Leysin American Enrichment, Sport or Language Summer Program for Teenagers

Course Description: Leysin American Enrichment, Sport or Language Summer Program for Teenagers

Switzerland Leysin School's summer camp offers tailor made programs for young learners, ages 9-16, among unique courses from English or French programs to maker-space, nature of math, unsolved mysteries programs, from tennis to mountain leadership development programs in a beautiful ski village of Switzerland.

Small Country, Big Summer

Whether you enjoy hiking and biking or reading and making music, elite summer in Switzerland has something for you! Our alpine campus, fantastic facilities, and flexible program give students the opportunity to choose their own summer adventure. Our experienced counselors and instructors ensure that every student feels like they belong. Students are grouped by age (9-12 and 13-16) to guarantee that activities are age appropriate, and minimal cell phone use means that our students spend less time online and more time enjoying face-to-face fun!

What kind of summer are YOU looking for? This summer in Switzerland allows students to customize the summer of their dreams—a perfect fit for their interests and goals. For their morning program, students choose one of four options (Language Acquisition, Leadership Courses, Athletics, or Enrichment. After lunch, students participate in a club, and in the late afternoon they join an activity!

Morning Programs(Four Options)

The Language Track:

The Language Track is an intensive course which immerses students in their chosen language (English or French) in order to increase skills, confidence, and ability. Students are divided by age and ability within each group. This program will also require students to do an afternoon club focusing on building their language skills.

ENGLISH STREAM

• English Elementary

• English Intermediate

• English Advanced

FRENCH STREAM

• French Elementary

• French Intermediate

• French Advanced

Leadership Track:

Students who select our Leadership Track can choose from: Alpine Leadership or Innovation, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship.

• ALPINE LEADERSHIP:

The Alpine Leadership Program challenges students to push beyond their comfort zone in a safe and fun environment. Through activities such as rock climbing, camping, hiking, orienteering, first aid, and survival skills, students obtain knowledge and experience of outdoor leadership practices and competencies. These skills are then put to the test while outdoor rock climbing, overnight camping, and cooking on a glacier. Students will spend time researching and reflecting on environmental issues facing our mountains today. They will even have the opportunity to raise money for a company of their choice addressing an issue(s) they have identified. This program equips students to be future leaders in the outdoors and beyond. ** **

• Innovation, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship:

In the this Summer Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Program, students explore what it takes to be a successful social innovator, how to define problems, devise solutions for impact, envision the future, and turn ideas into action. Through collaboration with peers and industry leaders, the students explore big questions and work together to think critically and creatively about problem-solving. Combined with this group work, the students attend various excursions geared towards team building and the discovery of innovative industries and organizations throughout Switzerland. ** Additional activity fee of CHF 500.

Sports Track:

Students in our Athletic program will select tennis or football (soccer) and will spend their mornings taking their skills and their love of the game to the next level as they learn from our exceptional coaching staff in our state-of-the-art facilities.

• TENNIS PROGRAM:

Elite Academic, Sport or Language Summer in Switzerland works in collaboration with Peak Tennis International to offer a diverse and dynamic program for the ultimate tennis camp experience in the Swiss Alps. The multicultural coaching team (led by program director Regina Sertschnigg), consists of experienced and passionate professionals and specialists. Each session will provide 3 hours of coaching during the morning to improve tennis skills at all levels, from complete beginners to competition-level players. At the beginning of the session, each player will have a personal assessment in order to understand and set personal goals for maximum individual improvement. 

Our tennis campers will have the opportunity to visit a professional ATP tournament in the beautiful village of Gstaad. This is a fantastic opportunity for our campers to see top ranked professional tennis players (and maybe even meet one of their favorite players on the tour!).

• FOOTBALL PROGRAM (SOCCER):

The Football Program (soccer, for those of you in the United States!) provides training for all ages and abilities. Students will work on their footwork and essential skills in a fun and supportive environment!

Enrichment Track:

Students who choose our Enrichment Track can select Creative Writing, Da Vinci Lab, or Nature & Math.

• CREATIVE WRITING

In this course, students will engage in a variety of projects that allow them to develop their intellectual curiosity while looking at how humankind has transformed and explored the world (and universe) around them through creative writing. Throughout the course, they will examine various writing styles and examples of the successes and strategies of other writers. In addition, they will learn to read and discuss texts as writers and practice writing in different genres. Finally, they will improve writing skills that transfer to the school year, such as touch typing, note taking, and citation, and they will have ample opportunities to hone their public speaking skills. 

• Da Vinci Lab

Students who like to build things, take things apart, use their hands, and use technology will enjoy having time to pursue their interests through individual and collaborative projects in an environment dedicated to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Students will learn to do 3D modeling using Tinkercad for 3D printing and how to upcycle materials to create unique art pieces or practical items. Past projects have included a trebuchet, a world map, earrings, and a pet carrier, to name a few! 

