SUMMER HANDBOOK 2001
What to Bring
Equipment
Remember that at 1350m (4,500ft), the weather can be cool even in the summer! In addition to your summer clothes, be sure to bring a warm sweater or jacket and rain gear. You will also need sturdy walking boots (can be rented at Our Chalet though your own may be more comfortable), shoes suitable for walking to the village and on paths, and indoor shoes (or slippers - to protect our wooden floors and yourself from slipping). A swimsuit is another useful item, and sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Please bring a uniform, uniform shirt, or Guide/Scout t-shirt to wear to dinner each night. A backpack and water bottle are useful for hikes and trips (available in our shop). All bedding and towels are provided at Our Chalet (except in the camp).
Some guests bring "swaps" with them to trade with other guests. You are welcome to bring items such as Guiding/Scouting badges, pins, and other small objects special to your country if you wish.
Guests This Summer
Many of you may be interested in who else you will meet during your stay at Our Chalet. Below is a list showing the total number of guests currently booked for each session (as of March), and the countries they come from. We cannot give out the addresses of the groups coming, but if you wish to contact some people who will be here when you are, you can try to reach them through the web board on our website.| Session | Dates | Guests | Countries |
| 1 | 10-16 June | 80 | USA, UK, Saudi Arabia |
| 2 | 18-27 June | 83 | UK, USA |
| 3 | 29 June to 5 July | 85 | USA, Denmark, Norway, Canada |
| 4 | 7-16 July | 113 | Canada, USA |
| 5 | 18-24 July | 112 | Canada,Scotland,USA |
| 6 | 27 July to 2 Aug | 103 | Canada, Japan, UK, USA |
| 7 | 8-17 Aug | 105 | Canada,UK, USA |
| 8 | 19-25 Aug | 108 | UK, USA, Canada, Japan |
| 9 | 27 August to 2 September | 72 | UK, Canada, Germany |
| Walking & Climbing | 3-9 Sept | 5 | Australia, UK, USA |
| Friends & Adult | 9-15 September | 13 | Australia, UK, USA |
Climate
The alpine climate in Adelboden means that the weather can change quickly! Here is a table to give you some idea about average temperatures. We recommend that you come prepared for both sunny and warm days, and cool and rainy days.
| Month | Average Temp | Average Temp |
| in Celsius | in Fahrenheit | |
| June | 13.9 | 57 |
| July | 15.5 | 60 |
| August | 19.2 | 67 |
| September | 16.9 | 62 |
Currency
Banks in Switzerland are generally open Monday through Friday from 8.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 17.00. Money exchange offices are often open longer hours and on the weekends. It is possible to change money before you arrive or once you arrive in Switzerland. There are automatic teller machines in the airports, and in the train stations in big cities. With these machines, you can generally withdraw cash from an EC card and many debit cards, or take a cash advance from a credit card. Currency exchange offices can also been found in the airports. Adelboden has two banks, automatic teller machines, and an exchange office in the bus station. Plan to exchange some money before arriving at Our Chalet, as you may need it for activities on the first few days here before you have time to go to the village.
Travel Insurance
Our Chalet does not have an insurance policy for guests. You should ensure that your own insurance is valid while travelling abroad.
Gifts and Donations
Many people ask what gifts can be brought for Our Chalet. Over the years, we have collected many wonderful items from around the world. These gifts are much appreciated, although we are running out of space to display them all! A very useful gift to Our Chalet is a monetary donation, so that we can purchase needed items here in Switzerland.
Joining the Friends of Our Chalet is another way to support your World Centre, as well as to keep informed about what is happening there. With a donation of CHF 10.- or more, you can become a Friend of Our Chalet for one year. As a Friend, you receive an annual Thinking Day Letter outlining the highlights of the past year, along with a copy of the programme brochure for the following year. Donations to the Friends of Our Chalet help Our Chalet to buy needed equipment for the house. Recently, this money was used to purchase a new washing machine, a photocopier, and various kitchen equipment.
