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Tag: winter camp

Celebrities Visiting Verbier Switzerland

Les Elfes
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Switzerland is one of the must-visit countries best known for its breathtaking mountains and beautiful scenery. Many celebrities flock to the country to relax, shop, sample the nightlife, ski, and indulge in some of the world’s best chocolate, cheese, and wine. The country hosts some of the most famous celebrities in the world annually. Why do celebrities love Switzerland? Which celebrities have ticked the country off their bucket list? Let’s find out below.

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Where do Celebrities go in Switzerland?

Switzerland has been popular among A-listers for a long time for its polished cities, irresistible ski holiday resorts, amazing culture, music, spectacular five-star accommodation, and art. Moreover, Swiss residents value discretion and privacy, explaining why many celebrities prefer visiting Switzerland regularly. Which places do celebrities visit while in Switzerland?

· Verbier

Verbier

Verbier is one of the leading ski resorts in Switzerland for celebrities. The alpine village has hosted well-known people, such as the Beckham and James Blunt. The Lodge, a chalet with 18 staff, and the Duke and Duchess of York. The most popular Verbier nightlife location is the Farm club, where celebrities flock regularly. They love that the clubs are usually packed, reducing the chances of people recognizing them.

· St Moritz

St Moritz is a celebrity luxury hotspot located in Engadin valley, Switzerland. Numerous celebrities flock to this area to sample the incredible Swiss slopes, especially during winter. Some of the best designer shops and renowned spas are available in St. Moritz. The resort is acknowledged as the location where skiing was invented. Further, it hosts some of the liveliest new year parties. Celebrities who have visited St. Moritz include Ivana Trump, Liz Hurley, Robert de Niro, and John Travolta. Must-visit places in St. Moritz include the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains’ casino, Badrutt’s Mario bar, and Kulm Hotel’s Dracula club.

· Montreux

Montreux lies on the shores of Lake Geneva. It has been a hotspot for celebrities since Lord Byron lived there for months in 1816. The town is home to the Montreux Jazz Festival. Queen frontman Freddie Mercury christened Montreux the town of peace. Famous people who have lived in Montreux include Vladimir Nabokov, Ernest Hemingway, Graham Greene, and Charlie Chaplin.

· Zurich

Zurich is the biggest city in Switzerland. Celebs who have visited the city include Paris Hilton. She spent a long time in the city while dating Thomas Gross, a local billionaire. Tina Turner is Zurich’s long-term resident, with her residence in Kusnacht. In 2014, Tina git married in the city and acquired Swiss citizenship. She once said that she loves everything about Switzerland.

· Zermatt

Zermatt

Zermatt is a lavish and discreet Swiss ski resort popular with celebrities. The town nestled in Valais’s canton features beautiful Matterhorn views. Only electric cars are allowed in this town, guaranteeing clean air. Frida Lyngstad of the music group Abba lives in Zermatt with her partner, while Phil Collins is a chalet owner in the town. Renowned people who ski in Zermatt include Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Angela Merkel, Thierry Henry, and Robbie Williams. Popular hangout joints in Zermatt include the Vernissage comprising a gallery, nightclub, restaurant, bar, and the Cervo where you can get aprés ski drinks; and Chez Vrony.

· Davos-Klosters

The neighboring towns of Davos and Klosters are popularly known for hosting the WEF meeting in January every year. The meeting attracts celebrities and the world’s elite in the business, financial, and political industries. The region is also popular with British, Swedish, and Danish royals, including Prince William and Kate. Renee Zellweger and Leonardo DiCaprio have also been spotted in Davos-Kolsters. There are numerous chalets in Davos-Klosters, allowing celebrities to enjoy an anonymous experience.

Why is Verbier so Popular?

Verbier is located 1500m high in a natural bowl. It’s a stunning ski resort without the highrise buildings famous in other alpine resorts. Chalets in Verbier face southwest. Unlike other ski resorts in Switzerland, Verbier enjoys many sunny days and incredible mountain scenery. Due to Verbier’s high altitude, visitors are always guaranteed snow and the opportunity to ski along the glacier during winter. 

Verbier is part of the Four Valleys ski area, which provides 93 modern ski lifts and more than 400 kilometers of ski runs. The extensive ski area guarantees something for every skier. Verbier is one of the top off-piste resorts in the Alps, making it a skiers paradise. It is ideal for nightlife lovers and has numerous discotheques and bars. The region has some of the best nightlife spots and apres-ski activities in the Swiss Alps. If you don’t fancy skiing, you can visit the art galleries and alpine museums, go shopping, relax at the sauna, or take a dip in an indoor swimming pool.

Where do Celebrities Ski in Switzerland?

Ski in Switzerland

 

Gstaad is one of the most popular locations for celebs. It offers soft powdery slopes, fancy restaurants, luxury boutiques, massive hiking trails, and grandeur hotels and chalets. Gstaad has resisted the pressure for expansion to retain exclusivity, making it a popular location for celebrities. Famous people who have skied in Gstaad include Madonna, Pari Hilton, David Bowie, and the Thai royals.

· Verbier

Verbier offers a complete panoramic view of the Combins massif and the Mont-blanc. Visitors can participate in snow biking, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and paragliding. Winter sports are popular for celebrities visiting Verbier during winter.

· Crans Montana

Crans Montana

Crans Montana is an ideal skiing spot that attracts numerous celebrities annually. It’s the perfect spot for sunny skiing during winter. Crans Montana is a peaceful and quiet place, explaining why many celebrities love skiing here.

Who are some Well-known Celebrities that Visit Verbier Switzerland?

While Verbier is a ski resort, it resembles a Swiss town and attracts a thriving community all year round. It boasts aprés ski bars like Le Pub Mont Fort, the Farinet, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Verbier is a hotspot for celebrities like Jude Law, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas, James Blunt, Prince Harry, Jamie Oliver, Ronan Keating, Barack Obama, and ​​​​Leonardo di Caprio. Pixie Lott visited Verbier with Oliver Cheshire, her boyfriend, for New Year and stayed at the Le Farinet Lounge.

How can you get to Verbier?

The ski resort and village of Verbier lie in the canton of Valais, southwest of Switzerland. It is 160 kilometers east of Geneva airport, an hour and a half’s drive from Aosta, Chamonix, or Brig. Verbier has one access road, starting in Le Chable town. You can access Le Chable ton by road through Sembrancher from the west of Martigny or the south from the great St. Bernard Pass Italy. Visitors can reach other regions of the 4 Vallees ski area by road through Sion. The St Bernard Express train is the preferred mode of transport to Verbier from Martigny.

· Flights to Verbier

Geneva is the best international gateway to Verbier, with easy transfers through a private shuttle, bus, or train. Located close to Verbier, Sion airport is convenient for travelers from Zurich or London.

· Hotel and Airport Transfers

Skiing enthusiasts prefer boarding the train from the airport to Verbier because they can upgrade to first class on most journeys. Celebrities and large groups of travelers prefer private transfers instead of public transport to Verbier.

· Bus or Rail Transport to Verbier

One of the best and most affordable ways of traveling to the 4 Vallees and Verbier is via train. Travelers can get train access from different parts of Europe, such as Brig and Geneva airport through Martigny. The IR90 train operates directly from Geneva airport at intervals of 30 minutes to Martigny. 

