Summer Camp Lovell (Switzerland)

A Typical Day Schedules

07.20 Wake-up (supervised by room counsellors)

07.50 Breakfast

08.15 Brush teeth and complete room chores

08.45 - 10.15 Language Classes

• Junior The campers have language lessons in English or French from Mondays to Fridays in small instructional groups according to age, ability and experience.
• Morning Program – Senior A variety of sports, games, outdoor education, swim programs and local excursions.

10.30 - 12.15 Language Classes

• Senior The campers have language lessons in English or French from Mondays to Fridays in small instructional groups according to age, ability and experience.
• Swim Lessons - Junior After pre-testing, the children are assigned to their swimming groups (5 to 8 students per class). Lessons are aimed at improving strokes, increasing endurance and developing good water safety habits. Children who attend for three weeks or more will work toward a Swiss National Swim Test Award.

12.30 - 13.15 Lunch

13.15 - 13.45 Supervised free time and program transition time

13.45 - 17.30 Interest Groups or Special Programs

• Junior and Senior Each child chooses four interest groups per camp session. Usually offered are tennis, horse riding, golf, archery, mountain biking, cooking and baking, arts and crafts, sports and games, rock-climbing, football, music, photography, etc. Special programs are age appropriate and a combination of outdoor education, team sports and lessons in outdoor living including hiking procedures, camping skills, nature study, first aid and special events or excursions.

17.45 Day Campers depart

17.45 - 18.15 Boarder supervised free time

18.30 Dinner

19.15 Evening Program

21.00 - 21.15 Lights out – Juniors

21.45 - 22.00 Lights out - Seniors

Each week campers will participate in special events days, all day excursions or cultural trips, hikes, overnights and a number of adventure, outdoor and sports programs.

Evening Activities

Our evening programs are tailored to meet the requirements of our students. Our groups participate in an activities program from 7pm until 9pm for junior,  bedtime at 9:30pm and our senior groups from 7pm until 9:30pm, with bedtime at 10pm

We offer many activities including: team challenges, quizzes, disco night, games competitions, cinema night, campfires, torchlight walk, mountain BBQ, nightline, and a final prize-giving celebration to finish each week.

Excursions
Special excursions can be arranged throughout the winter, including all-day ski excursions as well as cultural trips to places such as Montreux, Interlaken or Bern. Sample some of the finest Swiss chocolates and cheeses at the factories in Gruyere, learn a little about global cooperation with a guided tour of the United Nations or Swiss Red Cross museum in Geneva, an interactive tour of the Olympic museum in Lausanne the home of the International Olympic Committee. For the more adventurous, overnights such as camping out in igloos or an overnight stay at one of the fully-equipped Swiss Alpine Club huts can be organized.

Special Programs
Finally, each camp session ends with a "Special Events Day" in which the children participate in various swimming and field events. Following a special barbecue, the campers are presented with awards and are recognized for their achievements in swimming, language and interest groups as well as outdoor education and special programs.

Goals:

1. To provide safe, healthy, and challenging learning experiences for young people
2. To introduce students to skills and sports that increase self-confidence while building character and leadership qualities
3. To help students develop their language ability and communication skills
4. To increase environmental awareness through participation in a variety of outdoor living activities and sports
5. To help campers to develop a global and empathetic world view by bringing young people from a variety of cultures and countries together in an open and engaging way

Keys to Lovell Camps' Success:

• Highly-knowledgeable  and well-trained staff team
• Family-like atmosphere and special attention to each camper
• Well-supervised clear structure of the program
• Leaders in educational camping since 1973
• Ideal location in the Swiss Alps

Staff & Safety

Our teams of international staff members are professional educators, qualified and skilled international and Swiss ski and snowboard instructors or experienced camp counselors. With up to 25 hours of on hill instruction per week, young people of all abilities from beginner to expert skiers and snowboarders will have the opportunity to learn and to develop their skills in racing, freestyle and free-ride. Our staff training program emphasizes the need for close supervision, safety and awareness of the needs of each individual child.

