Camp Life
Outdoor learning values direct personal experience and hence increases motivation and has a bigger impact. Learning happens in a natural environment where students can see, smell, feel and hear the real thing.
Explore
At JFK Swiss Outdoor Camps offers multiple opportunities to explore an alpine environment. With all senses students will explore forests, streams, and mountains. For example, students will survey a mountain stream, test water purity, velocity and temperature. They will explore flora and fauna of a river and find out how it changes over the course of the river.
Board
The camp will offer separate boarding facilities for young boys and girls in traditional Saanenland Chalets situated in heart of the picturesque village of Saanen. After breakfast students explore the alpine environment in the Saanenland. Each day is packed with exhilarating activities such as rock climbing, water experience, canoeing and hiking. In the evening there is time to relax with new friends and enjoy a barbecue or Swiss fondue.
Discover
Multiple opportunities allow students to discover for example the wonders different rock formations have to offer. They will not only discover different geological rock formations, but also learn how limestone was formed and will search for fossils. In addition students will discover how different animals such as birds, insects and ibex use a rocky habitat for their purpose.
Camp
Sleeping under the stars can be a magical experience. It is essential to take the right camping gear to make it a pleasurable experience. Accordingly students will learn about camp craft, for example choosing a good camping spot, how to make a fire, how to take the necessary precautions before setting off. The absence of light pollution in an alpine environment provides a brilliant opportunity to discover the Milky Way and to get the chance to view nocturnal life.
Hike
Hiking is a brilliant opportunity to discover the alpine environment. Students will have the opportunity to discover alpine Flora and Fauna as well as life on the summer pastures. Furthermore students will learn how to navigate safely in a mountainous environment using maps and compass, how weather conditions need to be considered and which equipment is needed for a successful adventure.
Learn Outdoors
Outdoor learning values direct personal experience and hence increases motivation and has a bigger impact. Learning happens in a natural environment where students can see, smell, feel and hear the real thing. It includes environmental education, personal and social development as well as adventure activities and can easily be linked to school subjects.
Dayly Campers Schedule
Typical day for the campers
7:30am
Wake up
Rise and Shine!
Students are woken up by their house parents and helped to prepare for the day.
Breakfast
Healthy morning breakfast
Buffet breakfast served with a large choice of breakfast options
8:30am
9:00am - 12:30pm
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor activities
Students will explore forests, streams, and mountains using all of their senses. A diferent theme each week - Water, Mountain and Rock
Lunch
Fireplace or picnic
Students prepare a fire for roasting sausages and bread or enjoy a healthy picnic outside
12:30pm - 13:30pm
1:40pm - 3:00pm
Outdoor Learning cont.
Learning in the nature
Students explore the outdoor environment and are taught about nature and mountain life.
Activities - Sports
Activities on campus
Students enjoy different guided activites on campus with games and sports
3:00pm - 4:30pm
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Showers - Rest
Getting ready for dinner
Boarding campus take thier showers and have some free time before dinner.
Dinner
Balanced and healthy
Students enjoy a healthy and balanced dinner prepared by our own Chef
6:30pm - 7:15pm
7:15pm - 8:30pm
Evening Activities
Events - Shows
Time to relax with new friends. Students enjoy a full programme of activities such as talent show, fashion show, international evening, etc.
Prepare for bed
Back in the house
Students return to the boarding house and prepare for bed all in their own room
8:30pm - 9:00pm
9:00pm
Lights Out
Good night
Students sleep deeply and have a good rest to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
FAQ- Frequent Asked Questions
What Kind of food do you offer the students?
A:The camp provides a balanced and varied menu that respects cultural differences. We organise a barbecue outside at least once a week. The camp has its own Chef that prepares meals with fresh goods of the day and from the region.
What is the main language taught?
A: Students do not have language classes as such, but English is the main language used in all the activities. Activities are based on learning experiences and English language is then taught through exercise and conversation games and activities.
Is the boarding mixed?
A: We accept boys and girls, but they room in different houses on the campus. Activities are mixed and if necessary the students are separated by age groups.
Who is responsible for transporting students to and from the airport?
A: On arrival at the airport, students are welcomed by JFK staff and then transferred to Saanen by school bus. It is a 2 hour drive to Saanen from the airport.
Do I need a visa to enter Switzerland?
A: Students from some countries must hold visas to enter Switzerland. For more information about visa requirements please contact us at: swissoutdoorcamp@jfk.ch Please allow at least 2 weeks for the visa procedure in your country.
What items should I take with me?
A: We will send you a list of items we recommend you to bring once you have applied. You will receive all the information together in a Welcome Pack.
To which airport we should arrive?
A: Saanen is 2 hours away from the Geneva airport, therefore the most convenient airport to arrive. We have a pick-up service only from the Geneva airport.
How long do you recommend the students to stay?
A: We recommend 3 weeks. Well, it's an Alpine mountain summer adventure camp. It takes that long to unwind, get in shape, and do something that makes this mountain summer camp experience one to remember.
How do I apply to work for the JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp?
A: Please visit our employment page here for the job descriptions, requirements and how to apply.
Are you interested in joining the JFK Swiss Outdoor Camp?
Nature
Outdoor learning is all about Nature. You learn with demonstration and evidence. Touching and seeing is all it is about.
Adventure
Adventure is the move that thrives us now in this world. Watching nature will never be the same after our camps.
Team Building
Team work will teach us how to work in a group, how to tolerate others and how to build self esteem.
JFK Swiss Oudoor Camp
Chilchgasse 8, 3792 Saanen/Gstaad, Switzerland
+41 33 744 13 72