge a UM service fee, but many do. Charges can vary depending on whether the flight is domestic or international and if there are connecting flights. If two or more children are flying together, the fee is usually charged just once.
Happy landings? Airlines ask parents to stay at the gate until the plane has pulled away from the gate since mechanical problems or weather delays could result in passengers deplaning. The plane should be well on its way before adults leave the gate. There should have be a back up plan (or two) for picking up the child at the destination. The child should have names and phone numbers of the persons he may need to call.

When your child is ready to fly alone, you have every reason to expect it will be a positive experience. A little bit of preparation and careful planning can make it a pleasant journey. Opportunity for your child to spread his wings and fly!

New Etiquette Classes Summer 2016

19 Apr 2016

lesadmin

Dear Campers, Parents and Friends,

At Les Elfes we have high expectations for our students and we endeavor to enable them to achieve the most from their time with us.

An important part of the experience we offer is the ‘family’ atmosphere that we have on our camp.

We offer different programmes for each age group however on our campus the way the groups are combined during meals and some activities means that all of our students, regardless of their age group, are part of a bigger supportive team who look after one-another and share their stories together at the end of the day.

Unsurprisingly therefore for many students this is a new environment, and simply being way from home and part of a larger group is a new concept, and for many being out of their own culture and country is also a new chapter.

As a result of this we are proud to have conceptualized Etiquette classes at Les Elfes. Understanding how to feel self assured, and confident in a range of environments especially away from parents in a new part of the world is something we feel many of our students can benefit from.

In collaboration with Chalet D’Adrien, a Relais Chateaux luxury 5 Star Hotel in Verbier with a simply stunning gourmet restaurant.Students will spend time learning and putting into practice a range of topics, such as sitting correctly, manners at the table, etc.Manners cost nothing as the saying goes, and more than ever children are tested, graded, assessed from early ages.

ETIQUETTE CLASSES SUMMER 2016

Our Etiquette course is run once per session:

These dynamic and interactive workshops will enable our students to develop a toolbox of teamwork skills which will help them to build mature lasting relationships with friends and colleagues, create imaginative and complex solutions to problems and focus on their Emotional Intelligence using theories and practices from a range of academic scholars in the field of experiential learning.

The course will be around 6 hours long and divided into two sections:

LUNCHTIME LEARNING

In collaboration with Chalet D’Adrien, a Relais Chateaux luxury 5 Star Hotel in Verbier with a simply stunning gourmet restaurant.

Students will spend time learning and putting into practice a range of topics, such as sitting correctly, manners at the table, table setting, silverware settings, dining dos and don’ts, interacting with servers and many more. Although many of us take these topics for granted, for many it can be quite daunting, with our help and guidance, we believe students will approach these situations with a newfound confidence and enthusiasm.

They will learn proper table manners, manners at home, manners when out and about, honesty, integrity include role playing and exercises, multimedia materials, and comprehensive lesson plans so students learn the value of proper behavior, self-respect, and self-confidence all while having fun.

MANNERS, RESPECT, FUN

Manners cost nothing as the saying goes, and more than ever children are tested, graded, assessed from early ages. Manners and decorum are increasingly important.

Students will learn the value of proper behavior, the power of please and thank you, public manners, talking to adults, eye contact, standing tall and making small talk. With our fun interactive class, student will carry out role playing scenarios where they can present their best side and make the most of the opportunities that come their way.

Being prepared for success in the global economy of the 21st century, in a variety of situations is crucial, with this fun, interactive course, students can develop important skills, manners, become more accommodating of others and become impressionable for all the right reasons.

We have just a few days left of our winter season here and whether you are travelling to visit us for skiing in Spring or adventurous activities this summer camp we look forward to a great trip together.

For those who have visited us already this winter, thank you for a fantastic season.

The Chalet d’Adrien
Relais & Châteaux, 5 star hotel in Verbier

This hotel offers personalized proposals of stay to all parents willing to accompany their children joining the international holiday campus “Les Elfes”.

Visit their website

Summer Special Events

02 May 2013

Les Elfes

During Summer, Verbier and surroundings will host many great events. Those events will be the time for great special excursions with our campers.

This is a quick overview we would like to share with you:

From 5th to 20th of July
Montreux Jazz Festival

The 47th Montreux Jazz Festival will take place from the 5th of July to the 20th of July across the lake.
Kids will visit this magical place during an excursion to Montreux and enjoy the music and food in a great atmosphere.

Founded by Claude Nobs in 1967, over the years the Montreux Jazz Festival has become an unmissable event for music fans in Switzerland and around the world. Its stages have been graced by all of music’s greats, from Miles Davis to Ray Charles and from David Bowie to Prince.