• NATURE & MATH PROGRAM

In this course, students reach beyond formulas and computations to explore the mathematics behind patterns, relationships, and real-world problems. Students develop creative and communicative skills by investigating mathematics as both an art and a tool. Most importantly, this course seeks to raise awareness of mathematics as a worthwhile human endeavor whose benefits can be used and appreciated.

This interactive math class includes activities such as solving puzzles, finding evidence of math in the natural world, building 3-dimensional shapes, and playing games that explore mathematical concepts. Class discussions involve topics such as the fourth dimension and infinity. Creative projects that express mathematical ideas through visual art, music, short stories, construction, cooking, and more will be encouraged.

Afternoon Clubs and Activities

What would summer be without a healthy dose of activities and adventure?

Clubs

After their morning program and lunch, students enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with clubs followed by activities. Each session, students choose from five different clubs: Sports, Cooking & Baking, Gardening (Agriculture Management), Art (Visual), or Art (Music). They attend the same club throughout the program. 

Afternoon Activities

Each day, students choose a different afternoon activity. We offer so many activities that students could choose something different every day and never do the same thing twice! From horseback riding to ice skating, this is a great time for students to try something new!

"Family," Evening, and Social Events

SUMMER "Families"

Our signature Family Program is the hallmark of the elite summer experience. Each student is placed in a “Family” for the duration of the program. Led by two or three counselors, each family is made up of a group of students of the same age from across the world. Every session, our Families gather for a number of evening activities and special events—from sharing a meal together to participating in friendly competitions, the Family Program offers another opportunity for students to strengthen existing friendships and develop new ones!

EVENING and Social ACTIVITIES

Each night at our summer in Switzerland has a theme—from sports nights and Family nights to special events and excursions, the fun continues through the evening! And of course, the weekends offer an excellent opportunity for students to enjoy special trips and adventures off of the mountain.

Why It is a Great Choice

• A safe place to develop independence, gain resilience, build self-confidence and make lifelong friends.

• Among colorful and unique programs, to be able to discover what makes young learners’ hearts, beating for.

• A close-knit, family community in an international environment, with students from all over the world that foster open-mindedness, respect and responsibility.

Location

Elite school campus is tucked away in the beautiful mountain town of Leysin, Switzerland. It provides the ideal environment for students, faculty, and staff to learn together in a safe, residential community in the Swiss Alps.

With access to technologically advanced classrooms and facilities, a stunning outdoor environment, and a welcoming Swiss community, our students are perfectly situated to engage in interactive learning, athletics, cultural exploration, and connection with the great outdoors.

Accommodation

Each dorm is home to several live-in faculty members. These staff members are available throughout the summer to ensure our students have access to guidance, care, and support throughout their time in the school.

Students will also experience the summer with a roommate. Living with a roommate is a particularly valuable experience as it teaches students about new cultures, how to live respectfully and harmoniously with someone else, and most importantly it offers the potential of a lifelong friendship. Most of our students say that living with other students and making new friends from around the world is their favorite part of summer school!

DAILY SCHEDULE

From the second they step onto our alpine campus, our summer students enjoy some amazing experiences:

• 09:00 -12:00: Morning Program

• 12:15 - 13:30: Lunch

• 13:45 - 15:30: Afternoon Club

• 16:00 - 17:45: Afternoon Activities

• 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner

• 19:30 - 21:30: Evening Socials

Shared Common Spaces

In addition to the shared evening and weekend events and excursions, students between both programs can look forward to sharing some common spaces. Our summer students will live across multiple  dorms, and they will have a chance to meet and socialize in the cafeterias, lounges, and Magic Mountain Athletic Center.

Getting to the Elite Summer Program

Elite Summer in Switzerland provides transportation from Geneva Airport on official arrival and departure days. 

Flights should arrive and depart between 09:00 and 18:00. Our staff members will be at the airport all day on official arrival days and will have a meeting point at the Elite Summer in Switzerland welcome booth located in the Arrival Hall. 

If your child cannot arrive on an official arrival date, there is an additional charge of CHF 300 per student per transfer to arrange special transport to the school.

Fees Include:

Fees cover full room and board, regular instruction, use of computers, loan of required books,excursions, activities, certificate of completion (can be used for resumes or college applications), accident/health liability insurance coverage, and transfer to and from Geneva Airport on specified travel days. Fees do not cover transfers to and from Geneva Airport any day other than specified travel days, transfer to and from any other city, optional activities, dry cleaning, or similar expenses of a personal nature.

• Six dormitories in Leysin, Switzerland, each catering to specific age groups

• Collaborative environment with dorm heads, staff, and student leaders

• Dormitory living with age and gender-specific grouping

• International mix of students for cultural exchange

• Rooming requests considered only in exceptional cases

• Language diversification in dorms to encourage English communication

• Home-like amenities: kitchens, common areas, fully furnished rooms for comfortable living and studying

• Independence fostered through personal laundry responsibilities. Guidance provided for washing, drying, and ironing clothes.

