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Live from the Campus

Thursday 3rd July – Excursion

The penultimate day of Session 2 at Les Elfes Summer Camp was spent out of camp on excursions across Switzerland. It was our second excursion day, and this time our campers had the choice to visit the Chocolate Factory, EXPLORiT, or go to Zermatt. Each excursion included museums and exhibits to learn from, along with towns to explore, as our campers experienced the best Swiss culture has to offer.

Our Chocolate Factory visit took us to Maison Cailler, the famous Swiss chocolate factory in Broc. As they stepped inside, the rich aroma of cocoa instantly sparked excitement and curiosity. Guided through the interactive exhibits, the children learned about the history of chocolate—from ancient Aztec traditions to modern-day Swiss craftsmanship. Their eyes lit up as they watched chocolate being made right before them, and the highlight of the day was, of course, the tasting room—where they eagerly sampled a variety of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Cailler chocolates. It was a sweet and educational experience that left them with happy memories and chocolate-smeared smiles. They finished the day with a visit to Montreux, where the campers explored the beautiful promenade at the edge of Lac Léman and had a chance to enjoy ice cream next to the Freddie Mercury statue, while gazing across to the French mountains on the other side of the lake.

Other campers chose to go to EXPLORiT in Yverdon-les-Bains, where they embarked on a thrilling journey through science and creativity. The day included a blend of hands-on creative fun—drawing, painting, puppet-making—and immersive experiences in the interactive Kindercity and Sciencity exhibitions, where young explorers delved into topics like energy, nature, ecosystems, and even space-themed rooms and a planetarium. With access to engaging exhibits and playful outdoor time, the day offered an ideal mix of learning, imagination, and relaxation for our campers. The setting—EXPLORiT’s science-city hub—created a vibrant atmosphere where science felt like play, and every discovery was a celebration. Afterwards, the campers visited Vevey, where they had the chance to shop for souvenirs in a beautiful lakeside city rich in history. A perfect day of learning and exploration.

As part of their exciting summer camp adventure, another group of campers took a day trip to the iconic alpine village of Zermatt. With the majestic Matterhorn towering in the background, the group strolled through the charming, car-free streets lined with cozy shops, picking out souvenirs like miniature cowbells, Swiss chocolates, and postcards to send home. The sight of the Matterhorn itself left everyone in awe, its jagged peak rising dramatically against the bright summer sky. After exploring the quaint town and enjoying a picnic with mountain views, the group headed to the Matterhorn Museum – Zermatlantis. There, they dove into the fascinating history of alpine life and mountaineering, learning about the daring first ascent of the Matterhorn and the stories of the people who shaped the region. It was a day full of discovery, beauty, and inspiration in the heart of the Swiss Alps.

After a day of exploring, it was time for the campers to get their dancing shoes on and head to the disco in the evening, where they danced, laughed, and sang their hearts out to their favourite songs. A brilliant way to end the day.