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The LAS Journal

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The Summer of a Lifetime in the Beautiful Swiss Alps

As the snow melts and the days grow warmer, a familiar excitement begins to stir on our campus in the Swiss Alps. The academic year winds down, students head home, and a new energy arrives — the unmistakable buzz of young people from around the world, ready to begin the summer of a lifetime.

That energy has been part of Leysin American School's DNA since the very beginning. LAS itself grew out of a summer program—the Ranger Camps—founded after World War II to bring students together in the fresh air, peace, and beauty of the Swiss mountains. Many years have passed, but the spirit that inspired those first Ranger Camps remains as alive, and relevant, as ever.

Today, Summer in Switzerland (SIS) carries on that same tradition, welcoming students ages 12 to 16 from across the globe for an extraordinary mix of learning, adventure, and friendship. The setting is still the same stunning Alpine campus. The values of safety, community, and joyful discovery remain at the heart of everything we do.

More than just a season, summer at SIS is an experience your child will never forget.

SIS 2026 runs across two three-week sessions, with special programming for students who stay for both. The dates are as follows:

  • Session One: June 29 – July 17, 2026
  • Session Two: July 20 – August 7, 2026
     

Morning Programs: Three Impactful Options
We believe students have a lot to gain from learning during their summer break. Each morning, students choose one of three engaging tracks designed to expand minds while staying fun and interactive.

1. Immersive Language Acquisition: English or French

  • An intensive immersion experience with dynamic daily instruction tailored to the individual student's level, from beginner to advanced. Cultural expeditions bring language to life beyond the classroom.


2. Innovative Leadership Tracks (+500 CHF tuition fee)

  • Alpine Leadership Program (ALP): Students head into the Alps for outdoor adventure, teamwork, and wilderness skills.
  • Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE): Students explore innovation and entrepreneurship guided by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

3. Creative Enrichment for Curious Minds

  • Performing Arts: Acting, dance, music, and choreography that encourage joyful self-expression.
  • Code & Creativity: Where 3D design, coding, robotics, and AI come together in hands-on challenges.


Afternoons and Activities: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Learning at SIS extends far beyond morning programs. Each afternoon, students choose a club they will attend throughout their session, followed by a rotating menu of daily activities which means that no two afternoons are ever the same. Club options include Team Sports, Visual Arts, Music & Video Production, Hiking & Climbing, Cooking & Baking, and Tennis.

Evening and Social Events: Fun, Excitement, and Connection
Several of our evening events are designed to bring the entire camp together, allowing students from different dorms and age groups to mingle and form new friendships. Students enjoy Sports Nights, cozy Family Nights, dances, and themed events.

Fantastic Fridays
Every Friday afternoon, students break from routine for something truly special. Past Fantastic Fridays have included surfing, canyoning, paddle boarding, escape rooms, laser tag, white water rafting, VR game centers, high ropes courses, and Jumpland.

Weekend Excursions: Switzerland & Beyond
Every weekend brings a new adventure across Switzerland and neighboring countries, offering the perfect balance of culture, discovery, and fun. Past excursions have included Zermatt, Bern, Lucerne, Lake Annecy, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the UN Headquarters in Geneva.

A Global Community: Friendships That Last a Lifetime
One of the most incredible parts of Summer in Switzerland is the connections students make. With peers arriving from dozens of countries, students discover different cultures, languages, and perspectives, expanding their worldview in a deeply meaningful way.

Our signature Family Program further enhances this sense of community. Each student is placed in a small group made up of peers from around the world, led by two or three counselors. These families share meals, compete in activities, and form the heart of the SIS community.

Roommates are always from different countries and always separated by language, ensuring every connection forged is genuinely new and that cultural learning happens throughout daily life.

Adventure, Friendship, and Discovery — All in One Extraordinary Summer!
The Swiss Alps are waiting, and so are we. Summer 2026 promises new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and memories that will last long after the season ends. We can't wait to welcome your child to the SIS family—we know they will have the summer of a lifetime!

To register or learn more, visit summer.las.ch or contact us at summer@las.ch · +41 24 493 4888