Newsletter

April 7th, 2017

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Summer Camp Newsletter

April 3rd, 2017

March 21st, 2017

March 14th, 2017

It is hard to believe twelve weeks of winter has already passed. It was an unforgettable season! One for the books, that’s for sure. The snow conditions weren’t always in our favour, but we made the most of the season by participating in many exciting programs off of the slopes after ski lessons.

We were so fortunate to have welcomed individual participants from all corners of the globe, including the Unite Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Japan, China, Switzerland, Greece, Lebanon, Crete, Russia, UAE and North America. It was also a pleasure to welcome groups from Japan, Oman, Scotland, and many British schools!

We thought it would be an appropriate time to share some of the comments left from children from through out the season, as children often say it best:

-       “I really enjoyed all of the games and the staff were really fun.  The staff made the experience really positive and made us feel welcomed!”

-       “The food was always really good, probably the best food I have had on any ski camp. My friend even got a birthday cake to celebrate her special day!”

-       “My ski instructor, Chris, was the best because he was really fun and really helped to improve my skiing.”

-       “I had never skied before but since the first day, I felt welcomed by the friendly staff and it made me more relaxed to enjoy the lessons.”

-       “It was my first ski trip ever and I don’t want to leave!”

-       “Mr. Adam taught me so much!”

-       “I just liked the atmosphere at the lodge. Everyone was really fun and laid back.”

-       “We enjoyed the food and Geoff had yummy options for vegetarians and people with allergies.”

-       “The snow conditions were amazing!”

-       “Evening programs were hilarious – I loved the Wacky Talent show!”

-       “The staff had so much energy!”

-       “I instantly felt welcomed as we were greeted by a staff member each morning.”

-       “We had so much time to ski – I was exhausted!”

-       “My group was the best because everyone was really nice, funny and we all had similar abilities. Our instructor, Ms. Emilie, made sure no one was left behind.”

-       “Each day was different and new. We got to ski in a variety of locations – Schonried, Saanenmoser, Saanen Eggli and we even went in the snow park!”

-       “I felt like I was part of the family at Lovell Camps.”

-       “All of the activities were great – we had a good laugh each day.”

-       “My instructors, Mr. Seb and Ms. Marika, always gave me help and taught me how to do parallel turns and use my poles.”

We are already looking forward to welcoming back many families and schools next season!

February 26th, 2017

It’s that time again! Please complete your registration for Lovell International Camps online, through your camper-in-touch account, or go to our website at www.lovellcamps.ch and click on the ‘Apply Now’ icon.
Lovell International Camps is a truly wonderful summer tradition, Lovell Camps offers an extraordinary environment for kids to play, explore, achieve and grow. Situated in the ‘Gateway to the Alps’, in the mountains of the Gstaad region. Lovell Camps inspires the best in outdoor fun, learning and adventure for girls and boys from six to fifteen years old. Building upon our legacy in this rustic alpine setting, we are a progressive camp with fully modern amenities, offering the kinds of activities that kids today really want.

We welcome over 70 campers each session and offer a 1:3 staff to camper ratio. Our campers come to us from 26 different nationalities. The kids all learn to come together and make international friendships that last a lifetime.

At Lovell Camps, we provide challenging opportunities for campers to participate in over 25 different sports and activities. Each program is set up for campers to receive quality individual or group instruction, learn new skills, and take the skills they already possess to a new level. We offer three levels of certification for all of our activities and encourage campers to work towards their Bronze, Silver or Gold certifications. Campers can also earn their Swiss certification in swimming and take part in daily language instruction. We make it a point to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our campers. At the end of each summer session, the entire camp gets together for the participation and achievement awards at our traditional Lovell Camps Awards Ceremony.

