VSF Camp 1 – Age 6/12
« Séjour Aventure et Découverte »
Immersion Ratio (per group): 20 French campers / 3 Foreign campers
DDates
JULY 6 – 15, 2026
AUGUST 1 – 10, 2026
T Camp Tuition
10 DAYS: 2925 €
Camp Theme
In this camp session, the children will build a village of huts (Cabanes) in the forest overlooked by the mountain pastures. Tree houses, trapper’s cabins, huts built against rocks, on the ground, or even on a bridge over a stream!
For this incredible adventure you will be provided with all the material and tools necessary: branches, planks, string and ropes, hammers, and nails…. Away you go!
Once built, furnished and decorated, this magical place will be the point of departure for many adventures: bivouacs, games in nature, constructions using natural materials, land art, cooking, discovery of the local fauna and flora, the list of possible discoveries is endless!
Activities
1- Construction:
Divided into teams, the children will build their huts under the supervision of our professional counselors. Together they will build different kinds of huts and tree houses using the natural materials and elements at their disposal on the site (trees, rocks, streams, the natural inclination of the ground…), and bridges, decks, roads will connect the huts together to form a small village.
A specific name will be dedicated to each hut: « The Living-Room », » The Sleeping Hut », “The Kitchen”, « The Library », « The Secret Hide Out » …
The camp counselors will assist our campers and help them integrate smoothly into their natural living environment. The cabanes will be solid and spacious enough to accommodate several campers!
2– Life in the Cabanes:
- Recycled paper: From old newspapers or from ripped magazines, let’s make some real hand made paper!
- Making a Solar furnace: Using a pizza box and aluminum foil, they will make their individual solar furnace and cook an egg on it!
- Making of a walking stick (a typical shepherd staff)
- Barbecues and story telling around the camp fire will make each evening magic!
3 – Adventure and Discovery:
Nature by itself is a tremendous encyclopedia. An open book in which the children will learn to read the local flora and fauna. They will learn how to recognize footprints from different animals, discover their feeding places and hide-outs… They will observe nature, get to know the forest with all its plants, trees, and many flowers.
Forest Ecosystem Discovery workshops:
Children will step into the heart of the forest to observe and understand the delicate balance of life within it. Through fun, hands-on activities, catching and identifying insects, tracking animal footprints, and observing the fascinating process of organic decomposition, they’ll learn how every species plays an essential role in maintaining the forest’s harmony.
Other activities
– Mountain Hike with a Certified Guide: Along scenic mountain trails, Martine, our qualified instructor and mid-mountain guide, will help children open their eyes to the wonders of nature. Through observation and gentle exploration, they will learn to recognize local wildlife, alpine plants, and the unique beauty of the mountain environment. A very refreshing and educational adventure at the heart of nature!
– Swimming in the River!
– Big Games, team sports and of course Parties…!
Field trips
- Visit to the Medieval City of Yvoire, one of the most beautiful villages in France! Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva. Stroll through its cobbled streets lined with stone houses covered in flowers, and admire the old ramparts and the castle overlooking the lake. This visit combines history, culture, and the charm of a timeless lakeside atmosphere, a true journey back in time!
- Shopping in town
« The people, the food and the enchanting views of France were incredible. I could not have picked a more enjoyable camp. I came to the camp with no experience in building cabanes, and I came out of VSF camp knowing how to do it and I certainly know SO MUCH MORE French now than before! I made many new friends! The French people are so nice its easy to make friends. The camp itself was great, I was really happy with all of it. VSF camp is no ordinary sleep away camp. I was kind of nervous the first day but this is definitely the best camp I have ever been to. I would definitely recommend it to everyone who is looking for adventure and Fun! »
Sophia C., 12 yrs. old (USA
Camp Location: « CHALET LE SOLEIL LEVANT »
Surrounded by lakes, streams and rivers, Châtel is a true paradise!
Accommodation: Our campers will spend their holiday in a typical mountain chalet in the center of Châtel, an old Savoyard village with a long farming tradition. Our chalet offers comfortable bedrooms with shower facilities in each room, a large dining-room with a view of the mountains and 4 activity rooms. …For more details Click here
TRANSPORTATION: With the VSF group (and the French children) by TGV train from Paris to Thonon-les-Bains (escorted by the camp staff) – transfer by shuttle bus to the camp site.
…For more info on Transportation click here
