Summer Programs

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Château des Enfants (CDE)

Ages 7-10

Features

Choose between English, French, or Italian as main language course (approx. 2 hours per day), take part in daily STEAM classes
Select a morning sport or activity
Explore Switzerland on day-trips and cultural visits, and participate in an optional camping adventure

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Courses

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

CDE offers a truly immersive English-language learning experience. English is the language of instruction and communication program-wide, and the courses offer students time to practice and build on their existing skills. Class sizes are small and cater to beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners.

Italian

CDE Italian classes are immersed in the culture and language of Ticino, the only Italian-speaking Swiss canton. This course teaches vocabulary and phrases that children can use when off-campus (learning how to order gelato is a favorite) as well as Italian culture. It is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

French

This course introduces students to a variety of French-speaking countries and cultures while focusing on vocabulary and phrases that help students build their confidence. This course is designed for beginning or intermediate learners.

Performing Arts

Talented performing arts professionals challenge students’ creativity in singing, dancing, drama, musical theater, percussion, and ukulele! Children prepare an original musical and songs to perform at the Summer Arts Festival.

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math)

All children also attend an hour of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—or STEAM—every afternoon, focusing on creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

Sports

Sports Clubs

As an alternative to our morning activities, students can enroll in sports clubs that take place at the same time. These are at an additional cost and are in lieu of our morning activities. Possible options include Milan Academy Scuola Calcio, featuring coaches from the distinguished club AC Milan; Tennis Junior Camp with Lugano-based professional coaches; and time with award-winning instructors from local top-tier horse riding schools.

Horseback Riding

Boarding students have the opportunity to participate in Horseback Riding as a Sunday club. They will learn how to care for the horses and practice trail riding. Appropriate for beginner riders and those interested in learning about horses. Limited to 6 students.

Cost:
Session One: CHF 400
Session Two: CHF 300

Paddleboarding

Boarding students may join Paddleboarding (SUP) as a Sunday club and learn the basics of this fun and relaxing sport. Limited to 6 students.

Cost:
Session One: CHF 300
Session Two: CHF 200

Milan Academy Scuola Calcio

Students have the exceptional opportunity to work under coaches from the renowned Milan Academy Scuola Calcio as they improve their ball control and skills. Players are issued an exclusive Milan Academy soccer kit.

Cost:
Session One: CHF 500
Session Two: CHF 400

Tennis Club

Tennis Club is for students who wish to enhance and improve their existing skills. Students are issued a kit and are expected to bring their own racquet. Coach-to-student ratio is 1:5, with a maximum of 20 students.

Cost:
Session One: CHF 400
Session Two: CHF 350

Clubs and Activities

Morning & Afternoon Activities

Morning activities at CDE focus on fitness and movement. Students choose from a number of options, including organized sports (kickball, basketball, dodgeball, cooperative games), individual activities (yoga, hiking, table tennis, mindfulness), or swimming. Afternoons at CDE are filled with creativity and hands-on learning through the arts and sciences. These activities allow children to grow in courage and confidence as they express themselves in new ways. Students choose two afternoon electives each week that center around the culinary arts, visual arts, design, and science. Previous activities have included crêpe-making, wax sculptures, painting, ukulele, drumming, knitting/crocheting, soap-making, fashion design, robotics, and environmental science.

Daily Schedule

CDE Daily Schedule

Mornings

Every morning, CDE students spend two hours learning English, French, or Italian. All children also attend an hour of STEAM class. Morning activities focus on fitness and movement, activities such as yoga or hiking, tennis, soccer, or swimming.

Afternoons

Afternoons at CDE are filled with creativity and hands-on learning through the arts and sciences.

Weekends

Boarding students take part in off-campus trips and activities every weekend, including adventures to nearby mountains and cities.

CDE Daily Schedule (approximate)
07:45	Boarding students: wake up, morning routine
08:00	Boarding students: breakfast & phone calls home (after the first week)
08:30	Day students are dropped off
08:40	All students: Morning Meeting
09:00	Language classes
10:30	Morning activities & sports clubs
12:15	Lunch
12:45	Rest time
13:45	Tutti Singing
14:30	STEAM Hour
15:30	Afternoon activities
17:30	Day students are picked up
17:30	Boarding students eat dinner
18:00	Evening activity (Popular activities include Cultural Night performances, water balloon Battleship, a Dorm Party, and Counselor Hide-and-Seek.)
21:00	Lights out

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