Gstaad Summer Leadership Camp in the Swiss Mountains

Course Description: Gstaad Summer Leadership Camp in the Swiss Mountains

The Original Gstaad Summer Leadership Camp 2026 combines adventure with structured leadership and personal development in a breathtaking Swiss alpine setting. Designed for students aged 10–17, this immersive programme blends expert-led workshops with dynamic outdoor challenges, ensuring that leadership skills are not just discussed — but lived.

Participants focus on communication, teamwork, goal setting and resilience, applying these skills in real-world scenarios throughout the camp. The programme emphasises hands-on learning (meaning no sitting in classrooms) and structured reflection, helping students build confidence, problem-solving abilities and practical leadership experience in a supportive environment.

Set in the Swiss Alps, this camp offers a unique balance of adventure, growth and connection.

***

*� Daily Life & Programme Experience

A typical day is far more than ordinary. Each day is carefully structured to integrate leadership themes into exciting alpine activities.

Students enjoy a wide range of outdoor experiences designed to complement their personal development, including:

• Hiking

• Rock climbing

• Zip lining

• Via ferrata

• Glacier expeditions

• Team challenges

Every activity is purpose-driven. Students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, collaborate with peers and reflect on their growth. The immersive alpine environment provides the perfect backdrop for building resilience, confidence and lasting friendships.

***

*�️ A Typical Day at Camp

Each day follows a structured rhythm that balances leadership development with adventure and fun.

07h30–08h00 – Wake-up

08h00–08h30 – Breakfast

08h45–09h00 – Morning Assembly

09h00–09h30 – Leadership Topic of the Day

This theme is actively applied throughout outdoor activities.

09h30–12h30 – High Ropes Course or Bushcraft & Forest Games

Students challenge themselves physically and mentally while strengthening teamwork skills.

12h30–13h30 – Lunch

13h30–17h30 – Canyoning Adventure or Mountain Biking

Adrenaline-filled outdoor exploration in the alpine landscape.

17h30–18h30 – Leisure Time

Relaxation, social time and informal bonding.

18h30–19h30 – Dinner

19h30–21h30 – Evening Activities

Go-Karting or Scavenger Hunt

Evenings are energetic and community-focused, reinforcing collaboration and creativity.

***

*� Accommodation in Château d’Oex

The campus is located in the picturesque village of Château d’Oex, offering high-standard boarding accommodation in a peaceful alpine setting.

Accommodation features include:

• Private en-suite bathrooms in all rooms

• Rooms shared with 1 to 3 other international students

• 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

The environment is comfortable, secure and designed to foster both independence and community.

***

*�️ Meals

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-fuelled to fully engage in daily activities.

***

*� All-Inclusive Programme

The camp 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 Swiss chalet 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 knowing every logistical detail is carefully managed.

***

*� Growth Beyond Summer

At the end of the camp, each student returns home with:

• Stronger self-confidence

• Meaningful personal growth

• Lifelong international friendships

• A certificate of attendance

• A Personal Action Plan to guide their continued development

The impact extends far beyond the two weeks in Switzerland.

Each day is built around a leadership theme that students actively apply during outdoor challenges and group activities in the Swiss Alps.

***

*� WEEK 1 – Foundations, Teamwork & Confidence

***

Day 1 – Arrivals & Check-In

Leadership Focus: Goal Setting

Morning:

• Arrival pick-up from Geneva Airport or train station

• Transfer to campus in Château d’Oex

• Check-in and settling into rooms

Lunch: Welcome Lunch

Afternoon:

• Arrivals & Welcome Games

  Fun-paced team games to help students get to know each other in a mountain setting.

Evening:

• Ice Breakers & Camp Introduction

  Opening presentation and group bonding activities.

***

Day 2 – Planning & Prioritising

Leadership Focus: Plan & Prioritise

Morning:

• Workshop Goals

  Students reflect on personal growth goals and camp objectives.

Afternoon:

• Rock Climbing & Mountain Hike

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

Evening:

• Marshmallow Challenge

  A team-building engineering challenge.

