The Educational & Personal Development Courses Now At Les Elfes

Learning Through Adventure since 1987” has been our byline.

The  Educational & Personal Development Courses in Leadership & Arts, Cooking & Theatre make the program complete by having equal emphasis on physical and soft skills, thus developing and enriching both the left and the right brain.

 We at Les Elfes have constantly been changing and developing various facets of our program to ensure best deliverables for our participants

The aims of the Educational Courses which, from 2015, will become a trademark feature of our Spring Camps are to:

1. Provide Adventurous Activities built on a well-established foundation of professional and safe practices.
2. Inspire holistic personal development and an exploration of inter-personal identities through culturally diverse experiences.
3. Outdoor Learning which enables young people to discover their true potential to be dynamic and prosperous in their future lives.

 The sessions in these educational courses have been designed to be flexible in their content and structure to suit the requirements of the individuals participating in each course, building on their current level of experience and confidence.

 During the Educational & Personal Development Courses our Learning Outcomes  include:

•   Verbal Communication – Considering appropriate use of Verbal communication; instruction, encouragement, direction, humour, tone, projection of voice and managing verbal communication during conflict.
•        Alternatives to Verbal Communication – Appropriate circumstances to use different methods of communication, the impact of body language and posture as a leader on the behaviour of a group, using clapping, whistles and touch to communicate effectively.
•         Characteristics of an Effective Leader – Exploring ideas of the expectations of a leader, the character traits which influence leadership styles, role models, behaviors and the individual characteristics of participants in the group and the ways in which their characteristics shape their group.
•       Time Management & Personal Organisation – Learning to plan an effective session in leading, accurately approximating the time for each activity, managing equipment & facilities to produce an effective session, giving clear and precise instructions and motivating others when leading a session.

 Our Educational & Personal Development program is a question as much as an answer. Through our activities we pose questions to our young people that spark creative action and engender reflective thinking, giving them the tools to cultivate a leadership style which is truly their own. The experiential learning pedagogy employed in Les Elfes Leadership is focused on the unlocking of innate potential within the young people we teach.

 Les Elfes Educational & Personal Development  Programs are designed and facilitated by graduates of LJMU’s Outdoor Education degree where they have studied under some of the UK’s foremost academics in the field Development Training and Outdoor Leadership.

Together with the team of experienced and dedicated staff and the fabulous resources available in and around our alpine campuses, Les Elfes are able to offer some of the most exciting, contemporary and relevant leadership programmes in the Alps.

The Learning Objectives for this years classes , but are not limited to were:

• v   Communication skills
• v   Interpersonal skills
• v   Intra personal skills
• v   Team building skills
• v   Goal setting skills
• v   Reflection skills
• v   Time management skill

With the success of this session, we will be making this resource of learning for our participants more intense. We will have 6-8 such classes through the two week session

For under 12 years of age, cooking will be replaces with public speaking & creative writing and art and theater will be integrated to maximize the participants creative skills. Different tools will be used each year to eliminate repetition for repeating participants.

 In Spring 2016, for over 12 years of age, areas addressed in the Leadership classes will be

v Self-awareness

v Organizing

v Listening

v Thinking strategically

v Critical thinking

v Conflict resolution

v Optimisation

v Self Actualisation

And the classes in Spring 2017 will focus on

v Innovation

v Setting expectations

v Delegation

v Recognition

v Stress management

v Crisis management

v Emotional intelligence

International Adventure camps are gaining importance for Indian Children

 

Camps, summer camps, adventure camps, overnighter camps are terms a majority of Indian parents even in this day and age are not comfortable with. The need to send children far away during vacation doesn’t seem compelling enough. Most have comfortable sized houses or joint families or neighborhood friends to fill up all the time during vacation. And now with cable TV and all the gizmos like Ipads the remaining time too is accounted for. Then of course there is the study and the holiday homework and voila the holidays are done.

But there has been a section of parents who are realizing that so much of unstructured play time is proving detrimental. Lazy habits creeping in, disconnect from the outdoors, too much time on TV and of course the regular “what do I dooo now?”

Using some part of the vacation to develop many social, emotional and educational needs, which our marks oriented education is ignoring, is gaining acceptance and importance.

Adventure camps step in to take care of so many areas that especially our Indian children need addressed. Let’s look at some of these

1. Confidence Building Most of our children are considered clever if they do well academically. Most other areas of talent like sports even now are not given high importance and are distant thirds. Many suffer from lack of self esteem due to the kind of academic and social competitions that shape their lives at school.