More infos: www.montreuxjazz.com

From 19th of July to 4th of August
Verbier Classic Festival

The Verbier Festival brings together the greatest musical talents in Verbier. Since 20 years, the Verbier Festival has built up a reputation for quality, youth and frenetic artistic activity. 17 days of music with a line-up of exceptional soloists.

Every morning kids will be able to watch the training of the best musicians in the world playing Beethoven, Schumann, Schubert, Mozart, Bach and so much more.

Complete program (download link)
More infos: www.verbierfestival.com

1st of August
Swiss National Day

The day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

Verbier will celebrate this alliance with a display of fireworks, bonfires. Children used to carry lighted paper lanterns roam the streets at night.

Public and private buildings are decorated with national, cantonal, and community flags, and the bakers produce special bread rolls with a small Swiss flag on top.

More infos: www.myswitzerland.com/en/swiss-national-day-august-1st.html

From 16th of August to 25th of August
Jumping International Verbier

Just in front of Les Elfes Campus! From 16th to 25th of August on the parking of the Sport Center.

3 stars International Jumping.

This horse jumping show, featuring some of Switzerland’s and Europe’s greatest riders, offers outstanding entertainment for experts and novices alike.

The spectacular senery and frendly atmosphere of the village combine to create a unique experience : a glimpse of true equestrian magic !

More infos: www.verbier-cso.com

Cow fights

To discover the “queens of the mountains” – the famous Hérens cows – the famous rituals known as inalpes (leading the cows up to the alpine pastures) and désalpes (leading them down again) are truly magical traditional experiences.

Cow fighting is a traditional Swiss event, mostly in Valais, in which a cow fights another cow. Each year, the Swiss canton of Valais hosts a series of cow fights known as combats de reines (“queen fights”), which began in the 1920s and has drawn as many as 50,000 spectators in a year.

The winner is called La Reine des Reines (“the queen of queens”) and increases dramatically in value. At the end of the year, a grand final is held in Martigny, where the six best from seven districts do battle in six weight categories.

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.

Table of Contents

Preparing for a Successful Summer Camp

Define Camp Objectives

Plan a Well-rounded Curriculum

Educational Activities

Physical Fitness and Sports

Teach Life Skills

Engage Qualified and Enthusiastic Staff

Advertise Open Positions

Conduct a Rigorous Interview Process

Run Background Checks and Contact References

Creating a Safe Environment

Ensure Appropriate Facilities

Establish Clear Rules and Guidelines

Implement Effective Supervision

Maintain Appropriate Camper-to-staff Ratios

Assign Qualified Staff to Oversee Different Activities

Monitor Campers’ Well-Being, Ensuring They Are Safe and Accounted For at All Times

Infusing Fun and Educational Elements

Offer Diverse Activities

Foster Experiential Learning

Integrate Team-Building and Social Interactions

Communication and Inclusion

Maintain respectful and open communication:

Create an Inclusive Environment

Conclusion

Table of Contents

Les Elfes Camp Offers Activities for Children of all Ages

Unveiling the Magic

New Activities for Different Age Groups

. Activities for Discovery Age Group (6-10 years)

Outdoor Adventure

Arts and Crafts

Leadership and Team Building Activities

Cultural Experiences

Nature Exploration Activities

. Activities for Explorers Age Group (10-14 years)

General Summer Camp Activities

Ball Summer Camp Sports

Outdoor Adventures

Cultural Immersion

Leadership Development

Environmental Awareness

Creative Workshops

. Activities for Pioneers Age Group (15-17 years)

Advanced Alpine Sports

Outdoor Expeditions

Leadership Development

Language Studies and Cultural Immersion

Career and Life Skills Programs

Environmental Conservation Drives

Adventure Awaits

Embracing the Local Culture

· Swiss Cuisine

· Cultural Workshops

Rediscovering Winter Wonderland

A Haven for Relaxation

Unforgettable Memories

Conclusion

Table of Contents

Why Children Should Learn English in Verbier During Summer Camp

Why Choose Verbier for a Summer Camp?

· An Opportunity to go Hiking

· The Thrills

· Mountain Biking

· Benefits of Learning English in a Real-world Context

· Accommodation Options Available at the Camp

Host Families

Dormitories

Chalets

· Support Offered to Kids during their Stay

Language Learning Activities

· Scavenger Hunts

· Description Hunts

· Vocabulary Hunts

· Adjective Hunts

· Hiking

· Caption That

· Puppet Plays

· Nature Impressions