🐞 Les Mini-artistes explorateurs - Colors of nature

What to wear every day

Comfortable outdoor clothing that won't get dirty. You'll also need closed, non-slip shoes (such as sneakers), as well as a cap or hat. And don't forget a sweater or light jacket for chilly mornings.

What protection do I need against the sun and insects?

Apply a first layer of high-protection sunscreen before your child arrives, and slip some into your child's bag for reapplication during the day. Don't forget an anti-flea spray or lotion to apply in the morning, and to provide for renewed protection.

What should I pack in my backpack every day?

A complete change of clothes (top, bottom, underwear, socks)

A light towel

Waterproof jacket with hood (K-way or poncho) according to weather forecast

Rain boots and waterproof pants according to weather forecast

Water bottle filled with water

Pack of tissues or wipes

A waterproof or plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes

Meals and snacks adapted for special diets only (otherwise provided by the camp)

Any medication required (with clear instructions)

Possibly a small comforting object marked with their name, of no great value

To ensure that the week runs smoothly, please mark all items with your child's name.

The course is a day program, which means the children don't sleep on site. There are no overnight stays or accommodation - it's a day program, a bit like a summer camp. Each morning, you bring your child to the meeting point, and pick him or her up at the end of each afternoon for the return trip home. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with the possibility of dropping off at 8:30 a.m. and picking up at 5 p.m.). Lunch is provided by us, in the form of delicious meals both suitable for younger children and for picnics, since we eat outside every day! Our animators supervise this quiet time to ensure that everything runs smoothly (help with opening the lunch box, supervision, etc.). We recommend that you include a water bottle in your child's bag (to keep them well hydrated throughout the day). We provide a healthy morning snack and afternoon snack. Drinking water is available on site to fill water bottles. Finally, we remind you that there are no canteens or reheating facilities on site, and that no visits to outside shops or restaurants are organized at midday: everything takes place in nature, in all simplicity.

To register your child, simply click on the "Register my child" button at the top of this page, then fill in the online form. You will then receive a confirmation email from us, followed by an invoice within 5 days. Payment for the course (by bank transfer only) is required to definitively validate the registration and guarantee your child's place. In the case of last-minute registrations or vacations that are fast approaching, we will send you the invoice promptly and may ask for immediate payment to confirm the booking before the activity begins.

We prefer to work closely with children. Our groups are kept to a manageable size to ensure attentive supervision and optimum safety. In concrete terms, we plan to have 1 activity leader for every 5 to 6 participants, which means that each little one is guided and pampered throughout the activities, benefiting from a high level of supervision and personalized follow-up. The small number of participants also creates a great group atmosphere: enough children for energy and group games, while maintaining a family atmosphere where everyone receives the attention they deserve. Your child will be in a dynamic, well-supervised group, where he or she can develop with confidence.

The price of the Les Mini-artistes explorateurs course is shown at the top of this page (it may vary depending on whether you choose the full-day or half-day option). Yes, there are discounts for families! We grant a sibling discount of 10% from the 2ᵉ child registered on the same week. For example, if you register a brother and sister or a pair of twins, the second will receive 10% off the course price. This family discount also applies if you register three or more youngsters: from the second child onwards, everyone benefits from the discount. It's our way of supporting families and enabling brothers and sisters to share unforgettable memories together. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about prices or payment methods - we'll be happy to help.

The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. We strive to maintain a safe, well-supervised and appropriate environment at all times. In concrete terms, this means professional supervision (experienced animators with training in the arts and children's activities) and more staff (see question on group size) to keep a close eye on every child. Our activity leaders are familiar with first-aid techniques and keep a first-aid kit on hand to deal with any minor injuries. Activities are prepared and adapted according to age to avoid unnecessary risks, while giving children plenty of freedom to explore. In the field, we establish clear rules right from the start (stay with the group, don't wander off without warning, etc.) to guarantee everyone's protection. We carry out regular checks of the activity site to rule out any possible dangers (secure terrain, supervision of tools used in the workshop, etc.). We cultivate a caring, non-competitive atmosphere where every child feels respected. Staff are attentive to individual needs (tiredness, thirst, needing to go to the toilet - all of these are handled gently). Regular breaks are provided so that children can rest, drink water or go to the toilet. We do not tolerate harassment or mockery between participants: team spirit and kindness are at the heart of our values. In short, we do our utmost to ensure that your child's week is as safe, physically and emotionally, as possible, and that he or she remembers it fondly.

