A Unique Summer at Collège du Léman

A Unique Summer at Collège du Léman

When it comes to summer camps, there’s a wide range of options out there—some classic, others truly exceptional. Every now and then, I come across a camp that feels more like a once-in-a-lifetime experience than a typical summer plan. That’s exactly the case with Collège du Léman’s summer camp in Versoix.

Set on a stunning lakeside campus just outside Geneva, this internationally renowned camp offers a dream summer for children and teens aged 8 to 18. It’s the kind of place where campers design their own adventure, make lifelong friends, and explore new passions—all while having a whole lot of fun.

Choosing from over 25 different activities

What really stands out is how customizable the experience is. Each two-week session allows children to choose one activity in the morning and another one in the afternoon. Whether your child wants to dive into robotics, start-up creation, or coding, or get creative with visual arts, dance, or drama, the options are both exciting and meaningful. And for those craving movement and adventure, there’s team sports and circus arts. All campers can also enjoy the mega pool party every Wednesday afternoon in the on-site pool.

It’s ideal for kids who know what they’re passionate about, but also for those who are still figuring it out.

Day Camp or Boarding?

For local families, the day camp runs from 9 am to 5 pm and includes lunch, while the boarding option is great for those coming from abroad—or for teens who want a taste of independence. The boarding summer camp offers a new layer of adventure, with evening activities, weekend trips, and a great community atmosphere, which adds to the “summer-of-a-lifetime” vibe. Both options provide a safe, supportive space where kids can grow, explore, and enjoy.

Global Friendships, Real Learning

Because CDL is an international school, the summer camp attracts children from all over the world. It’s a huge plus—kids come back not only with new skills but also with new perspectives and global friendships. The camp is bilingual (English and French), so it’s also a great environment for practicing languages in a fun, natural setting.

A Bonus Week of Adventure

The cherry on top is the “excursion week” in August. During that week, College du Leman will take kids on a truly Swiss adventure! They will hike, explore Swiss cities, and go for chocolate tastings!

Final Thoughts

This is undoubtedly a premium camp. It is a perfect option for families looking for an international environment where kids can grow, explore, and have fun! Whether your child is sporty, artistic, tech-minded, academic, or a little bit of everything, there’s something here for them. And from what I’ve heard from other parents, kids come home not only with skills and lifelong memories but also with a serious boost in confidence.

If you’re curious, you can check out all the options and dates directly on CDL’s Website.

Practical Details

  • Ages: 8–18
  • Location: Versoix, near Geneva
  • Session Dates: From 29 June to 9 August 2025 (multiple start dates available)
  • Price for two weeks: Day option from CHF 3,200, Boarding option from CHF 6’500
  • Registration & Info: 👉 Register here
Summer with Red Whale Swim School

Summer with Red Whale Swim School

As summer approaches, you might be wondering how to keep the kids entertained and whether to sign them up for camps. If you’re looking to help your child gain confidence in the water or learn to swim, Red Whale Swim School offers the perfect solution.

Their summer swim courses are one-week programs, with daily half hour classes in a specially designed pool for kids. These programs are ideal for building confidence, improving skills, and having fun in a supportive environment.

I had the chance to visit Red Whale’s Bellevue location, where the pool ensures comfort and focus, free from distractions.

My daughter was enrolled in these summer courses in the past, and it was a great experience for the whole family. Red Whale School definitely contributed to her confidence in the water. Watching a class in action, I saw kids having fun while gaining fundamental skills. There was a perfect balance of play and learning, or instead, learning through play – as this is how kids learn best.

What Makes Red Whale so unique in Geneva?

They organise their classes only in warm pools, which are adapted to children and convenient for parents. But the most important thing is the instructors’ approach to teaching. Water can be scary to some kids, and they have the right to feel unsure, but teachers at Red Whale Swim School know precisely how to boost confidence and make children feel safe. Also, small group sizes allow the teachers to pay attention to everyone and give children individual attention when needed.

My Visit to Red Whale in Bellevue

I had the chance to visit Red Whale’s primary location in Bellevue. They built this pool to have the place they needed to make children and parents comfortable and create a suitable teaching space and environment. In that pool, nobody will get cold, bored, or scared. The moment I walked in, I saw that this place was designed with kids and families in mind. The pool area is bright, joyful, and, of course, clean. The warm water is really the best part – those who try to teach a toddler to swim in cold water will know that warm water is a game changer!

Why Summer is the Best Time for Swim Lessons

Summer is an excellent time for kids to focus on swimming. Without the usual school-year distractions and stressors, swimming classes can be fun and not another thing they have to do. It’s warm outside, and there is no hustling with drying or having to put on all the winter clothes. Summer makes it easy and enjoyable even for the most reluctant child (from experience here). Honestly, having such an intensive swim course improves skills and confidence really fast!

There are of course different courses for different age groups and skills groups. The changing rooms are comfy, the staff friendly, and there’s easy parking just next to the pool!

Spots fill up quickly, so I recommend booking early if you consider enrolling your child! You can find all the details and register directly on the Red Whale Swim School website.

Summer Fun with InterSoccer: Football Camps for Kids in Geneva

Summer Fun with InterSoccer: Football Camps for Kids in Geneva

Are you looking for a playful, sporty summer camp outdoors? Intersoccer may be a great choice even for children who are not into football.