The health, safety and general welfare of the individual camper is the first concern of Lovell International Camps. Every precaution is taken where campers eat, play and sleep. No activity is undertaken without proper supervision or where undue risk is involved.

A qualified physician is available at all times and there is a fully-equipped hospital in Zweisimmen, which can be reached within 10 to 15 minutes. It is compulsory for all campers to have health and accident insurance which is valid in Switzerland.  An insurance plan is available through the camp as an optional extra.

10 Benefits of Attending Lovell Camps

10.  Be Physically Active

Lovell Camps is full on action! Campers are active all day long; swimming, hiking, riding, climbing, jumping, dancing, singing, cooking and the list goes on. Physical activity is disguised as fun and games at camp and children develop a healthier lifestyle.

9. Unplug from Technology

At Lovell Camps children do not use technology. Our camp environment allows children to take a break from screen time and re-connect with themselves, the people around them and this beautiful part of the world.

8. Continuing Education in the summer

Camp provides opportunities for children to adapt and grow socially, emotionally and academically. Specifically at Lovell Camps, children are provided with the opportunity to learn and improve language skills. With language instruction, English or French, provided regularly by our certified teachers, children are guaranteed to become more confident communicating in new languages.

7. Be Part of a Team

Lovell Camps encourages all campers to develop their teamwork skills. While at camp, children come together in a unique way to support and encourage one another. Campers often have to rely on each other to complete activities and this builds a strong bond between everyone in the program.

6. Reconnect with Nature

Located in the Schönried, Switzerland, our campers have access to some of the most beautiful parts of the Swiss Alps to explore. Our outdoor education program enriches children’s perception of the world and supports healthy development. Children will gain a better appreciation of their environment.

5. Build Resilience & Confidence

Children are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and try a new direction. Lovell Camps is a safe environment for children to make mistakes and learn from them. By allowing children to take risks and face challenges, they develop resilience and confidence.

4. Develop New Passions

At Lovell Camps children are exposed to so many new opportunities, they are bound to find or develop a deep passion. Offering programs such as golf, tennis, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, drama, dance, cooking, arts & crafts, music – children always find an area of personal interest to explore and learn about. Everyone at Lovell Camps has the time and space to develop a new love and children have the opportunity to succeed at camp!

3. Life Long Skills

Children learn some of life’s most important lessons at camp, whether is it how to clear a table in the dining hall, how to be a good friend, a new sport, how to solve a conflict. Children’s self esteem and risk taking abilities will transform while at camp. Campers will take these lessons and confidently bring them into future experiences.

2. Independence & Leadership

While at camp, children naturally become stronger leaders. Campers develop initiative, problem solving and leadership skills on a daily basis, while they are cleaning the dining hall, helping other campers find their belongings, contributing to special events. The child that returns home from a camp experience will be a stronger and more resourceful child.

1. Make True Friends & Develop Social Skills

Any former camper will tell you that their most meaningful friendships came from camp. Camp provides a safe and relaxed environment for true relationships to form naturally. Lovell Camp draws people together through the structure of the program. Campers come together from different parts of the world and form a supportive community together.

Questions that parents always ask us

1. Is my child too old for camp?

Think your child is too old to attend camp? Think again! Our Leadership Training program is specially designed for 16 – 18 year olds to gain confidence and leadership experience while still enjoying the atmosphere of summer camp! Participants will engage in seminars and workshops about professionalism, working with children, program planning, conflict resolution and leadership styles. They will gain experience by shadowing mentor counselors through various programs, such as language lessons, swim instruction and specialty interest group programs. Participants will be able to explore the local areas and cultural events for added enjoyment while in Switzerland. Participants will walk away from this 4-week program with more self-confidence and independence, added job experience and memories to last a lifetime!

2. Is there mystery meat in your kitchen?

When you think of camp food, I am a sure hot dog and fries and other mediocre food come to mind – not at Lovell Camps!

Lovell Camps is fortunate to have an amazing kitchen team, led by our head chef Geoff – aka “Geoff the Chef”. We are proud of all the hard work and dedication that goes into running the kitchen so smoothly. We are keen to have Mr. Joshua join us this winter, as our Kitchen Assistant.

