Montreux Summer Academy at the Shores of Lake Geneva

Course Description: Montreux Summer Academy at the Shores of Lake Geneva

The Montreux Summer Leadership Academy is a two-week, future-ready summer camp designed for students aged 14–17 who want to develop leadership, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking in a dynamic alpine environment.

This immersive programme combines hands-on workshops, real-world challenges and thrilling outdoor adventures. Through expert guidance and collaboration with industry professionals, participants gain the skills, confidence and mindset needed to lead, innovate and make an impact.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Swiss Alps and Lake Geneva, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones while building practical leadership experience.

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*� Daily Life & Programme Experience

Each day is intentionally structured to blend leadership development with alpine adventure.

Students take part in a wide range of outdoor activities designed to complement their personal growth, including:

• Hiking

• Rock climbing

• Zip lining

• Via ferrata

• Glacier expeditions

• Team challenges

These activities are not separate from the leadership curriculum — they are where leadership is actively applied. Students practise planning, communication, decision-making and teamwork in real, high-energy scenarios.

The result is a fun, immersive environment where students explore the Swiss Alps, develop practical skills and create lasting international friendships.

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*�️ A Typical Day at the Academy

Every day balances structured leadership modules with outdoor challenges and evening team activities.

07h30–08h00 – Wake-up

08h00–08h30 – Breakfast

08h45–09h00 – Morning Assembly

Daily goals and safety briefing.

09h00–12h30 – Workshop Goals & Project Planning

Leadership Module: Plan & Prioritise

Students work on structured leadership exercises and project planning.

12h30–13h30 – Lunch

Campus Lunch or Packed Lunch (depending on activity schedule).

13h30–17h30 – Mountain Hiking & Rock Climbing

Practical application of planning and teamwork in an alpine setting.

17h30–18h30 – Leisure Time

Relaxation, social bonding and informal reflection.

18h30–19h30 – Dinner (Campus Dinner)

19h30–21h30 – Evening Activities

Examples include:

• Marshmallow Challenge (Teamwork & Creativity)

• Go-Karting

• Scavenger Hunt

Evenings are designed to reinforce collaboration, creativity and resilience in a dynamic and social setting.

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*� Accommodation in Montreux

Students stay in a luxurious lakeside boarding house that offers both comfort and inspiration.

Accommodation features include:

• Double rooms

• Private bathrooms

• Friends or relatives may share a room

• Boys and girls separated by floors

• Modern amenities

• Home-feel common areas for socialising, games and leisure time

• Two purpose-designed sports pitches for games and activities

The lakeside location provides a peaceful yet energising atmosphere for learning and growth.

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*�️ Meals

All meals are freshly prepared by professional chefs at camp.

• Healthy, balanced meals

• Freshly cooked daily

• All dietary requirements catered for

• Special dietary requests accepted

Students are well-nourished to meet the physical and intellectual demands of the programme.

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*� All-Inclusive Programme

The programme operates on a fully all-inclusive basis with no hidden costs for listed activities.

Included:

• All activities and excursions

• Workshops and materials

• Accommodation in a luxury boarding house with modern amenities

• Full board with chef-prepared meals

• Airport transfers on arrival and departure day from Geneva Airport

• 24/7 supervision by experienced mentors and staff, including a nightwatch

• Insurance cover for the full camp period

• Laundry service

Families can feel confident that every logistical detail is carefully managed.

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*� Life After Camp

By the end of the two weeks, students return home with:

• Stronger self-confidence

• Meaningful personal growth

• New international friendships

• A certificate of attendance

• A Personal Action Plan to guide their continued leadership journey

The impact extends far beyond the summer, equipping students with future-ready skills for school, university and beyond.

Each day is built around a specific leadership focus that students actively apply during outdoor challenges, entrepreneurial workshops and team activities.

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*� WEEK 1 – Exploration, Creation & Confidence

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Day 1 – Arrivals & Check-Ins

Focus: Set Camp Goals

Morning:

• Pick-up from Geneva Airport or train station

• Arrival and settling into rooms

  (Flexible arrivals throughout the day; recommended between 10AM–2PM)

Lunch: Welcome Lunch

Afternoon:

• Montreux Promenade Walk

  Students explore the lakeside setting and settle into their alpine environment.