Apolline has no specific insurance to cover participants in its programs. As organizers, we do have professional liability insurance, but this does not extend to individual coverage for each child. It is therefore the responsibility of parents to check that their children are properly insured. In practice, this means making sure that your child has adequate accident and liability insurance for the duration of the internship. Most of the time, these coverages are part of your family contracts (household/RC insurance and private health/accident insurance). Make sure that everything is in order before the first day, so that your child is protected in the event of the unexpected. Apolline does not intervene in the event of an accident, so it's important to have your own coverage.

In the event of an emergency, our teams are trained to react quickly and effectively. In the event of a serious incident or illness, we immediately contact the child's parents (or legal guardian). At the same time, if necessary, we call the emergency services (ambulance, doctor) without delay. We always carry a fully-charged cell phone so that we can contact the emergency services and families at any time. When registering, you will be asked to fill in a health form - please be sure to include all relevant health information about your child (allergies, current treatment, pediatrician's contact details, etc.). This way, in the event of a medical emergency, we'll have the essential data on hand to inform the emergency services. On site, we have the first-aid equipment needed to deal with minor injuries in the short term. If the child's condition requires intervention, a member of our team will remain with him or her at all times until you or the emergency services arrive, to reassure the child and make sure he or she receives the appropriate care. Fortunately, serious emergencies are extremely rare. But rest assured that we are ready to act to protect your child's health as best we can. After all, our top priority is the safety and well-being of every participant. If you have any further questions about your child's insurance or medical safety, please do not hesitate to contact us in advance of the camp.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. Our cancellation policy is flexible and takes into account the organization of the camp. For cancellations made up to one week before the start of the camp, we offer a full refund of the registration fee. If you cancel less than a week before the start of the camp, we will refund 50% of the total amount. On the other hand, once the week of camp has begun, no refund is possible, except in cases of medical force majeure. For example, in the event of illness during the camp, on presentation of a medical certificate, we may make a partial refund (calculated on a pro rata basis from the 3ᵉ day of consecutive absence). This policy aims to offer families a degree of flexibility while respecting the organization's logistical and financial commitments. Please note that if the course has to be cancelled by us (e.g. for lack of sufficient participants or a health emergency), you will of course receive a full refund, or we will offer you an alternative solution. In case of doubt or if you have a particular situation, the best thing to do is to contact our team as soon as possible to find the most suitable solution.

Yes, we're planning a highlight at the end of the week for parents to discover the children's work! On Friday afternoon, a final exhibition is held at the workshop site. In concrete terms, at around 4:00 p.m., parents are invited to join us outdoors (or indoors in case of inclement weather) to admire the creations made during the week. Strictly speaking, this isn't a stage show, but rather an ephemeral art gallery-style presentation: the young artists will take you on a tour of their works - paintings, collages, land art photos, crafted objects... - proudly commenting on what they've done. The activity team will open the session with a short welcome to thank everyone and set the scene (for example: "This week, we've been exploring the colors of nature every day..."). Then it's time for the kids! You can move from one workshop to the next, with your child showing you his or her favorite painting, the rainbow of leaves he or she has assembled, and so on. Camera in hand, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture these moments of family joy. The visit usually ends with a small closing ceremony where each child receives a symbolic diploma (e.g. "Little Nature Artist" with his or her first name) or a souvenir of the workshop. It's a convivial moment, full of emotion and color, that brings the camp to a close in style. Participants love to proudly show off what they've accomplished, and parents leave delighted, often surprised to see what their little ones have achieved in five days. So be sure to reserve your late afternoon on Friday for this final event - it's sure to be a great time of sharing!

Absolutely, Apolline offers a wide range of artistic activities for everyone during the school vacations (and even throughout the year). For example, we also organize theater workshops, drawing and painting workshops, comic strip/manga workshops, and music courses. Each offer has its own theme: there's something for every taste and passion. We specialize in art and artistic expression, but we know that children have a wide range of interests. If your child has a passion for animals, for example, there are other camps in the region that offer exercises around nature and animals - such as horse or pony riding camps, or courses on educational farms where youngsters can look after animals. Similarly, for sports enthusiasts, there are offers for soccer, tennis, cycling, climbing and more. Our Les Mini-artistes explorateurs course focuses on nature and art, but if you're looking for something else (such as dance, a circus course, or a language immersion course), there are plenty of options.

