French Alps 23rd June to 1st July 2007 (inters)

Here is an account of how it went:

The 2007 Summer Camp for Inters took place in the French Alps, our second visit to this beautiful location, after the success of the 2003 Camp. Chamonix lies at the foot of Europe's highest mountain Mont-Blanc at 4,810m.

We flew into Geneva and then drove across the border into France. We set up camp, using light-weight tents, in the very well organised Mer de Glace campsite . During the week we did several terrace walks around the Mont-Blanc circuit. These took in some breathtaking views of Mont-Blanc and other peaks. To gain access to the higher slopes we made use of the cable car network, as well as using mountain trains.

Apart from walking, there were opportunities to swim in the local outdoor pool with water slide, go on toboggan runs and have free time to explore Chamonix and the valley itself. There were also several enjoyable  Commando games after last light in the local wood, as well as an afternoon's paint-balling session, which revealed hidden leadership talents

Our hiking plan on two days had to be modified due to low cloud - the mountains couldn't be seen. There was also some heavy rain which led to a little dampness in some tents, due to the outer cover being accidentally touched in a few places. A good basic lesson was learned the hard way! Fortunately the weather picked up again beautifully. Everything dried out so we were able to achieve all our objectives. On one of the hikes we came across a large patch of snow, which gave rise to a lot of fun - throwing snowballs as well as fantastic tobogganing without toboggans. On another day, at the end of a brilliant hike, we took a cable car to visit an ice house cut into the Mer de Glace glacier.

Gary 's wide experience of the Chamonix area was invaluable and the many hours spent organising and fundraising meant that this summer camp was a memorable experience for everyone.

As well as fun, this camp in Chamonix was a fantastic learning experience for everyone involved. Gary and Luisón gave several talks on Christian doctrine, covering basic aspects of the 10 Commandments. Our accompanying chaplain, Fr Fergus, said Mass in the campsite every day, sometimes in a room and, when the weather allowed, in the middle of our camping slot under the pine trees. We said the Rosary several evenings in front of a lovely picture of Mary in the dim light of a small votive candle.