St. George's Summer Camps 2023

George’s

WELCOME

St. George’s summer camp in Switzerland is a camp unlike any other. Framed by the mountains, and overlooking lake Geneva, it is an inspiring setting where young people from across the globe gather to learn, to be challenged, and to discover new interests.

Immersed in the spirit and ethos of St. George’s, this is where friendships are made that last a lifetime. Our core values centre around respect, responsibility, integrity, kindness, courage, and ambition - and it flows through every aspect of our summer camps. From excursions around Switzerland to taking part in some of the 50 different activities on offer, a St George’s summer camp is an adventure of discovery and learning, and it is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Younger campers can get involved too. Our Nano camp caters for children aged 4 – 7 years, and offers many exciting activities including music, visits to local attractions, painting, and experiencing true Swiss culture.

We have a superb team of experienced international staff who - alongside teaching various languages, computer programming, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) subjects – help bring the camp experience to life.

Dive in, and discover what’s on offer at each of our exciting summer camps. Want to find out more or book a visit? Please do get in touch by emailing summeraccount@stgeorges.ch

CAMP OPTIONS

Our camps are packed full of fun and learning, and are available as follows: Nano Camp – For 4 - 7 years old Junior Camp – For 8 - 12 years old Senior Camp – For 13 - 16 years old

St George’s International School | Switzerland

A world-class summer experience for young people from all over the world eager to have fun, develop their creativity, experience challenges, and grow as individuals throughout their time at camp.

Every Wednesday, there is an excursion to discover Switzerland. Every weekend there is an overnight expedition where residential campers get to have an unforgettable experience with their friends.

St George’s International School | Switzerland

EXCURSIONS

For ages 8 – 16 years.

Our excursions allow students to visit some of Switzerland’s most exciting attractions and apply what they have learned during lessons in a real-world environment. Previous excursions have included Chocolate and Cheese Factories in and around Gruyere, Charlie Chaplin Museum in Vevey, Brain Centre in Geneva, and Olympic Museum in Lausanne.

Unique and extraordinary 5-star experiences in the Swiss Alps. A range of optional activities for those who want to get the most out of their Swiss summer camp. Campers will have the chance to choose one or more of these activities to further enrich their time at St. George’s camps.

Matterhorn Heli Experience (Optional for ages 8 – 16 years) Experience the unforgettable beauty of the mountains on this scenic flight around the Matterhorn, you will be blown away by this iconic Swiss landmark.

Paragliding Experience (Optional for ages 12 – 16 years)

Fly up above the clouds and get incredible views of the lake and mountains of the alps.

Alpine Summer Luge on Glacier 300 (Optional for ages 8 – 16 years) Take the telecabine to 3000m and ride on the alpine summer luge.

Alpine Surf Experience (Optional for ages 12 – 16 years)

Ride the waves in the wave garden. For experienced surfers who would like to see what surfing in the alps is like.

EXPEDITIONS

(Residential campers only)

Our expeditions are an integral part of the St. George’s summer camp experience for any students who stay overnight with us for the two-week duration of the camp.

Offering a unique opportunity to discover and interact with the environment around Switzerland or France, we provide a range of extra activities ranging from rafting and canyoning, to hydrospeed and hiking. All activities are led by experienced guides or instructors.

Elements featured in this camp include:

• Château-d’Oex

Descend a river working as a team in a raft. Stay in a mountain refuge and navigate to the pickup point for a BBQ.

• Moleson

Summer luge, devil kart, trottinette and hiking on the side of a mountain. Then taking a cable car to the summit and staying in a chalet.

• Chamonix

Ascend the Aiguille du midi by cable car for incredible views across Mont Blanc. Take the railway to the Montenvers glacier and stay in a mountain hut.

• Jungfrau

Taking the train to the highest station in Europe, called the Jungfraujoch to get incredible views of the alps. Staying in a mountain hut and descending by trottinette down the mountain.

St George’s International School | Switzerland

St George’s International School | Switzerland

LANGUAGES

For ages 8 – 16 years.

We offer both French and English at our camps and fit more than 30 hours of intense but enjoyable language instruction into each two-week camp. Students are taught by specialist teachers and put their speaking and listening skills to practice in real world scenarios during weekly excursions to sites and museums.

