Gstaad Summer Camp A Premium Alpine Experience in Language, Sport & Adventure

Course Description: Gstaad Summer Camp A Premium Alpine Experience in Language, Sport & Adventure

📍 Schönried, Gstaad – Switzerland

🗓️ July–August 2026 | 1–6 Weeks | Boarding & Day Options

Set in one of Europe’s most breathtaking alpine regions, this premium international summer camp in Switzerland offers children and teenagers an exceptional blend of language immersion, outdoor adventure, sports excellence, cultural discovery, and leadership development.

Designed for families seeking a high-quality, safe, and enriching summer experience, the program combines traditional camp values with Switzerland’s renowned standards of care, organization, and infrastructure—often described as a true “Made in Switzerland” summer.

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🌍 Program Philosophy & Educational Approach

This summer camp is built on the belief that children learn best through experience, exploration, and interaction. Language development, confidence-building, and independence grow naturally as campers:

• Communicate daily in English with peers from over 20 nationalities

• Work together in team challenges and outdoor adventures

• Explore the natural environment of the Swiss Alps

• Learn responsibility, leadership, and collaboration in a supportive setting

The camp environment encourages curiosity, resilience, empathy, and self-expression—skills that remain valuable long after summer ends.

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🗓️ Program Structure (Summer 2026)

The summer season is organized around two core 3-week sessions, with flexible options allowing families to choose between 1 and 6 weeks.

Attendance Options

• Boarding Camp: Sunday to Saturday (residential)

• Day Camp: Monday to Friday, 08:45 – 17:30

• Leadership Program: Boarding only, minimum 3 weeks

• Kids Club: Monday to Friday, flexible full-day or half-day attendance

Each week carefully balances:

• 🗣️ Language learning

• ⚽ Sports & creative activities

• 🏔️ Outdoor alpine adventures

• 🚌 Cultural excursions

• 🎉 Special events and celebrations

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🗣️ Language Instruction (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Language learning is integrated naturally into daily camp life, making progress feel organic and enjoyable.

Languages Offered

• English (main language of the camp)

• French

• Spanish or German (available upon request)

Lesson Format

• Small groups based on level

• 2–3 sessions per week

• 75-minute lessons, mornings (Monday–Friday)

• Focus on fluency, confidence, and communication rather than exams

Beyond the classroom, campers continuously practice language skills through activities, teamwork, meals, and social interaction.

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⚽ Sports, Activities & Outdoor Adventure

The camp takes full advantage of its unique Alpine location, offering one of the most diverse activity programs available in Switzerland.

🏅 Sports & Interest Groups

Campers select two interest groups to pursue during the session, such as:

• Tennis

• Golf

• Horse riding

• Football (soccer)

• Mountain biking

• Rock climbing

• Swimming

• Gymnastics & dance

• Arts & crafts

• Music

• Cooking & baking

Professional instructors ensure skill development while keeping activities fun and accessible for all levels.

🏔️ Alpine & Adventure Activities

• Mountain hiking & nature exploration

• Environmental education & outdoor living skills

• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

• Rafting & canyoning

• High ropes courses & zip-lines

• Team-based adventure challenges and “Amazing Race” competitions

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🚌 Excursions & Cultural Discovery

Weekly excursions introduce campers to Switzerland’s culture, history, and landscapes:

• Visits to cities such as Bern, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lausanne

• Museum visits and cultural landmarks

• Water parks and leisure destinations

• Shopping trips to nearby alpine villages

• Overnight camping trips

• Multi-day treks with overnight stays in Swiss Alpine Club huts

These excursions are highlights of the program and help campers build independence and global awareness.

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🏠 Boarding Life & Campus Experience

📍 Alpine Campus

The camp is based in Schönried, above the village and close to the world-famous resort of Gstaad, offering stunning mountain views and clean alpine air.

🛌 Accommodation

• Traditional Swiss chalet-style buildings

• Rooms for 2–6 campers

• Private bathrooms in every room

• Boys and girls housed separately

• Live-in house parents and counselors

• Younger campers supervised directly in rooms

🛡️ Supervision & Safety

• Outstanding 1:4 staff-to-student ratio

• Even smaller ratios for technical or adventure activities

• 24/7 supervision and pastoral care

• Strong focus on emotional wellbeing and inclusion

🏟️ Facilities

• Classrooms and activity rooms

• Spacious dining hall with mountain views

• Football field

• Basketball and multi-purpose courts

• Volleyball & badminton areas

• Archery range

• Indoor and outdoor climbing areas

• Gardens, BBQ spaces, trampolines, and fire pits

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🍽️ Meals & Nutrition

• Fresh, balanced international meals prepared by in-house chefs

• Buffet-style dining

• All dietary requirements accommodated

• Full board for residential campers

• Lunch provided for day campers

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🌙 Evening & Weekend Programs (Boarders)

Evening Activities

• Team games and competitions

• Campfires & BBQ evenings

• Pool parties

• Themed discos & movie nights

• Talent shows and award nights

Weekend Program

• Saturday: relaxed morning, shopping outings, supervised swimming, movie night

• Sunday: full-day cultural or nature excursions

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🧒 Age-Specific Programs

🐿️ Junior Camp (Ages 5–10)

A nurturing introduction to independence:

• Sports and water games

• Creative arts & crafts

• Fishing and nature exploration

• Zoo visits

• Tennis with professional coaches

• Short overnight adventures

🐐 Senior Camp (Ages 11–15)

Adventure-driven and confidence-building:

• High ropes & canyoning

• Rafting and survival challenges

• City excursions

• Leadership through responsibility

• Overnight expeditions and team projects

🧭 Leadership Program (Ages 16–17)

Focused on personal growth and leadership:

• Leadership theory and practical seminars

• Conflict resolution and teamwork

• Assisting younger campers

• Program planning experience

• Optional language lessons

• Weekend hikes and multi-day treks

🎨 Kids Club (Ages 2–5)

Creative, flexible early childhood program:

• Arts, music, and imagination play

• Outdoor exploration

• Language exposure

• Daily or weekly attendance options

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✈️ Travel & Logistics

• Supervised airport assistance at Geneva (GVA) and Zurich (ZRH)

• Geneva recommended

• Airport transfers available at additional cost

• Unaccompanied Minor services coordinated with airlines

• Day camper shuttle:

• Free designated pickup points

• Door-to-door option available (weekly fee)

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💰 Fees & Inclusions

Included

• Accommodation and meals (boarders)

• Lunch for day campers

• Language lessons

• Sports & activity instruction

• Equipment and materials

• Excursions and overnight trips

• Laundry service

• Camp t-shirt

• Designated shuttle service

Optional Extras

• Tennis, golf, horse riding

• German lessons

• Airport transfers

• Medical insurance

• Door-to-door transport

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🌟 Why Choose This Swiss Alps Summer Camp?

• Exceptional safety and supervision

• Small groups and personal attention

• World-class alpine environment

• Strong language immersion

• Leadership and character development

• Lifelong international friendships