 

2. Independence Indian children to date are pampered with maids, drivers, house-help, studies help and of course the mom dad help that they are not used to taking even the littlest decisions for themselves.

 

3. Social Confidence A lot of children have adjustment issues due to lack of social confidence as they lead very closeted lives. Cooperation and respecting others and their points of view isn’t taken for granted anymore .Social labels like shy, aggressive bully etc get stuck and everyone gets slotted.

 

4. International Exposure Thrown into a flattened world many of our children going overseas to seek higher education suffer from cultural shocks. Watching movies and TV programs is one thing but actually close interaction with the rest of the world is another.

 

5. Physical Inactivity Being plugged to technology or books makes for a complete sedentary life . Lack of public parks, open spaces & overburdening of school works makes for very passive lifestyles.

 

6. Connect with Nature Children especially in the larger cities have lost touch with nature due to the urban lifestyles they lead. As a test take them to any florist and ask them to identify flowers beyond a rose and a lily and watch most of them fumble. Mountains & rivers are a far cry for them.

 

Summer Camps or Adventure camps provide a short, intense experience to address all the above issues. Aside from the opportunity to try out new sports, & outdoor activities, camp allows kids the chance to embark on new social adventures. In an environment close to nature where most are strangers’ children are free of labels and pressures .They can find new exciting avenues of physical, social and environmental expressions.

For the average Indian children they provide the perfect setting to become resilient and make like long friendships all on their own without peer parental or academic pressure. They can discover aspects of their personalities that provide them immense confidence which otherwise would have got lost in the race for academic excellence.

Adventure camps are indeed life changing experiences and helping children emerge into confident global citizens of tomorrow.

 

Benefits of Skiing

The physical, psychological and spiritual benefits of skiing

 

It goes without saying that a trip to the mountains for a spot of skiing is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise, although many people may not be aware that winter sports can in fact be considerably more beneficial to one’s health than many other physical pursuits. This is because skiing – or snowboarding, for those who’d prefer – is more than just a workout. Rather, it enables us to transcend our everyday lives by taking us to a totally new location where we are surrounded by nature, and forces us to engage our body and mind.
A number of tests and studies have been conducted over the years to highlight exactly what benefits can be gained from skiing, with the results showing that it can be used to treat everything from stress to insomnia. Here’s a look at a few of the ways that skiing can help you.

Improves cognitive capacity
According to the US Centres for Disease Control, skiing is better than most other forms of exercise because it requires the use of the aerobic and anaerobic energy systems, while also forcing us to make strategic decisions as we go along, choosing the best route and remaining aware of other moving objects around us. This combination is thought to help people think more clearly, and can even increase cognitive capacity, meaning that skiers are likely to be better learners in other areas of life, while also having less chance of suffering from mental decline in old age.

The outdoor setting also plays a role in helping us achieve this, as fresh air and closeness to nature are thought to be important in keeping the mind alert and stimulated.

Boosts core strength

Having a strong core is regarded by many as the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, giving people a greater sense of stability that then permeates through to their mental health as well. Skiing helps us to develop our core muscles, as these are automatically called into play when we try to keep ourselves balanced. Naturally, it’s always a good idea to train these muscles before hitting the slopes rather than waiting until you’re on the snow and hoping your core holds out – but at the very least, skiing should provide an incentive to increase your core strength.

 

Reduced Anxiety

Skiing helps you cope with anxiety that develops from stressful life situations. Getting out onto the slopes provides you with a change of environment that helps you break free from the cycle of self-perpetuating negative thoughts that invades you throughout the day. Taking your mind off your worries, whether those worries are ongoing problems in your life or an unusual, once in a life time event gives you the mental break that you need and deserve.

 

 

Reduced Depression

Exercise such as skiing reduces chemicals released by your immune system that fuel the symptoms of depression. Skiing causes your brain to release the neurotransmitters and endorphins that lessen the symptoms of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic website, regular exercise such as skiing may help prevent the return of clinical depression if you keep up with this physical activity.

 

Lifts Mood

While any form of exercise has the power to lift your spirit and your mood, skiing has the benefit of getting you outside in the fresh air. Unlike forms of exercise that are performed indoors, being in the great outdoors brings feelings of oneness with nature, an appreciation of the great outdoors and the peaceful feeling of something greater than oneself. The change in environment helps lead you out of the routine places such as the office that deplete your spirit. Skiing may even fit into your treatment plan if you are under a provider’s care for health issues such as clinical depression or an anxiety disorder.

