Welcome to the latest blog from International Summer Camp Montana and we hope that you are well, wherever you might be reading from in the World!  The snow has started to fall on Crans-Montana and the ski and snowboard season is just about to commence.  Although the summer season of 2012 is still a full 6 months away, we still want to hear from you about the coming summer and must remind you that places are filling up fast!

This week’s blog is about the musical elements of ISCM.  We don’t quite have ‘International Summer Camp Montana – the musical’ (just yet!) but you’d be surprised just how important music is during each and every day of the summer season.

First of all (of course), there is our music activity, in which all of our campers have the opportunity to take part in during their stay at La Moubra.  Our music hall is located just beside our horse stables and it is common that you will hear a vast array of musical instruments, laughter, singing and the occasional blast of karaoke!  Music is a very popular activity with our campers and there are even some who decide to bring their own instruments with them to learn, improve, practice and perform during their stay.

You may also hear music, albeit of a slightly louder volume, at least 4 times a week coming from the Clubroom.  This is because many of the camper discos taking place there!  These are arguably one of the most popular evening activities with the majority of our campers, particularly with the older sections, the Champions and the Seniors.  These evenings often have a theme in which all can participate, such as ‘Black & White’ or ‘Masquerade’.  However, a personal favourite would have to be the ‘Crêpe Party’!  What better than dancing the evening away with friends whilst eating a freshly made crêpe?!

In addition to the aforementioned musical interludes, many of our camp ‘Alumni’ may not be aware that we now have a camp song as part of every summer season.  The song is normally very current and well-known to campers and staff alike.  Not only is it chosen to represent memories from a summer at La Moubra, but it is also an accompaniment to our camp dance!  This is something that all of our campers and indeed, our staff have the opportunity to learn.  The camp dance is performed by all of our staff members at the end of the staff introductions and then taught to our campers at various points of their 3 week stay.  Last year’s dance was one of the simplest to learn and looked great when caught on camera!

So whether it is making new music during activities, listening to the latest sounds at the disco or learning the camp dance, music will always influence each and every day at International Summer Camp Montana!

You might be surprised to learn that we offer karate as part of our program at International Summer Camp Montana; in fact, we have done for the last 9 summers!  As ever, providing a safe and secure environment is our number one priority and our karate instructors have always been very experienced.  The focus of the program is not only on learn the fundamentals of this ancient art form, but it is also directed to educating campers about the etiquette and discipline associated with karate too!

Last week’s fact -  Do you know what the record temperature in the summer of 2011 was (as measured at the Head Counselors’ office)?


A.

The summer of 2011 was like many others during the 50 years of International Summer Camp Montana; there were more good days of weather than bad ones!  There were some really cracking days and the warmest temperature measured at the Head Counselor’s office was 34.9C / 94.8F!  Whilst this just an approximation, it’s fair to say that was a very warm day and the swimming pool was a popular place!



Q.

As mentioned in this week’s blog, every summer there is a special song that is chosen to be the song of the summer.  Do you know what the song was during ISCM’s 50th year, during the 2011 summer season?!



We will reveal the answer to this ‘Fascinating Fact’ in the next blog!

As always, if you have any questions, queries or comments regarding this blog or anything to do with International Summer Camp Montana, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Welcome to the latest blog from International Summer Camp Montana and we hope that you are well, wherever you might be reading from in the World!  The end of November is approaching and soon Crans-Montana will be buzzing with people who have Winter sports on their mind.  However, our minds are still firmly on warmer weather and preparations for the summer season of 2012!

This past summer season, the Pioneer section had the opportunity to take part in something that has fast become a global phenomenon;  they had the chance play ‘Quidditch’!  For those not familiar with Quidditch, it was originally a fictional sport developed by the creator of the Harry Potter series, JK Rowling.  However, it is now a very real sport, being a fast paced, high action game. It’s popularity has grown across the with famous Universities forming teams and World wide competitions are now held.

During summer 2011 though, the Pioneers were amongst the new crop of Quidditch players!  Used as an evening activity, the entire section was split up into ‘houses’ using elaborate techniques, great costumes and some fancy work by the Counselors!  There was also an Oscar nominated performance by a certain Head Counselor…….!  The ‘houses’ were named as in the Harry Potter stories – Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Griffindor.
The rules were explained cleary before the fun began and it is important to know what each of the positions do in a game.  There are 4 main positions;

The Seeker – This is the position played by Harry Potter and this is the person responsible for finding the ‘Golden Snitch’, which is the tiny golden ball flying around the pitch.  Since we must play without magic, a small silver coin was used and it was hidden in a secret location on the pitch.  If the Seeker finds the Snitch, that team is awarded 50 points!

The Bludgers – Their aim is to tag the players of the opposing team with a dodge ball during play.

The Keepers – These team members serve to protect their team’s nets from the threat of goals.

The Chasers – Those players who are trying to score goals (through three hula hoops attached to soccer nets), whilst at the same time dodging balls thrown at them by the Bludgers!

The result of the Quidditch matches?  A great success and a fantastic time had by all of the Pioneer campers.  We know that they’re already looking forward to the ISCM Quidditch matches of 2012!

Whether you want to know what to pack for camp, how to request a brochure, apply as a staff member, gain advice on a camper’s specific dietary requirements or just sign up for a summer of magical memories at ISCM, we want you to know that all you have to do is ‘just ask us’!  Remember, whether you prefer telephone, email, fax or in person, our administration team are waiting for your questions!