***

Day 3 – Optimisation & Problem Solving

Leadership Focus: Optimise

Morning:

• Canyoning Adventure

  Jumps, slides, rope descents and swimming in a fully guided alpine setting.

Afternoon:

• Team Challenges & Pizza Game

  Fun leadership competitions between groups.

Evening:

• Boat Building Challenge

  Creative team challenge focusing on planning and optimisation.

***

Day 4 – Teamwork & Well-Being

Leadership Focus: Team Work & Well-Being

Morning:

• Boat Sailing

  Students refine design ideas and sail in friendly team competitions.

Afternoon:

• High Ropes Park

  Obstacle courses, zip lines and climbing challenges.

Evening:

• Cinema Night

***

Day 5 – Communication & Strategy

Leadership Focus: Connect & Communicate

Morning:

• Ultimate Mission: The Drop

  Navigation and orienteering challenge in nature.

Afternoon:

• Picture This! Gstaad Tour

  Scavenger hunt and creative photo challenge in Gstaad.

Evening:

• Campfire & Stargazing

***

Day 6 – Sustainability & Exploration

Leadership Focus: Global Citizenship & Sustainability

Morning:

• Lauenensee Hike

  Scenic mountain hike with panoramic lake views.

Afternoon:

• Continued Hike & Swim

Evening:

• Bowling & Pizza Night

***

Day 7 – Active Recovery & Culture

Leadership Focus: Goal Setting

Morning:

• Lake Geneva Water Sports

Afternoon:

• Montreux City & Shopping

Evening:

• Angry Eggs (Code-Building Team Challenge)

***

*� WEEK 2 – Advanced Leadership & Alpine Challenge

***

Day 8 – Connection & Communication

Leadership Focus: Connect

Morning:

• Bridge Building

  Students design and construct bridges in teams.

Afternoon:

• River Rafting Expedition

  White-water rafting on the Saane River.

Evening:

• Sports Court & Water Olympics

***

Day 9 – Choices & Optimisation

Leadership Focus: Choices & Optimise

Morning:

• Gstaad Swimming Pool

Afternoon:

• Bridge Swing, Ziplining & Abseiling

Evening:

• Social Club & Bingo

***

Day 10 – Contribution & Strategy

Leadership Focus: Contribute

Morning:

• Pyramid Challenge

  Large-scale team construction challenge.

Afternoon:

• Taste of Switzerland: Gruyères Village & Trading Game

Evening:

• Laser Tag

***

Day 11 – Collaboration & Team Roles

Leadership Focus: Collaborate & Team Roles

Morning:

• Team Leadership Challenges

Afternoon:

• Amazing Race

  Outdoor group competition and strategic challenge.

Evening:

• Chocolate Workshop

  Students create and gift luxury Swiss chocolates.

***

Day 12 – Communication Under Pressure

Leadership Focus: Communicate

Morning:

• Glacier & Mountain Expedition

  Mountaineering training and survival skills.

Afternoon:

• Expedition Continued

Evening:

• Overnight Stay in Mountain Hut

  Campfire, games and panoramic alpine views.

***

Day 13 – Personal Action Planning

Leadership Focus: Personal Action Plans

Morning:

• Glacier & Mountain Expedition Continued

Afternoon:

• Personal Action Plans

  Students reflect on leadership topics and develop their next steps.

Evening:

• Closing Ceremony & Disco

***

Day 14 – Departures & Check-Out

Students are transferred to Geneva Airport or train station.

***

*� What Parents Can Expect

Across 14 days, students will:

• Develop resilience and confidence

• Apply leadership principles daily

• Experience structured outdoor adventure

• Build international friendships

• Complete a Personal Action Plan

• Receive a certificate of attendance

The alpine setting provides both challenge and reflection — creating real, lasting growth.

*�️ 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.

***

⏰ 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*�️ 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*� Will students receive a certificate?

Yes. Each participating student will receive:

• A personalised letter

• A certificate of completion

***

*� Is laundry service provided?

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

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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.

***

*� 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.