Our Chalet invites you to come and experience the ultimate in Swiss adventure and culture, meet other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world and make lifelong friendships.

From May to September, you and your group can join one of Our Chalet’s seven or 10-day Swiss Experience sessions designed especially for girls like you.

At Our Chalet, you’ll make memories you’ll never forget!

During your stay, you can take part in ‘The Chalet Challenge’. This will motivate you to stretch yourself both physically and emotionally to gain personal confidence, inner strength and a sense of self-worth that can be transferred to your everyday life back home. The Chalet Challenge includes learning some Swiss German, teaching others a song, completing a hike and trying a new sport. Successful participants will be awarded the Challenge Patch.

Over 20 graded walks and hikes are offered, allowing you to choose your route and level of difficulty. All walks are guided by a member of Our Chalet staff.

· Start with the famous Woodcarver Walk where you can buy true works of art

· Walk through the Engstligen valley along the river path to the magnificent waterfall

· Climb to the top of a mountain and sign your name in a mountaineering summit book

· Take part in a level 10 hike which combines climbing with ropes, chains and ladders and walking through meadows and snow to find breathtaking views and a real sense of accomplishment

· Challenge yourself to spend the night in a hay loft and then hike in the dark to watch the sunrise from the top of the Bonderspitz mountain

A wide range of adventure activities can be arranged with local professional companies, including all instruction, equipment and insurance.

· Soar through the thermals on a tandem paragliding flight

· Go white water rafting, canyoning or hydrospeeding down a fast-flowing river

· Fly in a light airplane over the alps to the Matterhorn and back

· Enjoy mountain biking or gravity-propelled scootering down mountain tracks

· Get in touch with nature whilst horse back riding along the trails

Shopping, cultural and sightseeing trips from Our Chalet can be arranged to last just a few hours or a whole day and are accompanied by a member of Our Chalet staff who will be your tour guide.

· Spend an afternoon shopping in Thun, visiting the medieval castle and grounds and enjoying the wonderful city view from the top of the tower. Then relax on a one-hour cruise on the Thunersee, travelling to the picturesque town of Spiez

· Visit the popular village of Grindelwald where the Eiger mountain towers above and stop on the way home to see the Trummelbachfalls, the only glacial waterfall still accessible in Europe

· The Oeschinensee and Kandersteg trip takes you to a crystal blue glacial lake with spectacular views. Try the summer sled run or take a glacial dip as part of your ‘Chalet Challenge’

· A walk through Gruyëres takes you among the 16th century houses to the commanding castle. Follow this with a visit to either the cheese factory or nearby chocolate factory, complete with free sampling!

· Finally, visit Geneva, Switzerland’s third largest city and home of the United Nations. Visit the International Red Cross Museum and take a lake cruise past the landmark 140m high water fountain

Each evening a number of options are available. The programme is arranged to provide guests with the opportunity to mix with other international groups, to learn more about Swiss life and culture, and to experience the World Centre’s unique traditions.

· International presentations and swapping opportunities

· Campfires (indoor and outdoor)

· Ice skating discos and Karaoke nights

· Craft evenings and talent shows

· Night walks (star-gazing) to the Hohliebe mountain restaurant for ice cream

· Special events in the village – concerts/‘Heimatabend’ (on set dates only)

· A Swiss cultural evening led by the Our Chalet staff in Swiss national dress - try fondue, Swiss songs and crafts, take part in a Swiss quiz and listen to an Alphorn player