This summer, the 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guides embarked on a magical journey to Switzerland… and what an unforgettable adventure it turned out to be! The VA Marketing Team were fortunate enough to accompany them on their trip, and it truly was something that none of us will ever forget.
For many of the Guides, it was their first time away from home for such a big trip, and they embraced every second of it with courage and enthusiasm. Whether it was soaring up a mountain in a cable car, navigating new places, learning about Swiss traditions, or simply spending quality time together in a completely different setting, the experience created bonds, memories, and milestones that will last a lifetime.
Read on to discover more about their Guiding trip!
Awe-inspiring Adelboden
Tucked away in the stunning Bernese Oberland, Adelboden is a dream destination for any Guide group. With its charming chalets, breathtaking alpine views, and numerous activities, the village feels like something out of a storybook; it quickly became a home away from home for our Guides. By staying in Adelboden, the Guides developed not just their resilience and confidence, but also a deeper sense of independence as they immersed themselves in new experiences.
It’s impossible to choose just one highlight from Adelboden, as the experience was rich and varied – from the inspiring visit to Our Chalet, which connected the Guides to the global Guiding family, to the breathtaking views at Engstligenalp, the thrill and challenge of white water rafting, and the warm encounters with local, family-run businesses that have thrived for generations. Every moment offered something unique, and each Guide likely came away with their own personal highlight.
Surrounded by nature and filled with the spirit of adventure, Adelboden gave our Guides the space to grow, explore, and shine.
In Adelboden, there’s everything… from relaxed days at the chocolate factory and doing a little bit of shopping in Adelboden, to the adventurous things like white-water rafting and doing the summer toboggan run. Of course, the best thing for everyone is coming to Our Chalet.
Liz, 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guide Leader
Key Highlights
Activity Centre in Adelboden
At the activity centre, the ziplining adventure quickly became a crowd favourite. Several girls said it was the highlight of the trip – an adrenaline-fueled rush that left them beaming with pride and excitement.
Run by a welcoming, family-owned team whose ethos centres on inclusion for all abilities, the experience was thoughtfully designed so that every participant could take part. With ziplines set at varying heights, the girls soared across the skies – some looping back and forth with growing confidence. It was quite a sight: a real display of courage, teamwork, and overcoming fears, all set against a stunning mountain backdrop. The cheers and laughter from above echoed long after they’d finished!
Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory
And then there was the chocolate factory… an instant hit, as expected! After all, what could rival authentic Swiss chocolate? The girls were in heaven, sampling sweet after sweet, though many admitted they were quite thirsty after indulging in so much chocolatey goodness.
This was a fantastic, chilled-out day for the group, from discovering the stories of different farmers that the company work with to watching how the chocolate is produced. The Guides came away from this tour with new knowledge and heaps of chocolate!
Swiss Folklore Evening
The Swiss folklore evening was nothing short of magical! The group feasted on rich, bubbling cheese fondue and were warmly welcomed by locals who performed with traditional alphorns. Their hospitality was unforgettable – they even invited the girls to try playing the alphorns themselves!
That evening, the girls could be found cartwheeling across the hotel grounds, erupting with laughter, striking silly poses for the camera, and sharing crisps with the media team. It was a night full of delight, connection, and cultural wonder!
Trummer Woodcarvers
The visit to the Trummer Woodcarvers introduced the group to three generations of skilled craftsmanship, as the woodcarvers dated back to 1945. The girls met the father, mother, and son behind the family-run workshop, and each girl left with a unique gift: some with Swiss army knives, others with personalised woggles or wooden keepsakes. These were personalised gifts that gave the girls’ the opportunity to take a little bit of Switzerland home to their families.
The workshop’s ceiling told its own story, decorated with VA badges spanning more than a decade! The view outside was breathtaking, and of course, everyone paused for a photo beside the carved wooden bear standing proudly at the entrance.
The girls were also able to visit the Gorge which was nearby the woodcarver’s – and what an experience this hike was! It was extremely challenging with a steep, upward climb, but it was a fantastic achievement for the Guides as they experienced Geography at its finest. Think gushing waterfalls, think majestic rocky cliffs, think utter heaven…
White Water Rafting
White water rafting proved to be another unforgettable adventure. For many of the Guides, it was their first time tackling the rapids, and their excitement was huge! There was laughter, fun, and plenty of silliness as everyone squeezed into wetsuits in a hilariously cramped changing room.
The group then made their way to the train station in Därstetten, plodding along together before swarming the train with uncontainable enthusiasm – they then arrived at the start of the white water rafting. The instructors, young, energetic, and fantastic with the girls, made the entire experience even more thrilling. As the boats soared through the rapids, it was common to see the Guides’ mouths stretched into wide smiles – even when some of them fell into the water! Their celebrations when they overtook another raft, the songs they chanted to instil team motivation, splashing one another; this was an exhilarating experience.
The girls truly pushed past their fears by taking part in this activity… it was messy, it was loud, and it was absolutely perfect!
A Visit to the Cheesemakers
The visit to the cheesemakers was a truly enchanting experience, and the girls were in awe from start to finish. The journey began with a scenic ride up Engstligenalp in a cable car, offering breathtaking views that had everyone reaching for their cameras. Inside the cheesemakers, the group watched wide-eyed as the cheesemakers stirred curd with a tool called a cheese harp. Everyone also had the chance to purchase the delicious handmade cheese – yum!
There was no shortage of animal antics! Cows with bells around their necks trotted around the fields, and at one point, the group witnessed a baby cow being comically chased by its owner. As if that wasn’t charming enough, a handful of adorable kittens darted around, quickly becoming the stars of the show for many of the girls.
Our Chalet Guided Tour
The Guides’ time at Our Chalet, the WAGGGS World Centre, offered something truly special… it was a shared experience that every Guide should have the chance to enjoy. The girls learnt about the history of Our Chalet, and the importance of its shared community; it’s a special environment where Guides come together to connect and grow.
From the touring the rustic Great Britain room and purchasing heaps of souvenirs in the gift shop to taking the ICONIC (!) group photo on the staircase, it was filled with moments that created lasting memories and deepened friendships!
The girls returned home feeling empowered by their connection to a global sisterhood and inspired by the dedication of the Our Chalet volunteers to the values of Guiding.
Why is Switzerland so important for Guides?
The girls find Switzerland absolutely fantastic! The scenery is just amazing, and it’s all about the amazing opportunities here. The girls can be really nervous and scared at the start, but they feel such a sense of achievement when they complete the activities!
Liz, 2nd and 3rd Hexham Guide Leader
Hear from the guides!
My favourite moment was going on the cable cars to the top of the mountains, and seeing all the beautiful scenery!
2nd and 3rd Hexham Guide
One thing I’ve done in Switzerland that I’ve never done before was the zip-lining at the adventure park, which was really fun!
2nd and 3rd Hexham Guide
In three words, I’d describe Switzerland as… gorgeous, beautiful, and exciting.
2nd and 3rd Hexham Guide
Your Swiss Journey, Your Way
Discover Switzerland with your Guide or Scout group today – from thrill-seeking activities to chilled-out campfire sessions, there’s something for every unit.
Chat with our specialist team to start planning your Guide or Scout trip to Switzerland!
