BEST SUMMER CAMPS IN GENEVA FOR CHILDREN – SUMMER 2019
by Sarah Scaddan
FOR OUR BEST 2020 CHILDREN’S SUMMER CAMP LIST CLICK HERE.
Main image courtesy of International Institute de Lancy
Even the most imaginative, inventive child can run out of fun in the 8-10 weeks of summer holiday Geneva schools offer. And the most imaginative, inventive parents can run out of places to go, projects to complete and wine to drink. Shudder. Things to do in Geneva don’t want you to suffer. Here is a comprehensive list of summer camps open for registration in Geneva, with different activities, budget options, ages groups and locations across the Canton. You’re welcome.
CATEGORIES BELOW:
SPORTS CAMPS
WATER SPORTS
CIRCUS CAMPS
MARTIAL ARTS
MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE AND ART
BEST EDUCATIONAL CAMPS
LANGUAGE
ARTS AND CRAFTS
INFORMATION, TECHNOLOGY
SPECIAL NEEDS
BEST SPORTS CAMPS
Get your kids off their screens this summer (or at least for one week) and book them into one of the many sports and outdoor activity camps available in Geneva. I hope that you find one that kicks off your kid’s summer adventures.
EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE – InterSoccer
If your child loves football – or just fancies the idea of trying for the first time – these bilingual holiday camps are a great place to start. All abilities are welcome, and kids are separated into age groups to practise skills and play games and mini matches. Hot lunches are provided for full day campers, and you can drop off from 8h30 and pick up until 5pm or 6pm in some areas.
WHERE
All over Geneva.
AGES
3-5 years old (mornings only) 5-13 years old (full days)
COST
Full week CHF 525 (age 5-13) CHF 270 (age 3-5). Single days CHF 115 or CHF 60.
MORE INFORMATION
ONE OF THE BEST – Footballissima
(also see Girlissima under Dance)
Footballissima is a football camp for children from 6 to 12. Quality training, lots of fun activities and a delicious hot lunch. Excellent value too.
WHERE
Centre sportif des Evaux, 1213 Onex
COST
CHF295 (bargain)
DATES
1-5 July ; 8-12 July ; 15-19 July ; 5-9 August ; 12-16 August ; 19-23 August
MORE INFO
THE RESIDENTIAL – Foot Lab, Crans Montana
Experts in technique and personalized to each player, this camp is in the heart of the alps and kids get to stay and a comfortable hotel with evening entertainment.
AGES
8-15 years old
COST
CHF730 for 5 full days and 4 nights
DATES
4 camps during the summer
MORE INFO
On this site
BEST NEWCOMER – International Institute de Lancy CAMPZONE
For the first time this year, ILL is offering a bilingual (French and English) multi-activity CampZone where kids and teens can thrive while having a great time.
The sports offering includes football and basketball and the focus is on skills and training, but above all it’s about the team spirit and friendships that shine. The football classes start at 8.30am till 4pm and the cost include lunch and a snack. The basketball classes are afternoons only.
AGES
7-16
DATES
July 1-5
July 8-12
July 15-19
August 19-23
COST
Football: CHF400 for 5 days – 10% reduction on second camp booked.
Basketball: CHF250 for 5 afternoons.
MORE INFO
On this site.
OTHER FOOTBALL CAMPS TO CHECK OUT
BASKET BALL
QUALITY COACHING – All American Basketball Camp
Only the first two weeks of the July, All American Basketball Camp is 100 percent in English with some legendary coaches and professionals. There is a day camp option or residential. Girls and boy welcome.
WHERE
Bout du Monde, Vessy
AGES
7-19 year olds
COST
CHF500 for full days or CHF595 for overnight campers.
DATES
First two weeks of July.
https://www.basketcamp.ch/index.php/geneva-summer-camp-2018/
THE BUDGET OPTION – Bernex Basketball Tigers Camp
For one week only, this camp runs five full days and places are limited.
AGES
9-16 years olds
WHERE
Bernex
COST
CHF240 for five full days
DATES
19-23 August
MORE INFO
On this site
ALSO CHECK OUT
Lionceaux Basket, Grand Saconnex
TENNIS CAMPS
MOST ‘BUDGET’ WE COULD FIND! –
Tennis Club de Carouge
Including a full day’s tennis tuition and matches and a hot lunch in the restaurant, in a leafy part of Carouge.