Evening:

• Ice Breakers & Camp Introduction

  Opening presentation followed by group activities to build connection.

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Day 2 – Mountain Adventure

Focus: Goal Setting

Morning:

• Mountain Adventure: Ladders & Tunnels

  Trail hiking with tunnels and suspension bridges offering panoramic alpine views.

Lunch: Packed Lunch

Afternoon:

• Rock Climbing

  Professional instruction with modern equipment, focusing on safety, technique and teamwork.

Evening:

• Personal Camp Project

  Students brainstorm, design and begin developing their personal leadership or entrepreneurial project.

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Day 3 – Lake Exploration & Team Roles

Focus: Team Roles

Morning:

• Lake-Side Photography & Exploring

  Creative storytelling through photography while discovering Montreux’s beauty.

Lunch: Campus Lunch

Afternoon:

• Adventure High Ropes Park

  Zip lines, rope bridges and alpine challenges building courage and coordination.

Evening:

• Quiz Night & Storytelling

  High-energy trivia and team-created story challenges.

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Day 4 – Creation & Action

Focus: Create

Morning:

• Watersports Lake Geneva & Beach Volleyball

Lunch: Mountain Restaurant

Afternoon:

• Watersports Lake Geneva

  Speedboats, inflatable boats and beach fun in a stunning lakeside setting.

Evening:

• Indoor Skydiving

  Vertical wind tunnel experience with professional instructors.

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Day 5 – Industry & Innovation

Focus: Connect

Morning:

• Nestlé “Bringing Concepts to Life”

  Corporate visit and interactive workshop exploring innovation and product development.

Lunch: Campus Lunch

Afternoon:

• Golf Clinic & Competition

  Professional coaching and friendly competition.

Evening:

• Brand Identity & Social Media

  Students create logos, develop branding strategy and learn digital influence skills.

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Day 6 – Surf & Communication Skills

Focus: Connect & Create

Morning:

• Surfing at Alaïa Bay

  Learn surfing basics in a safe, controlled environment.

Lunch: Lunch at Surf Bay

Afternoon:

• Interview & Presentation Skills

  Students practise structured answers, body language and confident speaking.

Evening:

• Laser Tag & Trampoline Park

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Day 7 – Mountain Thrill & Preparation

Focus: Contribute

Morning:

• Mountain Karts

  Downhill karting adventure with spectacular valley views.

Lunch: Packed Lunch

Afternoon:

• Waterfall Adventure

  Hiking, climbing and balancing in dramatic alpine scenery.

Evening:

• Glacier Expedition Preparation

  Briefing and equipment preparation.

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*� WEEK 2 – Advanced Leadership & Alpine Challenge

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Day 8 – Communication in Action

Focus: Communicate

Morning:

• Sales Workshop

  Real-life negotiation scenarios and communication training.

Lunch: Campus Lunch

Afternoon:

• Lausanne City Challenge

  Urban leadership quest focused on resilience and problem-solving.

Evening:

• Personal Project: Idea to Impact

  Students refine their individual projects with mentor guidance.

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Day 9 – Planning & Optimisation

Focus: Plan & Prioritise

Morning:

• Alpine Pool & Wildlife

  Outdoor swimming and alpine nature exploration (including glacier views and possible wildlife sightings).

Lunch: Packed Lunch

Afternoon:

• Financial Literacy Workshop

  Smart decision-making and understanding money management.

Evening:

• Karting Adventure

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Day 10 – Glacier Expedition – Day 1

Focus: Plan & Prioritise

Morning:

• Glacier Expedition Montanà – Day 1

  High-altitude trekking and alpine survival experience.

Lunch: Campus Lunch

Afternoon:

• Glacier Expedition Continued

  Learning about glacial formation and mountain safety.

Evening:

• Overnight Stay at Mountain Hut

  Campfire and panoramic views of glowing alpine peaks.

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Day 11 – Glacier Expedition – Day 2

Focus: Innovation in Action

Morning:

• Glacier Expedition Continued

Lunch: Campus Lunch

Afternoon:

• Glacier Expedition End & Return

Evening:

• Buzzing Bingo

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Day 12 – Marketing & Aqua Adventure

Focus: Marketing

Morning:

• Personal Action Plan Reflection

Lunch: Packed Lunch

Afternoon:

• Aqua Park Adventure

Evening:

• Present Personal Camp Project

  Students showcase their developed projects.

