Best Parents Logo Orange
Young explorers camps 2024 adrenaline june 1 (25)

Lausanne, Switzerland

Unforgettable Survival Academy Camp in Switzerland

Challenging outdoor experiences, global friendships, lifelong skills development

age icon 8-13 years old

time icon 1 weeks

See Dates

Session Dates

Choose your preferred session from the options below and submit your details in order to complete your booking.

June - Boarding

Start 6/28/2026
End 7/4/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

July - Boarding

Start 7/5/2026
End 7/11/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

July - Boarding

Start 7/12/2026
End 7/18/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

July - Boarding

Start 7/19/2026
End 7/25/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

July - Boarding

Start 7/26/2026
End 8/1/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

August - Boarding

Start 8/2/2026
End 8/8/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

August - Boarding

Start 8/9/2026
End 8/15/2026
Duration 1 week
Price $1,718

Course Description: Unforgettable Survival Academy Camp in Switzerland

Survival Academy – Summer Camp

Les Diablerets, Swiss Alps

Languages: English or French (bilingual environment)

In one of Europe’s most iconic mountain settings, the Club Survival Academy invites young adventurers to master the art of thriving outdoors. Set in the stunning alpine village of Les Diablerets, this programme blends real-world outdoor skills with teamwork, resilience, and exploration — all delivered in a safe, supportive, and screen-free environment.

This is not a traditional summer camp. It’s a hands-on, immersive survival experience — combining practical outdoor skill-building, real scenarios, and adventurous group challenges — with loads of fun and exploration.

***

Disconnect to Reconnect 🌲📵

Just like all Club camps, campers live fully offline — no phones, no Wi-Fi, no screens.

This intentional digital detox helps participants:

  • Engage deeply with the natural world

  • Develop confidence through real outdoor challenges

  • Build strong friendships rooted in shared experience

  • Practice independence and thoughtful decision-making

Disconnected from digital noise, young people grow more present, capable, and connected to nature.

***

Daily Structure ⏰

Every day balances structured learning, choice, teamwork, and adventure. Weather and group energy shape daily rhythms, keeping experiences fresh and exciting.

***

Morning: Outdoor Survival Skills 🌄

Mornings are dedicated to core survival learning, inspired by real expedition techniques and outdoor practice. Campers develop essential wilderness skills through hands-on challenges including:

  • Shelter Building using natural materials

  • Fire-Making Techniques (primitive and modern)

  • Navigation & Orientation (maps, compass, natural signs)

  • Water Sourcing & Purification

  • Knot-Tying & Outdoor Engineering

  • Risk Assessment & Decision-Making

  • Team Survival Missions and scenarios

These activities build practical outdoor competence, confidence, and resilience.

***

Afternoon: Adventure & Exploration 🧭🌊

Afternoons bring the camp community back together for shared, high-energy adventure options. Every day offers multiple choices so campers can follow their interests while trying new things. Activities may include:

  • Kayaking and paddle sports

  • Rock climbing and mountaineering basics

  • Football and team sports

  • Creative outdoor projects

  • Camping skills and nature exploration

  • Water games and alpine lake activities

These varied sessions promote social interaction, teamwork, and creative play, all under experienced supervision.

***

Evening: Team Challenges & Camp Community 🌙🏆

After dinner, the whole camp participates in community challenges designed to strengthen cooperation and shared achievement.

Evening activities might include:

  • Wilderness strategy missions

  • Group problem-solving challenges

  • Storytelling and campfires

  • Team quizzes and fun competitions

These moments are perfect for building communication, leadership, and camaraderie among campers.

***

Weekly Highlights ⭐

Each week includes standout experiences that become childhood highlights:

  • Extended camping nights under the stars

  • Multi-day adventure missions

  • Group navigation expeditions

  • Outdoor cooking around a campfire

  • Exploration games in forests and mountains

These immersive moments encourage independence and create lifelong memories.

***

“Challenge by Choice” Philosophy 💪

Every activity follows a Challenge by Choice approach:

  • Campers are encouraged — not forced — to try new things

  • Activities are adapted to group skills and individual comfort

  • Progress is about personal achievement, not competition

  • Instructors support and inspire while respecting boundaries

This philosophy ensures every participant feels safe, capable, and proud of their growth.

***

Fitness & Preparation 🏃‍♀️

No specialist fitness is needed — a basic level of activity like walking, cycling, or team sports is enough preparation. This camp is about discovery and fun, not performance.

***

No Experience? No Problem 🌱

Whether campers have never spent a night outdoors or have tried climbing and hiking before, this programme meets them where they are.

Instructors:

  • Teach skills step by step

  • Encourage risk-managed exploration

  • Help campers gain confidence quickly

  • Support each participant’s unique learning pace

***

Community & Environment 🤝

Participants come from around Switzerland and the world. Groups are known for being:

  • Welcoming and inclusive

  • Curious and adventurous

  • Supportive and collaborative

Most campers arrive without knowing anyone — and leave with new friends and shared stories of exploration.

***

Languages & Optional Workshops 🌍

The camp operates in a fully bilingual English–French setting, with activities naturally encouraging language development through interaction and immersion.

***

Accommodation, Meals & Safety 🏡🍽️🛡️

Campers stay together in the cozy Chalet Budokan in Les Diablerets. Meals are healthy and varied, and dietary needs are fully accommodated.