WHERE
Pinchat, Carouge
DATES
July 1-5;8-12;15-19 August 12-16, 19-23
COST
CHF500 for five full days. CHF180 for a week’s mini tennis (10h30-12h)
AGES
Age 4 upwards
MORE INFO
http://tenniscarouge.ch/cours-de-tennis/juniors/stage-dete/
OTHER TENNIS CAMPS
EQUESTRIAN CAMPS
GET DIRTY AND RUN WILD – Ferme de la Gavotte
So much fun running wild on the farm, riding, swimming and practicing for the final evening spectacle. Sells out quick!
LOCATION
Grand Lancy
AGES
5-13
DATES
All summer long
COST
CHF 430 including hot lunch
OTHER EQUESTRIAN CAMPS TO CHECK OUT
- Centre Hippique, Russin
- Refuge de Darwin, Sezenove
- Centre Equestre de Plans les Ouates
- Manege d’Onex
- Poney Club Presinges
- Evordes, Troinex
- La Gambade, Lacconex
BEST SWIMMING AND WATER SPORTS CAMPS
FOR THE LITTLE ONES – Ecole de Natation de Geneve
DATE
All weeks of summer
WHERE
Varembe
AGES
From 3 years old
COST
CHF125 – 25 minutes per day
MORE INFO
https://www.natation-ecole.ch/cours-de-vacances/
BUDGET OPTION – Piscine de Marignac
Expert tuition in the pools of Marignac.
DATES
All weeks of summer
WHERE
Lancy
AGES
From 4 years old
COST
CHF70 per week for a 30 minute lesson a day.
MORE INFO
http://www.lancy-natation.ch/wp/?page_id=775
SPEND THE DAY – Geneve Plage et Bains Bleu
Watch your child’s lesson and then spend the day lounging on the banks of the lake at Geneve Plage.
WHERE
Cologny
DATES
Mid May to mid September
HOURS
Book your time
COST
CHF50 for private 30 minute lesson or CHF120 for 5 group lessons.
MORE INFO
https://www.myelementstudio.com/natation
ALSO CHECK OUT
WATER SKI-ING, WAKEBOARD, SAILING AND SCUBA DIVING
There are fantastic water sport options on Lake Geneva in the summer, too many to detail.
CHECK THESE OUT
CIRCUS CAMPS FOR CHILDREN IN GENEVA
EXCELLENT VALUE 2-week camp at Théâtre-Cirqule
Highly recommended two week Circus camp in Thonex.
DATES
1-12 July
29 July- 9 August
12 August – 23 August
HOURS
9h – 17h30
LOCATION
Thonex
AGES
From 7 years old. 5 – 7 year olds can do half days during 29th July – 9 August stage.
COST
CHF295 for 10 half days or CHF500 for 10 full days
MORE INFO
KIDS UP CIRCUS
AGES
From 5 to adolescent
WHERE
Meyrin
DATES
Every week of summer
HOURS
9h – 17h. Half days possible.
COST
CHF500 for full week or CHF300 for half days.
MORE INFO
MARTIAL ARTS
TEENAGERS WELCOME – MAA Academy
If your kids/teenagers fancy trying a martial art but don’t know which discipline is for them, this MAA Academy camp is perfect. Every day at least two different disciplines are explored (Self-Defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Taekwondo, Judo, Cardio-Boxing) , combined with fun trips to the lake or pool.
AGES
6-17
WHERE
Pâquis
HOURS
9h-17h
COST
CHF400
MORE INFO
https://www.maa-academy.ch/en/internships-camps
BUDGET OPTION – Champel Judo Club
For the first week of July only, Champel Judo Club is organising a sports and activity camp for age 6 upwards. The camp is from 7h30 until 18h00 and cost CHF280. For Geneva that is a total bargain.
MULTI-ACTIVITY
BEST FOR TRYING OUT VARIED AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES AND DAY TRIPS – MSM CAMPS
MSMCamps give your children the opportunity to try out many sports and activities at their own pace in a fantastic atmosphere with attention paid to each child.
These multi-activity camps are a great way to introduce kids to new and exciting activities. For the little ones activities include team games, mini fencing, sledging, a visit to a lama park and older children can have a go at indoor skydiving, kayak, squash, caving, sledging, as well as biathlon, swimming and outings.
Activities are age-appropriate and targeted to each group. Parents receive regular feedback with photos and videos, sometimes even on the same day).
AGES
4-6, 7-19 and 11-16.
WHEN
Camps available throughout the summer – check out website.
Daily enrolment is also possible.
WHERE
Pick-up points are Rive (08h20-17h00), WHO (08h45-17h00) and Nyon (09h00-16h30).
COST
CHF680 for 5 days – including activities, transport and coaching. Parents must provide a picnic and snacks.
