Swiss summer camps cater to different ages with programs designed for each developmental stage. This guide helps families find age-appropriate experiences.
Ages 6-8: Early Explorers
What Children Need at This Age
- High staff-to-camper ratios (1:4 or better)
- Gentle introduction to independence
- Play-based learning
- Lots of variety and movement
- Strong homesickness support
- Parent communication protocols
Recommended Programs
La Garenne Summer Camp (Villars)
- Accepts from age 5
- Family-run, nurturing environment
- Excellent pastoral care
- Small groups, individual attention
- Bilingual program (French/English)
- Duration: 2-4 weeks
- Cost: ~CHF 5,500/2 weeks
Les Elfes Juniors (Verbier)
- From age 6
- Adventure activities adapted for young children
- Multilingual environment
- Strong safety record
- Cost: ~CHF 4,800/2 weeks
JFK International School Summer (Saanen)
- From age 6
- Small school, intimate setting
- Varied activities program
- Alpine setting near Gstaad
- Cost: ~CHF 6,000/2 weeks
Tips for This Age Group
- Start with shorter duration (2 weeks)
- Choose camps with daily parent updates
- Pack comfort items (small toy, family photo)
- Prepare with sleepovers at home first
- Don't overpromise—be honest about experience
Ages 9-11: Confident Adventurers
What Children Need at This Age
- More activity variety and choice
- Skill development opportunities
- Peer group bonding emphasis
- Beginning responsibility development
- Balance of structure and freedom
Recommended Programs
Institut Montana Summer Camp (Zug)
- Ages 8-15
- Strong academic component available
- Diverse activity program
- Central Switzerland location
- IB school campus
- Cost: ~CHF 6,500/2 weeks
Collège du Léman Summer (Geneva)
- Ages 8-18
- Large, well-organized program
- Excellent facilities
- Language and sports combinations
- Near Geneva airport
- Cost: ~CHF 7,000/2 weeks
Beau Soleil Summer (Villars)
- Ages 7-17
- Adventure and exploration focus
- Character development emphasis
- Premium facilities
- Cost: ~CHF 8,500/2 weeks
Tips for This Age Group
- Allow 3+ week programs for deeper friendships
- Encourage trying new activities
- Reduce parent contact frequency (every 2-3 days)
- Let children problem-solve minor issues
- Consider language immersion if appropriate
Ages 12-14: Pre-Teens
What Young Teens Need
- Meaningful skill development
- Increasing autonomy and choice
- Social navigation support
- Challenge without overwhelm
- Positive peer influence
- Preparation for future opportunities
Recommended Programs
Aiglon Summer School (Villars)
- Ages 9-16
- Academic enrichment + outdoor adventure
- Character development focus
- Spectacular mountain setting
- Introduction to Aiglon values
- Cost: ~CHF 9,500/3 weeks
Institut Le Rosey Summer Camps (Rolle)
- Ages 8-16 (multiple sessions)
- Premier program, exceptional facilities
- Language learning + activities
- Arts and sports excellence
- Highly international mix
- Cost: ~CHF 12,000/3 weeks
TASIS Summer (Lugano)
- Ages 4-18 (age-appropriate groups)
- Arts emphasis available
- Musical theater program
- Photography and visual arts
- Italian Switzerland experience
- Cost: ~CHF 8,000/3 weeks
Tips for This Age Group
- Consider specialty programs (arts, specific sports)
- Academic preparation programs valuable
- Allow appropriate independence
- Discuss expectations and boundaries beforehand
- Consider this as boarding school preview
Ages 15-17: Teen Programs
What Teenagers Need
- Meaningful challenge and growth
- University preparation opportunities
- Leadership development
- Substantial responsibility
- Career exploration
- Independence with appropriate boundaries
Recommended Programs
Brillantmont Summer Course (Lausanne)
- Ages 13-17
- Intensive language focus (French, English, German)
- Small classes, rapid progress
- University town atmosphere
- Cultural program included
- Cost: ~CHF 9,000/3 weeks
Les Elfes Leadership (Verbier)
- Ages 14-17
- Leadership development focus
- Adventure challenge program
- Team building emphasis
- Personal development coaching
- Cost: ~CHF 6,500/2 weeks
Leysin American School Summer (Leysin)
- Ages 12-17
- Academic credit options
- SAT preparation available
- University counseling sessions
- Strong alumni network
- Cost: ~CHF 8,500/3 weeks
Pre-University Programs
- Business and entrepreneurship camps
- STEM intensive programs
- Arts portfolio development
- Leadership certifications
Tips for This Age Group
- Choose programs aligned with future goals
- Consider academic credit opportunities
- Leadership positions available at some camps
- Use as boarding school or university preview
- Network building matters at this age
Special Considerations
First-Time Campers (Any Age)
- Start with 2-week programs
- Choose camps with strong pastoral care
- Consider camps closer to home country
- Ensure robust parent communication
Repeat Campers
- Try different camp for variety
- Move to more challenging programs
- Consider counselor-in-training roles (16+)
- Progress from general to specialized camps
Children with Special Needs
- Contact camps directly about accommodations
- Some Swiss camps offer learning support
- Smaller camps often more adaptable
- We can advise on appropriate programs
Summer 2025 Application Timeline
| October-December 2024 | Research programs, request information |
| January-February 2025 | Applications open, early booking advantages |
| March-April 2025 | Most programs filling, apply now |
| May-June 2025 | Limited availability, last-minute options |
Our Camp Matching Service
Finding the right camp for your child's age and interests:
- Free initial consultation
- Personalized recommendations
- Application support
- Pre-departure preparation advice
Contact us for expert summer camp guidance.
