SwissCommunity Youth+Sport courses – a springboard for prospective camp leaders Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad (FYSA) Tel. +41 31 356 61 16 info@sjas.ch www.sjas.ch Problem solved – even a simple tent needs a bit of planning. Photo provided In Switzerland for university studies or an apprenticeship Young Swiss Abroad receive personal counselling on the topic of education in Switzerland. Switzerland has an excellent and diverse education system. The vocational education and training system based on apprenticeships is well established in society and the economy. The universities enjoy a good international reputation. For young Swiss Abroad, post-compulsory education in Switzerland offers the opportunity of a very good education or training and at the same time the chance to get to know their family’s homeland. Such a step needs to be well prepared. It is important to obtain information at an early stage. The educationsuisse specialist service offers free advice and support on all questions relating to education in Switzerland: ■ Information relating to different educational options such as university studies and vocational training ■ Information relating to specific questions regarding admission requirements, required language skills, deadlines, accommodation, insurances, etc. ■ Individual counselling onsite in Berne or online regarding education in Switzerland ■ Vocational and study counselling in cooperation with a professional career counselling provider (fee-based) ■ Assistance in applying for cantonal scholarship and administrative support ■ Financial help (grants/loans) from educationsuisse and private foundations The educationsuisse staff speak English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. They will be glad to help and answer questions about education in Switzerland via email, by telephone or Skype or onsite in Berne. RUTH VON GUNTEN, EDUCATIONSUISSE educationsuisse, education in Switzerland, Alpenstrasse 26, 3006 Berne, Switzerland Tel. +41 31 356 61 04; info@educationsuisse.ch; www.educationsuisse.ch Obernau in the canton of Lucerne served as the picturesque setting for an eventful week in which 15 prospective camp leaders cemented their knowledge and expertise in dealing with children and teenagers. With the Youth+Sport (J+S) course being conducted in both French and German, participants were able to brush up on their language skills at the same time. English was also occasionally spoken. Hidden away in the countryside, the local scouts and guide camp provided the ideal venue for intense training and a range of thought-provoking workshops and discussions on culture, education, safety and teamwork. The participants were also able to put what they had learned into practice – organising various sports activities, embarking on a two-day hike around Rigi and Pilatus, and going through many of the situations that you would typically encounter at a holiday camp. The course was geared to young Swiss who wish to prepare for the responsibility of being a holiday camp leader. Training on safety, risk prevention, care, and activity coordination, as well as input on outdoor techniques, also proved particularly valuable. The course brought together Swiss Abroad, people doing civilian service, and Swiss residents without any experience of youth organisations – an exciting mix that provided lots of opportunities for participants to engage and interact. After an intense week, everyone returned home with bags of knowledge and new perspectives. The J+S course is not only a milestone in personal development but also helps to promote diversity and togetherness among Swiss youth workers. National scheme to promote sport J+S assists sports organisers by providing them with funding as well as subsidised training and further education opportunities. It also supports courses and camps for children and teenagers in around 85 different sports. Some 80,000 sports courses and dedicated camps take place every year, attended by about 640,000 children. The holiday camps and training courses of the FYSA and the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad are also supported by J+S and available in the camp sports/trekking and ski/snowboard categories. DAVID REICHMUTH, FYSA 29 Swiss Review / May 2024 / No.3
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