 

Thinking

Skiing offers the dual combination of aerobic activity and muscle building exercise, which according to the Centers for Disease Control, boosts your ability to think clearly, learn and make good decisions about your life. The mental stimulation of the outdoor environment while skiing exercises your brain as much as much as your body. Regular exercise such as skiing may even prevent cognitive decline and age-related losses in memory and other cognitive skills, explains the Franklin Institute.

 

Improved Sleep

A good workout through skiing during the daytime at least three hours before your bedtime will help to improve the quality of your sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, a healthy night’s sleep helps regulate your mood, improves your memory and ability to learn and helps promote a healthy weight and energy level. By including skiing in your fitness repertoire, you will enjoy the added psychological benefits of a good night’s sleep.

So how about a try with Les Elfes contact us at info@leselfes.in

Sources;-various articles on the internet

Leadership Training & Career Orientation at Les Elfes Camps

 

Les Elfes introduces Leadership Training and Career Orientation for our 12-17 year old campers. We work with highly professional experts who developed a unique and fun-based approach. Our campers will gain valuable practical skills

Leadership Training

We will offer an exclusive one-day leadership training for our 12-14 year old campers. We work with highly professional experts who developed a unique and fun-based approach. Our campers will gain valuable practical skills, such as goal setting, presentation skills, group dynamics and the essence of time management, which will be discussed and experienced during interactive presentations, great role-plays and exciting fun-filled games.

 Career Orientation

Our oldest campers aged 15-17 years old will have the chance to participate in a one-day career orientation workshop during their session. Based on an interactive method, the students will discover their talents, interests and management styles and how to apply these elements in their professional orientation. Each student receives a motivation profile and his personal talent definition.

Adventure Camps Do Change Your Life !

The camp experience is life-changing – developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire

Research shows that first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls ? Research states that 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

Camp gets those neurons pumping! Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional education settings do well at camp.

Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond! Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people — these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years. “Tomorrow’s leaders will not be those who can type or text with lightning speed, they will be those who can have a face-to-face conversation and articulate their thoughts, ideas, and values,” said Smith. “Tomorrow’s leaders will be able to relate globally and find common ground with people who are vastly different from themselves — people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Tomorrow’s leaders will be made and educated by experiences like those provided at camps of Les Elfes”

Chaperoned Camps From Les Elfes India

Chaperoned Camps from Les Elfes India

 Camping, though not a very new phenomenon in India, has still to permeate far and wide through society. There are some aspects of camping which we Indian are taking a while to get used to .One of the main reasons could be the unacceptability of letting our children go alone

We are culturally very family oriented and holiday as a family. Sending children away for camps with other children to places unknown with people unseen makes us uncomfortable.

“What will they eat? How will they manage? Who will look after them? How safe are they there ? Can I come meet them? How often can I speak to them?”…  are among the many questions that keep buzzing around.

If we had our way we would even go to camp with them!

Many of our children too have never been away from home alone without adults escorting them.. And then sending them overseas alone is too alien a concept for us.

Here at Les Elfes India we have been very quick to understand this mindset of Indian parents.

Many camps that go from India that are synced with the school holidays have  members escorting them. A senior team member from Les Elfes India team is present with them though the duration of the camp.This member is introduced to the parents and children in India and goes with them from here. The chaperon is  a via media /quasi parent during their entire stay.A parent can connect with him/her at any time .

While encouraging independence is one of the pillars of our camp, the chaperon is available 24/7 to help, guide, motivate and comfort. If required they help the child settle in and watch over them from the background. Our local Les Elfes staff is expertly trained to look after every need .After all there is one monitor for 7 children .

Almost as good as home! The chaperons just provide the homely touch if required.

Chaperoned dates for camps 2014     

 1. Spring Session 1 and 2 – Dates-19th April till 3rd May

2. Spring Session 3- Dates- 26th April till 10th May

3. Spring Session 4- Dates- 20th May till 3rd June.

4. Summer Session 1- Dates -7th June till 21st June

5. Summer Session 2- Dates -15th June till 28th June

 

Roopa Patel one of our most senior members chaperoning a spring camp.

Win A GoPro Camera Contest from Les Elfes India (15th -16th Feb 2014)

Win A Go Pro Camera

Short & Sparky  Contest

  15th Feb-16th Feb 2014

A great football kick ,a poetic dive, an awesome ski jump,

A friend’s tennis shot, sisters back flip,dad’s golf swing,

Neighbours cricket shot

Any of these could win you a camera

 

Les Elfes  India invites young adults aged 7-18 partake in a photo contest by sharing an exciting sporting video

Shoot or download a short video of any sporting action

The video has to be of 1-2 ½ minutes duration.

