Kandersteg International Scout Centre: Difference between revisions

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The Centre, which occupies 17 [[hectare]]s of land, is open to Scouts all year round, as well as to non-Scouts for most of the year. More than 10,000 young people from over 40 different countries visit the Centre each year, ensuring a unique international atmosphere.
The Centre, which occupies 17 [[hectare]]s of land, is open to Scouts all year round, as well as to non-Scouts for most of the year. More than 10,000 young people from over 40 different countries visit the Centre each year, ensuring a unique international atmosphere.


==History==
== History ==
[[Scouting]] was founded in [[1907]] and in the first 15 years it grew very rapidly. Quite soon there were Scouts in many different counties all over the world.
[[Scouting]] was founded in [[1907]] and in the first 15 years it grew very rapidly. Quite soon there were Scouts in many different counties all over the world.
At the first World Scout Jamboree in [[London]] in [[1920]], [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Lord Baden-Powell]] saw that it was a great success. He had seen the atmosphere and the impact created by bringing so many young people together and he wanted Scouts from around the world to be able to have a similar experience at any time. So he expressed his wish of a permanent international meeting place where Scouts from all over the world could come and meet together.  
At the first World Scout Jamboree in London in [[1920]], [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Lord Baden-Powell]] saw that it was a great success. He had seen the atmosphere and the impact created by bringing so many young people together and he wanted Scouts from around the world to be able to have a similar experience at any time. So he expressed his wish of a permanent international meeting place where Scouts from all over the world could come and meet together.  


In [[1921]] the Chief Scout of Switzerland, [[Walter von Bonstetten]], was visiting Kandersteg on holiday where he found an old empty chalet. It had been built in [[1908]], when the Lötschberg railway tunnel was under construction to house the workers. In [[1913]] when the tunnel had been finished it was left by the railway company.  
In [[1921]] the Chief Scout of Switzerland, [[Walter von Bonstetten]], was visiting Kandersteg on holiday where he found an old empty chalet. It had been built in [[1908]], when the Lötschberg railway tunnel was under construction to house the workers. In [[1913]] when the tunnel had been finished it was left by the railway company.  
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Von Bonstetten felt that this location could be the meeting place that Baden-Powell had dreamed about. He wrote to him to let him know what he had found. The response was positive and in February [[1923]] the "Scouts International Home" Association was set up; on [[12 April]] 1923 the chalet and some land was bought and the Centre came into existence. It cost [[Swiss franc|SFr]]. 15,100.-
Von Bonstetten felt that this location could be the meeting place that Baden-Powell had dreamed about. He wrote to him to let him know what he had found. The response was positive and in February [[1923]] the "Scouts International Home" Association was set up; on [[12 April]] 1923 the chalet and some land was bought and the Centre came into existence. It cost [[Swiss franc|SFr]]. 15,100.-


===Milestones===
=== Milestones ===
[[Image:Kisc old campsite.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Picture of the Campsite in the 1920s]]
[[Image:Kisc old campsite.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Picture of the Campsite in the 1920s]]
* 1923 - the Centre is founded
* 1923 - the Centre is founded
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* [[2006]] - Corporate image revamped with the addition of a new website.
* [[2006]] - Corporate image revamped with the addition of a new website.


==Location==
== Location ==
[[Image:Maptokisc.jpg|right|175px|Map to K.I.S.C.]]
[[Image:Maptokisc.jpg|right|175px|Map to K.I.S.C.]]
The small, traditional [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[village]] of Kandersteg is situated at 1,200 metres above sea level, 65 [[kilometre]]s south of [[Bern]]. It is easily reached by road and rail and provides an excellent base for sightseeing or exploring the [[Alps]].  
The small, traditional [[Switzerland|Swiss]] [[village]] of Kandersteg is situated at 1,200 metres above sea level, 65 [[kilometre]]s south of [[Bern]]. It is easily reached by road and rail and provides an excellent base for sightseeing or exploring the [[Alps]].  
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The Centre is at the southern end of village.
The Centre is at the southern end of village.


==Facilities==
== Facilities ==
[[Image:Kisc Chalet.jpg|left|thumb|550px|Kandersteg International Scout Centre]]
[[Image:Kisc Chalet.jpg|left|thumb|550px|Kandersteg International Scout Centre]]
===Chalet===
=== Chalet ===
The central part of the Centre is the Chalet which consists of 2 parts, the old and new. It is in this building that the Centres reception and offices are based as well as various facilities for guests.  
The central part of the Centre is the Chalet which consists of 2 parts, the old and new. It is in this building that the Centres reception and offices are based as well as various facilities for guests.  


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The '''New Chalet''' provides new Staff accommodation, meeting rooms and upgraded accommodation for 27 people in nine 3-bedded bedrooms available outside the summer season.
The '''New Chalet''' provides new Staff accommodation, meeting rooms and upgraded accommodation for 27 people in nine 3-bedded bedrooms available outside the summer season.


===Campsite===
=== Campsite ===
The Campsite can accommodate up to 1,400 persons on more than 60 different sites. On average during the summer, the site has around 750 guests at a time. While close to other groups, each group can be sure of their own campsite ensuring both an international atmosphere and privacy.
The Campsite can accommodate up to 1,400 persons on more than 60 different sites. On average during the summer, the site has around 750 guests at a time. While close to other groups, each group can be sure of their own campsite ensuring both an international atmosphere and privacy.


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The campsite was originally waste land from the construction of the Tunnel, so some of the sites are very rocky. The railway runs very close to some sites, so it can be a bit noisy at times.
The campsite was originally waste land from the construction of the Tunnel, so some of the sites are very rocky. The railway runs very close to some sites, so it can be a bit noisy at times.


