Gaia Changemakers Program

Course Fees
Semi Residential – CHF 5,700
Fully-residential – CHF 7,200
Fully-residential – includes transfer to/from Zurich airport, accommodation from 13th July to 1st August, all meals and weekend activities for the full program are covered.‍  
Semi-residential – accommodation in Zurich and over the weekends is NOT provided. Accommodation, meals and transport to/from Prague and the Alps are included.A small number of scholarships are available for highly motivated participants.

Once a participant has filled out the registration form, an invoice will be issued and must be paid in full by the due date to complete the registration process. Payment can be made in installments in certain cases if agreed upon with Make The Change GmbH. To help with your planning as best as we can, until 1st January 2025, you can cancel within 2 weeks of paying for your space and get a full refund, minus a CHF 200 processing fee. With any cancellation after 2 weeks of paying, or from 1st January 2026 until 1st February 2026, you can get a 50% refund. All cancellations from 1st February 2026 onward will be fully charged.‍   We advise students to take out appropriate insurance to cover cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, inability to obtain an entry visa for Switzerland, force majeure circumstances such as events/occurrences that are out of the control of the participant or Make The Change GMBH such as, but not limited to, natural disasters, pandemics, airport strikes, accidents, technical difficulties, conflicts, fire, and bad weather conditions. No refund will be made for a shortened stay, missed activities or workshops, withdrawal or dismissal during the camp, or force majeure circumstances.

The health and safety of our participants is our top priority. Our facilitators are fully trained in first aid and we have at least one emergency responder with the group, ensuring that students are supported and cared for at all times. We conduct risk assessments for all activities and excursions to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. This includes implementing extra safety protocols where required and having appropriate equipment for each activity. We are committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment so participants can focus on their learning and personal growth without worry.

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1. Co-Facilitation Model: Facilitators work closely together using a co-facilitation model. Each facilitator brings unique skills and expertise, allowing them to divide responsibilities efficiently based on their strengths. This collaborative approach ensures that all participants receive focused guidance and supervision.
2. Small Group Focus: The facilitators will divide the participants into smaller working groups for specific activities, ensuring a more personalized and hands-on experience. Each facilitator will oversee a group, providing mentorship, guidance, and supervision tailored to their needs.
3. Participant Leadership: Leadership development is a key element of the program. Facilitators will encourage participants to take on leadership roles within the group, helping to foster responsibility, teamwork, and peer supervision. This also allows facilitators to focus on guiding rather than micromanaging.
4. Clear Communication Channels: To ensure effective supervision, the facilitators maintain clear and consistent communication. Regular check-ins and briefings are scheduled to assess participant progress, address any issues, and plan activities for the following day.
5. Expert and Partner Involvement: During certain sessions, experts and partners from collaborating organizations will assist in leading specific workshops or excursions. This ensures that participants have access to specialized knowledge.

1. Relevant Educational Background: A degree in education, environmental science, sustainability, social sciences, or related fields is preferred, with experience in youth development or outdoor education.
2. Youth Program Experience: Prior experience working with teenagers in camps, educational programs, or similar environments is essential. This includes leading group activities, workshops, and outdoor adventures.
3. First Aid and Safety Certification: All team members must hold current first aid certification. Additional qualifications in wilderness safety or risk management are highly desirable.
4. Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills are essential. Team members should be capable of facilitating team-building activities and guiding participants through challenges.
5. Passion for Sustainability: Team members should have a deep understanding of sustainability and regenerative economics, with the ability to inspire participants to engage with these concepts.
6. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity: Team members must be culturally aware and skilled at fostering an inclusive, respectful environment for participants from diverse backgrounds.
7. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Given the dynamic nature of the program, team members must be adaptable and able to respond quickly and effectively to any challenges or changes.
8. High Ethical Standards: Team members are expected to model professionalism, responsibility, and ethical behavior, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.

Yes, We require that every team member working on any of our camps completes a police background check and provides references.

1. Pre-Camp Orientation: All staff participate in an orientation covering the program’s core operational and safety protocols, and themes—sustainability, regenerative economics, and systems thinking. This ensures consistency in delivering the program’s mission to participants.
2. Safety and First Aid Certification: Staff are trained in basic first aid and activity-specific safety protocols.
3. Child Protection and Safeguarding: Staff receive training in child protection, assisting them to recognize and address physical and emotional safety concerns, including preventing and handling bullying.
4. Feedback and Improvement: Post-program evaluation sessions allow team members to reflect on their performance, gather feedback from campers and peers, and improve their facilitation and teaching techniques for future sessions.

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental values woven into our program. We celebrate the unique perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds that each participant brings, fostering an environment of respect, empathy, and collaboration.
Our curriculum actively promotes inclusivity, encouraging open discussions around diversity, global issues, and shared experiences.
We believe in creating a space where every student feels valued and heard. To ensure this, we have a strict zero-tolerance policy for any form of discrimination or bullying. We are committed to building an inclusive community where all participants feel safe, supported, and empowered to contribute to positive change.

CODE OF CONDUCT:
1. Respect for Others: All participants are expected to treat fellow campers, staff, and local communities with respect. This includes respecting different opinions, cultures, and personal space.
2. Inclusivity: We foster an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. Bullying, discrimination, or any form of harassment will not be tolerated.
3. Responsibility: Campers are responsible for their actions and are expected to take care of the environment and materials used in workshops. Participation in all activities is encouraged, and safety instructions must be followed.
4. Positive Attitude: We promote a positive, open-minded attitude toward learning, challenges, and teamwork. Participants should be willing to try new things and collaborate.
5. No Substance Use: The use of drugs, alcohol, or any prohibited substances is strictly forbidden during the camp.
6. Commitment to Learning: Participants are expected to engage actively in workshops, projects, and discussions. Disruptive behavior is discouraged, and continuous engagement is highly encouraged.
7. Digital Etiquette: Responsible use of technology is required. Phones or devices should not interfere with group activities or learning experiences.
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
1. Health and Safety Measures: The camp ensures proper health and safety measures, including regular sanitation, safe food handling, and health checks where necessary.
2. Emergency Procedures: An emergency response plan is in place for each location (Zurich, Prague, Swiss Alps).
3. Risk Assessment: Before each activity or excursion, a risk assessment is conducted, and additional activity specific safety measures are put in place where required.
4. Participant Briefing: All participants will be briefed before any excursion or activity on the safety protocols, what to do in case of emergencies, and whom to contact in case of problems.
5. Medical Support: We have a first-aid responder on-site at all times. A medical kit is available, and the nearest emergency medical services are decided ahead of time.
6. Curfew and Check-ins: There will be a curfew for all residential students, and check-ins are conducted multiple times a day to ensure the well-being of all participants.
7. Parental Contact: In the case of any emergencies or incidents, parents/guardians will be immediately contacted and kept informed of the situation.

We encourage students to develop healthy digital habits. To foster engagement and meaningful connections, mobile phones are not permitted during structured activities or mealtimes unless specifically required for the activity.   During free time, students may use their phones, but we promote balance and mindfulness in digital use, ensuring that their focus remains on the transformative experiences the camp provides.

This camp was founded in 2024.