“Even though the kitchen comes under enormous pressure at times, we’re passionate about what we do,” say Geoff.

If you have attended a Lovell Camps program in the past few seasons, you will remember Geoff. He is a tall, friendly Australian who loves to chat. He will go out of his way to make you feel warmly welcomed and ensure the food exceeds your expectations.

When planning menus, Geoff tries to find healthy alternative options for the children to enjoy, as well as the adults. “I believe the best food is fresh and sourced locally where possible. We at the Lovell Camp kitchen strive for excellence. We aim to prepare meals that are hearty, healthy and nourishing but at the same time are fun and delicious.”

3.Is the health insurance and accidents coverage included?

All our campers are fully covered by a Swiss health insurance and accidents.

4.What is the ratio of counselors to children?

Safety and happiness is the number 1 priority for us. Therefore we provided the perfect mix of guardian, friends and teachers to all students. Parents can be reassured that nothing comes before student safety. Our experiences team of staff will make sure that your child will have the best fun and happiness under the safest environment available. There will be 1 counselor in charge of a dorm of 2-4 kids.

5.How are the staffs trained?

Our English-speaking staff members are professional teachers, skilled   international and Swiss ski instructors, or experienced camp counselors. Our staff training program emphasizes the need for close supervision, safety and awareness of the needs of each individual child.

The right leadership makes all the difference! The overall Camp Directors are Bryce and Victoria Lovell who were formerly two of the directors of the John F. Kennedy International School.

6.Are there medical personnel on staff?

All our camps have a nurse and all activity staff must have a valid first aid and CPR qualification.

7.Do your instructors carry mobile phone in case of an emergency?

All our instructors carry a mobile phone at all times that allows them to react very quickly in case of emergency.

8.How do you deal with weather condition?

Sports and activities are practiced only in suitable conditions and we are well informed of any weather condition changes. In case of necessary we modify the program of the day according to the weather conditions.

9.How are the kid supervised?

All our camps have a nurse and a 24 hour reception and night guard, which together with our monitors work, allows us to offer a 24 hours supervision of the children.

10.What is the experience and history of your camp?

In 1971, Canadian born William and Sandra Lovell reestablished the Chalet Pfrundacker Children’s home as the John F. Kennedy International School. In 1973, with the help of William’s sister Catherine - the John F. Kennedy International Camp was born.

In 2009 the John F. Kennedy International Camp opened a new campus in Schönried allowing the camp to offer a modified and more challenging program for campers aged 11 - 15.

In March of 2011 the management of the John F. Kennedy International School and Camp decided to separate the two entities and create Lovell Camps AG under the direction of the Lovell family thus continuing the long standing summer camp tradition.

Guests should print and read carefully the content of this page before proceeding to book with us. Travels provided by Global Holiday Tour (GHT) are subject to the following terms and conditions (except for special tours with terms and conditions that are different from these terms).

1. Values

The tour prices quoted on this website are based on the rates of exchange at the time of the program was made, therefore it is for reference only. GHT Company is entitled to adjust prices and is not responsible for this change at any time. All information on the website or flyer may change. Customers are usually informed of these changes. Please check and update the latest changes to your trip on our website or your personal email. These conditions apply only to GHT trips.

2.Room for campers

For regular camp sessions, boys and girls will sleeping in different dorm, and the bed provided for them will be bunk bed. These buildings are very spacious, clean and safe for children. Parents may visit the dorm as well as other infrastructure around the camp  as your kid doing the admission procedures.

3.Tour deposite

• 1st deposite: Deposite 30,000,000 VND / customer ( to start the visa application) right after booking the tour.
• 2nd deposite: Deposite the remainder of the tour price after got result for visa.
• In condition where visa got denied: Fees of 5,000,000 VND and the application file will not be return to you.
• A collateral deposite to travel company is required for (customer under 40 years old) is 100,000,000 VND -  300,000,000 VND 

4.Conditions for cancellation or rescheduling of tour

• 1.1 Payment of deposit (depending on the status of customer records):
  • In order to ensure customers return to Vietnam, GHT Company will require customers to deposit with the amount of 300,000,000 VND / person or more right after signing the contract.

