|
|
During each session for campers enrolled in the multi-activity
programme (and all Junior campers), there is the opportunity to
overnight at our private mountain hut high up in the Alps nestled at
the base of the Tour D'Ai.
Groups of children overnighting are small, they go in colour groups along with their counsellors and mountain hut
specialist, which makes for a very special, intimate time away from the
hustle and bustle of camp.
Groups leave directly from camp on the trek to the hut passing first
through the top of the village, crossing beautiful mountain pastures
filled with content cows happily ringing the bells Switzerland is so
famous for, up through the pine forest and across the ski area up to the edge of the tree line
is reach where the night is spent at the
spacious, fully-equipped hut with a spectacular view looking over the
route just taken and beyond. Along the way we have a chance to
stop and buy home-made ice cream at an old converted farm house and
discover how the flora and fauna of the mountain changes the higher
we get.
Once at the hut opportunities for exploring the mountains are endless.
There are walks for every age group from a walk to a mountain lake,
where fishing is an option to a more challenging hike to the top of
the Tour D'Ai where it feels like you are looking out from the top
of the world.
The mountain hut overnight is the perfect place to learn about the
mountain environment as one passes through different types of forest
and vegetation and often gets to see wildlife not in view back at camp. Lizards, marmots and
even the occasional chamois are trip mates during the journey through the mountains. There is nothing more
wondrous then sitting at the top of the alps far above the tree line
watching the butterflies flutter in front of the impossibly blue sky
with views of the snow covered alps all around.
Back at the hut everyone pitches in to prepare the meals which range
from an outdoor cook out with a view better than any restaurant to
homemade pizzas in the huge kitchen. During the entire time everyone
helps with the preparation, cooking and cleaning and learns how
taking care of themselves and others can be an awful lot of fun.
Sometimes the rest of the colour group even comes up to join the
overnighters at dinner before heading back down to camp to spend the
night.
After the evening campfire with stories and games it is time to
snuggle into sleeping bags and get ready for another day of
exploring the mountains before it is time for another exciting trek
back to camp."
|
|