MORE INFO
OTHER SPORTS CAMPS FOR CHILDREN IN GENEVA
BEST MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE AND MOVEMENT AND ART SUMMER CAMPS FOR CHILDREN IN GENEVA
MOVEMENT
OUR FAVOURITE – Gymboree
Gymboree Play & Music offers holiday camps for 3, 4 and 5 year olds every morning Monday to Friday over the summer holidays. Gymboree encourages development through play and learning and uses problem-solving games, songs and storytelling to stretch the body and mind. Your child will love it! You can book for the week or pick and choose the mornings you want.
AGES
3, 4 & 5 years
DATES
1st of July to 30th of August
HOURS
Mornings 8h30-12h
WHERE
23 rue Sonnex, Grand-Saconnex
COST
CHF 69 per morning or CHF 330 week
MORE INFO
HALF-DAY MORNING CAMP IN ENGLISH
Play. Learn. Explore. Enjoy. – Great for younger ones.
Set in the lush countryside village of Choulex just 20 mins from central Geneva, this half day morning camp offers fun-filled activities in English. The young campers learn and practice English with art, craft, outdoor games, songs, storytelling, drama, nature walks and more. Weekly themes and activities are created around nature and the environment .
A small camp (maximum 10) designed to give attention and guidance to each learner. The focus is on child-centered teaching methods and on building children’s confidence in communicating in English.
WHERE
Domaine de Crève Coeur, CH-1244 Choulex (Genève)
AGES
4 – 10
WHEN
1 to 26 July, Mondays to Fridays
8:30 to 12:00
Children can arrive between 8:30 and 9.00.
Activities start at 9:00
Mid morning snack at 10:30
Children to be collected between 11:30 and 12:00
COST
CHF200 for 5 half days ( Mondays to Fridays) Includes all craft materials and a mid morning snack.
MORE INFO
Donna Clarke, Certified English teacher: mobile 079 842 55 92
email eslteacher.donna@gmail.com
DRUMMING WORKSHOP – drum.ch
Dive into the world of drumming with these rocking summer courses. Meet other aspiring drummers and have a blast making great music.
AGES
8-15
HOURS
9h30-12h
DATES
1 – 5 July or 8 – 12 July
WHERE
Chêne Bougeries
COST
CHF280
MORE INFO
ANYONE FOR OPERA? – Piccolo Opera
From 3 year upwards, practice for an opera performance on the final day of the stage.
COST
CHF300 for half day and CHF580 for full day.
HOURS
9h00-17h00
DATES
Stage 1 : Mary Poppins 01 – 05 July 2019 – FULL
Stage 2 : Peter Pan 08 – 12 July 2019
Stage 3 : Fiddler on the roof 12 – 16 August 2019
Stage 4 : The Sound of Music 19 – 23 August 2019
MORE INFO
https://espace-opera.ch/cours-et-stages/stages/
BEST FOR YOGIS – Espace Colibri
Espace Colibri runs courses all summer long that include periods of yoga, meditation and relaxation. On 1-5th July the theme is music and 4-10 year olds can enjoy a varied programme of musical education and fun.
DATES
Every week from 1 July to 16 August (different themes each week)
HOURS
8h30-17h00 for full day, half day 8h30-12h or 13h30-17h00.
COST
CHF495 for one week or CHF110 a day.
MORE INFO
https://www.espace-colibri.ch/stage-musique/
ALSO CHECK OUT
https://www.labulledair.ch/centres-aeres-artistiques/
https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/summer-experiences/summer-performing-arts-with-juilliard-geneva
BEST DRAMA CAMPS FOR CHILDREN
NEW THIS YEAR – Musical Theatre at Ecolint
Ecolint holds many introduction to theatre summer courses on both the left bank and in the canton of Vaud. This year there is a new Musical Theatre camp, run by UpStage Musical Productions from the UK.
AGES
5-13
DATES
8-12 July for Musical Theatre. Introduction to Theatre courses run all summer long.
WHERE
Chêne Bougeries
COST
CHF595 including hot lunch.
MORE INFO
EXPERT TUITION at Simply Theatre.
Simply Theatre leads the way for English speaking theatre tuition in Geneva. Their summer courses include musical theatre, technical theatre and acting skills.
AGES
From 5 – 17 years old, a full week course costs CHF595
MORE INFO
https://www.simplytheatre.com/academy/courses/summer-camps/
ALSO CHECK OUT
https://www.acmgeneve.ch/academie-comedie-musicale-geneve-stages-danse-chant-theatre/
BEST DANCE (AND MULTI-ACTIVITY) CAMPS FOR CHILDREN IN GENEVA
ONLY GIRLS ALLOWED – Girlissima
A multi-activity girlie camp in Evaux with emphasis on dance and choreography, circus, sport and arts and crafts.