Those attending our language lessons can expect to leave camp with:

• Improved reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

• Greater independent thinking and learning.

• The ability to use grammar and vocabulary correctly.

• Boosted confidence and willingness to contribute to discussions and debates. Class sizes are kept to a maximum 10 students.

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

For ages 8 – 16 years.

All young people at our camps can choose STEAM as a morning option. This exciting programme is run in partnership with Addictlab, an international creative think-tank that uses learning, experimentation, improvisation and collaboration to ignite creativity and propel cross-curricular learning.

Activities include:

• Robotics programming.

• Building a solar-powered boat to launch on lake Geneva.

• 3D print and design.

• Rapid prototyping.

• Building a life size Da Vinci bridge.

Working in small teams, STEAM sessions take place indoors and outside in the grounds of St George’s campus and on the lake. This unique educational experience builds autonomy, perseverance and self-confidence.

CODING AND COMPUTING

For ages 13 – 16 years.

From Python coding and digital art to robotics and data analysis, this fantastic Computing offers students the opportunity to learn vital skills they can apply in industry and media. Run in partnership with the Addictab Academy – an international creative group that specialises in fueling creativity, project based learning and cross disciplinary thinking – this camp not only enables students to develop their computer skills, but their creative discipline, leadership, and critical thinking.

Activities include:

• Coding in Python, Scratch, Minecraft, and Java, depending on each student’s level.

• Digital art and game creation, focusing on video game and digital character innovation.

• Robotics, using tools such as Microbit, Thymio, Sphero Lego, and more.

• Digital media and data analysis – creating webpages, editing images, and presenting data as graphics.

Addictlab’s computer and coding scenarios are based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, making this programme incredibly relevant for the real world: Your children could even take part in real research and benefit from Addictlab’s collaboration with scientists from CERN.

St George’s International School | Switzerland

“ This is a truly extraordinary camp that gives campers access to sessions as diverse as via ferrata climbing and paragliding.”

LAKE AND MOUNTAIN

For ages 8 – 16 years.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Geneva and the surrounding mountains, this is a truly extraordinary camp that gives campers access to sessions as diverse as via ferrata climbing and paragliding. Campers will learn how to enjoy the natural environment sustainably while improving their skill level and confidence across many sporting disciplines.

Junior | Ages 8 – 12 years

Activities include:

• Wakeboarding and tubing.

• Sailing.

• Swimming.

• Paddle boarding.

• White-water rafting.

• Hiking.

• Rock climbing.

• Abseiling.

• Bouldering.

• Mountain biking.

• Zip lining.

• Survival skills.

Senior | Ages 13 – 16 years

Activities include:

• Canyoning.

• Via ferrata.

• Paragliding.

• Wake surfing.

• Leadership training.

• Nature hikes.

• Rock climbing.

• Abseiling.

• Bouldering.

• Mountain biking.

• Zip lining.

• Overnight stay in a mountain hut.

Facing challenges in a safe environment, this exhilarating experience is one campers will never forget; they will leave having gained more independence, confidence, and resilience.

TENNIS

For ages 8 – 16 years.

Run in partnership with Sport Spirit, one of Switzerland’s most dynamic tennis organisations, our tennis camps help create future stars.

All coaches are players from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) or Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Drawing on their extensive experience on the professional circuit, coaches will push each player to stretch their abilities, and incorporate the use of in-depth video analysis and mental toolkits to help students’ focus on their game.

Elements featured in this camp include:

• Video analysis.

• Match tactics.

• Skill development.

• Clay and multi-surface courts.

• Elite and professional coaches.

• End of the camp tournament.

St George’s International School | Switzerland

NANO

For ages 4 – 7 years.

Interactive and creative camps for our younger campers. Nano Camp is a two-week camp.

Each week, we offer specially designed, themed activities for our younger day campers. Based at our beautiful Swiss chalet, activities take place both inside and out, and aim to:

• Encourage independent thinking and learning.

• Improve students’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

• Develop use of grammar and vocabulary.

• Build students’ confidence and capabilities.

• Enhance public speaking skills through discussions and debates.

• Class sizes are small (approx. 10 students) to ensure close support and to maximise development.

Multi activity

Students are engaged in group activities that include, games; cooking; costume design; music workshops, craft workshops, and singing.

