St. George's International School Summer Camp Handbook 2023

SUMMER CAMP HANDBOOK 2023

A VERY WARM WELCOME

Dear parents,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our upcoming camp in Montreux, Switzerland. As the director of this program, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to provide your children with an enriching and unforgettable experience.

Our team has worked tirelessly to design a program that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where your child can learn, grow, and make lasting memories with new friends from all over the world.

As you prepare for your journey to Montreux, please review the information provided in this parent handbook carefully. It contains important details about our program, policies, and procedures, and will help ensure that your child has a successful and enjoyable experience.

We are excited to welcome you and your child to Montreux, and we look forward to the opportunity to share our culture, language, and traditions with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Sincerely,

Duncan Robinson Director, St. George's Summer Camp

Duncan Robinson

MEET THE TEAM

NAME: Abdi Ahmed

Origin: Switzerland

Country of residence: Switzerland

Role: Administrator Summer Camp

Languages: English & French

NAME: Alexia Athanasiadou

Origin: Greece

Country of residence: Greece

Role: Assistant Director

Languages: Greek & English

NAME: Talita Nadar

Origin: Brazil

Country of residence: Italy

Role: Head Of Boarding

Languages: English, Italian, Portuguese.

NAME: Houdate Ben Fredj

Origin: France

Country of residence: Switzerland

Role: School Nurse & Therapist

Languages: French, English & Arabic

ARRIVAL TO SCHOOL

BOARDING CAMPERS

02/07/2023

16/07/2023

30/07/2023

Please go to reception to check-in and you will be escorted to the right place. During checking-in we will record and confirm some details: leaving times, passports, insurance, pocket money etc.

Best times to come on arrival day:

• 09:00 – 12:30

• 13:30 – 17:00

• 11.30 – 14.00 Buffet for parents and students

• 18:30 – 19:00 Dinner (for boarders only)

If you are planning to come in the evening, please inform us what time you are expecting to arrive

DAY CAMPERS

Day campers should arrive with their parents on the first Monday of their camp between 08:30 – 09:00:

03/07/2023

17/07/2023

31/07/2023

Day campers can arrive by themselves between 8.30 and 9.00 during the week.

DEPARTURES

Departures for boarding students will take place on Friday evening or Saturday morning:

15/07/2023

29/07/2023

12/08/2023

CONTACT DETAILS

St. George's International School

Chem. de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Montreux

Reception: +41 21 964 34 11 - 9am - 5pm

Boarding Phone: +41 21 989 21 83 - 5pm 9am

Email: summerdirector@stgeorges ch

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

If you would like a transfer to or from the airport, please contact us and we will organise transport for you Please note there is a charge of CHF100 each way on arrival day and CHF 300 on other days.

UNACCOMPANIED MINORS

Your child will be met at the airport by a member of staff who will escort your child to the campus.

Flight companies have different regulations and fares. When asked to provide with a reference name, please provide them with the contact details above:

If you require the name of the escort, please contact us two weeks before your child’s arrival

ARRIVAL DAY

Registration

On arrival you will be met by the Leadership Team. Important details and information will be checked and you will be shown to the Boarding House by one of the Boarding Team You will be given a tour so you can find your way around the school, and a Camp goodie bag. Meet and greet

The day you arrive, you’ll take part in a host of fun induction games and activities run by the residential team and designed to help you get to know your fellow campmates and familiarise yourself with the campus.

Making yourself at home

Once you have been shown your room, you can start to unpack and settle into your own space. If you are sharing a room, you may like to spend some time getting to know your roommate[s] All roommates will be international so you can learn and share each other’s culture while practising your English

Settling in to residential

Once everyone has arrived and started to get to know one another, we will hold our first Camp meeting This is where you will be introduced to the whole team, and meet any late arrivals to camp We will go through camp rules and share the excitement of the first few days of camp and what to expect. Then we will sit down to our first camp meal and get prepared for the following day.

A Typical Day

Soon you will be packing your bags and getting ready to leave home and join us for a fun filled experience at St. George's, Montreux. Let us start with a look at how your day will run.

A TYPICAL DAY

08:00 Breakfast

08:45 Day Campers Arrive

09:00 Language lessons

S.T.E.A.M. or Computing

10:30 Break

11:00 Lessons

12:15 Lunch Juniors

12:30 Lunch Seniors

During the week

13.30 Afternoon activities

17h00 - Day Campers Depart

17h15 - Private Lessons Or Free time

18h30 - Dinner

19h30 - Evening activities

22h00 - Bedtime Juniors

22h30 - Bedtime Seniors

Above is the typical day schedule during the week. Wednesdays are the excursion days and we have an interesting program of excursions going to different parts of Switzerland to explore and experience Swiss culture

Weekends we offer adventures to nearby areas so campers can experience Swiss outdoor life while having fun with friends.

There will also be some time where campers can choose optional activities which are paid for separately with pocket money. These options can be chosen in the parents area.

WEDNESDAY EXCURSIONS

Weekly excursions on Wednesday give campers an opportunity to immerse themselves in Swiss culture From Olympic museums to Underground lakes An opportunity to sample Swiss culture. Please click the links below to see the excursions offered during the camps.

