Summer camps
Discover Switzerland in summer and experience unforgettable moments.
Registration is now open for young Swiss abroad and will close on March 15. For children in Swiss Schools abroad, registration will open on February 15.
Important information about our summer camps is provided below.
Adelboden BE
21.06. – 04.07.2025 (Sa – Fr)
Ages 10 – 14
Sedrun GR
05.07. – 18.07.2025 (Sa – Fr)
Ages 12- 14
Uster ZH
19.07. – 02.08.2025 (Sa – Sa)
Ages 12 – 14 Jahre
Fieschertal VS
02.08. – 15.08.2025 (Sa – Fr)
Ages 10 – 14
Bellevue 1 VD
09.07. – 18.07.2025 (We – Fr)
Ages 8 – 11
Bellevue 2 VD
19.07. – 02.08.2025 (Sa – Sa)
Ages 8 – 11
Swiss Trip 1
25.06. – 04.07.2025 (We – Fr)
Ages 12 – 14
Swiss Trip 2
09.07. – 18.07.2025 (We – Fr)
Ages 12 – 14
Swiss Trip 3
23.07. – 02.08.2025 (We – Sa)
Ages 12 – 14
Swiss Trip 4
06.08. – 15.08.2025 (We – Fr)
Ages 12 – 14
Summer camp information
Our summer camp features hiking, games, excursions and other indoor and outdoor activities that create a truly special holiday experience in Switzerland.
Registration
The SJAS always opens registration for the summer camps on the 2nd Tuesday in January. Registration takes place exclusively via the homepage directly via the advertised summer camp. Our instructions provide assistance with the registration process. An account on the website db.sjas.ch (Hitobito) is required for registration. If you do not yet have an account, you can create one before the start of registration using the Test Camp.
All further information on registration can be found in the GTC and FAQ (soon available).
Conditions of participation
All Swiss children from abroad who fit into the age category and speak at least one of the summer camp languages fluently may take part in our camps. The detailed conditions of participation can be found in the GTC.
The conditions of participation for children at Swiss schools abroad can be found here.
Age categories
Our summer camps are for Swiss children abroad between the ages of 8 and 14 and are organised in three age categories: 8 to 12 years, 12 to 14 years and 10 to 14 years. More detailed age information can be found in the GTC. From the age of 15, young people can take advantage of the summer camps offered by the Youth Service of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.
Languages
Our summer camps are offered in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. Participants must be fluent in at least one of these languages.
The leadership team will cover these languages. The most spoken languages in everyday camp life are determined by the composition of the summer camp group.
Fees
The summer camp fee is between CHF 850 and CHF 1200. The exact amount can be found in the specific offer.
This fee covers the entire summer camp operation. The price includes all travel during the camp, food, accommodation and all program activities. Generally, no additional costs arise during the camp. Exceptions may include doctor or hospital visits or the extra purchase of replacement clothing or equipment.
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For all our summer camps, the costs for travel to and from the camp are the responsibility of the parents.
The invoice will be issued with the official confirmation of participation and must be paid within 30 days. Information on cancellation fees can be found in the GTC.
Financial support
In line with the purpose of the foundation, it is a central concern of SJAS that all Swiss children abroad between the ages of 8 and 14, regardless of their families' financial situation, should be able to experience at least one summer camp in Switzerland. SJAS provides financial support for camp fees and, in exceptional cases, for travel expenses. The application form can be downloaded here and must be sent to info@sjas.ch within 7 days of confirmation of participation. More information on the cost reduction application can be found here.
Arrival and departure
All our summer camps start on the first day (usually Saturday or Wednesday) at 1.00 pm at Zurich Airport train station. Together with the leadership team, the participants travel on to the camp site in a car. On the last day (usually Friday), everyone travels together again in a car to Zurich Airport train station, where they have to be picked up at 12.00 noon.
Optionally, participants can be taken directly to the camp site on the first day at 4.00 pm and/or picked up from there on the last day at 9.00 am.
Swiss Trip: All participants meet at Zurich Airport train station at 1.00 pm and start their journey from there. On the last day, they arrive back at Zurich Airport train station at 12.00 noon.
The journey from home to the meeting point and the return journey from the meeting point to home are the responsibility of the parents.
Children travelling alone
For children traveling to Switzerland alone and unable to be accompanied by relatives or acquaintances, we offer the following option: A member of the camp leaders’ team can receive your child at Zurich Airport on the first day of camp and supervise them until the camp begins. On the last day of camp, a member of the camp leaders’ team can supervise your child and accompany them to check-in. This service is available on the first day between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm and between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm on the last day of camp. This means that your child must land / check in in Zurich during these periods.
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We charge CHF 50 per accompaniment service for this assistance. We strongly recommend that unaccompanied children (including children over 12 years old) travel as Unaccompanied Minors (UM). Please address all related questions directly with the airline in advance.
