Program Description

International Summer Camp Montana, Switzerland

Summer Programs
Crans-Montana (Valais), Switzerland


		Program Description Program Overview Visit Web Site Get Free Info

For More Information, Contact
Philippe Studer and Erwin Mathieu, Directors
International Summer Camp Montana
La Moubra
CH-3963 Crans-Montana 1
Switzerland
+41 27 486 86 86
Fax: +41 27 486 86 87
http://www.campmontana.ch
E-mail: info@campmontana.ch

Type of Program: Sports and language camp
Participants: Coeducational, ages 8–17
Enrollment: 330 (maximum)
Program Dates: June 29 to July 19, July 20 to August 9, and August 10 to August 30
Heads of Program: Philippe Studer and Erwin Mathieu, Camp Owners/Directors

Location

Crans-Montana, an internationally known health and sports resort area in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is located 1,500 meters above sea level in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Known as ‘‘The Sun Terrace of Switzerland,” Crans-Montana is situated on a sun-drenched plateau that enjoys an average of 13 hours of sunshine every day in the summer. Rising above the vineyards and orchards of the Rhone Valley, the camp is surrounded by magnificent pine tree forests and is protected from wind by a snow-peaked mountain range. Campers enjoy miles of beautiful trails that traverse meadows of alpine flowers, leading to majestic views of forests, lakes, mountains, and glaciers.

Background and Philosophy

For more than forty years, International Summer Camp Montana (ISCM) has strived to develop in its campers physical and intellectual achievement through an American-style camping experience employing European traditions. The camp’s fundamental philosophy is to provide a healthy outdoor-living experience through sports and fellowship in a creative and wholesome environment. Campers develop both their minds and their bodies through a myriad of activities, broadening their outlook and enriching their lives through the opportunity to meet people of different backgrounds from all over the world. Through its combination of cooperative living with recreational, educational, and social activities, ISCM enables each young man and woman to acquire the maturity and independence that are essential to his or her well-being. Respect for others’ views, understanding of democratic ideals, and responsible citizenship are stressed in this unique program, which provides an unforgettable opportunity for campers to gain self-understanding while interacting with others in an environment of beauty, joy, and learning. At ISCM, the emphasis is on cooperation, not competition; creativity, not conformity.
International Summer Camp Montana is a member of the Crans-Montana and Valais Tourist Offices, the Swiss Hotel Association, the Swiss Ski Federation, and the Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education.

Program Offerings

Just a sampling of the numerous activities offered at ISCM includes sailing, rafting, swimming, English riding instruction, dressage, jumping and vaulting, trail riding, tennis, summer skiing and snowboarding in Saas Fee and Zermatt, fencing, mountain hiking, campcraft, overnight hikes, rock climbing, golf, circus skills, mountain biking, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, touch football, cricket, table tennis, floor hockey, fitness training, performing arts, drawing, painting, screen printing, creative nature crafts, weaving, macramé, modelling, nature collecting, scrapbook making, aerobics, archery, badminton, billiards, Frisbee, a fitness course, gymnastics, mini golf, trampolining, track and field, outdoor games, and various educational talks and videos covering Swiss history and culture, classical and modern music, and nature study.
    Activities are directed toward both personal and group development, and, while enjoyable and interesting, they challenge each camper to exercise his or her intelligence and promote the emergence of abilities and insight. Campers may participate in the activities of their choice during free time and are always under the supervision and guidance of the staff.
    Campers are divided into three groups: Juniors, ages 8–10; Pioneers, ages 11–13; and Seniors, ages 14–17. Programs for each section are commensurate with the ability, endurance, and resourcefulness of its age level. The average Junior group size is 6 campers; the average Pioneer and Senior group size is 8.
    Although ISCM is a coeducational camp, boys and girls generally pursue programs separately; experience has shown that wholesome contact during selected activities—excursions, hikes, games, and entertainment—is beneficial to all.
    English is the main language spoken at camp, although French, Italian, and German are also spoken. Upon request, campers may be grouped with others who speak a specific language.

Enrollment

Since 1961, boys and girls from all over the world have come to ISCM. Each year, campers represent more than fifty countries in North America, South America, Europe, North Africa, and Asia, with the majority coming from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Italy, France, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, Belgium, Spain, and the Middle East. Only boys and girls of outstanding moral character are accepted; for this reason, a letter of recommendation from each camper’s teacher is required.

