As the summer draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey that our summer schoolers have embarked on at the LAS Summer in Switzerland. This year's camp was a fantastic mix of learning, friendship, adventure, and cultural immersion, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the incredible Swiss Alps! We had such a blast hosting students from all over the world, and we know many of them had life-changing experiences!
A Diverse Academic Experience
From the beginning of their time in Leysin, our students delved into a wide array of academic and creative classes, spanning languages, Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE), the Alpine Leadership Program (ALP), and various enrichment courses. Our dedicated instructors ensured that every lesson was informative and engaging, turning learning into a really fun experience! The students' enthusiasm was unmatched as they explored new topics and developed new skills.
Engaging Workshops and Inspiring Speakers
Our evening workshop series was a highlight, featuring sessions such as "How to Create Your First App," "Nutrition, Sport & Mindset," and "Roger Federer's Winning Philosophy of Life." These workshops, led by experts including LAS alumni, provided valuable insights and inspiration, fostering a deeper understanding of various subjects and encouraging personal growth.
Building Friendships through Activities
The camp's varied activity schedule ensured that fun extended beyond just the classroom. From hiking in the local forests to playing soccer on the rooftop pitch and cooking pizza in the dorm kitchen, the activities were designed to bring students together, fostering a sense of community. The Belle Époque Campus served as the perfect home for our Junior Program students, offering great spaces to study, socialize, and create lasting memories.
Weekend Adventures
Our weekends were packed with some fantastic excursions. Junior campers explored the historic city of Bern, enjoyed the water slides at BernAqua, and visited the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, where they competed in some very competitive games! The senior campers had their own adventures, including a picturesque boat ride on Lake Annecy and a visit to the Montreux Jazz Festival.
One of the standout weekends was marked by Family Day excursions, where students enjoyed a variety of activities like chocolate factory tours and laser tag. The Alpine Leadership Program went on an overnight hike, while the Model United Nations class visited the UN headquarters in Geneva, which was a really rewarding and unique experience!
Cultural Immersion and Exploration
Leysin's natural beauty offered the perfect setting for outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to orienteering and tennis. Students also had the chance to explore the local village, trying some Swiss delicacies and picking up souvenirs. These excursions were super fun and helped our students foster a deep appreciation for Swiss culture and the great outdoors.
Celebrating Achievements and Friendships
As each session progressed, our picturesque campus was buzzing with excitement and energy! New friendships were flourishing, and our students loved doing activities, from lively scavenger hunts and talent shows to everyday interactions at the cafeteria and on the lawn. The sense of respect and care students demonstrated towards each other created a nurturing environment, making it hard to say goodbye at the end of their fantastic summer!
Looking Forward
The final week was a celebration of all our students achieved together. Our day in Villeneuve was so fun and was filled with activities in the bright sunshine! The closing ceremony at LAS was really meaningful, with students reflecting on their experiences, celebrating their new friendships, and recounting the memories they made.
Thank you to all the attending students for being a part of our summer camp family. It has been an honor to share this journey with them and meet new people from all over the world. We look forward to more adventures and unforgettable moments next year!