Safety is a top priority:

  • 24/7 supervision by trained outdoor educators

  • First-aid capable staff always present

  • Low participant-to-monitor ratio (approx. 5:1)

***

Transportation & Family Connection ✨

Transport options include organised transfers from Lausanne or Geneva for international participants. Families receive regular photo updates and scheduled parent–child calls.

***

The Overall Experience ✨

The Survival Academy offers young people an unforgettable blend of:

  • Practical outdoor skill mastery

  • Real challenges and teamwork

  • Confidence, resilience, and self-awareness

  • Deep friendships and community spirit

  • Adventure in one of the most beautiful natural environments in Europe

Every day blends exploration, learning, and fun — creating memories that last a lifetime.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

*� What if my child doesn’t have any outdoor experience?

That’s absolutely fine! Most of our participants are new to outdoor and adventure activities. Our experienced instructors work closely together to teach all necessary skills step by step 🧭. By the end of the camp, students gain confidence in setting up camp, cooking outdoors, teamwork, and basic survival skills. For those with prior experience, instructors are happy to help them refine and advance their abilities.

***

*� What if my child is not comfortable with one of the activities?

Our programs follow the “challenge by choice” philosophy.

  • Campers are encouraged to try new things 💪

  • Participation is never forced

  • Activities are adapted to the group’s overall ability, not individuals

  • We move at the pace of the slowest hiker 🚶‍♂️

The goal is to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of achievement in a safe, supportive environment 🌟.

***

*� What are the other students like?

Participants are friendly, open-minded, and curious, coming from across Switzerland and around the world 🌍. We place strong emphasis on positive group dynamics, respect, and teamwork, helping students quickly feel welcomed and included.

***

✈️ How do participants get to camp? Is airport transfer provided?

Yes — transportation is fully organised.

For International Participants

  • Supervised transfers from Geneva Airport ✈️

  • Transfers are included in the program fee

  • Staff greet students at arrivals and accompany them safely to camp

For Swiss Residents

  • Transport from Lausanne Train Station 🚆

  • Or direct drop-off at the chalet in Les Diablerets

A detailed travel plan is shared after registration.

***

*� Can parents bring their child directly to camp?

Yes! Parents may bring their child directly to our chalet in Les Diablerets on the first day of camp.

***

⏰ What time should we arrive and depart?

  • Arrival Day: 10:00 – 12:00

  • Departure Day: 13:00 – 17:00

If using airport transfers, timings are coordinated accordingly 🗓️.

***

*� My child doesn’t speak French or English — can they still attend?

Absolutely! Our team is experienced in welcoming international participants from all over the world 🌎. Students learn naturally through activities, teamwork, and daily interaction, often returning home with improved language skills and new international friendships 💬.

***

*�️ What’s the food like? Are dietary needs accommodated?

Students enjoy healthy, home-cooked meals, combining Swiss and international cuisine.

We accommodate:

  • Vegetarian & vegan diets 🌱

  • Gluten-free requirements 🌾

  • Allergies and intolerances 🥜

Just let us know in advance.

***

*� Is there internet or phone access during camp?

Camp is designed as a digital-detox experience.

  • Phones are stored securely 🔐

  • Made available during designated times

  • Encourages connection with nature, friends, and self 🌲

Staff remain reachable at all times for emergencies.

***

*� What does a typical day look like?

Each day balances adventure, learning, creativity, and rest ⚖️.

Sample Day

  • 08:00 – Breakfast & briefing 🍳

  • 09:00 – Activity Block 1

  • 12:00 – Lunch & rest 🍴

  • 14:00 – Activity Block 2

  • 17:00 – Free time or workshops

  • 19:00 – Dinner

  • 20:00 – Evening activities (campfire 🔥, games 🎲, movie night 🎬)

  • 22:00 – Lights out 🌙

Schedules adjust based on weather and group needs.

***

*�️ What types of activities are offered?

Participants choose from multiple daily options, shaping their own experience:

  • Mountain biking & Alpine routes 🚴

  • Hiking, climbing & survival skills 🧗

  • Gel blaster team missions 🎯

  • Kayaking & paddleboarding 🚣

  • Creative workshops (photography, film, theatre 🎭)

  • Team sports & obstacle courses

  • Cultural outings to Swiss towns 🏛️

***

*�️ Do you offer language classes?

Yes! Optional French or English workshops are available.

  • Small groups 👥

  • Interactive and practical

  • Around 2 hours per day

  • Focus on confidence and real-life communication 💬

***

*� What’s included in the registration fee?

The fee covers all essential costs, including:

  • Accommodation & meals 🏨

  • Transportation during camp 🚍

  • Safety & activity equipment ⛑️

  • Supervision & instruction 👩‍🏫

Specialised camps list inclusions clearly on their program pages.

***

*� What will participants gain from this camp?

Participants develop:

  • Leadership & teamwork 🤝

  • Outdoor & survival skills 🧭

  • First aid awareness 🚑

  • Environmental responsibility 🌱

  • Cultural understanding 🌍

  • Confidence & independence ✨

***

*�️ Is the camp safe?

Yes — safety is our top priority.

  • Certified instructors

  • Strict safety protocols

  • Continuous supervision

  • Preventive measures in place at all times

Parents may request full safety documentation at any time.

Do you need help?

Can't find what you're looking for? That's okay. Our advisors are here to help 😊 You can schedule a Zoom call or message our advisors for free guidance!