The journey lasts approximately 1¾ hrs. From Brig, two to three hourly train services travel to Martigny for between 50 to 70 minutes. The duration depends on the number of stops the train makes. If you opt to fly to Sion, you’ll take a taxi ride or make a 2km walk from the airport to the train station. 

Regular trains make 12-minute trips from Brig to Martigny. The St Bernard Express operates to Le Châble every 30 minutes, from where a taxi, bus, or gondola will transport you to the ski resort. The Verbier gondola is adjacent to the newly renovated Le Châble train station.

· Bus from Aosta

The train is the most effective and comfortable means of transporting many travelers. However, if you’re traveling from Aosta in Italy, you can take the bus that operates twice daily on Tuesday and Friday and once on Sundays. The bus stops at Sembrancher railway station to connect with the St Bernard Express to Le Chable and Verbier.

· Driving to Verbier

Driving to Verbier should be a smooth experience. The journey from Italy through the Grand St Bernard Pass traverses a higher terrain. A roof covers the road from Crevacol, and you’ll have to pay exorbitant fees at the Grand St Bernard Tunnel. The final road section from Le Chable to Verbier stretches up a massive 700m vertical. If you’re not confident about navigating icy grounds, you can park your car free of charge and take the post bus or gondola to the ski resort.

· Car Hire and Rental

Car hire and rental services are available in all major cities and airports. However, many snowboarders and skiers don’t need a car unless they intend to sample adjacent ski resorts. The nearest car rental companies to Verbier are in Montreux & Lausanne, Aigle, and Bex, north of Martigny. They are accessible by train. Travelers can also access cars at Sion airport and downtown. Zurich and Geneva’s airports are the best places to rent a car while in Switzerland. However, beware of exorbitant security deposits.

Finally

Verbier is one of the top destinations in Switzerland for celebrities, especially during winter. Some areas in this ski resort are covered in snow all year long, making it a hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts. Are you planning to visit Verbier anytime soon? Use this article as a guide to help you navigate the region.

21 Importance of Team Building Games in Winter Camp

lesadmin
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Outdoor team-building activities allow campers to forget their school and daily challenges and focus on creating new connections and building trust with their peers. As a supervisor, engaging your colleagues with quick games, fun quizzes, or icebreakers in a class take time and effort. What with the constant school pressures and numerous homework to complete? A winter or summer camp provides the perfect opportunity for kids to engage in various team-building events. This article discusses the importance of participating in team building games winter camp for children.

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What is a Team Building Game?

What is a Team Building Game

Team-building games or activities are competitive events that bring kids, helping them have fun and build character skills among them. During a team-building event, children learn essential skills such as problem-solving, communication, creative thinking, and resilience.

How many People are Needed to Play this Game?

Different groups host team-building activities for various objectives. The activities a group engages in depend on the goals they are seeking to achieve. For example, a sizeable team-building group can be ideal for developing shared friendships and experiences.

The maximum number of people for small groups seeking to boost their problem-solving and communication skills can be 12. Having a skilled facilitator to manage a sizeable team-building event for kids is important. Excellent skills come in handy to keep children attentive, execute instructions, and ensure the event is engaging.

What are some Team Building Games that can be Played at a Winter Camp?

Maintaining engagement and motivation throughout the year is critical for a school’s success. Team building winter activities are a good way of helping children nurture their skills within a team environment. While the winter weather can be dull and uncomfortable, planning fun and engaging games for your team can keep their morale up. Here are exciting team-building exercises that are ideal for kids.

· Seeing Spots

Seeing Spots

This activity involves putting a colored sticker dot on every camper’s forehead without letting them know the colour. Once the game starts, every team with the same must find one another without speaking. This team-building activity helps facilitate cooperation and non-verbal communication.

· Laser Tag or Paintballing

Laser tag and paintballing are excellent team-building activities that help campers burn excess energy. If paintball seems overly rough, allow the children to play laser tag. Both games are great team-building exercises for children.

Laser tag is a fast combat game played using guns that shoot infrared beams. It’s specially designed with undercover sections and vantage points. Laser tag aims to shoot opponents as many times as possible, whether the competitors are playing in teams or single mode. The game is safe and ideal for children from the age of 6. It combines strategic skills and physical activity.

· Obstacle Course Relays

Obstacle course relay is one of the best team-building activities ideal for teens. The first team comprising all members to complete the course becomes the winner. Winter camp organizers can plan various activities that require children to work individually or as a team.

Obstacle courses teach kids to collaborate in tasks while helping them understand the importance of individual contributions in achieving a common goal. While obstacle courses can be rigorous, they help children acquire social skills that nurture a sense of belonging and inspire motivation. A relay race is a fun group activity that encourages teamwork.

· Volleyball

A volleyball tournament is among the best outdoor team-building sports for children. All you need to play this game is a volleyball and a net. Campers can play this game indoors during unbearable winter conditions.

· Soap Box Derby

Soap box derbies are creative projects that promote teamwork and help children develop excellent problem-solving skills. During these contests, campers build cars from scratch before racing them. Usually, these cars don’t have motors. Every team must collaborate in designing the vehicles and cheer them during the race. This is a time-intensive activity that requires many hours to complete. It can last a half or full day. The materials kids need for this activity include wheels, crates, and plywood.

· Outdoor Team Building Picnic

Winter camp picnics are excellent outdoor team games for children. To set up the event, you must have a vast open space, like a field or park near the camping site. Set up picnic tables and have the team members bring their lawn chairs, blankets, salads, chips, sandwiches, and hot drinks to keep the cold at bay. Children can play games, hold contests, or dance to their favorite music.

· Double Dare

Double dare is a team-building activity where contestants compete in various physical challenges. To play the game, set up stations and collect all the required materials beforehand. Split the campers into teams and record the score as contestants complete the challenges. Often, this activity includes mini-games, obstacle courses, and trivia quizzes.

· Go on a Rafting Experience

Rafting presents campers with turbulent waters that they can overcome with teamwork. It is ideal for older children. To steer and propel the inflatable boat, children should delegate a leader and keep clear communication across the journey. Campers will have created unforgettable memories and built special memories with their teammates when they complete their route.

· Go Hiking and Enjoy Some Fresh Air

According to research done by Stanford University, spending time in nature is ideal for calming anxiety, reducing stress, and lowering the risk of depression. The vigorous school schedule can be stressful for children, and they often need some time to unwind and relax. Organizing a group hike for campers during winter camp can improve their well-being. Besides improving individual health, combining exercising and socializing is an excellent way of boosting school camaraderie.

· Learn how to Sled, Ski, or Snowboard

Learn how to Sled, Ski, or Snowboard

Teaching kids how to snowboard, ski, or sled is crucial during winter camp, especially if they don’t already know how to do it. Combining socializing and learning new skills is an excellent way of encouraging interpersonal bonding.

· Four-way Tug-of-war

This outdoor activity is more fun than the traditional tug-of-war. Pick two long jump ropes and tie them together at their central points to create an X shape before tying a bandana at that point. Use cones to form a circle that fits around the center.

Split the group into four equal teams and have each stand at each end of the ropes. Signal the teams to start pulling. The teams should aim to be the first to drag the other groups towards their direction, far from the bandana, to move out of the circle. Children who lack the confidence to participate in this game can play the role of a referee.

