Swiss Summer Camps are a great way to explore Switzerland, make friends and discover a school

Switzerland is an ideal location for a summer camp – wherever you are, lakes and mountains are never far away! So whether you’re thinking about moving to Switzerland, or if your family is already here and not sure what to do this summer, read on to find out what your options are. 

1. First things first, COVID has provided an extra challenge to navigate but the good news is that Switzerland has kept schools open for most of the pandemic, and this summer they’re likely to continue in the same fashion. The decision currently lies with each canton, who are implementing an aligned approach across the country. The only variation may be in hygiene rules (e.g. conditions of mask-wearing), depending on where the summer camp is situated. If you’re flying into Switzerland, full information is available here in English. 

2. What type of summer camp are you looking for? Some are more focused on outdoor activities, others are a great place to practice your language or IT skills. Most camps run for a week or two, but some offer up to 8 full weeks if you want to keep everyone fully occupied until school starts! If you’re looking at a school in Switzerland, joining their summer camp programme is a great way to get a feel for the place too. 

3. Who else will be there? If you’re already enrolled in a school with a summer camp option, this is a great chance to see familiar as well as new faces. Some camps run for younger students, others are more suited to 16+. Other camps cover a wide range of ages and are a great option for siblings to be together but apart.

4. Once you’ve narrowed down your selection, there are a few key criteria to check out: accreditation, staff screening, medical/emergency protocols, Swiss health insurance and accident coverage (this is compulsory but some camps may have this already included, others may require you to add a nominal fee).

5. Sign up for a virtual visit! Even if the camp isn’t running yet, members of staff will be available and they may even be able to put you in touch with parents and students who have previously attended. 

There’s still time to sign up, so why not explore our list of Swiss summer camps and find some long-overdue fun this summer!