Session 1 Excursions

Session 2 Excursions

Session 3 Excursions

WEEKEND ADVENTURES

Residential campers will be participate in weekend adventures to experience the adventurous side of switzerland From rafting down rapids to staying in mountain huts and eating fondue. The weekend adventures give great opportunities for campers to bond and share memorable experiences together.

Please see the program for weekend adventures by clicking here.

SCHEDULES AND PROGRAMS

A Sample program for Junior Lake And Mountain program. Each Camper will have an individual timetable given to them on arrival

SCHEDULES AND PROGRAMS

EXAMPLE MENU

Here is an example menu. Each meal there is a choice between Meat, Fish or Vegetarian dishes. As well as a healthy and tasty salad bowl there is a choice between Meat, Fish or Vegetarian dishes As well as a healthy and tasty salad bowls

Starter Main Course

Seasonal Salad Bar

Turkey Cutlets a la Milanese or salmon fillet

Garnish

Vegetarian

Yellow rice with peppers Green peas

Organic wholemeal penne with tomato sauce

Seasonal Salad Bar

Beef meatballs or Cod Fillet

Couscous & Green peas

Coucous Vegetables tagine

Seasonal Salad Bar

Seasonal Salad Bar Seasonal Salad Bar

Chicken (CH) with curry and coconut milk or shrimps

Potatoes Buttered cabbage and with carrots

Jasmin rice Wok of vegetables

Sweet potato falafel with tadziki sauce and baba ganoush

Fish and chips & Broccoli and cauliflower

Barley pilaff Grilled onions, Eggplant, and tomato

Back of cod with bordelaise sauce

Braised carrots and potatoes

Baked potatoes, courgettes and peppers

Dessert

Seasonal fruit salad

Abricot tarte

Pana cotta and sauce

Chocolate mousse

Flan tarte with pineapple

Breakfast for residential campers. Each morning a buffet style breakfast is given consisting of cereals, fruits, eggs and yoghurts, juices. And each morning a different hot option will be available eggs, bacon, pancakes, waffles or sausages.

For residential campers we have weekly animations by the cuisine team. For example Kebab parties, BBQ's or Mexican night. The team are prepared to make meal times a tasty, healthy and enjoyable experience for all.

WHAT TO BRING

Being at camp is a brilliant opportunity for your child to gain extra independence.

They’ll need to take responsibility for preparing themselves for each day / daily activity, and while this may be exciting for some, it can be a little daunting for others, so we hope the following few pages will help with planning your child’s stay with us.

CLOTHING & KIT*

LANGUAGE CLASSES RECOMMENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL CAMPER

Pens

Pencils

Exercise books

Small padlock for locker

(optional)

RECOMMENDED

1-2 long trousers

3-4 shorts

4-5 T-shirts

2 hoodies

Swimwear

Swimming goggles

Beach towel

Cap / hat

Sunscreen

Flip Flops

Trainers / hiking shoes

Small backpack

Water bottle

Water-proof jacket

Adequate supply of underwear, including socks

Presentable casual clothing and shoes for the duration of camp

Toilet bag and contents

Pyjamas / nightdresses

Dressing gown (optional)

OTHER OPTIONAL ITEMS

Laptop computer

Reading material

Hairdryer

Camera

Sunglasses

Face masks

Bedding and towels are supplied and washed by Camp staff.

*Please make sure that all your clothes are labelled with your child’s full name.

TENNIS

(For those on the tennis program)

Tennis racket - optional

Tennis shoes

WATER SPORTS

Swimwear

Flip flops

Cap

FOOTBALL - if you want to take part in the staff vs students

Multi stud boots

Shin pads

Favourite football kit

LAUNDRY SERVICE

There is a weekly laundry service within the Camp, provided at the end of the first week

Please ensure all clothes are clearly marked with your child's name so we can return all clothing cleaned and ironed.

Bring Your Countries Flag (optional)

You will be able to hang your flag on the side of St. George's during your time at camp This is a tradition to show the many nationalities we host and as a sign of respect and diversity

SCHOOL FACILITIES

St. George's School in Montreux is a modern and well-equipped educational institution that provides a wide range of facilities to support students' learning and development.

St. George's School has state-of-the-art science laboratories, equipped with the latest equipment and technologies to support scientific inquiry and experimentation. Our labs provide students with hands-on experience in chemistry, physics, and biology.

CAMP FACILITY HIGHLIGHTS

A large, multi-purpose sports’ hall High quality boarding facilities An all-weather sports pitch.

BOARDING HOUSE

All our campers will stay at St. George's School campus, Montreux. All bedrooms are ensuite, and each one comes with a range of contemporary features including individually Wi-Fi, fitted wardrobes, desks, and chests of drawers Most bedrooms will be shared with one other camper, who we will try and pair with the same age and language

Views from the bedrooms are impressive, with either with a lake view or a view of our green campus

We use the registration platform parents area to add photos so you can see how your child is enjoying their experience and so you know they are safe and well.

This will be used for:

• A window into the camp daily life, with regular photos and updates on what campers have been getting up to.