· Hot seat

Split the campers into two teams and let them sit in groups facing a makeshift chalkboard or whiteboard. Place an empty chair for each team in front of the class facing the participants. The chairs are known as hot seats. Select one volunteer from each group and have them sit on the hot seat facing their teammates. Have a list of vocabulary words to use during the game.

Pick one and write it on the board. Every team will take turns getting the member on the hot seat to guess the word using definitions, antonyms, and synonyms. Ensure team members collaborate so that each member gets a chance to provide a clue. The camper on the hot seat will listen to their teammates and try to guess the word.

The first participant to get the word right will win a point for the team. When participants guess the word correctly, a new member from each group will replace them on the hot seat. A new round will then begin with a new word.

· Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunting is an excellent team-building activity for children. Participants must collaborate to solve various puzzles and clues to help them find items. Campers can play scavenger hunt outdoors or indoors. It is an excellent activity for large groups. Planning a scavenger hunt outing can be time-consuming, but it’s worthwhile. Use easy-to-solve puzzles and clues to plan scavenger-hunting activities for younger children.

Consider the number of participants and their ages when choosing the number of items they should find. If you are working with older kids, include group tasks such as dancing together and filming the entire event. Scavenger hunting is one of the best activities that help promote collaboration and communication among participants.

· Wake not the Sleeping Troll

This is among the simplest team-building games for children that require little preparation and limited space. The sleeping troll, in this case, is the team leader. Without speaking, team members should line up based on their height, from the tallest to the shortest. After managing this task, they should shout “boo” at the sleeping troll and scare them enough to proceed through the bridge successfully. This activity reiterates the importance of non-verbal communication, which is crucial for developing team bonds.

21 Importance of Team Building Games in Winter Camp

21 Importance of Team Building Games in Winter Camp

Engaging children in team-building activities from an early age helps them thrive in school and their workplaces in the future. Here are reasons you should enroll your child in a winter camp-based team-building activity.

1. They help children understand the importance of working together efficiently.

2. Promotes better communication among team members, a skill they can carry back to school and when engaging with their friends and family members

3. Team building helps children understand their peers and facilitates healthy relationships with one another.

4. These activities help children develop a sense of responsibility.

5. They develop high levels of compassion, self-confidence, empathy, and self-esteem.

6. Develops inclusivity and trust among team members

7. Helps children have fun as a team which can be a stress reliever

8. Helps campers understand their peers better

9. Different team-building games can motivate campers to beat challenges in school and their daily lives.

10. Helps children learn new processes and skills

11. Winter camp team-building activities stimulate creativity while empowering new ideas.

12. Allows campers to become better problem-solvers

13. Increases team unity

14. Helps children acquire experience and wisdom. When campers succeed or fail during a team-building activity, they will never forget what it took to become successful. They will also understand why they failed and strive to succeed. Team building games for kids prepares them to face and beat challenges in the future. 

15. Develops and nurtures leadership qualities and skills

16. Children learn how to respect and trust one another.

17. Nurtures and reinforces responsibility among children

18. Encourages innovation

19. Helps children enjoy fresh air and some vitamin D

20. Provides an opportunity for kids to enjoy the outdoors and take a break from the screen

21. Allows children to bond with their peers from different cultures and build long-lasting friendships

While team-building activities for children can be lots of fun, managing a large group of teens and keeping them engaged can be daunting. Often, teens struggle with interacting with their peers, especially if they meet them for the first time. You must select activities with a suitable difficulty level to build teenagers’ and younger children’s interest and keep them engaged in physical and bonding activities.

Fun team-building games for kids should be challenging yet fun enough to keep them engaged and active. However, they should also have an achievable goal to avoid disconnection. Supervisors can play the role of a cheerleader to create a safe and encouraging environment for the participants. Before starting any activity, supervisors must explain the rules, especially for group activities.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen above, team-building activities can have numerous advantages for children. Suppose you are sending your children on a team-building program for the first time. In that case, it’s crucial to understand that many winter camps provide a safe and conducive environment to ensure participants have fun and create unforgettable memories harmoniously. Check our website for related articles to motivate you to enroll your child in the next team-building event.

17 Positive Aspects to Spend a Week Without a Phone at Winter Camp

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While technology is highly beneficial, many people in New York and other parts of the world are getting overly attached to it. Cell phone addiction, especially, is nearly getting out of control among adults and even the younger generation. A significant percentage of people spend their free time browsing the internet, making phone calls, or watching their favorite shows via their phones.

To break away from the mobile phone and other forms of technology, some people prefer going camping. Still, some people struggle to stay without their phones and carry them to camp, which many camping facilities discourage. Also known as deplugging, taking a break from technology or a new phone is an excellent way for campers to enjoy the camping experience.

Whether camping as a family or with your colleagues, a digital detox helps clear your mind allowing you to practice mindfulness and cherish your surroundings. Here are reasons why you should consider going winter camping without a phone.

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17 Positive Aspects to Spend a Week Without a Phone at Winter Camp

Do you want to dumb your phone for a short or long period? While attending a winter camp at the end of the week without a phone will not be easy, it has numerous benefits. These include:

1. Increases Bonding Time

Increases Bonding Time

Camping is an effective way of spending more time with your friends and family. Besides catching up, you share exciting stories and engage in fun activities as a team which help you catch up and bond. Without your phones, you don’t have to think about missing the latest podcast or WhatsApp chats. You’ll need more time to think about looking for your charger.

Camping for a week without a phone is critical, especially when you’re spending time with friends or family members with busy days who hardly have time to relax and catch up. Phones and cameras may come in handy in shooting a vlog and recording the moment. However, sitting around the campfire in the evening telling jokes and enjoying each other’s stories helps you connect intentionally. 

2. An Opportunity to Improve Your Skills

Many people spend prolonged periods on phones doing unproductive stuff. Going winter camping instead allows you to invest in learning new skills. You should be passionate about the outdoors to enjoy the rewards of acquiring a new skill. Some activities, such as hunting and fishing, are highly beneficial and enjoyable. However, they require maximum concentration, meaning they are best executed without distractions. Apart from learning new skills, campers can spend their time in the winter camp learning from one another. To prepare for a phoneless trip, print out any instructions you may need, such as: 

  • How to build a campfire
  • How to gut a fish
  • How to identify animal tracks
  • How to pitch camp
  • Maps and weather forecasts for all the days of your winter camp trip

Store your printouts in a Ziploc bag before packing them to maximize protection. 

3. Promotes Relaxation 

Some studies suggest that spending time outdoors promotes relaxation. Many people are stressed about education, careers, and work in today’s fast-paced world. Taking a break for the first time in a long time can help you enjoy some quiet and peace surrounded by beautiful nature spots. The entire experience of being away from stressful situations is soothing and helps you clear your mind and rest. Without a phone, you eliminate the urge to browse social media or check your emails. Eventually, you live in the moment, forgetting about your home and work roles for some time. 

4. Worry-Free Setbacks

While camping is safe, unpredictable falls or rainstorms can destroy electronics. Modern-day cell phone screens are weather and fall-resistant. However, it’s important to take precautions to prevent unnecessary losses and moments of wondering what if I lose my phone. Access to a satellite phone or a landline can help you seek help, especially during an emergency. You can power off your satellite phone, store it in a plastic bag, and give it to your guide or camp supervisor to avoid the urge to use it. Depending on the winter camp you attend, you may not need a satellite as some facilities have different methods of communication if emergencies occur. 