  • GHT will refund this money immediately after you return to Vietnam. If you do not return to Vietnam on time, GHT will not refund the deposit to the customer and will not be responsible for legal issues (if any).

• 1.2 Cancellation of contract, cancellation of tour: If you want to cancel the contract or tour, you must inform and confirm GHT by email or by a written notice. GHT will refund to the customers according to these conditions:

-1.2.1 Cancellation after signing the contract, deposit and before GHT pay the visa fee: non-refundable fee is 15,000,000 VND.

-1.2.2 Cancellation of the tour immediately after the visa is issued and before GHT issued tickets: You will be charged 20,000,000 VND / person (the amount in words: twenty million VND / person) and visa fee (if any).

@GHT is entitled to notify the Consulate that you cancel the tour to Europe as signed in the contract and is not responsible for your visa revoked or unable you to enter the country of visa issued.

-1.2.3 For Holiday or New Year ( TET) (*)

Cancellation within 20-24 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 11-19 days prior to departure: 70% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 2-10 days prior to departure: 90% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 1 day before departure: The cancellation charge is 100% of the tour price.

(*) The holiday tours, Tet is the tour that falls on one of the holidays, or Tet according to country regulation.

-1.2.4 For normal days

Cancellation within 14-19 days prior to departure: 50% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 10-13 days before departure: The cost of canceling the tour is 70% of the tour price.

Cancellation within 2-09 days prior to departure: 90% of tour price will be charged.

Cancellation within 1 day before departure: The cancellation charge is 100% of the tour price.

@We can not refund the trip when the tour has departed or when you separate from the group. If for any other reason you have to separate from the group, the refund for the customer must be kept confidential. No refund if you do not use some services in package tour such as transportation fee, entrance fees, meals or other services. Some insurance companies have insurance for the cancellation of this tour, you can get this money if there is a good reason (this insurance premium is optional and paid by the customer, GHT only provide basic health insurance for all tours).

• 1.3 Rescheduling of tour (same route)
  • 1.3.1 Before the visa interview: You will not be charged.
  • 1.3.2 After interview and visa issued:
  • Reschedule tour before departure of 22 days or more: You will have to pay a fees of 50% of the tour deposited, and the tour price will be applied according to the price of the later tour. The travel time should not exceed 3 months.
  • Reschedule tour within 21 days before departure: You will have to pay 100% tour deposit.
• 1.4 Rescheduling of tour (different route)
  • Change tours must be equal to or higher than the booked tour price and you must pay the fee for visa service of the first tour.
  • Change 30 days or more before departure: You will have to pay 50% of the deposit.
  • Change before departure: 21 - 29 days: You will have to pay 100% tour deposit.
• 1.5 Incentives for travelers who book tours before 3 months:
  • If you register the tour 3 months before the date of departure, you can reschedule the departure date after you got issue visa without charge.
  • The rescheduling of departure date must be notifiy to GHT 21 days before departure.
  • Note: Cancellation / rescheduling of departure dates are calculated based on working days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). GHT does not accept tour cancellations / reschduling of departure dates over the telephone. Guests should go to GHT office to cancel the contract / reschedule the departure date / exchange tour and bear the costs specified in this regulation. Procedures include: signed contract and invoice.
• 1.6 In condition that Global Holiday Tour (GHT) cancel the tour:

Global Holiday Tour is allowed to cancel the trip 15 days prior to  departure date. GHT tours can be departed when all members  of the tour have fully paid for the tour. In addition, GHT is entitled to cancel all tours, including tours that already confirmed on departure date for reasons such as terrorism, epidemics, political instability, strikes or other obstructive events that prevent GHT from organizing the tour as planned. In case of cancellation of tour by GHT, guests can choose another trip or receive the full amount of the tour after deducting services fees such as visa, vaccination, non-destructive flights and other losses in spiritual way. If you choose a different trip that costs less than your canceled trip, GHT will refund the difference. If you choose a tour that greater than the cancelled tour, you will have to pay the additional fees.