• Fresh linens provided, students bring their own bath and beach towels

• Non-denominational setting with accommodations for religious services

• Breakfast: Hot items (e.g., eggs, pancakes), cereals, bread, fruit, butter, jams, with juice, milk, coffee, hot chocolate, and tea

• Lunches and Dinners: Meat, starches (potatoes, rice, pasta), vegetables, vegetarian options, soup, salad bar, sandwich bar

• Special diet accommodations for medical or religious needs (notification required in advance)

• Afternoon Clubs: Post-lunch, students choose from six clubs (Team Sports, Cooking & Baking, Hiking and Climbing, Robotics and Programming, Visual Arts, Performing Arts) attended throughout the program

• Afternoon Activities: Floor Hockey, Finger Knitting, Beach Volleyball, Dirt Biking, Ukulele Lessons, Painting & Drawing, Yoga, Hiking, Tie-dye, Football (Soccer) and Dance, and so much more. 

• "Families" Program: Students grouped into international age-similar families, led by counselors for evening activities and special events

• Evening and Social Activities: Themed nights (sports, family, special events), weekend trips and adventures off-campus, final banquet (grand celebration) is a time to dress up, feast on a variety of delicious foods, and capture memorable moments with friends in photographs. 

• Lake Geneva Trip

During each session the students will go on one excursion. This is a full-day excursion where we travel to a city within a 3-hour drive of campus. Destinations include cities such as Lausanne, Interlaken, Bern, or Geneva. Each trip will have a choice of itineraries that will appeal to various tastes and interests.

• Arrival by Air: Free airport transfer from Geneva Airport on official arrival days, staff in blue shirts at Visitors’ Center, regular transportation intervals, call +41 79 386 9305 if needed.

• Arrival on Non-Official Days: Transfer request at 350 CHF from Geneva Airport via school Office.

• Arrival by Train: Direct travel to Leysin via Aigle-Leysin cogwheel train, exit at Leysin-Grand-Hôtel Station.

• Train from Geneva Airport: Follow signs to train station, ticket to Leysin via Aigle, change at Aigle for A-L cogwheel train.

• Swiss Train Information: Visit www.sbb.ch/en/ for schedules and tickets

• Arrival by Road: Drive to Aigle via Lausanne and Montreux, then mountain road to Leysin, detailed instructions available online or via the school Office.

• Registration Location: Grande Salle in the Belle Époque building, Leysin.

Morning Programs (Three Options)

1) Language Acquisition:

• Language Track: Intensive English or French courses divided by age and ability, with an afternoon club to enhance language skills

• English Stream: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced levels

• French Stream: Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced levels

2) Leadership Courses (additional 500 CHF charge):

• Alpine Leadership: Outdoor leadership skills through rock climbing, camping, hiking, orienteering, first aid, survival skills, environmental awareness

• Innovation, Creativity, & Entrepreneurship (ICE): Social innovation and problem-solving, workshops, excursions, team building

3) Enrichment Courses

Our Summer Enrichment Track offers students the opportunity to dive into three specialized areas: Performing Arts, DaVinci in the Digital World, and Critical Thinking for Model UN.

1. Performing Arts: Nurture your creativity and develop your skills in the arts. Learn from experienced artists and mentors who will guide you through a variety of workshops and performances.

2. DaVinci in the Digital World: Embrace your inner innovator by exploring the intersections of art, science, and technology. Delve into cutting-edge digital tools, including 3D design, coding, and robotics.

3. Global Minds: Hone your public speaking, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities while sharpening your diplomatic and leadership skills along the way.

Whichever path you choose, our Summer Enrichment Track promises an unforgettable journey of growth, discovery, and collaboration. DAILY SCHEDULE

• 09:00 -12:00: Morning Program

• 12:15 - 13:30: Lunch

• 14:00 - 15:45: Afternoon Club

• 16:15 - 17:45: Afternoon Activities

• 18:00 - 19:00: Dinner

20:00 - 21:30: Evening Socials

• Non-Official Arrival Day Transfers: Request school transfer on non-official days at 300 CHF per person from Geneva Airport.

• Leadership Courses: Additional 500 CHF charge

• Pocket Money Advice(Refundable): 200-250 CHF is recommended for a two-week session. Any unused spending money will be returned in cash to the student at the end of their program .

• Full room and board

• Regular instruction

• Use of computers

• Loan of required books

• Excursions, activities,

• Certificate of completion (can be used for resumes or college applications), -Accident/health liability insurance coverage

• Accident/health liability insurance coverage

• Transfer to and from Geneva Airport on specified travel days.

Fees do not cover transfers to and from Geneva Airport any day other than specified travel days, transfer to and from any other city, optional activities, dry cleaning, or similar expenses of a personal nature.