5. More Fulfilling Adventures

Deplugging helps you focus on the adventures during a winter camp trip. Even when you experience bad weather, you will enjoy the moment and take away critical lessons. You will also have tremendous stories to tell your colleagues after the trip. Without distractions, you can learn from your fellow campers and your surroundings. Without a phone, you can navigate rough trails and traverse rivers. With the right camping gear, you can enjoy each adventure. 

6. Reduced Competition

One of the drawbacks of social media is it increases your urge to get more comments and likes. You don’t have to record your camping trip and struggle with cropping and filtering images and posting them on Snapchat in real-time. Doing so takes you away from enjoying the moment thoroughly. If you need to take photos, consider bringing a photographer or using an old phone or disposable camera. Disposable cameras may be analog, but they produce excellent image quality. Further, you can get them in soft copy, meaning you can upload them on your social media pages after your winter camp trip.

7. Eliminates Feelings of Loneliness and Jealous

Some researchers established that Tiktok or Facebook addiction could make people dissatisfied with their lives. While there are numerous positive interactions on social media, individual experiences vary. Social media can be a hub for envy, especially with the numerous posts of people visiting different vacation destinations or enjoying numerous parties. Going winter camping without a phone helps you reset your mind and appreciate everything you have in your life. It helps you realize that there you can be happy without a phone. 

8. Finding Solitude in an Ever-connected World is Difficult

Solitude provides you with the quietness and stillness you need to meditate and evaluate your life away from distractions. As external noise becomes louder by the day, the need for solitude is now evident, even though many overlook it. Attending winter camp is an excellent way of enjoying meditation and solitude sessions. Switch off your phone, go winter camping, and enjoy a moment of solitude.

9. Eliminates FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Scientists define the fear of missing out as a psychological disorder triggered by increased technology addiction. Today, people post nearly everything happening in their lives on social media. Whether it is friends enjoying seemingly delicious food or a party, receiving numerous notifications triggers the fear of missing out in many people. Taking a break from social media and living in the moment is a critical survival tactic in today’s modern world. 

10. Enjoy Life from a Different Perspective

While the world is evolving fast, the nature of life remains intact. However, you can only discover and enjoy real-life experiences and have authentic, unfiltered conversations by taking a break from your phone and technology. What better way of having these experiences that attending winter camp without a phone?

11. Helps you Rate Your Addiction Levels

You can only rate the level of your phone addiction if you take a break from it. When you go winter camping without a phone, you may realize your phone addiction level is higher than you thought. A good way of discovering how much your phone impacts your life is to switch it off and go to a winter camp. During camp, take note of your urge to get back to your phone and realize your addiction levels. 

12. Deplugging is an Effective way of Promoting Creation while Scaling down on Consumption

Often, people spend most of their time creating or consuming. Technology can promote creation in various ways. For instance, you can create an informative blog post through your phone or computer. However, a significant percentage of people spend time on consumption:

  • Browsing the internet
  • Playing full video games
  • Reading trending news
  • Listening to music
  • Watching a movie

The world no longer needs consuming. Instead, it requires creating human contribution, solutions, and passion. Taking a break from your phone during winter camp can help you discover ways to contribute to an improved world.

13. Use Time Management Tools

Use Time Management Tools

Various internet-based tools can help you control the time you spend online better. Some tools disable your internet connection if you surpass your time limit online. You can use other tools to block access to specific websites like Twitter, Gmail, Facebook, or blogs for some time. These tools allow you access to less addictive websites. Usually, they are designed to combat social media addiction. 

14. Physical Meetings Remain Critical in Life

There are essential resources online that promote growth while helping you to evolve. The friends you meet and the connections you make online can be enriching. However, physical meetings are critical regardless of how often you interact with your peers through technology. The experience of having a one-on-one conversation away from the filters is better and more fulfilling than listening to a podcast. Spending some time in winter camp without a phone helps you focus on building valuable relationships and making lifetime friends. 

15. Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Unplugging from your phone is an excellent way of rebooting your brain. When you don’t have to check your phone for emails, news alerts, lol at emojis, or LinkedIn notifications constantly, your brain slows down. This allows you to be in the present moment, relax and enjoy your winter camp activities wholesomely. 

16. Allows you to Connect with the Natural World

Letting go of your phone gives you the urge to be outside, enjoy nature, marvel at your surroundings, exercise, and breathe fresh air without distractions. What if you can spend time in winter camp for one week without a phone? Besides meeting and making new friends, you engage in physical activity, which helps you avoid lifestyle health complications such as diabetes and heart disease. 

17. Enables you to be Present and Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures

Present and Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures

Life is moving fast, and if you’re not alert, you may miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect. Taking a break from your phone eliminates unnecessary distractions throughout the day. Your mindfulness, self-awareness, and attention span will grow, improving your well-being. Putting away your phone allows you to enjoy your time and the company of people you meet during your winter camp trip. 

Spending too much time on your phone denies you an opportunity to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. You can invest the time you spend browsing the internet learning different winter camp activities like ice skating, sledding, or ice fishing. Doing what you’re passionate about helps you enjoy life to the maximum while improving your well-being and mental health. 

Can I Survive Without a Phone?

Surviving without a phone may seem impossible, but it’s doable. Do you use your phone while bathing, reading, or in the examination room? Having a phone in today’s digital world is critical. However, the notion that you can’t survive without a phone is a misconception. Using a mobile device lies in your control. Sometimes phones control you, which can negatively impact your productivity levels. Whether you’re using an iPhone or Nokia phone, they serve the same purpose. Dumb phone regularly to focus on important matters and view life from a different perspective.

Tips to Help you Deplug and Focus on Meaningful Activities

Deplug and Focus on Meaningful Activities

In the current ever-connected world, deplugging can be challenging. Here are tips to ease the process. 

· Start our Day Wisely

Henry Ward Beecher states, “The first hour is the rudder of the day.” Avoid picking up your phone when you first wake up. Spending an extra one or two hours without touching your phone won’t harm you. After all, you already managed approximately eight hours sleeping. Use that time to focus on more important issues like meditation and planning your activities for the day. 

· Switch Off Your Phone for Some Time Every Day

Identify a specific time of the day when you can take a break from your phone. This can be the first few hours of the day, between lunch hour, or before retiring to bed. Choose the best time that works for your schedule and stick to it. Remember, the time you choose may be less important. What matters is your discipline to maintain the practice.

· Take an Extended Break from Your Phone Regularly

Some people lay clear goals for the number of days they want to stay without a phone annually and extend the days subsequently. For example, if you spent nine days without a phone last year, this year, you can add three more days, depending on your schedule.

Some people deactivate unnecessary apps and leave the phone on for important calls and texts only. However you choose to do it, taking a prolonged break from your phone teaches you about yourself, relationships, the world around you, and technology. You can even explore activities you’ve always wanted to engage in and enjoy a cold turkey meal with your family and friends. 

What are the Effects of Spending Too Much Time on Your Phone?

With smartphones becoming more accessible, many people spend more time on their mobile devices. Today, children as young as four-year-olds are watching cartoons on their phones. Technology helps people connect in different ways but taking regular breaks from your phone can help you live a fulfilling, happy, and healthy life. As seen below, spending too much time on your phone can negatively affect you in various ways.