Local visits

Maladaire beach, Jardin d’Anglais, local farm, cruise on the lake.

Sharing with parents

Parents are invited to join us in the chalet once a week to see what their children have created at camp.

Weekly themes

Activities are always based around a special weekly theme, such as nature, transport, or space.

Sports

Young campers get the opportunity to take part in a fun, organised sport every day at camp.

Typical day.

LIFE ON CAMPUS

St. George’s boarding school in Montreux is one of the premier international educational settings in Switzerland, and our residential facilities reflect our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the care we provide.

Our boarding house offers a first-class, home-away-from-home for those attending our summer camps. Bedrooms are contemporary in look and feel, and feature carefully considered touches to ensure maximum comfort. Shared facilities also include a common room, fitness room, tennis courts and a football pitch.

St George’s International School

St George’s International School | Switzerland

HOW TO REGISTER

Boarding campers

(8 – 18 years old).

If your child would like to take part in one of our camps, please follow these steps to register your interest:

1. Complete the application form online at: stgeorges.ch/camps/summer-camps . Note, you will need to upload a photograph of your child’s passport, so please have this ready.

2. Once your application has been received, we will issue you with an invoice; please arrangement payment within 30 days in order to secure your child’s place.

3. When we have received your payment, we will send you an acceptance letter and Welcome Pack.

4. If needed, you will also need to apply for a Schengen visa for your child at your local Swiss Embassy, and email us a copy to summeraccount@stgeorges.ch

Day campers (4 – 18 years old).

If your child would like to attend one of our camps as a day camper, please register your interest by following the steps below:

1. Complete the application form online at: stgeorges.ch/camps/summer-camps . Note, you will need to upload a photograph of your child’s passport and/or valid Schengen visa.

2. Once your application has been received, we will issue you with an invoice; please arrangement payment within 10 working days in order to secure your child’s place.

3. Upon receipt of your payment, we will send you an acceptance letter and Welcome Pack.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Where are the residential campers accommodated, and will they be sharing a room?

All our campers are housed in St. George’s International School Boarding House. They will share a room with 1-3 other campers. Single rooms are available on request.

• Is a laundry service included with the accommodation?

Yes. Upon arrival, all campers will be given a laundry bag for their dirty linens. They will be washed by our housekeeping team once a week.

• Do children need to bring their own bed sheets and towels? No, bed sheets and bath towels are provided, however we ask that you bring your own towel for sports / water activities.

• Are there any other additional costs we need to consider? This is an all-inclusive camp. However, during the camp, your child will have the opportunity to go paragliding – this activity comes at an additional cost of approximately CHF 170.—

• Which airport should my child fly to? Our closest airport is Geneva, which is an hour from St George’s. Your child will be met at the airport by our staff and then chaperoned to campus.

• How many children are in each language class? We have around 10 students per language class.

• Which language will students speak during camp?

The camp is held in English and it is the main language taught here, however, lots of our staff are bilingual and fluent in both French and English.

• How many options can campers choose? Campers may choose one option for the morning and another one for the afternoon. The options are: Language, STEAM or computing in the morning; Tennis, Lake & Mountain or Media making in the afternoon.

• How many days per week and how many hours each day are set aside for sports versus academics?

From Monday to Friday, our days are equally split: academics take place in the morning and sporting activities are run in the afternoons. During the course of the two-week camp, students will enjoy 30hrs of academics and 30hrs of sports. Those who are staying overnight with us will also benefit from excursions and weekend activities.

• What equipment should they bring for sports? We will provide all sports’ equipment; and will send a list of what else students should bring with them before camp starts. All campers will need to bring swimwear, sports clothes, a waterproof raincoat and durable mountain shoes. Tennis students will require tennis shoes (our courts are clay and hard).

• How much pocket money should be given and is there somewhere safe to store it? We recommend students budget for CHF 50 per week. Campers have a private safe in their rooms or the boarding staff can look after it for them and give out certain amounts when required.

• If a child has to administer an injection every day, can anyone help them with this? Yes, we have a qualified nurse on site, so help is always available if it is required.

• Do the children mix with English speakers on the campus and/or in their rooms? Yes. Classes and rooms are a mix of nationalities to ensure the international feel of the camp. If you wish for particular campers to share a room, please let us know.