Daily Schedule

Because of the great deal of individual choice, particularly for older campers, no day at ISCM is exactly the same as any other. Meal times, evening program schedules, and lights-out are determined by age group.

Extra Opportunities and Activities

In addition to exploring neighboring mountain areas through day and overnight hikes, campers participate in two excursions, included in the camp fee, during each period. One excursion visits places of interest in the Central Valais: Zermatt, the mountain village at the foot of the Matterhorn; Saas Fee, the village of the glaciers; the St. Bernard Pass; the Rhone Glacier; and Sierre, with its manor, art exhibitions, and various museums. The second excursion is to other parts of Switzerland, such as the Lake Geneva area, with the towns of Geneva, Lausanne, and Montreux and the castles of Chillon and Gruyère; Bern, the medieval town and capital of Switzerland; the Bernese Oberland; Thun; and Interlaken.
ISCM also features traditional activities such as campfires, sing-a-longs, stunt nights, theater groups, folk dancing, shopping trips, a camp horse show, storytelling, and birthday parties.
An optional language program is offered in English, French, Spanish, and German at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Five 50-minute lessons are taught each week in the native language of the instructors.

Facilities

ISCM’s main building is the solidstone Moubra House, which overlooks spacious playing fields, forests, a lake, and the Rhone Valley and includes camper and staff living quarters, a dining room, a rec room, a living room, a theater, a game room, and six classrooms. Camp also features four additional buildings, including a large chalet. Campers are housed by gender on separate floors of Moubra House or in the chalet. Rooms are sunny and well-equipped with all modern conveniences; most have wide balconies. Each floor has a large number of bathrooms.

Staff

The camp staff comprises 2 camp directors, each in charge of his or her own sector (programming and educational supervision, catering, and administration); 3 head counselors, each responsible for one of the age groups; counselors; sports instructors; language teachers; and office staff members. A trained dietitian supervises the preparation of excellent French-style food with an international flavor. The program staff consists of approximately 80 multilingual members.
Each member of the International Summer Camp Montana staff is carefully chosen on the basis of age, education, camping experience, emotional maturity, and the ability to work with growing children. Experienced counselors from previous seasons provide stability to the counseling group. All counselors have experience in American or European camps.

Medical Care

The health, safety, and general welfare of each camper are meticulously guarded. Three resident nurses and an on-call physician are responsible for the good health of campers and staff members. There is a fully equipped hospital nearby in Sierre.

Costs

The camp fee for each three-week session is 5600 Swiss francs (US$4667). This fee includes all living expenses, excursions and overnight hikes, activities and sports, infirmary service, laundry service, and instruction in riding, tennis, swimming, and other activities. Not included in this cost are travel to and from camp, personal allowances, medical treatment and medical prescriptions, the optional language program (250 Swiss francs), and fees for ski lifts and transportation during skiing trips. All fees are payable in Swiss francs.
International Summer Camp Montana gladly assumes full responsibility for the program arrangements made and will do its best to fulfill these. However, International Summer Camp Montana is not liable for events or transportation organized or carried out for it by third parties. Therefore, International Summer Camp Montana cannot be held responsible for any extra costs, injuries, damages, delays, or inconveniences caused during these proceedings. In the event of litigation, the court of original jurisdiction is in Sierre.

Transportation

ISCM representatives meet and escort campers traveling by air to and from Geneva Airport on arrival and departure days and facilitate check-in and customs formalities. The fee for this service is 80 Swiss francs for a one way trip and 160 Swiss francs for a round-trip; transportation is provided by deluxe bus and includes a snack or meal as well as confirmation of return flight. Arrangements for this service must be made at least two weeks before the camper’s arrival.

Application Timetable

The number of places is limited; parents, particularly those who wish to enroll their children in the second session, are advised to make reservations early. Campers may enroll for one, two, or all three sessions. Extensions of camp sessions are accepted only on a space-available basis.
A nonrefundable and nontransferable deposit of 1000 Swiss francs is required with registration. The balance of tuition is payable in full before May 1. Various cancellation policies apply.
A camp DVD is available free of charge.