Please note that SJAS assumes responsibility for your child from the time of their arrival at the airport in Switzerland until their check-in for departure.
Participants
In our summer camps, children and teenagers from all over the world come together to spend 10–14 days as a group. Depending on the camp, this involves between 30 and 50 participants. The camps are open to Swiss children living abroad and children from Swiss schools abroad in the relevant age category, regardless of their gender, religion, political views, financial situation, or cultural background. A connection to Switzerland is the common thread that unites the camp community.
In this intercultural setting, participants can form friendships across continents. However, the successful operation of the camp requires collaboration and active participation from everyone. This includes independently managing daily tasks such as washing dishes, tidying up, cleaning bathrooms, and more.
Camp Leaders
The planning and implementation of the summer camp is based on the voluntary work of the camp leaders (with the exception of those doing civilian service).
The team consists of 8 to 12 committed adult Swiss citizens from both Switzerland and abroad, depending on the camp's size. The camp meals are prepared by a two-person kitchen team. Many team members are multilingual and have experience in supervising children and teenagers at summer camps. The leadership team is typically headed by two main leaders. At least half of the leadership team holds a federal Youth and Sports (Y+S) qualification in the discipline of "Camp Sports and Trekking." The dedicated and caring camp leaders provide around the clock and take care of the needs and concerns of the participants.
Program
The summer camp program is created by the camp leaders in collaboration with the SJAS office. The goal is for all participants to connect with Switzerland in diverse ways and gaining a deeper understanding of their roots and homeland. The activities focus on games, sports, hiking, excursions, city visits, and much more. We emphasize a varied and age-appropriate program. Adventure and fun are guaranteed!
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We intentionally do not publish the detailed daily schedule in advance so participants can look forward to an exciting program each day. This approach also allows for adjustments based on weather and other conditions. An example of a daily schedule can be found here.
Insurance
SJAS has taken out supplementary accident insurance for all participants with Swiss citizenship. However, for treatment in a doctor’s office or hospital, participants must present their own insurance to receive care. The insurance will then handle the cost clarification.
Participants are NOT insured against illness. SJAS strongly recommends securing appropriate international health insurance, as medical costs must otherwise be covered by the parents.
Campsite
Our summer camps take place in various locations across different cantons, and a particular location or camp house may be used repeatedly due to long-standing partnerships. However, the camp program is planned individually each year.
The exact location of a camp can be found in the specific camp offer.
During Swiss Trips, participants change locations several times. The general route is announced before the camp begins.
Accomodation
Our camps are primarily held in simple but well-equipped group accommodations with shared bedrooms and sufficient space for everyone. The specific camp site and location can be found in the respective camp offer.
Exceptions are our Swiss Trips, where the camp community travels across Switzerland, staying in various accommodations (e.g., farms, tents, bivouacs). Every few years, we offer special camps where accommodation types may vary, such as music camps, circus camps, or cycling camps. Relevant details are provided in the specific camp offer if a special camp is planned.
Meals
In the kitchen, individuals with experience cooking for large groups work with enthusiasm to prepare meals. They create a balanced and varied menu plan for the camp, incorporating traditional Swiss dishes.
In Switzerland, it is common to replace meat with plant-based protein products to promote sustainable eating (see Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office). This approach allows participants to experience Swiss cuisine in an authentic and environmentally conscious way.
To embrace the camp's intercultural spirit, international dishes are also prepared with care and expertise, ensuring a diverse culinary experience for everyone.
Specific information on diet and food intolerances must be included in the questionnaire.
Participants from Swiss schools abroad
SJAS allocates available spots to children and teenagers attending Swiss schools abroad, as they also have a connection to Switzerland. Registration for these participants opens on February 15. Early registrations cannot be considered and will be deleted. Due to subsidy-related reasons, the camp fee is CHF 200 higher for these participants. Financial support cannot be provided.
Within 7 days of successful registration, the following documents must be sent to info@sjas.ch: confirmation of Swiss school abroad, a copy of your identity card or passport and a copy of your health insurance card.
Reduced fees
In keeping with our Foundation’s purpose, the FYSA supports young Swiss Abroad whose families cannot afford to give them a first-hand experience of their home country for financial reasons. One of our main priorities is to ensure that as many young Swiss Abroad as possible are able to spend at least one holiday in Switzerland. We have set up a fund with the aim of providing financial support to Swiss families Abroad for camps and/or travel expenses.
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A visit to Switzerland is an identity-forming experience for every young Swiss Abroad, so we encourage Swiss families Abroad to apply for a reduced fee if necessary. The corresponding form can be downloaded here and must be submitted to the administrative office within 7 days after receiving the confirmation of participation for a winter or summer camp.
For more information on how to apply, filling out the reduced fees form, and the respective reduced fees, please contact Julia Gunti at info@sjas.ch.
Impressions