5. Insurance

All trips organized by Global Holiday Tour are covered by health insurance. We advise you to purchase additional insurance from camps such as repatriation insurance in case of emergency, insurance for trip cancellation issues.

6. Responsibility

When booking a tour with Global Holiday Tour, you are often advised to inquire about the flexibility of the trip, such as the means of transportation may change without notice due to local or visited country condition. In such cases, it is possible for GHT to revise the tour program, or may cut short the tour or re-schedule the trip. During the journey, you have to accept the instructions of the Tour Guide or our team leader. When traveling with the delegation, you have to sympathize with the differences between individuals. In addition, GHT is allowed to decide on the members of the delegation. When GHT organizes tours for government agencies, companies or organizations, GHT is not responsible for injury, loss, delays ... that affecting this third party. GHT is not responsible for law violations in your home country or country when traveling. GHT employees, guides or partners are not allowed to assist in these activities.

7. Terms of agreement

When you confirming the booking with us means that you have read and understood as follows: "When i travel mean that i will have joys and experiences of life that i will gain out of it, I also have to accept the possible risks that encountered on the road. Especially with adventurous tours, standards of safety, hygiene, health, communication or infrastructure will not be the same like at home or the same as the honeymoon trip. "

8. Local partners

In many parts of the world, GHT work with well-known local travel companies, prestigious camps, or the best schools. These units work with both passion and enthusiasm in their country and often have high standards like GHT requirements. By working with these local units, we have contributed to the economies of the countries you visit.

9.Traveling with kids

Most of the trips organized by GHT are suitable for children (when traveling with parents or relatives). Parents or relatives help them follow the instructions of tour leader or the team leader.

10. Personal Information

We need some personal information from you to arrange your trip, such as your full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, date of issue and expiration date of the passport, health status. If you are over 70 years old, you may be required to sign some additional paperwork. Without this personal information, we can not complete your tour profile. Please see more details in the Privacy Policy page.

11. Passport and Visa

When traveling within the country, you need to bring ID card and birth certificate for baby. In case of traveling abroad, it is necessary to carry a passport, visa type or other required documents of the country you visit during the trip. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Please check carefully the type of visa entry before departure, GHT is not responsible when  you got refused entry or exit.

12. Image and Marketing

You agree to let Global Holiday Tour (GHT) using the images of the activities of the trip for the purpose of advertising and marketing.

13. Secure Credit Card

Global Holiday is currently implementing a number of measures to keep your credit card information safe: your payments online will go through a secure management unit for your security. Card information will not be stored on Global Holiday Tour (GHT) system.

Other Notes:

Global Holiday Tour travel company will not be responsible for ensuring the visit of all the attraction sites in the event of:

1. Natural disasters occur: floods, droughts, earthquakes , etc.

2.Security incidents: terrorism, demonstrations, etc.

3. Aviation incidents: technical failures, security, relocation, cancellation and delay of flights. If the above cases occur, GHT will consider  refund the non-sightseeing expenses to guests if possible (after deducting the services performed such as visa fee, etc . and will not be hold liable for any other costs).

3 days after tour end, you can come to GHT office to retreive your original passport.

Files need to be prepare (Apply and register 30 days before tour start)

1. Application required the original and copy files of all information

2. Passport valid for more than 6 months + Old passport (if any)

3. 4 x 6 white backgrounds (passport size), taken within 6 months

4. Clear copy of each household page

5. Report card or leave of absence issued by the school if it is at a different time of summer

6. Birth Certificate + Parent's travel permit for guests under the age of 18

7. Parents, if they are laborer than they need to show: Labor contract + Position statement, salary + Latest salary statement (if paid via bank) + Application form for travel

8. Parents, if they are the company owner, Corporation, self employ than they need to show:License for establishment of a business / business license, Business cards, brochures introducing the company

9. House or land ownership certificates, cars, stock shares, etc.

10. Savings account or bank account balance confirmation of at least 200,000,000 VND

Please come with your child and be present at the Embassy or Consulate office for interviews as required.

Summer camps sessions 2020 - Switzerland