Patience, wanderer—this Learning Adventure is still brewing. Clarity is coming soon!

ALPINE APOTHECARIES: SWITZERLAND

WITH EDUCATORS

COST PER STUDENT:
Our apothecary scales are still balancing the cost—return when the weights settle true.

AGE GROUP:
• 12 – 15 years old (10 students maximum)

PERFECT FOR:
This adventure connects chemistry, history, ecology, and personal wellness, perfect for curious adventurers ages 12–15 with a love for science, nature, and hands-on learning.

High in the heart of the Swiss Alps, a new generation of healers, hikers, and herbalists will gather for a summer of discovery. This four-week adventure invites young learners to explore the intricate ecosystems of alpine landscapes while investigating the healing power of plants. From field foraging to lab-based extraction, students will learn how to identify, prepare, and apply herbal remedies rooted in the rich traditions of Swiss plant medicine.
Interwoven with our botanical explorations is a focus on modern care: students will earn First Aid & CPR certification aligned with Red Cross standards, gaining vital, real-world safety skills. By connecting chemistry, history, ecology, and personal wellness, this program empowers young people to become thoughtful stewards of both land and community.

Perfect for curious adventurers ages 12–15 with a love for science, nature, and hands-on learning.
By the end of the month, students will develop their own alpine plant field guides and portable personal first aid kits.
We will culminate the adventure with a final learning showcase, featuring hands-on demonstrations, plant medicine exhibits, and student-led presentations.

- Immersive, place-based, experiential learning program designed and co-taught by expert educators for a maximum group of 14 students, ages 12–16.
- Interdisciplinary instruction in:
- - Alpine botany and wild plant identification
  - Traditional Swiss herbalism and medicine-making techniques
  - Chemistry of plant-based compounds and preparation methods
  - History of medicine: from folk remedies to pharmacology
- First Aid & CPR training, with official certification issued upon completion.
- Guided hikes in meadows, forests, and mountain trails near Bern to observe plant habitats and gather specimens.
- Lab sessions where students make their own salves, tinctures, and herbal teas using ethical foraging and safe methods.
- Creative and scientific journaling: students will develop their own alpine plant field guides and portable personal first aid kits.
- A final learning showcase, featuring hands-on demonstrations, plant medicine exhibits, and student-led presentations.
- Accommodations: Families are responsible for arranging their own lodging.
- Transportation: Each family should arrange their own flights and local transport.
- Meals: Meals are not provided. Students should bring water and a light snack each day.

The seeds of this adventure are still taking root—return when the path has grown clearer.

FAQs ABOUT THE ALPINE APOTHECARIES LEARNING ADVENTURE

This program is for curious, engaged learners ages 12–15 who are excited to explore alpine ecology, plant medicine, and wilderness first aid in a hands-on, interdisciplinary environment.
The exact location is yet to be confirmed but we’ll be based in the Swiss Alps, with daily learning taking place in alpine meadows, forest trails, and an indoor classroom. The final meeting location will be shared via WhatsApp a few weeks before the program begins and will be centrally located.
We are currently working out the details! Watch this space.

In general, families book their own accommodations near the program base. Once our site is finalized, we’ll provide general recommendations and connect families in a WhatsApp group to coordinate if helpful.
We don’t book lodging, but families often share suggestions and collaborate in the WhatsApp group. We’ll offer guidance on areas that are walkable or a short drive to class.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Optional small-group math tutorials take place two mornings per week from 9:00 – 10:00 AM, on either Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs. Each student will be assigned to one set of tutorial days. We will have two classroom days and two field excursion days per week.
Each family is responsible for transportation to and from class and field excursions. A rental car or use of local public transit may be useful depending on your location. We’ll help coordinate carpools in the group chat if there’s interest.
No. Please send your child with a packed lunch, a light snack, and a refillable water bottle each day.
Instruction is entirely in English. While the local language may be French or German, students do not need to speak either. We’ll learn a few fun local phrases along the way for cultural connection.
Yes! Students will earn a Red Cross-aligned CPR, AED, and First Aid certification upon successful completion of the course.
We’ll be doing interdisciplinary, hands-on learning involving nature exploration, science, and art. Please pack the following materials, ideally ones your child enjoys using and can comfortably carry:
Basic Supplies:
- Pencils, sharpener, and eraser
- Black pen
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Small ruler (in centimeters)
- Colored markers or colored pencils
- Watercolor paints + a few different-sized brushes
- Small roll of Scotch tape
Math Tools (for ages 11+):
- Small scientific calculator (or a phone with a calculator app, if permitted)
Daily Essentials:
- Comfortable backpack
- Refillable water bottle
- Lunch and snack containers
- Weather-appropriate layers, rain jacket, and sunhat
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes for walking or hiking
We will provide each student with a field journal—no need to bring one.
Yes! Parents are invited to attend most field excursion days, such as nature walks, foraging hikes, and museum visits. All parent costs (e.g., entry fees or transport) are paid separately and directly.