Absolutely not. This workshop is open to everyone, from 4 to 8 years old, with no prerequisites. No previous artistic experience is necessary to have fun and learn with us. The activities are designed for beginners and more advanced artists alike, so there's something for everyone. Our instructors adapt to the age and knowledge of each child. For example, if your child has never held a paintbrush before, he or she will be guided step by step to discover painting; on the other hand, if he or she already loves crafting and drawing at home, he or she will be able to give free rein to his or her creativity with more personal projects. The important thing is that everyone progresses at their own pace, in a rewarding environment. We make sure that even the most shy or inexperienced students gain self-confidence as the days go by. The teaching approach is very playful, far removed from the school environment: here we learn by having fun, through play and experimentation. Even a 4-year-old who has never taken part in a creative workshop will quickly get hooked - and we can often see the progress in autonomy and self-confidence from one day to the next! On the other hand, a 7-8 year-old who has already taken drawing classes, for example, won't be bored, as they'll be offered challenges tailored to their abilities. In short, this course is for everyone, beginners or not. There's no age limit for letting your artistic soul shine through. A quick note for curious parents: numerous studies show that artistic practice has benefits for all ages - there's even talk of art therapy for adults - but for children, it's above all a wonderful adventure to experience, without pressure or any notion of performance.

Brothers and sisters are of course welcome! There's nothing more joyful than seeing siblings sharing and creating together. If you have several enthusiastic youngsters of compatible ages, you can register them all for the camp. However, you must respect the camp's age range, which is 4 to 8 years. Babies and toddlers under the age of 4 will unfortunately not be accepted, even if they're accompanying their big brother or sister, for safety and supervision reasons. Our supervision and ratios are really designed for pre-school and primary school children, but not for toddlers. Similarly, an older child aged 9-10 might get bored among the little ones - in which case we can refer you to our courses for 8-12 year-olds. In short, you can register your family members as long as they are aged between 4 and 8. If they wish, we'll make sure they're in the same activity sub-group, so they can enjoy each other's company.

In French-speaking Switzerland, and more particularly in the Geneva and Vaud regions, there are a multitude of vacation camps and stays on offer. There's something for everyone! For example, the TCS (Touring Club Suisse) organizes summer camps just about everywhere, often focusing on nature and sport, with overnight stays in accommodation or tented campsites. There are also traditional camps (colos), where children spend a whole week in a center or chalet - often in the mountains or by a lake - and take part in a variety of activities (canoeing, outdoor games, evening parties). In the "nature and adventure" category, there are camps run by Pro Natura and other environmental organizations, which take children into forests, mountains or rivers to observe animals and learn to live in nature. For those who love the water, some structures offer sailing or kayaking courses on the lake, or include outings to the pool and beach when the weather permits. On the sports side, there are camps for soccer, basketball, mountain biking, climbing, tennis, and even multi-sport camps where each day is dedicated to a different discipline. For thrill-seekers, there are adventure-oriented camps, with rafting, hiking and tree-climbing activities for all ages. On the artistic and cultural front, apart from Apolline, other schools and associations offer dance, theater, circus and intensive music courses. There are also language camps to learn English, German (or another language) while having fun, often with bilingual instructors - interesting for children of expatriate parents or for those wishing to combine leisure and learning. And let's not forget museums and cultural centers, which sometimes organize vacation workshops (for example, a natural history museum can offer a "little scientist" course with visits and fun experiments). Last but not least, some communes or youth centers run local summer camps with all-day programs. As you can see, there's a very wide choice when it comes to children's vacations! The important thing is to select a camp that matches your child's desires (artistic, sports, discovery theme) and your logistics (proximity, dates, schedules, accommodation or not). Our Les Mini-artistes explorateurs camp stands out for its open-air artistic approach and its non-overnight format, but it coexists with all these other offers. We encourage you to compare programs and educational values, and to read detailed descriptions (and even the opinions of other parents) to make the best choice for your child.

Choosing the right option may seem difficult, but there are a few main criteria to guide your decision. First, consider your child's interests. Are they artists, sports enthusiasts, adventurers, nature lovers or animal lovers? There are offers for every profile: creative courses like Apolline's, sports camps, farm camps, language stays and more. A child who loves to move might thrive in a multi-activity outdoor program, while a dreamy, manual child will get the most out of a nature art camp like ours. Secondly, age and autonomy play a role: for the youngest (4-6 years), a daytime activity, without overnight stay, close to home, will be reassuring. For older children (8-12), a camp with a few nights outdoors can be a great experience if they feel ready. Be sure to check the age range indicated, and prefer a solution where your child will be surrounded by friends of a similar age. Another important criterion: supervision and safety. Find out about the number of staff, their training and experience. Reputations and opinions of other parents can also be useful: don't hesitate to read testimonials or ask around. Word-of-mouth is often an excellent indicator of the quality of a course. Take a look at the practical aspects too: location (is it close to your home or on your vacation site? in the city or out in the countryside?), timetables (is early pick-up and late drop-off offered to accommodate working parents?), meals (do you have to pack a picnic? is a snack offered?), general logistics (transport, parking, take-away equipment, etc.). Of course, the question of fees also comes into play, as does the possibility of subsidies (certain communes or employers contribute to the financing of camps, or there are discounts for large families). Finally, if possible, involve your child in the choice: show him or her the programs that tempt you, and see what makes him or her react positively. A motivated child will always get the most out of his or her stay.

