This year was extra special for Institut Montana as it took place during the school’s 100th birthday. Throughout 2 weeks, kids from more than 15 countries discovered new strengths, interests, and hidden talents while building confidence through English and German lessons, creative workshops, sports, and teamwork.
Social-Emotional and Climate & Sustainability
Starting the first week’s theme with Social & Emotional Learning and Climate & Sustainability, the kids explored emotions and communication skills, reflected through journaling, and took part in activities such as the Wish Tree and Outdoor Emotion Day. They also learned how everyday choices, from reducing food waste to protecting nature, can positively impact the environment. In the daily English and German language classes, they learned to express themselves and watched films that taught them about friendship and teamwork.
Afternoons offered endless opportunities to discover and develop talents. Whether creating artwork in the art studio or in nature, practising archery, improving basketball and football skills, dancing, creating podcasts, trying tai chi or experimenting through science, every kid was encouraged to try something new and build confidence through daily practice.
Of course, no Swiss summer camp would be complete without discovering the beauty of Switzerland. The summer camp kids explored Zug and Lucerne, enjoyed the stunning lakes and mountain scenery, visited Flip Lab and a game centre, and watched Disney’s Moana (Vaiana), whose themes of courage, self-belief, and respect for nature perfectly complemented the week’s learning.
Global Citizenship and Innovation
As Week 2 focused on Global Citizenship and Innovation, the kids visited Webrepublic, one of Switzerland’s leading digital marketing and communications agencies in Zurich. Cary Harrison (radio M host and Montana alumnus) introduced them to a fellow Institut Montana alumnus – the Webrepublic founder, Tom Hanan, who brought Google to Europe. From the visit, they were shown in action: Critical Thinking, AI Literacy, Digital Media & Content Creation, Strategic Communication, Global Team Collaboration, Innovation & Entrepreneurial Thinking.
A special feature of this year’s programme was the Max Husmann Challenge, created for the first time for Institut Montana Summer Camp, to celebrate Institut Montana’s 100th anniversary. Inspired by the vision of the school’s founder, the kids worked in multicultural teams to solve creative challenges that required collaboration, leadership, critical thinking, resilience, and communication.
The two-week journey concluded with Institut Montana’s summer camp participants receiving their Talent Pass, which reflected what they discovered and developed. Leaving our Zugerberg, they have grown with new skills, experiences, friendships, and confidence. The article attracted local media attention, such as Zuger Zeitung.