· Your Mental Health

Your Mental Health

Researchers say that by spending a lot of time in front of your screen, you risk getting depressed. One study revealed that people who spend more than six hours watching movies are at risk of developing clinical depression symptoms. Further, extending your screen time can expose you to insomnia, another risk factor for mental health complications. Whether excess screen time affects your brain is unknown, but studies are underway. 

· Obesity and Other Lifestyle-based Complications

Sitting for a long time or leading a sedentary lifestyle with prolonged periods of inactivity can result in obesity and other health-related complications like heart disease and diabetes, as we’ve seen above. 

· Vision Problems

Staring at your phone screen for a long time can trigger various vision complications like headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. 

· Inability to Show Empathy

Technology can weaken parts of your brain responsible for empathy and compassion, making it difficult to develop and maintain meaningful relationships. 

Finally

Learning to live without a phone and deplugging from technology are critical lifelong skills with many benefits. Mastering this practice can help you lead a disciplined and fulfilling life. Deplugging becomes easier if you let your family and friends know that you will be going winter camping for a week without a phone in advance.

Informing your loved ones that you won’t be responding to emails, social media messages, and texts prevents them from worrying about your whereabouts. Further, it helps you combat the urge to check your messages. You get sufficient time to engage in physical outdoor activities when you switch off your phone. You will also enjoy spending time in nature and engaging in adventurous activities at winter camp.

Are you considering deplugging, relaxing, detoxing your brain, and enjoying the present? Leave your phone behind and book your winter camp trip today.

How Does Winter Camp Help in the Personal Development of Children?

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Any parent who engaged in fun activities during winter camp while young agrees that camp played a big role in instilling their life skills. Winter camps play a significant role in boosting the personal development of children. Educators may be cognizant that camp can help prevent winter learning loss.

While winter can be gloomy and cold, it makes the outdoors beautiful with ice, snowflakes, slush, and snow. Campers can use these materials to experiment with their creativity and develop problem-solving skills. We live in the digital era, where many children prefer sitting in front of their electronic devices instead of camping in the cold winter. How can winter camp contribute to a child’s personal development? Read on to find out.

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What is the Purpose of a Winter Camp?

Purpose of a Winter Camp

Sending children winter camping allows them to engage in outdoor activities such as snowboarding, keeping them active. Snow and ice allow campers to develop new skills like strength and gross motor while boosting coordination to make them more confident. Besides maintaining proper health practices, sending your child to winter camp helps them acquire excellent leadership skills. Once school resumes, children who attended camp will remember things easier than those who didn’t. Other fun-filled activities that children can engage in while camping in winter include winter hiking, ice fishing, rock climbing, skiing in Verbier, and snowshoeing. 

Learning, Personal Growth, and Development

Many winter and spring camps have a theme and incorporate character-building, exploring, learning, and personal development. Parents looking for exciting winter activities for their children can choose from the different winter camp types in Switzerland, like cooking camps, sports day camps, science camps, and art camps.

Besides getting entertained, children will be challenged and educated. They also get an opportunity to explore their interests and gain goal-setting skills, become more self-aware and knowledgeable, and develop self-confidence.

Some studies suggest that many families that send their children to winter camp agree that the children become more self-confident while at the camp. Self-awareness is crucial and one of the numerous ways going camping can positively influence your child. Understanding themselves and the world outside the classroom can significantly affect a child’s development and growth. 

Reducing Screen Time

As we’ve mentioned above, children today spend a lot of time watching their favorite shows on their tablets or on television. Research suggests that excessive screen time can interfere with your child’s well-being, social skills, health, academic enrichment, and sleep. Sending children to full-day winter or summer camps allows them to take a break from their screens. Spending time outdoors around Lake Geneva helps them make new friends and explore new activities. 

Promoting the Development of Critical Life Skills

Promoting the Development of Critical Life Skills

As campers engage in teamwork and collaborative activities, they discover and develop critical lifelong skills that help them cope with their challenges. The camp experience allows young people to master decision-making and communication skills to cope with change. Fun camp activities in Swiss offer team-building camping sessions that teach appreciation and togetherness.

How Does Winter Camp Help in the Personal Development of Children?

The Les elfes international ski resort offers a personalised experience to promote a child’s emotional, social, public-speaking, and cognitive skills and overall personal development. The facility located in Verbier encourages skill development by providing games that encourage teamwork.

During winter camp, children have the time of their lives by playing, eating, and working as a team. Through teamwork, international school students attending camp master the art of managing conflict and coping with different personalities. By focusing on teamwork, campers grow individually and learn about the community’s importance.  

Promoting Self-Esteem and Friendship

Winter camp is not as competitive as school is. This allows children to accomplish their goals at their own pace and time and still feel appreciated. Whether they learn to ski on the first or last day, they will feel happy for achieving something, boosting their self-esteem and confidence. During winter camp in Montreux, children meet, make new friends, and develop bonds that can last a lifetime. They also meet their peers from different backgrounds, from which they learn how to be tolerant and respect differences. 

What was the Most Important Thing to Learn at Winter Camp?

Children learn various things from attending winter camp. First, camping doesn’t happen magically. It’s a result of planning. Whether the children will stay in a chalet or the facility will provide tents, you need a proper plan for your children to have a successful experience. To ensure children learn from the planning phase, allow them to be part of it, so they can know what it entails. For example, you can help them identify and pack their camping gear.

Have them calculate how much CHF they will need for the entire trip. Ensure they understand that winter camps require more planning than summer camps. Children can apply this lesson differently in their lives. Planning is critical for school and careers, and camping is an ideal place to teach the art of becoming a great planner. Other lessons children can learn at winter camp include:

Risk-Taking

Children should know that taking risks can sometimes be necessary for their lives. For example, when children are out exploring nature, they have limited control, which equates to taking a risk. While taking risks comes with endless rewards, children should have a limit to the risks they take. Taking risks forces children to get out of their comfort zones, and this is where they achieve growth. Doing the same thing every day hinders growth. Allowing children to attend winter camp and engage in different activities is one of the methods of encouraging growth. 

Flexibility

While planning is critical to camping, campers should know that sometimes things happen that wreck their plans. Going winter camping teaches children the value of being flexible and adapting to situations. Children learn how to find an alternative if things don’t go according to plan while camping. Winter camping teaches children how to manage what happens to them instead of focusing on the situation.

Winter camping allows children to meet new people and engage in fun activities. It also enables them to learn different lessons, as we’ve seen above. There are numerous reasons for sending your children camping this winter season. Besides creating unforgettable memories, they will acquire lifelong skills from the experience. Enrol your child for winter camp and watch them develop into mature young adults.

Safety Plan for High School Students in Winter Camp

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For nature lovers who enjoy the cold weather, winter is the ideal time to go camping and enjoy the outdoors. Frozen rivers, snow-covered forests, and icicles form incredible scenery. However, many high school students want to remain indoors when the temperatures are freezing. This means campers can enjoy uncrowded areas, engage in various camp activities, and have fun. To enjoy a smooth camping experience, a safety plan for high school students in winter camp is crucial.

Read on to learn about preparing for winter camp, what to pack for a winter camping trip, cold-related illnesses to avoid, and how to remain safe during the winter camp season.

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How do you Prepare for Winter Camping?