Enrolling your child in a vacation camp is much more than just a form of childcare: it's a human and educational adventure from which he or she will grow. Camps bring multiple benefits. First and foremost, it's an opportunity for young people to enjoy new experiences outside the family or school environment. They make new friends, meet other adults and learn how to evolve in a group. This temporary communal living reinforces their sociability and team spirit. Secondly, the activities on offer - whether artistic, sporting or outdoor - develop skills and passions. In a course like Les Mini-artistes explorateurs, for example, your child will develop his creativity, his relationship with nature, his fine motor skills, etc., all while having fun. Every day, they'll come home proud to tell you what they've done and what they've learned (learning while having fun is the watchword of good summer camps). Another advantage of camps is that they contribute to autonomy and self-confidence. Children discover that they can manage without mom and dad for a few hours or days, that they can take on new challenges (such as presenting a drawing in front of the group, trying out a new activity they've never done before, etc.). These small, personal victories are extremely rewarding. From a parent's point of view, enrolling your child in a camp is also a source of peace of mind: you know that your little one is busy doing something stimulating, surrounded by qualified adults, in a safe environment. Meanwhile, you can get on with your work if you're not off, or simply take some time out to relax, spend time with your partner or your youngest child, knowing that your eldest is well looked after. It's a win-win situation: the child has fun and progresses, and the parents can breathe a sigh of relief! Last but not least, a camp creates lasting memories. How many adults still speak fondly of the week-long camp or course that marked them in their youth? Your child will return from camp with stars in his eyes, proud to show you his creations or new talents. It's a life experience that contributes to their development. Whether it's discovering nature, making new friends or opening up to new horizons, camps are a great opportunity to grow while having fun. So why deprive yourself?

Enrolling your child in a vacation camp is much more than just a form of childcare: it's a human and educational adventure from which he or she will grow. Camps bring multiple benefits. First and foremost, it's an opportunity for young people to enjoy new experiences outside the family or school environment. They make new friends, meet other adults and learn how to function in a group. This temporary communal living reinforces their sociability and team spirit. Secondly, the activities on offer - whether artistic, sporting or outdoor - develop skills and passions. In a course like Les Mini-artistes explorateurs, for example, your child will develop his creativity, his relationship with nature, his fine motor skills, etc., all while having fun. Every day, they'll come home proud to tell you what they've done and what they've learned (learning while having fun is the watchword of good summer camps). Another advantage of camps is that they contribute to autonomy and self-confidence. Children discover that they can manage without mom and dad for a few hours or days, that they can take on new challenges (such as presenting a drawing in front of the group, trying out a new activity they've never done before, etc.). These small, personal victories are extremely rewarding. For parents, registering your child for camp is also a source of peace of mind: you know that your little one is busy doing something stimulating, surrounded by qualified adults, in a safe environment. Meanwhile, you can get on with your work if you're not off, or simply take some time out to relax, spend time with your partner or your youngest child, knowing that your eldest is well looked after. It's a win-win situation: the child has fun and progresses, and the parents can breathe a sigh of relief! Last but not least, a camp creates lasting memories. How many adults still speak fondly of the week-long camp or course that marked them in their youth? Your child will return from camp with stars in his eyes, proud to show you his creations or new talents. It's a life experience that contributes to their development. Whether it's discovering nature, making new friends or opening up to new horizons, camps are a great opportunity to grow while having fun. So why deprive yourself?

We receive many positive comments from parents who have registered their children for our courses. Many emphasize how delighted their children were when they returned home that evening, eager to come back the next day. Others were pleasantly surprised to see their shy child open up to others and gain confidence through group exercises. Safety and supervision were also recurrent themes in the testimonials: parents appreciated our professional and caring approach, and felt confident leaving their children with us. Some mention that they chose Apolline after comparing other camps in the area, and that they don't regret their choice - on the contrary! They speak of an "enriching" experience, "very well organized", with a "top-notch, attentive team". Last but not least, many insist that their little ones learned a lot without realizing it: "My daughter knows primary and secondary colors by heart now". This feedback warms our hearts and motivates us to continue offering high-quality camps. If you're still unsure, we can put you in touch with parents who have already been through the Apolline experience, or you can read the testimonials published on our website. There's nothing like the opinion of parents to make up your mind - and in our case, they're delighted!