Alpine Apothecaries: Plant medicine & first aid in the Swiss Alps!

ALPINE APOTHECARIES: SWITZERLAND

WITH EDUCATORS

Lisé Whitfield and Naomi Barshi

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COST PER STUDENT:
$2,950

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

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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.

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• THE ADVENTURE

  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.
  

• AREAS OF EXPLORATION

  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.

• THE FINAL PROJECT

  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.

• PRICE INCLUDES

  • Designed and co-taught by two expert educators for a group of 12 students, ages 12-15.

  • Program hours: Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM, 2 days in classroom, 2 days on hikes, and 1 day in lab/museum setting

  • Interdisciplinary instruction in:
    
    - Botany and wild plant identification
    
    - Swiss herbalism and medicine-making techniques
    
    - Creative and scientific journaling
    and bookmaking
    
    - History of medicine: from folk
    remedies to pharmacology
    
    - First Aid & CPR training, with
    official Red Cross certification

  • Twice weekly guided hikes in meadows, forests, and mountains

  • Gondola fares for students from Meiringen into the mountains

  • Weekly lab sessions at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum’s Herbal Gardens 

  • Beginning conversational
    German lessons  (1 hr/week)

• PRICE EXCLUDES

  • Accommodations: Families are responsible for arranging their own lodging. Our main classroom location will be in Meiringen (two days per week). Full-day hikes will take place in the surrounding mountains (two days per week) within a one-hour train or car ride. One additional day each week will be spent at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum (13 minutes by car or 20 minutes by train and bus). Recommended lodging locations include Meiringen (most central), Hasliberg (20 minutes by car or 7 minutes by gondola), Interlaken (25 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train), or nearby villages.

  • Flights & Local Transportation:
    Families are responsible for arranging flights and local travel. Switzerland’s excellent public transportation system (train and bus) is sufficient for nearly all trip logistics.

  • Meals: 
Meals are not provided. Students should bring a packed lunch and water each day.

  • Math Tutorials : While math tutorials are provided on many WorldWise programs, this trip will not include math instruction.

  • Adult entry fees: 
Parents are warmly invited to join all excursions at their own expense.

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FAQs ABOUT THE ALPINE APOTHECARIES LEARNING ADVENTURE

• WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

  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.

• WHERE IS THIS PROGRAM BASED?

  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.

• IN WHICH AREA DO WE BOOK ACCOMMODATION?

  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.

• CAN YOU HELP US FIND ACCOMMODATION?

  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.

• WHAT ARE THE PROGRAM HOURS?

  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.

• HOW DO WE GET AROUND?

  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.

• WILL A MIDDAY MEAL BE PROVIDED FOR THE CHILDREN?

  No. Please send your child with a packed lunch, a light snack, and a refillable water bottle each day.

• WHAT LANGUAGES ARE SPOKEN IN SWITZERLAND? WILL MY CHILD NEED TO SPEAK FRENCH OR GERMAN?

   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.

• WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE A CERTIFICATION?

  Yes! Students will earn a Red Cross-aligned CPR, AED, and First Aid certification upon successful completion of the course.

• WHAT SUPPLIES SHOULD MY CHILD BRING?

  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.

• CAN PARENTS JOIN ANY PART OF THE PROGRAM?

  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.

We have answered the most commonly asked questions about our Learning Adventures. You can take a look at them here.

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