During the warm weather, numerous people flock to summer camps to enjoy nature and engage in fun outdoor activities. On the contrary, only a few people want to go camping under snow conditions. You don’t have to wait until the summer season to go camping. Through practice, you can soon get used to camping in the cold weather, getting opportunities to continue camping during winter when the day camps are less crowded.

While winter camp has numerous benefits, like avoiding bug bites and crowds, it can be dangerous. That’s why it’s critical to prepare yourself accordingly for your trip. Preparing for your trip is more than the enrollment and check-in process. Preparing for your first day in winter camp can take weeks, based on how much campers have in terms of their supplies, the amount of inclement weather they can tolerate, and their previous camping experience. Are you considering going or enrolling your children in winter camping? Here are tips to prepare and determine whether the trip is ideal.

· Read the Weather Forecast

A winter camping site

Read the weather report at your destination and check for any warning notifications. Doing so will help you predict the conditions to expect throughout the trip. Overrate cold weather conditions o be on the safe side. For instance, if the weather forecast predicts -5 degrees, pack clothes to help you survive -10 degrees. That way, severe weather changes won’t catch you off-guard.

· Assess Your Equipment

Check and confirm your equipment to ensure you have everything you need and that it’s working appropriately. While many winter camp facilities will provide all the gear elementary school campers need, it’s crucial to pack essential staff. Pack extra batteries to use if you already have run out of power.

When camping in off-grid areas, ensure you have a power bank to cater to your needs. Other essentials to prepare include facemasks, thick-soled walking boots, warm clothing, a first aid kit, maps, and compasses. You’ll also need to confirm your vaccination status and the CDC safety requirements at your destined camping destination.

· Understand the Road Conditions

The core difference between regular and winter camping is accessibility to critical supplies should things go wrong. When the roads are snow-filled, fewer resources and rescuers can assist campers out of the wilderness. The camp staff understands what to do in case of an emergency. However, you must prepare timely pick-up and drop-off facilities, especially if you go to day camps. If reports show poor road conditions, consider postponing the trip until it’s safe to drive to the camping site. 

· Prepare for Sudden Weather Changes

When camping during winter, you must understand that the weather can change drastically due to factors like wind direction, speed, intensity, and precipitation type, as well as temperature changes across the day. Prepare for poor weather by packing sufficient clothes to keep you warm in the worst weather conditions. 

What are Some Things to Pack for Winter Camping?

Whether preparing for a one-day or week-long winter camping expedition, having the appropriate equipment is crucial for your well-being and health. While snow-tucked topography can be magically alluring, such trips can turn uncomfortable and tragic within seconds, especially if you are inadequately prepared. Here are some essential things you should pack for your winter camping trip.

· Winter Tent

Winter Tent covered in snow

Even if the winter camp facility provides camping essentials onsite, packing a winter tent can be handy if you want an adventurous experience. In this case, a 4-season tent can be ideal, especially if the weather forecast calls for sub-zero and snow temperatures. These tents come with a thicker fabric and sturdier poles to prevent them from blowing off during chilly weather or allowing snow to soak through.

· Sleeping Bag

Your sleeping bag should be designed for temperatures lower than the coldest degrees expected for the winter camping trip. If you are expecting wet conditions, ensure your sleeping bag is waterproof and made of synthetic materials. The sleeping bag should also have an insulated sleeping pad to offer an extra layer between the cold winter surface and your body. Your sleeping pad should have a high R-value, featuring the highest insulation to ensure you remain warm all night. 

· Hiking Backpack

Whether hiking or driving to your campsite, a hiking backpack is a must-have winter camping essential. Winter camping gear is usually heavier and more significant than summer camp gear. As a result, your winter camp backpack should be large enough to accommodate and keep your camping gear dry. Ensure your bag is waterproof to keep rain, ice, and snow away. Further, the backpack should be comfortable to carry for prolonged periods regardless of the activities you engage in or the length of the trip. 

· Hiking Boots

Hiking boots should be insulated and waterproof to protect your feet from icy streams, damp snow, and frostbite. Your hiking boots should have the proper traction because ice and snow can be slippery, leading to falls. 

· Winter Socks

Warm winter socks add an extra layer of protection to insulated hiking boots. Find socks made from synthetic fabrics or merino wool because they are moisture-wicking and warm. 

· Gaiters

Gaiters are critical, especially when hiking snowy winter terrain. Skiers wear hiking gaiters over their winter boots to prevent snow and ice from penetrating their pants or shoes. 

· Crampons 

If you plan to do lots of challenging activities like sledding or jumping jacks, crampons are essential. They add an extra grip to your hiking boots, preventing you from slipping and falling as you move through rugged terrain. 

· Base Layer

A base layer is a critical part of your winter camping essentials. It helps trap warmth close to the skin, wicks moisture away to keep the skin dry, and insulates the body from cold. Campers will likely generate sweat during winter camp activities. Freezing conditions can trigger hypothermia or a chill if sweat remains on the skin. The ideal base layers are made from merino wool because it’s odor resistant, soft, and warm. If the camping trip lasts a few days, one set of base layers will be enough. However, if the winter camping trip will last more than a week, pack an extra set. 

· Mid Layer Clothing 

The mid-layer clothing is crucial in ensuring your body retains heat. The mid layer should not be overly bulky under the outer layer of clothing, but it should be able to balance temperature management under cold yet active conditions. Synthetic insulated or puffy down jackets are ideal, while heavy fleece jackets can also be a great option. Choose long heavyweight underwear or fleece pants for the mid-layer for enhanced comfort. 

· Outerwear Clothing

Ensure your outer layer clothing is windproof and waterproof. Remember, temperatures are unpredictable and can change fast. Proper outer layer clothing should be more wind resistant, thicker, and warmer than the average hiking pants. These keep off wind and water and trap warmth close to your body. 

· Winter Gloves

Mittens and gloves are excellent for keeping your hands warm during winter camping. While mittens are warmer, waterproof and insulated gloves, allow you to do things around the campsite without exposing your hands to extreme cold weather. 

· Hand warmers

Warming your hands during a winter trip can be relieving and comforting. Carry good hand warmers to last the entire camping trip. Carry an extra battery if your hand warmers are rechargeable. 

· Stove

Starting a fire during winter can be challenging for staff members at the winter camping facility. However, carrying your own stove helps you use it whenever you need warm beverages and hot water for your hot water bottles to keep the tent comfortable during the night.

· Thermos

Thermos

While a thermos is not an essential item for the winter camp gear list. You can use your thermos to store your hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot cocoa, or even water. 

What are the Types of Cold-related Injuries?

Cold-related injuries occur after exposure to icy environments while engaging in physical activity. Besides being uncomfortable and life-threatening, exposure to cold weather can impair a camper’s performance. Common cold-related injuries include:

  • Blisters may occur due to poorly fitting footwear and friction from wet socks, causing blisters on the heels, feet, and toes. 
  • Strains and sprains. Connective tissue and cold muscles have reduced elasticity, making them prone to injury. Falls are likely to occur when activity performance is reduced during cold weather. Often, soft tissue injuries are severe. Muscles and ligaments around the shoulder, knee, spine, and wrist joints suffer fall-related injuries during snowboarding or skiing. 
  • Frostbite occurs when skin tissues freeze. Ice crystals around and inside the skin cells restrain blood movement across the capillaries, depriving the skin of oxygen and other essential nutrients.  
  • Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 35°C. Symptoms of hypothermia include lack of coordination, drowsiness, and shivering. The affected person can become unconscious or even die if not attended to immediately. 
  • Head injury occurs due to the high-speed character of snow activities. Impact injuries on the head can have severe health consequences. Suppose you or a colleague sustain a head injury during snow activities camp medical staff should attend to you immediately. Don’t engage in snow activities unless you have clearance from the health department in your local area. 