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Day 13 – Media & Celebration

Focus: Time Management

Morning:

• Media & Podcast

  Interview with a CEO, content creation and storytelling.

Lunch: Packed Lunch

Afternoon:

• Bridge Swing & Ziplining

Evening:

• Goodbye Ceremony & Dance Party

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Day 14 – Departures & Check-Out

Students are transferred to Geneva Airport or train station.

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*� What Parents Can Expect

Across 14 days, students will:

• Develop leadership and entrepreneurial thinking

• Build resilience through alpine challenges

• Strengthen communication and teamwork skills

• Complete a personal project

• Present their ideas confidently

• Form meaningful international friendships

• Return home with a certificate and Personal Action Plan

*�️ Should my child arrive on the first day of the camp session or the day before?

Students should arrive on the communicated official first day of the camp.

Early arrivals (i.e., one day prior) are only allowed in prior consultation with camp management. There will generally be extra charges for early arrival.

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⏰ What are the ideal times to arrive at camp?

We recommend arrivals and departures be organised between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

This ensures your child arrives when most participants have arrived and can fully benefit from the start of their camp experience.

Arriving outside this time frame may be subject to additional transportation fees.

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*� What if my child is travelling alone?

If your child is travelling alone and is below 15 or 16 years old (depending on the airline), they may travel using the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor Service (UM Service). Airlines usually require additional information from our end.

If you are interested in this service, please inform us and your personal concierge will assist you directly.

Generally, students above 15 or 16 years old can travel independently without a UM Service.

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*� Which airport should my child arrive at?

For the Gstaad, Montreux and Leysin Summer Leadership Camps in Switzerland, the airport of pick-up is:

Geneva Airport

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*� Can I get a Visa Support Letter?

Yes. Our team would be happy to provide a Visa Support Letter.

Please note that such a letter can only be issued once the full camp fee has been settled.

Please contact us and your personal concierge will provide further information.

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*� Do you provide a packing list before camp?

Yes. All families receive a dedicated Welcome Pack, which includes a detailed packing list outlining all required items students should bring to camp.

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*� Are students divided into groups for activities?

Many activities are done together as one camp community.

In some instances, students may be divided into smaller, age-appropriate groups for specific activities.

Generally speaking, we ensure that all students enjoy this unique adventure together.

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*�️ Can my child and their friends share a room?

Absolutely. Your child and their friends can share a room together.

We strive to meet family preferences regarding room arrangements. Students may only share a room with others of the same gender.

While we understand the desire for friends or siblings to room together, for a more enriching international experience we strongly encourage students to share a room with new friends from different parts of the world.

Rest assured, students are always placed with someone in the same age group.

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*� How much pocket money should my child bring?

We recommend approximately €100 or CHF 100 per week.

This is mainly for personal purchases during excursions outside the campus.

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*� Will students receive a certificate?

Yes. Each participating student will receive:

• A personalised letter

• A certificate of completion

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*� Is laundry service provided?

Yes. The camp fee includes laundry service (no dry cleaning), which is offered once during the camp duration.

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*� Are all activities safe?

Yes. Your child’s safety is our highest priority.

All activities are supervised by qualified and professional instructors who are local and familiar with the area.

Details of risk assessments for activities can be shared with parents upon request.

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*� Is the fee all-inclusive or are there additional fees?

All camp fees are all-inclusive.

This includes:

• All activities

• Transportation to and from activities

• Meals and snacks

• Accommodation

• Necessary gear for activity participation

• Airport pick-up and drop-off

There is only an additional mandatory insurance fee besides the camp fee.

Airfare is not included and should be arranged by the family.

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*� Will parents be able to follow day-by-day camp life?

Certainly. Prior to camp, parents will receive a secure link and password to a blog that is updated daily with stories and photos from camp activities.

This allows families to virtually experience the camp adventure alongside their child.

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*� Will my child require a visa?

The responsibility for all visa arrangements (where required) rests solely with the parents.

We can provide supporting visa documentation where necessary.