HOURS
9h – 17h (early drop off and late pick up available)
AGES
6-12
DATES
15-19 July, 5-9 August, 12-16 August and 19-23 August
WHERE
Onex
COST
CHF295
MORE INFO
BEST FOR BREAK DANCE BATTLES – The Get Down Dance School
Two weeks of hip hop and breakdance summer camps at the beginning of July.
DATES
1-5 July and 8-12 July
WHERE
Les Charmilles (week 1) and Cornavin (week 2)
HOURS
9h15-18h
COST
CHF500 for a week
MORE INFO
https://www.breakdance-geneve.ch/camps-de-breakdance
BEST CHOICE OF DANCE GENRES – Dance Area
Classical, tap, modern, musical theatre and jazz are all available at Dance Area.
WHEREStand
AGES
7-16
HOURS
9h30-17h
DATES
1-5 July, 12-16 August and 19-23 August
COST
CHF400 for a week
https://dancearea.ch/pdf/StagesEte2019-site.pdf
DANCE AND WATER FUN – Yatouland
Groove Connection have teamed up with Yatouland Aquatique Park to offer a camp of urban dance combined with some slippery fun.
DATES
Every week in July
AGES
5-12
WHERE
Acacias
COST
CHF400
MORE INFO
https://www.grooveconnexion.com
Also check out http://www.latelierdanse.com
BEST NEWCOMER – International Institute de Lancy CAMPZONE
IIL is revamping their summer offer with CampZone : bilingual (French and English) , multi-activity camps where kids and teens can thrive while having a great time.
The offering includes sports camps, day camps, theme camps and summer classes.
The sports offering is football and basketball.
Day camps offer a wide range of creative activities, including:
Beach, Explorer and Discover Nature
Photography and film
Sketching
Woodwork
Urban dance
Jurassic brick land
Creating with Artbots
Mobile app coding
Space adventures
Mindstorms® EV3 Robotic Camp
STEAM creations
Children can offer for multi-activity days or one theme for the whole week.
SUMMER CLASSES – focus on supporting and enhancing each child’s learning in a small class with one-on-one intervention.
Maths revision, English writing and French booster classes. Receive a 20% reduction on summer classes by combining lunch and an afternoon activity (sport or theme camp)!
AGES
Varied ages – check out the individual camps.
DATES
Dates vary according to different camps – check individual camps.
COST
Prices differ according to activities, but for example 5 morning summer classes cost CHF400 – check out website for more info.
Theme classes start from CHF250 for 5 half days of Urban Dancing.
MORE INFO
On this site.
BEST EDUCATIONAL CAMPS FOR CHILDREN IN GENEVA
Summer is no excuse to stop learning. Geneva offers some excellent information technology camps for the budding programmer/gamer and some educational options that even teenagers will approve of.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
BEST CAMP FOR TEENS! ENGLISH LESSONS – Key English School
Key English School is introducing a camp for teenagers this year – hurray! Teen camps are scarce in Geneva. We love this initiative.
Choose one or two weeks, half day or full day, at Key English School this summer everything is allowed. In the morning it’s possible to revise English or prepare for the Cambridge English A2 or B1 examinations. Classes are small to maximise learning. Outdoor activities are run in the afternoon to help students get to know each other better, manage stress, practice mindfulness and improve concentration, all tools that will serve them well in life. There are also workshops on how to create your own website (in English of course).
For the younger student, camps for 4-10 year olds are run all summer long in Genthod, Châteleine, Corsier, Meyrin and in Vessy.
AGES
11-14 years
WHERE
Near Gare Cornavin
HOURS
9h – 16h30
DATES
1-5 July and 8-12 July
COST
CHF700 for one week of morning and afternoon activities.
MORE INFO
DYNAMIC LEARNING – For Anglophone children in the French system
Dynamic Learning offers a supplementary education in English, for Anglophone children living in Geneva. Their summer programme exists to continue their learning as well as offering lots of opportunities for fun.
WHERE
Thonex
AGES
3-12
DATES
First three weeks of July
HOURS
9h – 15h30
COST
CHF550
MORE INFO
https://www.dynamic-learning.ch/course/summer
BRUSH UP ON FRENCH at Ecole Töppfer
For non-native French speakers, Ecole Töppfer offers mornings of lessons and afternoons of fun activities with other international children. It is possible to board too.
WHERE
Florissant
AGES
9-17
HOURS
9 – 18h
DATES
8th – 26th July. Can choose 1, 2 or 3 weeks
COST
CHF520 for one week of half days or CHF870 for one full week.
MORE INFO
On this site.