Click out some videos of our programs - https://www.youtube.com/lovellcamps

Some of the activities we offer include:  Aikido, Archery, Arts & Crafts, Basketball, Boating, Canyoning, Crossbow, Dance, Diving, Drama, Golf, Gymnastics, High Ropes Course, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Music, River Rafting, Rock Climbing, Sailing, Skateboarding, Soccer, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Sailing, Survival, Swimming, Tennis, Trampoline, Volleyball and Wake-boarding.

Summer 2017 Session Dates
Session A: Sunday July 2 – Saturday July 29
Session B: Sunday July 9 – Saturday July 29
Session C: Sunday July 30 – Saturday August 26
Session D: Sunday August 6 – Saturday August 26
 *Day Campers attend Monday to Friday.

Two-Week Sessions (Availability Limited)
Session 1: Sunday July 2 – Saturday July 15
Session 2: Sunday July 16 – Saturday July 29
Session 3: Sunday July 30 – Saturday August 12
Session 4: Sunday August 13 – Saturday August 26
Please complete your registration for Lovell International Camps online, through your camper-in-touch account, or go to our website at www.lovellcamps.ch and click on the ‘Apply Now’ icon. We cannot wait to welcome your kids to Lovell Camps, this summer.

February 20th, 2017

We have been welcoming International School Basel to ski camp each winter since 2011! This year we were so happy to partner with them again, in an even larger capacity. We welcomed three different year groups over a three-week span in January. Each week there was between 80 – 100 people at the Mountain Lodge. We were treated with fresh snow, cold temperatures and beautiful sunny days!

The children’s enthusiasm and excitement for the program was second to none. All campers fully immersed themselves in the Lovell Camps program right from the get go, both on and off the ski slopes. Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities were able to experience the breath taking views and amazingly groomed runs, with some even skiing straight from the front door of the lodge. After a fun day of skiing campers returned to the Mountain Lodge where they had the opportunity to take part in the afternoon program. The afternoon program options included swimming, snow games, tobogganing, shopping in Gstaad or free time. I am sure you can guess which was the most popular! Dinner was a meal thoroughly enjoyed by all. A time to refuel the body, catch up on the latest gossip and enjoy the delicious flavours of the dinner. The day wasn’t done after dinner, evening program was a blast for all those involved. Children involved loved showing off some ridiculous gymnastics moves at the Wacky Talent night and others danced the night way at the end of the week disco!

None of this would have been possible without the help from all the staff accompanying the children! A big thank you to the school staff, as well as our staff for all of the time and effort dedicated towards the children at camp. We are already looking forward to welcoming the International School Basel in 2018!

February 7th, 2017

Most people think of ski camps as trips organized through schools, and whilst Lovell Camps certainly provide many school ski camps, we also offer ski camp for individual children. Small ski/snowboard groups, with dedicated, experienced and highly qualified instructors, plus a comprehensive after ski and evening program, means your child is engaged from the moment they are picked up from the airport or dropped off at camp. The Saanenland has over 220km of pistes, and our ski in/ski out Mountain Lodge is right next to one of the many wide, scenic blue runs ideal for beginners and intermediates and providing access to the reds and blacks for our more experienced skiers and snowboarders.

Ice skating, rock climbing, camp fires, star gazing, pizza making, ten pin bowling, arts and crafts, night skiing, tobogganing, igloo building, shopping in Gstaad, tennis and swimming await your child between the hours of 4pm and 9pm, both before and after evening meal. Language lessons, once again in small groups offering personalized attention, are an option between 4pm and 5:30pm three days a week. Language lessons are modern, interactive and practical – for example this week we are making pizzas then writing the recipe. Lessons are offered in English and French and delivered by qualified school teachers.

We must not forget about the food! Our passionate chef prepares fresh, healthy food that is always popular with children and adults alike. Everything is homemade – burgers, soups, polenta chips, lasagna, chicken fillet burgers and there is always a fresh salad bar to accompany the meal. Breakfasts feature ham and cheese croissants and pancakes! Lunch is as substantial as the evening meal, and is served back in the warmth of the Mountain Lodge, to provide a re-energizing break from the slopes.