Safety Plan for HighSchool Students in Winter Camp

Campers watching a fun winter activity

Winter camping is synonymous with cold temperatures. However, that shouldn’t discourage you from attending an overnight snowshoe or ski tour event at the base camp. Here are safety tips to help you enjoy your winter camping trip. 

· Dress in Layers

Dress in multiple layers, including base and mid layers, shell, and puffy jackets. These clothing give you more control over controlling your body temperature. As you engage in daily activities, your body will generate heat. It’s crucial to avoid sweat as much as possible because when it dries, it cools and wraps you in a cold cushion. Regulate your body heat by subtracting and adding layers to prevent sweating, a core component of remaining warm during winter adventures. 

· Remove Sweaty Clothes

Pack an extra base layer to help you change your clothes. When you settle down after a long day of activities, remove all your sweaty clothes and change into a new set of dry clothes. Doing so helps your body rebuild warmth. Layer up as much as you can to feel comfortable. Wear a parka-grade puffy jacket on top to complete your look. During freezing nights, consider wearing a hard-shell jacket over your puffy. Shell jackets trap heat well, giving you all the warmth you need to stay comfortable.

· Use a Sleeping Bag and a Quilt

Finding the right winter gear that provides warmth but remains compact and light can be difficult. This is where you need to use your sleeping bag and a featherweight quilt. Today, manufacturers use advanced materials to make quilts and sleeping bags lighter yet more efficient. A featherweight quilt protects you during the coldest nights giving you an additional layer of ultralight warmth for added comfort. 

· Use Two Sleeping Pads

While your winter camping mattress insulates your body against the cold, snowy grounds, sleeping pads add more insulation and warmth. A sleeping pad’s R-value determines its thermal resistance. Two sleeping pads have a higher R-value to give you extra insulating power. 

· Go to Bed in a Balaclava

You lose lots of heat via your head, but you can increase body heat by covering it. Jacket hoods and beanies often slip off while you sleep. However, a balaclava stays put, trapping in the heat you need to be comfortable. Further, it has a breathing hole to facilitate ventilation. Layer your balaclava under a hood or beanie for added warmth. 

· Place a Hot Water Bottle in Your Core Area

Place your hot water bottle around the groin area. Here, it will warm the blood that flows across your body, reaching all your boundaries and heating your entire body faster. The difference is significant, and that little trick can keep you warm during the rest of your time at the winter camp. Always exercise caution when handling hot water to avoid burning yourself. Ensure your hot water bottle lid is tightly closed to prevent leaks. 

· Vent the Tent

Airflow inside your tent is critical during winter camping. When you breathe, you release hot gas inside the tent. Once these water droplets rest in the cold tent or fabric, condensation occurs. Partially opening the vents of the tent prevents the tent from freezing. 

· Eat and Hydrate Sufficiently

The body burns calories to remain warm. As a result, constant snacking keeps your body warm. High protein and high-fat foods burn slower at night than their high-carb counterparts, keeping you fuller and warmer for longer. Hydration plays a huge role in how your body operates under cold conditions. Dehydrating yourself prevents you from remaining warm. Drink sufficient amounts of water to reduce fatigue

Finally 

While winter camping is not as popular as summer camping, it can be fun and exciting, especially for high school students keen on discovering new things. The tips in this article will help you remain comfortable and safe during your winter camp trip.

Always research before sending high school students to a backcountry winter camp facility. Try to get answers to as many FAQs as possible to ensure campers will be safe at the camping facility. Read about their refund policy, too, to prepare for any eventualities. Contact us today to book a winter camping slot for your high school student.

21 Health Tips at Winter Camp in Switzerland

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Spending a few days at a winter camp in Switzerland can be a fun and challenging experience. In this guide, we discuss important health precautions young campers should take so they can enjoy, learn and interact with their campmates throughout their camp’s duration. Parents preparing their kids for the annual winter camp can also use this as a guideline on health tips at winter camp in Switzerland.

21 HEALTH TIPS AT WINTER CAMP IN SWITZERLAND

Going to winter camp is a process that needs careful planning especially since the venue is in a new country. We’ll provide these important tips as a journey right from the planning phase, during the amp to the return journey after camp.

TIP#1 SAFETY STARTS WITH PREPARATION

You need to prepare well to guarantee your safety when going to winter camp. Preparing involves getting the necessary vaccinations, packing cold weather clothing, going for a medical checkup, etc. Parents taking their kids to winter camp should ensure they have everything they need during the trip. For example, ensure you pack any prescription medicine your kid might be using at the time.

TIP#2: EAT AND DRINK

Winter camp organizers provide plenty of food and snacks for campers to keep their internal furnace cranking and their daily calorie intake intact. Eating well is recommended because it keeps your body in good condition due to the higher metabolism experienced in cold weather. Don’t be afraid to snack or finish the generous food servings you get throughout your camping period.

To the campers, there is no need to pack your food or snacks for winter camp as this is provided by the camp and included in the camping fee. It may be tempting to pack a few sweet treats but it’s not recommended as high sugar intake in winter depresses your immune system and can cause systemic inflammation. A lot of sugar in winter can leave you susceptible to the flu and other cold-weather diseases.

TIP#3: REPORT HEALTH INCIDENTS IMMEDIATELY

Campers should be alert about their health and fellow campers’ health at all times to be safe. Most winter camps have a team of instructors and a medic on site who can react to minor or major health incidents. The severity of a health incident should not dictate your need to report it or not. It could be a fever, inflammation, unexplained headaches, pain from an injury, chest pains, etc.

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Some health issues are harder to detect especially where younger campers are involved. For instance, young adults with depression or mental health issues may not exhibit their health status until its too late. Alerting the organizers means they can monitor affected campers more closely.

TIP#4: TAKING PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE

Carrying on from the previous tip, campers must maintain any prescription medication schedule they might have while on camp. For young adults, it’s easier because all they need is to carry their medicine to camp and continue taking it. Younger campers need to be monitored by an adult supervisor or caretaker to ensure they are doing the same.

On the same point, it’s important for parents of younger campers who are taking medicine to alert the camp organizers so that the onsite medic can ensure they are taking it correctly. While it’s easy to arrange transport to a medical facility in Zurich, Geneva, or any major city around camp, sometimes it may not help if an incident is reported late.

TIP#5: FOLLOW CAMP SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Many winter camps have comprehensive safety protocols that campers must follow to stay healthy and safe. You will get these safety protocols in print form or they will be communicated to you on arrival. For instance, Swiss winter camp organizers may require young adults to avoid coming into contact with dangerous plants or animals.

TIP#6: AVOID CONTAMINATED WATER

Always drink clean water provided by the camp organizers to avoid getting water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, amebiasis, hepatitis, scabbles, worm infections, and gastroenteritis, just to name a few. Keep your water bottle with you at all times and always hydrate when necessary to stay healthy on camp.