ALSO CHECK OUT:
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO WORKSHOPS – July 1st- 5th
Webster University Geneva offers ‘Beginner’ and ‘Advanced’ Photography and Video workshops. Participants aged 12 – 16 are immersed in the art and craft of still and video imagery. Students will be introduced to the theory and tools necessary to capture powerful visuals and will be provided with skills to refine images through digital post-production.
AGES
12-16
WHERE
Webster University in Bellevue
WHEN
Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00
655 CHF for the week (lunch included)
Full details and registration at: http://www.webster.ch/summerworkshops/
ARTS AND CRAFTS
LEARN TO DRAW MANGA – Atelier du Square
A half day course Manga drawing course, including all materials and expert tuition.
DATES
2-5 July and 15-19 July
AGES
From 7 years old
Hours: 14h-17h
WHERE
Rue des Alpes (near Quai des Bergues)
COST
CHF225 for four days or CHF65 for one day.
MORE INFO
On this site.
POTTERY FOR CHILDREN – Annick Berclaz
Artistic activities accessible to all, original creations, animals, bowls, boxes, piggy banks, teapots, vases and lights … inspired by the theme of the week.
DATES
1-5 July
8-12 July
15-19 July
12-18 August
19-23 August
HOURS
8h30 – 17h30
AGES
From 5 years old
WHERE
Saint Jean
PRICE
CHF500 for full days of CHF250 for half days
MORE INFO
On this site.
CERAMICS WORKSHOP – Atelier Terraterre
A satisfying and fun medium for children to work in, Terraterre offer afternoon sessions in small groups with materials included.
DATES
First three weeks of July. Courses do not run on Wednesdays.
WHERE
Les Grottes
HOURS
14h00-17h00
AGES
Over 6 years old
COST
CHF250 for four days
MORE INFO
https://www.terraterre.ch/stages
ALSO CHECK OUT
ILL Camp Zone for French, Maths and Creative writing
https://www.espace-colibri.ch/stage-ete/
http://pottery.histoiredeterre.ch/Children-workshop.html
https://laac.l-association.ch/nos-activites/
http://www.veronicart.ch/stages/index.php
Cooking at Safran Cuisine
INFORMATION, TECHNOLOGY & LEGO®
Embrace the inner geek in your child, whilst setting them up to become champions of their future. These to me are the most fascinating camps available, especially as I don’t understand what half of them are about.
LEGO® MODELLING AT Bricks 4 Kidz
WHERE
AGES
DATES
HOURS
COST
WEB SITE
https://www.bricks4kidz.ch/geneve-rive-droite/program/camps/?lang=en
ROBOTICS, YOUTUBE & FILM MAKING, DIGITAL ART AND 3D PRINTING AND GAME DEVELOPMENT – Step Academy
At Step Academy children explore and develop their skills in the world of technology with the help of experienced tutors and modern, relevant programmes. There’s a vast amount of choice such as Virtual Reality & 3D-Printing with Tinkercad, Video Production and Special Effects with Blender, 2D-Games on Construct3. Eh?
DATES
A different camp to choose from all 9 weeks of the summer holidays.
COST
CHF600
HOURS
9-18h
WHERE
Close to Varembe
AGES
6-15
More info
On this site.
ROBOTICS, CODING AND APP DEVELOPMENT – Future Kids
Three weeks of camps available. You can choose from a morning or an afternoon camp or stay for lunch and combine two. Options include robotics, learn code with Minecraft, create your game with Unreal, my first 3D Video game and development of smartphone applications.
DATES
1-5 July, 8-13 July, 19-24 August
AGES
5-16
HOURS
9h-12h and 14h-17h. Lunchtime supervision available.
COST
CHF335 per week for a half day or 620chf for a full day.
WHERE
Petit Lancy (Florimont)
MORE INFO
https://futurekids.io/stages-vacances
FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
LAST BUT NOT LEAST – ASK All Special Kids Camp
ASK Bilingual Camp is an inclusive summer programme, dedicated to offering a special haven for children and young adults who have Learning Differences and Special Educational Needs. The fully integrated programme allows children to develop their social skills, creativity and learning through fun games and activities, which are structured according to age and their skill level. Their highly qualified staff include psychologists, experienced specialist teachers, counsellors, speech therapists, ABA therapists, art therapist, music therapist and a nurse.
WHERE
Lancy
DATES
July 8th to 12th
July 15th to 19th
July 22nd to 26th
July 29th to August 2nd
HOURS
9h – 17h
AGES
5-24
MORE INFO
For further information and cost details email camps@allspecialkids.org.
On this site.
Please do send details of any other camps you come across not on this list so that we can keep this resource current.
At the time of writing, there were places available on all courses.
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