SwissCommunity
After travelling together from Zurich to St Stephan, participants set up camp at their base, familiarising themselves with the most important rules and engaging in activities to get to know each other better. A varied mix of sport, games, workshops and excursions awaited them in the ensuing days. This included a workshop on Swiss culture as well as sports tournaments, team challenges, a cooking competition and numerous creative evenings, e.g. film evening, karaoke, casino night, and a disco.
The participants also ventured further afield. They visited the Cailler chocolate factory and the Gruyère region, went on an excursion to Thun and Interlaken, and enjoyed various outdoor activities like hiking, map and compass training, and orienteering.
A key part of the two camps, which were run by the Youth Service of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad, was about sharing experiences and strengthening team spirit. By taking part in group activities, meeting people of different nationalities, and overcoming challenges together, participants learned how to take responsibility and work together and made new friends.
Besides the various activities, participants also acquainted themselves with day-to-day camp life. Daily routines like doing chores, keeping the camp tidy and having regular briefings promoted self-reliance and contributed to a happy environment.
Blending adventure, sport, creativity and community, the 2026 St Stephan summer camps were rich experiences offering many new discoveries and lasting memories.
Organisation of the Swiss Abroad Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, SwitzerlandPhone. +41 31 356 61 25 youth@swisscommunity.org www.swisscommunity.org
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