Avoid Contaminated Water

Sometimes children or young adults tend to take risks and may end up drinking contaminated water from streams or paddles. Camp organizers can prevent this by monitoring them at all times and providing clean drinking water at regular intervals. Ideally, water bottles should be replaced at least once or twice a day and on request.

TIP#7: CLEAN AND SANITIZE ITEMS

Always clean or sanitize personal items such as your toothbrush, face towels, dental floss, reusable cups, etc.  Cleaning or sanitizing these items ensures that they are not contaminated with disease-causing germs. Also, ensure that you store them in a clean dry place away from the elements and animals such as rodents that may venture into your campsite.  

TIP#8: BEWARE OF FOOD ALLERGIES

Food allergies can cause serious health complications, especially for younger campers. For this reason, parents or campers should alert the organizers early about any food allergies. Most camp organizers can prepare a separate dish for campers with known food allergies. Campers who may experience allergic reactions must alert the nearest adult in camp so they can be attended to.

TIP#9: GET ENOUGH SLEEP

It’s easy to get carried away with the fun and games during winter camp that your sleeping hours are affected. To stay healthy, it’s important to get enough sleep which is usually between 8 to 9 hours per day for young adults and children. Avoid staying up after lights out or spending too much time near campfires that you forget to set up your tent and sleep.

TIP#10: KEEP YOURSELF WARM

For your health, always keep warm by dressing warm. Always wear an extra layer of clothing, and use hand warmers, gloves, warm sleeping pads, and other essential cold weather items.

TIP#11: HELP FELLOW CAMPERS WHEN POSSIBLE

Sometimes you may need to take the first action if you notice a problem with your mates in camp.  For instance, be ready to help fellow campers who may have a problem or are too shy to talk to the supervisors on camp about something that is bothering them. In group sports sessions, ensure your mates are observing all safety protocols and avoid doing things that may lead to injury.

TIP#12: ASK FOR HELP WHEN IN DOUBT

Mistakes can be prevented if campers request help when they are unsure about something. It could be setting up a tent, operating ice-skating equipment, exploring biking trails, or anything else that carries some risk to the camper. Help is always readily available at most campsites and beginners should be willing to ask for it at all times.

TIP#13: OBSERVE MEAL TIMES

It’s important to keep up with meal times so that you don’t go hungry or have to eat cold food at winter camp. A good diet while camping keeps your energy levels optimal and ensures you have all the nutrients you need to fight off cold-weather infections.

TIP#14: MAINTAIN HYGIENE

Personal hygiene is important, especially in a camping environment where you come into contact with many things outside. Always ensure you take a hot shower in the evening or morning, brush your teeth, wash your hands before meals, store dirty clothes, etc.

TIP#15: KEEP YOUR BEDDINGS AND CLOTHING DRY

It’s easy to get your bedding and clothing wet during winter camp which is not ideal especially when it comes to nighttime. Ensure your beddings and clothing are dry and properly insulated from the elements and put away or wash anything wet in your tent or living quarters.

TIP#16: KEEPING WARM AT NIGHT

The folks managing Switzerland winter camp for the young ones have taken every step and precaution to ensure everyone sleeps in a warm comfortable environment at night. To be safe, campers should make good use of camp facilities and sleeping items to stay warm and healthy at night. When in doubt, ask for help from any of the supervisors on camp.

TIP#17: USE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AT ALL TIMES

Use Personal Protective Gear at All Times

Always use personal protective equipment when you are participating in potentially dangerous activities such as ice skating, biking, or mountain climbing. Personal protective gear includes helmets, kneepads, gloves, climbing harnesses, and reflectors. They are usually provided at camp.

TIP#18: WASH YOUR HANDS

Hand washing is very important for everyone at camp especially before and after meals. Your hands could be carrying germs and other harmful substances from your daily activities that can get into your body and make you sick. Make sure you wash them properly before and after meals, after sneezing or blowing your nose, and after touching dirt throughout the day.

TIP#19: MOISTURIZE FREQUENTLY -TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN

Below-freezing temperatures mean your skin will dry up faster than normal which might pose a danger to your health. Take care of your skin by keeping lotion or a moisturizer with you at all times and using it when your skin becomes dry.

TIP#20: DRINK WARM WATER

It’s recommended to drink warm water during weather especially if you are exposed to the elements outdoors. Warm water helps wash viruses and germs from your system and keeps you hydrated.

TIP#21: EXERCISE

Don’t forget to exercise by participating in physical activities during winter camp. Exercise keeps your blood circulation at optimal levels and is generally good for your health.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF WINTER CAMP?

There are many reasons you should consider sending your kids to a Swiss winter camp or attending one if you are a young adult. Here are some of them:

SWITZERLAND IS AN AMAZING WINTER CAMP DESTINATION

There is no doubt that Switzerland is one of the most popular winter holiday destinations in Europe. Every year, thousands of people from around the world visit Switzerland to enjoy its magnificent landscapes, engage in fun activities in the mountains, and take in all the good things this country has to offer.

Visitors are assured that they will be able to enjoy every possible fun and educational activity in Switzerland more than anywhere else in the Schengen area. The swiss alps and numerous winter destinations in Switzerland are among the most popular in the region.

ENJOYING AND LEARNING WITH AGEMATES

Enjoying and Learning with Agemates

Going to winter camp means joining agemates from around the world in a fun-filled environment. Les Elfes is among the top winter camp organizers who welcome kids and young adults from around the world. Experiences and camps are usually divided into age groups for better group dynamics.

WINTER CAMP EXPERIENCES BOOSTS SELF ESTEEM

Going to winter or summer camp is a great way to boost confidence as the attendees get an opportunity to have positive interactions with others in a controlled, safe environment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a brief day camp or a long camp that stretches over the winter. Such experiences have been proven to boost self-esteem among the youth and young kids, especially the shy ones.  

HAVING FUN AND ADVENTURE DURING WINTER CAMP

Perhaps the most attractive thing about going to winter or summer camp is the fun and adventure activities attendees can indulge in. Some examples of winter activities for all age groups visiting Switzerland include:

  • Outdoor adventures- hiking, bird watching, exploration, building snowmen, etc.
  • Ski and Snowboard activities- Camps are usually near a ski resort with professional instructors and safety gear.
  • Sledging
  • Hockey games and other engaging winter sports
  • Igloo building
  • Ice Skating
  • Disco parties
  • Group games and challenges
  • Rock climbing – with instructors and climbing equipment available

Most young adults or kids will be eager to travel if you tell them about their winter camp itinerary. For young adults, it’s a good opportunity to have memorable experiences in Europe’s best winter holiday destination.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES DURING WINTER CAMP

Going to winter camp also presents an opportunity to learn new skills like foreign languages, public speaking, teamwork, storytelling, critical thinking, spelling, basic math, etc. Other winter camps also include more complex learning activities like rock climbing, survival skills, self-defense, emotional intelligence and so much more.

WINTER CAMPS TEACH INDEPENDENCE AND RESPONSIBILITY

An overlooked downside of keeping the young ones in a familiar, “safe” environment is the fact that it eliminates or delays their urge to be independent. They never try new things, take risks or take it upon themselves to accomplish something without supervision. Winter camps are usually about putting them in challenging environments where they can be independent and responsible.

What a Summer! Thank you For Visiting

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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

Les Elfes
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How and where do you welcome children coming by airplane?

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Arrival desk at the airport

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:

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