Exploring nature (7-11 y.o.) Full days AM&PM

FULL-DAY NATURE CAMP FOR 7–11 YEAR OLDS!

Summer is here! For all young nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers, this 4-day (non-overnight) camp is just the thing!

Throughout the week, children aged 7 to 11 will head out to explore the world of Mother Nature! A fun, educational program full of surprises, guided by two certified mountain leaders.

Tuesday – Into the Woods in Versoix!
The first day is all about getting to know each other and building friendships through fun and engaging team games. Children will head out for a forest hike in the woods of Versoix, where they’ll try their hand at orienteering and learn the tricks for finding all the hidden markers!

Wednesday – Adventuring Along the Allondon
Like real explorers, children will spend the day venturing along the Allondon River, starting from the mysterious Roulave valley. Along the way, they’ll explore fascinating natural bitumen caves, straight out of an adventure movie!

As they follow the river, they’ll spot ancient alpine pebbles, carried there thousands of years ago by glaciers. Children will select their favorites and use natural materials such as branches, leaves, and flowers to create beautiful nature sculptures and ephemeral works of art. Then, time for a picnic by the water, feet in the river to cool off, while observing wild orchids blooming along the path.

Thursday – A day in the Forest of Chancy
An immersive day in the heart of Chancy’s forest! Children will learn to identify edible and medicinal plants, while also being taught the golden rules of safe foraging. With their gathered “treasures,” they’ll prepare a tasty snack and make their own plantain-based anti-bug balm, like little forest alchemists!

Next comes a collaborative challenge: building a village in the woods! Each child will contribute ideas, skills, and creativity. After some shared brainstorming, they’ll use natural materials to build unique forest structures. To finish, they’ll create large-scale plant-based artworks to decorate their village and give it a cozy, imaginative vibe.

Friday – Troinex, long the Drize River
A full day of nature exploration in the woods of Geneva, tracking the animals that live there. Children will follow the Drize River to observe the local wildlife, understand who lives in the forest, how to protect it, and maybe even spot some footprints in the sandy banks. A fun tracking game will sharpen their detective skills and sense of observation.

Then it’s time to gather around the fire for a classic moment of warmth: grilling marshmallows and cervelas, surrounded by the peaceful cool of the forest. By examining tree bark and leaves, they’ll learn how to recognise tree species, and reflect on the importance of preserving forests, even as cities continue to grow. And to wrap up the week, more animal-themed games to celebrate the forest and all its wonders!

A week of wild adventures, fresh air, and nature awaits you! Dear young adventurer, grab your backpack and water bottle, open your eyes and ears wide, and join us for the “Exploring nature” camp!

Prerequisites
Children must bring a backpack (minimum 20l), which they will carry, and which must be big enough to hold a picnic, 1.5l water bottle (for the day), a spare pair of socks, weather-appropriate items (sweater, rain jacket… everything must fit in the backpack or attached to the backpack). Hand-held coolers and small bags are not recommended, as children must be able to keep their hands free!

Children should also be equipped with waterproof shoes with raised soles (not smooth ones).

Finally, even though we’re in the middle of nature, for safety and supervision reasons we’ll be obliged to impose playground limits on your children. We kindly ask you to make your children aware of the need to respect these instructions. These also include not running with sticks, not throwing rocks, etc. Thank you for your cooperation, as safety is of paramount importance to us.

(Please note that the programme and order of outings may be modified according to the weather. In the event of heavy rain, alternative indoor or covered activities are planned).

Practical information

Families should drop off and pick up their children at IIL (Institut International de Lancy).

An IIL school bus will pick up and drop off the children every day to/from the planned destination.

8:30am-8:55am : welcome/registration of the children at IIL

9am: departure to the planned destination with IIL school bus

9:30am-4:00pm: Exploring nature camp

4:15pm: return to IIL with IIL bus

5pm: end of camp.

Parents are kindly requested to pick-up their children at the IIL entrance gate at 5pm. If you allow your child to return home alone, please kindly inform us by email, otherwise we will not be able to let him/her leave IIL.

Late pick-up option (up to 6pm): +60chf/week (4 days)

Morning and afternoon snacks are provided and included in the camp fee.

Lunch is NOT included. Please provide your child with a packed lunch everyday and a bottle of water marked with his/her name.