Discover the Best Summer Camps in Switzerland

Discover the Best Summer Camps in Switzerland

Switzerland is renowned globally for its stunning Alpine landscapes, snow-capped peaks like the Matterhorn, and crystal-clear lakes like Lake Geneva. In addition, Switzerland has built up a solid reputation as a safe country due to its low crime rates, stable government and access to excellent health care, education, and public services.

Furthermore, Switzerland boasts some of the best summer camps in Europe. From dedicated language learning and outdoor activities to academic excellence and creative arts, there's something for every child or teenager.

This article will help you choose the perfect Swiss camp for your children this summer.

The Best Summer Camp Programs in Switzerland

With a vast array of summer camps available, we'll break down your options into interests and activities. First, let's explore the top language summer camps in Switzerland.

Top Language Camps

Village Camps (French, German and English Programs)

Village Camps are a collection of international residential retreats that offer educational and adventure activities for children and teenagers. They operate in countries like Austria, Portugal, and Switzerland and typically run in summer and winter months. The flagship camp is in the picturesque alpine village of Leysin in Switzerland, a mountain resort town in the Alps perched above Lake Geneva. The facilities provide various language programs tailored to different interests and age groups.

They combine outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing with sports, creative arts, and landmark visits. Programs usually run for two weeks, from late June to July and August, with daily 3-hour sessions. Expect immersive French, German, and English language programs for campers aged 10 - 17.

Alpadia Language Schools (multiple locations)

Famed for its multiple locations, Alpadia Language Schools operates in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The Swiss camps are in Engelberg, Montreux, and Leysin. The school combines language learning with cultural activities. Expect excursions and various sports like biking, hiking, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts, music sessions, museum visits, and tours of other renowned landmarks.

Swiss Language Club (customised programs)

Operated by the Swiss Education Academy, the Swiss Language Club offers campers a more customised experience. From themed activity programs like "Into The Wild" for adventure-loving teenagers to Swiss Culinary delights for the budding chefs in the group. The Swiss Language Club offers something for everyone. Perhaps your young adult would enjoy more creative artwork or a water adventure to satisfy their love of water. There really is something for everyone's preferred choice. So, if your child enjoys a tailored approach, we recommend this summer club.

Premier Academic and STEM Camps

Institut Le Rosey Summer Camp (prestigious academic programs)

The Institut Le Rosey Summer Camps, often called the “School of Kings”, offers prestigious academic programs that blend academia with sports, arts, and cultural experiences. Their programs focus on developing confidence and fluency in English or French. These venues are hosted across their campuses in Rolle, Lake Geneva, and Gstaad, in the Swiss Alps. Catering to an age range of eight to seventeen, reflecting the school's commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. Situated near Crans-Montana, their sister venue, Regents Camp, provides learners with language classes, mathematical preparation and extra-curricular activities. 

Swiss Scientific Summer Academy (STEM focus)

Summer camps aren't just about learning languages and physical activities; they also focus heavily on academic excellence and STEM programs, providing learners with opportunities to delve deeper into Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths courses. The Regents Summer Camp in Crans-Montana offers STEM-focused courses for 8 to 17-year-olds, namely "Mad Maths" and "Science Explorer”, under their “Labs and Passion programs." For two weeks in three different sessions from July to August, these programs encourage students to see the potential in mathematical and scientific concepts. Interested in booking a slot for your child? Click here to learn more about Regents Summer Camp in Crans-Montana.

Robotics and Coding Camps at Swiss Tech Institutes

If your child is between eight and seventeen and is interested in pursuing a career in robotics and coding, the Swiss Tech Institutes offer many choices. Five camps specialise in this subject area, and the International Summer Camp Montana (ISCM) in Crans-Montana offers campers multiple sessions between June and August. Participate in robotics, engineering, informatics & coding, computer programming, and language courses. Reserve your spot for your child to enhance their experience as a camper at the International Summer Camp at Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

Adventure and Sports Centre

Kandersteg International Scout Centre

Affectionately known as KISC, Kandersteg International Scout Centre, nestled in the picturesque village of Kandersteg, is the World Organisation of Scouts' Scout centre. Established in 1923 by Swiss Scout Leader Walther Von Bonstetten and Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell. They envisioned a permanent international meeting place for scouts. Their immersive programs centre around three themes: International Friendship, High Adventure, and Eco Adventure. Scouts gain awards by participating in themed activities like rock climbing, rafting, hiking, and broadening their scouting experiences.

Swiss Alpine Adventure Camps

Parents who feel their child would benefit from an exhilarating adventure camp in the stunning Swiss Alps have plenty to choose from, from Camp Suisse Village to Les Elfes International in Verbier and Bold Earth Alps Adventure in Geneva. These camps offer vast outdoor activities, language learning, leadership workshops, ski excursions, mountain biking, and cultural trips to cities like Geneva and Lausanne. Interested in learning more about what Verbier offers? Read the Top Things to do in Verbier Town Centre, the ultimate guide.

Les Elfes International (multi-sport programs)

Les Elfes International is a renowned summer camp in Verbier, Switzerland. Founded in 1987, it offers interactive experiences for children aged 6 to 17. The camp combines outdoor activities, language learning, and cultural excursions. Spread over two, three or four-week sessions, your teens can indulge in kayaking, banana boating, paddleboarding, football, golf, basketball, tennis, arts and crafts, theatre, and music. Excited to get your child started? Reserve your child’s place at Les Elfes International camp today.

Arts, Music and Performance Camps

Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra

The Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra (VCJO) is a highly esteemed International Orchestral training programme for young musicians aged 15 to 18. Focusing heavily on strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, making for a prestigious offering. Held annually from July 13th to August 4th, 2025, in the idyllic Swiss Alps, it offers a unique opportunity for budding creative talent to refine their skills under the guidance of world-class conductors and established musicians from around the globe. For an in-depth review of the instruments taught, check out their website here: Verbier Festival Junior Orchestra.

International Theatre Camp Switzerland

Switzerland offers several international theatres and performing arts options for aspiring creatives aged 7 to 17 who want to hone their drama, dancing, singing, mime, and stage production skills. Located in the scenic paradise of Crans-Montana, the International Summer Camp gives learners artistic opportunities in drama, performance art, music, magic, and circus arts. In addition, Connect Summer Camps, based in Zermatt, caters to pottery, Swiss chocolate making, and various arts and crafts projects. Check out this article to learn more about the Best Things To Do in Zermatt In The Summer.

There's So Much To Do In Switzerland - Like Live Here!

With the warm weather fast approaching, there's nothing more exciting than picking one of the destinations mentioned above to keep your children occupied during the long vacation months. From village camps to language schools to adventure hubs and even STEM and performing arts subjects, there's something for every child to enjoy.

Whether you stay in Crans-Montana, Verbier, or Zermatt, nothing quite compares to the enchanting surroundings of the Swiss Alps. But make sure you book early to guarantee your child's spot. If enjoying a relatively short stay in the Alps is not enough, why not build permanent roots by acquiring a stunning property nestled in the Swiss Alps? Steiger&Cie Sotheby’s International Realty offers an array of spectacular real estate; browse their extraordinary offering today.