Let me explain:

InterSoccer camps and course are about so much more than just football. They help kids develop confidence, teamwork skills, coordination, and resilience – all these are useful on and off the field. It’s a wonderful way for them to make new friends, stay active, and spend time outdoors.

And if your child isn’t sure about football yet, try signing up for a one-day of Intersoccer camp first. I’m sure they’ll love it!

This is a sponsored article but it does not change the fact that I really like Intersoccer’s offer for children in Geneva!

Here are the details for each age group:

Mini Camps (Ages 3-5)

These camps promote movement, joy, and developing self-confidence for the youngest football players. Lots of running, kicking, and learning to play together—no pressure.

– Half-day format (10:00 – 12:30)
– Multiple locations: Geneva, Versoix, Nyon, Etoy, Lausanne, Zug, Zurich, Basel
– Perfect for beginners

Junior Camps (Ages 5-9)

Older kids have more energy, and Intersoccer adapts to their needs. This group is focused more on developing football skills in a playful way, with drills, games, and small matches throughout the day.

– Full-day camp (10:00 – 17:00)
– Early drop-off (8:30) & late pick-up (until 18:00) – perfect for working parents
– Groups based on age & skill level

Academy Camps (Ages 10-13)

This group is perfect for children who already like football and want to improve their skills. Here, they can expect technical drills, small-group coaching, and mini-tournaments!

– Full-day camp (10:00 – 17:00) with early & late drop-off options
– Focus on skill development, tactics, and gameplay
– Fun challenges and matchplay

Girls-Only Camps (Ages 5-13)

Now, that one stole my heart! InterSoccer makes football accessible for everyone, including girls who prefer to train in a girls-only environment. These camps encourage confidence, teamwork, and passion for the game.

The “Girl Power Pack” includes:
– A **2-for-1 offer** (bring a friend)
– A **free football kit**
– Exclusive discounts on future camps

Locations & Dates

InterSoccer’s camps run all summer long in multiple locations across Switzerland, including Geneva, Nyon, Etoy, Lausanne, and more. In Geneva parents can choose between Varembé, Versoix, Vessy, Frontenex, Grand-Sacconex, Champel (depending on the chosen group).

There are flexible booking options: half days, between one and 5 days of the week, flexible drop off and pick up timesParents can choose flexible booking options, from just one day to a full week.

Just head to www.intersoccer.ch to check the full schedule and secure a spot. These camps fill up quite fast, so don’t think too long!

TotUP Holiday Camps Even for Toddlers

TotUP Holiday Camps Even for Toddlers

If you haven’t yet heard about TotUp, it’s about time! It’s company that created several daycares and schools in Geneva, Vaud, and Fribourg. They’ve been offering a great service to families, always being flexible and listening to what people need.

This is how they came to organise summer camps for older children and offer daycare places for smaller kids during summer months (when many regular TotUp kids are away on holidays).

Psst: there’s a surprise at the end of this article.

TotUP offers fully bilingual holiday camps during all school holidays week during the year. The camps are adventurous, creative, run by professionals in a very friendly atmosphere. Summer camps at TotUp welcome children kids aged 2 to 6 years old (or up to 8 years old in Petit-Lancy). Each camp features a theme, from “Gardening & Cooking” to “All About Switzerland”, with plenty of time outdoor, in the nature, with creative activities, and hands-on fun!

It’s a great place for children o spend the summer weeks and meet new friends, while the Flexible drop off and pick up, as well long hours can immensely help working parents.

This is a sponsored article but as always,
I only collaborate with companies I truly believe in and think you’ll love too.

You’ll find all the practical details below:

Camp Options & Pricing

Ages 2-3: TotUP daycare pricing applies. All Locations.
Ages 3-6: Camp pricing applies. All locations.
Ages 3-8: Camp pricing applies. Only in Petit-Lancy.

Full-day camp (7h-19h): 500 CHF per week.
Half-day camp (7h-14h30): 350 CHF per week.
Day pass option: 145 CHF/day (Vaud) or 125 CHF/day (Fribourg)

Special Camps for Summer 2024

Forest Camp, 4+ in Petit-Lancy, Thônex & Epalinges.
August 11-15 (ages 4+)
Full-day (7:00 – 19:00): 650 CHF/week
Kids will spend the week outdoors, learning about nature, exploring the forest, and developing confidence in the wild.

Cinema & Photography Camp (Petit-Lancy only)
July 7-11 (ages 4+)
Full-day (7:00 – 19:00): 650 CHF/week
Led by professional filmmaker Siarhei Zaruba, kids will dive into the world of cinema, photography, and storytelling.

Custom Language Camps in Petit-Lancy
TotUP can organize custom camps in Russian, German, or Spanish if at least five families register for the same week. Price: 500 CHF/week (7:00 – 19:00)

ParentVille Exclusive:
Get 10% off by mentioning “I follow ParentVille” in your email.

Sign up until May 31 via email (info@totup.ch). Simply send your contact details, weeks of your choice, and the TotUp location of your choice, and the TotUp team will contact you.

More info & registration at www.totup.ch.