===Tower===
=== Tower ===
The Tower was originally the power station when the railway was built and now has 2 parts - the tower itself and the ''LotschbergHaus'' (sleeping building).  
The Tower was originally the power station when the railway was built and now has 2 parts - the tower itself and the ''LotschbergHaus'' (sleeping building).  


In total there is accommodation for 57 people - 4 rooms with 12 beds in the ''LotschbergHaus'' and 1 newly renovated room with 9 beds in the Tower. Facilities include full toilet and shower facilities for boys and girls, a fully equipped electric kitchen and a big living room with an open fireplace and balcony.
In total there is accommodation for 57 people - 4 rooms with 12 beds in the ''LotschbergHaus'' and 1 newly renovated room with 9 beds in the Tower. Facilities include full toilet and shower facilities for boys and girls, a fully equipped electric kitchen and a big living room with an open fireplace and balcony.


===Ueschinen Hut===
=== Ueschinen Hut ===
[[Image:View From Hut.JPG|thumb|right|200 px|View From The Hut In The Snow]]
[[Image:View From Hut.JPG|thumb|right|200 px|View From The Hut In The Snow]]
It is situated in the Ueschinen Valley, at a height of 1,890 meters, and about 2-3 hours walk away from the Centre. It is usually open from May to October. During the summer it is used mainly as a base for climbing and hiking activities, but it may be used by groups during the year, provided that the weather allows it. The Hut is actually half of a cowshed so sometimes it's a bit noisy at night.  
It is situated in the Ueschinen Valley, at a height of 1,890 meters, and about 2-3 hours walk away from the Centre. It is usually open from May to October. During the summer it is used mainly as a base for climbing and hiking activities, but it may be used by groups during the year, provided that the weather allows it. The Hut is actually half of a cowshed so sometimes it's a bit noisy at night.  
It can sleep max. 30 people and has a fully equipped kitchen with wood stove, a general living and eating room and a very special toilet – there is no electricity and no shower.
It can sleep max. 30 people and has a fully equipped kitchen with wood stove, a general living and eating room and a very special toilet – there is no electricity and no shower.


==Activities==
== Activities ==
The activity programme offered by the Centre is based on three themes of International Friendship, Alpine High Adventure and the Environment, designed to help guests learn, develop and have lots of fun.
The activity programme offered by the Centre is based on three themes of International Friendship, Alpine High Adventure and the Environment, designed to help guests learn, develop and have lots of fun.


===Summer===
=== Summer ===
They offer, within the three themes, a fixed weekly in-camp programme including International [[Campfire]], [[Pioneering]] competition and [[Barbecue]], as well as a wide range of daily activities such as trails, nature workshops, [[hiking]], [[Climbing|rock climbing]], [[Arts and crafts|crafts]], [[mountain biking]], [[paragliding]], [[Rafting|river rafting]] and trips to various parts of Switzerland.
They offer, within the three themes, a fixed weekly in-camp programme including International [[Campfire]], [[Pioneering]] competition and [[Barbecue]], as well as a wide range of daily activities such as trails, nature workshops, [[hiking]], [[Climbing|rock climbing]], [[Arts and crafts|crafts]], [[mountain biking]], [[paragliding]], [[Rafting|river rafting]] and trips to various parts of Switzerland.


===Winter===
=== Winter ===
The programme offers a range of alpine snow activities such as [[downhill]] or [[Cross-country skiing|cross country]] [[skiing]] and [[snowboarding]]. There are also a variety of other activities in and around Kandersteg, like [[Sledding|sledging]], [[curling]], [[skating]], snow shoeing and [[caving]].
The programme offers a range of alpine snow activities such as [[downhill]] or [[Cross-country skiing|cross country]] [[skiing]] and [[snowboarding]]. There are also a variety of other activities in and around Kandersteg, like [[Sledding|sledging]], [[curling]], [[skating]], snow shoeing and [[caving]].


===Year round===
=== Year round ===
Throughout the year, they offer many programme activities for groups. The exact possibilities will depend on when you visit and options vary with each season.  
Throughout the year, they offer many programme activities for groups. The exact possibilities will depend on when you visit and options vary with each season.  


By participating in the programme, guests can work towards the award that exists for each of the themes. These are designed to bring together guests of all ages, nationalities and culture, whilst encouraging them to experience, learn about and appreciate the alpine environment.
By participating in the programme, guests can work towards the award that exists for each of the themes. These are designed to bring together guests of all ages, nationalities and culture, whilst encouraging them to experience, learn about and appreciate the alpine environment.


==Staff==
== Staff ==
[[Image:Kisc_staff.jpg|thumb|175px|Kandersteg Staff]]
[[Image:Kisc_staff.jpg|thumb|175px|Kandersteg Staff]]
A full time Director, assisted by an international team of volunteer staff staying from three months to several years, is responsible for the Centre throughout the year. Volunteer staff are recruited in various numbers according to the time of year to assist with the running of the Centre's facilities and the programme offered.
A full time Director, assisted by an international team of volunteer staff staying from three months to several years, is responsible for the Centre throughout the year. Volunteer staff are recruited in various numbers according to the time of year to assist with the running of the Centre's facilities and the programme offered.
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# Be a member of WOSM or [[World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts|WAGGGS]]
# Be a member of WOSM or [[World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts|WAGGGS]]


==See also==
== See also ==


* [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]]
* [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]]
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* [[Our Chalet]]
* [[Our Chalet]]


==References==
== References ==
* [http://www.kisc.ch/ Official Website]
* [http://www.kisc.ch/ Official Website]


==External links==
== External links ==
* [http://www.kandersteg.ch/ The Village of Kandersteg]
* [http://www.kandersteg.ch/ The Village of Kandersteg]


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