Accommodation is in comfortable bed rooms for 2-4 children, all with private ensuite bathrooms and splendid views of the surrounding mountains. The Mountian Lodge also has many play areas, classrooms, a large and small dining room and a movie room with a large screen. Our front garden is a huge play area and is full of fresh snow ready to build a snowman or an igloo!

Lovell Camps is very much an international environment with campers this season alone coming from China, Japan, Switzerland, Greece, Russia, Oman and England. Combine this with staff from Canada, Spain, Australia, England, the Czech Republic, and Denmark, your child is sure to hear a lot of English, and learn about other cultures and countries. So, whether your child comes with their school, or independently, a fun, memorable and positive experience awaits at Lovell Camps.

December 8th, 2016

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 counsellors 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!

December 2nd, 2016

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. “Although chefs in general are notorious for being loud and aggressive at times, I assure you that I am friendly and approachable and willing to answer any questions you may have.”

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.”

Attached are two of the most loved recipes from the summer season. Thank you Geoff for sharing your secrets!

Lovell Camps Granola

Ingredients:

4 X 1kg Rolled Oats

2 X 1kg Pumpkin Seeds

1kg Sunflower Seeds

750g Sesame Seeds

600g Coconut Chips

50g Salt

50g Ground Ginger

100g Ground Cinnamon

Zest of 5 Oranges

1200g Honey (warmed up)

500ml Olive Oil

1.5kg Saltanas

1kg diced Dried Apricots

1kg Dried Cranberries

Method:

1. Mix dry ingredients together to incorporate spices.

2. Add honey and olive oil and mix well.

3. Spread mix out over 6 trays about 2.5 t/a containers per tray.

4. Bake in 160C oven for approximately 40 minutes ensuring to pull trays out every 10 minutes to mix ingredients to ensure all ingredients are evenly toasted.

5. Allow to cool completely.

6. Add dried fruit. Mix well.

Chocolate Self Saucing Pudding

Ingredients:

300g Flour

15g Baking powder

350g Castor Sugar

1tbsp Salt

80g ‘Good Quality’ Cocoa

50ml Vegetable Oil

250ml Milk

2 Eggs

2tbsp Vanilla Extract

- This recipe can be doubled when making it for a group of 8-10 people.

Method:

1. Using your pudding dish or a mixing bowl addsugar, salt, cocoa, oil, milk, eggs and vanilla and combine all ingredients together using a whisk or electric mixer. Try and mix to remove lumps.

2. Fold in sifted flour and mix well using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.

3. Place in ovenproof dish and sprinkle with 150g castor sugar mixed with 30g cocoa.

4. Gently pour 500ml of hot water over this.

5. Bake for 30 minutes in a 180C oven.

- Best served with vanilla ice cream or double cream.

November 28th, 2016

Before the winter season kicks off in full gear, we are also eagerly preparing for the 2017 summer camp program. Summer camp is shaping up to be an unforgettable season. We already have new and returning campers registered for the program. There will be many returning team members joining us again this summer, building upon their experiences from past summers.

The 2017 summer program has been tailored to include even more exciting and adventurous activities for all of the different age groups of children. Spectacular new weekly excursions and overnight trips are being offered; not to mention, the classic events such as the Swatch Beach Volleyball World Series, Swiss Tennis Open, Menuhin Festival, and, of course, Aquaparc will be a part of the program. Special activities such as, mini golf, pool parties, cook outs, campfires and shopping trips will once again be favorites of all the campers! Due to the success of the additional interest groups, campers will once again be able to select four activities to participate in during the afternoons. These activities will include, golf, horseback riding, tennis, mountain biking, rock climbing, football, dance and gymnastics, drama, music, arts and crafts, cooking and baking. It will be a program, you won’t want to miss out on.

Please visit our website, www.lovellcamps.ch and click “Apply Now” to register today!

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