• Important contact numbers.

• Permission forms

• Example timetables

Log in using the qr code below...

Calling home

It is likely that during the first few days of camp, your child may feel homesick, so rest assured that we’ll encourage them to call you and that we’ll take care to ensure they are integrating well We have a buddy system for those who are struggling to settle

When contacting your child, we recommend that you don’t dwell on home problems, favourite pets, or how much everybody misses them. Try to be cheerful and upbeat. Junior campers are allowed to make or receive phone calls at designated time slots 17h - 18 30 as phones are not to be carried during activities or lessons To check on your child’s progress, feel free to email summerdirector@stgeorges.ch

COMING TO SCHOOL

If you are bringing your child to Camp, we recommend that you use the north entrance as there is a car park available to all parents.

POCKET MONEY

The amount of pocket money given to a camper is at your discretion.

All costs for meals and excursions are included, but please remember your child may like to bring money for snacks and refreshments, and for presents or souvenirs (we recommend 50CHF/week).

You will be asked to leave your child’s pocket money with a Camp Leader upon arrival, along with any travel documents and mobile phones

Campers may bring a mobile phone with them, but they will only have their phones from 17h00 until 21h30

Failure to adhere to this rule will result in confiscation of the phone

MISSING HOME

Staying away from home can be an exciting adventure for many people, but for others the idea of being away from home for any period of time can cause homesickness. Homesickness is something we all experience at some point, and we understand that emotions to being away from home may need support and guidance. We therefore aim to make the transition of nervous individuals to independent campers who are able to cope with change. We will encourage campers to communicate with us if and when they feel a bit low and if necessary we will enable a call home

MOBILE PHONES MAKING FRIENDS BEFORE YOU GO

If you would like the opportunity to meet a fellow camper before coming to Camp we can facilitate setting up a Teams Meeting so you can socialise and chat. This is a lovely way to start Camp and ensure you see at least one familiar face on the first day

CAMPERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

To ensure safety and enjoyment for all - CAMPERS MUST

RESPECT - I will be respectful to all involved at Summer Camp This includes behaviour towards other campers and camp staff and appreciation of belongings either personal, borrowed or on loan from camp.

TIME MANAGEMENT - I will respect the timings of the Summer Camp and arrive on time and prepared for the next activity

CARE - I will respect the school property and take care to keep it clean and tidy. This includes all areas of the school grounds including the boarding houses and personal space.

SAFETY - I understand that I must take responsibility for my own safety and be mindful of the safety of others by ensuring that I follow the rules in the Code of Conduct. I will sign in and out when arriving / departing campus in lessons and activities.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS - I understand that any items brought to camp are my own responsibility Electronic devices - such as mobile phones, hand-held devices, i-pads and consoles - may be brought to camp but must be handed to a member of camp staff on arrival so that it can be documented and retained safely. Mobile phones are not allowed during lesson or activity time and all electronic devices will be put 'on-charge' in a central area over night Students may have their devices in free time between the hours of 5 30 and 9pm They may also have them on excursion days. The Summer Camp cannot be held liable for any loss or damage to personal items brought to camp.

PRIVACY - I understand that everyone needs their own space and will respect the privacy of others. I will not go into another person ' s room unless invited in and I will not help myself to their personal items without asking permission first. I will not go into another person ' s room after 'lights-out' unless in the case of an emergency.

MEAL TIMES - I understand that it is compulsory for me to attend all meal times

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES - There is no drinking alcohol, no smoking or vaping, or use of any kind of drugs; onsite or outside of campus.

AGREEMENT

The Code of Conduct keeps everyone at camp safe and well. I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, the following steps will be taken:

Step 1: Loss of Team/House points

Step 2: Asked to carry out a suitable consequence decided by the staff which may include loss of privileges

Step 3: Meeting with the Camp Director - Warning Sent home

Step 4: Dismissal From Camp - We do not tolerate poor behavior

MEDICATIONS/ HEALTH CARE

We need to know your child’s medical information before they arrive, so if your child has any specific medical needs, please make us aware of it in the medical section of the application form. If you forget, please get in touch so we can send you an alternative medical form to complete before arrival

If your child needs regular medication while at Camp, please give our nurse the relevant medicines in their original prescription container, along with the pharmacy instructions.

Place the prescription containers in a clean Ziplock bag labelled with your child’s name and date of birth. Please do not pack your child’s medication in with their luggage

Following announcement by the Swiss Federal council, we are very happy to inform you that St George's School can lift all of its pandemic-related measures. Life on campus can go on without any public health-related restrictions.

However we recommend that anyone who has tested positive for COVID or who thinks they are infected or are showing symptoms does not come to campus

The school is a secure area with supervised access, 24 hours a day. Campers can move freely and safely inside the campus.

SECURITY INSURANCE

Please make sure your child has adequate travel insurance cover for Switzerland

IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS

St. George's International School Chem. de Saint-Georges 19, 1815 Montreux

Reception: +41 21 964 34 11 - 9am - 5pm

Boarding Phone: +41 21 989 21 83 - 5pm 9am

Email: summerdirector@stgeorges ch