You could shoot yourself from any mobile or basic camera

You can even download a sporting video from the net & recreate or reinvent it

Add music or effects to spark it up

Upload it on our facebook page

Get friends to like it & convince Les Elfes International to love it !

And Voila! You have a shot at winning the great GoPro Camera

PS. you must like our page to enter or to vote

Rule & Regulations

1. Open to all children aged 7-18
2. The video has to be of any sports action
3. Videos must be uploaded on 15th 16th Feb 2014
4. One child can submit only video
5. The video should have largely original content.
6. The video should be uploaded on the Les Elfes India page at www.facebook.com/leselfesindia
7. Les Elfes will monitor the contest to the best of our ability
8. We will remove all content/comments, in our sole discretion, that is deemed inappropriate, and then block the user
9. By submitting a video, you understand that Les Elfes India is not responsible for comments or negativity regarding your photo,
10. Facebook is in no way associated with this contest and every contestant is entering into an engagement with Les Elfes India
11. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook
12. By submitting a photo, participants are agreeing to abide by these rules and conditions

Winner

Winner shall be adjudged on the basis of the following criterion
The video which gets lots of likes on face book & is selected by Les Elfes International will be deemed the winner.

The Winner will be announced on our Face book Page

Prize

An Exciting GO Pro Camera 

All the short listed ten zonal winners will get a chance to participate in the Annual Champ Contest, the winner of which will win one week free in any of the Spring Summer Camps 2014

Paragliding Courses at Les Elfes

Paragliding course at Les Elfes this Spring & Summer

Opportunity to avail of this fantastic option is open to campers attending Les Elfes this spring or summer. The course will be conducted by our trained & experienced staff during the second week of camp.

So can it get more exciting and adventurous than this !

One week skiing and one week Paragliding.

How many of you are up to this challenge?

Learning to paraglide for beginners is fun and easy. The courses being offered are EP courses or Elementary Pilot Courses and they are in two levels. They are BHPA paragliding models for complete novices

Level 1

The Elementary Pilot course primarily focuses on learning the essential skills to safely take off and land. Then one quickly progresses onto short solo flights

The participant after this course achieves EP2 level will be able to fly solo, under supervision anywhere in the world.

The Elementary Pilot award is not a qualification but just a stepping stone in getting certified to fly unsupervised

Level 2

For those who get hooked and want to take this a step higher can return in the subsequent year and participate in the EP 3 course.

To get certified to fly a paraglider solo  and be able to get insured you need to then complete the Club Pilot course which is another  course.

Post this course the  participant gets the  EP3 which enables him to fly unsupervised anywhere in the world.
It can’t get better than this for the adventure seeker at Les Elfes

Les Elfes India -Adventure Sports Camps from India

Les Elfes is a Swiss organization with over 27 years of working with children. With a client base spanning all the continents, we offer opportunities to young adults between the ages of 8 and 18 years, to discover and learn beyond formal education in an international environment.

Today Les Elfes has emerged not only as the pioneering organization in its area of expertise, but is the only organization in the world  open to participation in high-end adventure/ intense learning environment for a week or more in continuity from the month of December to August each year.

Having started operations in India since 1997 we have had the pleasure to host hundreds of young adults from India At Les Elfes we offer Spring Summer and Winter Camps combining the best of adventure sports like skiing snowboarding along with learning and perfecting languages. Children and teenagers discover other cultures and make new friends.

Activities are designed to promote leadership and teamwork and challenge students toward excellence in a way that maximizes both personal and group development and enhances self-confidence and interpersonal skills.

Our endeavor is focused towards the nurturing and challenging of the young mind. To move them out of comfort zones, to help them think for themselves on their feet, to make them self reliant yet team players. To help them gain confidence though a sense of self achievement .To enables and equips them with skills that make them confident adjusted and contributing global citizens of our flattened world. And this is achieved in an extremely safe, fun and international environment.

Keeping cultural sensitivities in mind India is the only country form where we have introduces the concept of Chaperoned programs which are led by some of our experienced team members in all the sessions. We also believe in personalized service therefore whether a child or a parent we are always accessible.

Detailed schedules of all our sessions are available on our website ( www.leselfes.com) and .leselfesindia facebook page offers glimpses of our past and our present.

For detailed information you can email us on leselfes@gmail.com

Adventure Camps in Switzerland