FAQ CS - Kandersteg International Scout Centre

CH-3718 Kandersteg
Switzerland Suisse Schweiz
Tel. ++41 (0)33 675 82 82
Fax ++41 (0)33 675 82 89
[email protected]
www.kisc.ch
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Frequently Asked Questions
We hope this helps to answer your questions. If you do not find the
answer you are looking for here, or on our website, please contact
us and we’ll be happy to help you!
What is KISC?
Where is it?
How can I make a booking?
What are the rules?
How can I get there?
How do I get to the Centre from Kandersteg Bahnhof (train station)?
Can I drive there in Winter?
What’s Kandersteg village like and how far is it from the Centre?
What should I do when I arrive?
What are your opening hours?
What currency will I need?
Do I need to worry about the language?
If I have a problem who can I ask for help?
Who are ‘the Pinkies’?
I want to stay in the Chalet, what bedding do I need to bring?
I want to stay in the Chalet, will I get a room key?
Do you have a safe for storing valuables?
Can I bring my pet(s)?
What catering options are available?
When are the meal times?
Can we bring our own food?
Can we cook for ourselves?
Is the water safe to drink?
What activities do you offer?
When can I book activities?
What equipment do we need to bring for our activities?
Do I need insurance?
What do we do if one of our group gets sick or injured?
Do you have a shop?
What is ‘cleaning duty’?
What do we do with our rubbish?
Is there Internet access?
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What do I do if I lose something?
Is it possible to receive messages (by telephone / email) whilst here?
Are there any indoor social areas?
How do we pay our bill?
How do I make a donation?
How do I become a member?
What is KISC?
Kandersteg International Scout Centre is the realisation of a dream Baden-Powell had of a
Permanent Mini-Jamboree where Scouts from all over the world could meet all year round!
We opened in 1923 and now welcome over 11,000 guests every year from over 45 different
countries. The Centre is run by a volunteer Staff Team (the Pinkies) – some of them are only
here for 3 months, others for years. Our Centre offers a truly international experience.
Where is it?
The Centre is located in Switzerland just outside a small mountain village called Kandersteg
approximately 1 hour (60km) south of the capital city Bern.
How can I make a booking?
Once you have decided when you want to come, the accommodation you would like and how
many are in your group, please fill in our online booking form. We will check if we can meet
your request or offer you alternatives to your requirements. We will then contact you to make
a provisional booking. This provisional booking will only be finalised and guaranteed upon
receipt of your booking fee and the signed booking form.
What are the rules?
The following rules apply to all guests staying at the Centre:
• Absolutely no smoking inside any of the buildings (Chalet, Tower and Bunkhouse,
Sunneblick and Kander-Lodge).
• Quiet time from 22.30 to 07.00. This is the law of Kandersteg village.
• No alcohol is to be seen on the Campsite or in any of the buildings.
• No fireworks allowed – they will be confiscated by our Staff.
• The East Wall, the railway track and the nature reserve ‘Filfalle’ are out of bounds.
• Do not obstruct fire escapes.
• No cars or other vehicles are allowed on the Campsite - we have carts you can
borrow for moving your gear.
• All our guests must sign our ‘Guest Declaration Form’ upon arrival.
• Before going into the mountains on hikes etc. a Route Card must be completed and
handed into Reception.
How can I get there?
By Road: Most European motorways will bring you to Spiez - 30 minutes north of the Centre.
Travellers from the south should use the Goppenstein car-train through to Kandersteg.
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By Plane: The main international airports are Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Budget airlines,
such as EasyJet and RyanAir, offer low cost flights from many places within Europe to these
airports. Swiss airports generally have their own train station and the train system is
punctual, multi-lingual and easy to use. For groups of over 25 people, we can organise a
coach transfer upon request.
Another option can be to fly to Milan and travel to Kandersteg from there by rail or bus.
By train: There are connections from most European countries with routes via Bern, Basel or
Brig. For Swiss train timetables and prices visit www.sbb.ch/en.
How do I get to the Centre from Kandersteg Bahnhof (train station)?
The Centre is 25 minutes walk from the station. Alternatively, in high season, the village bus
runs hourly to the Centre and costs CHF 3.40 for adults and CHF 2.20 for children, or is free
if you wear a Scout neckerchief. If the bus is not running, we can organise a luggage run for
CHF 30.- if you contact us in advance.
Can I drive there in winter?
It is quite rare that the road is closed during winter but please be aware that this MAY
happen. If you do bring a vehicle here please make sure you have winter tyres and snow
chains (although roads in and to the village are cleared/gritted daily, these may be needed).
What’s Kandersteg village like and how far it is from the Centre?
Kandersteg is a traditional Alpine village, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Swiss
Alps. It has 1,200 inhabitants, 25 hotels, 10 farms, an outdoor pool, Cheeseries, and a
Buddhist monastery!
The Centre is located approximately 1.5km from the village centre and train station. The
banks and train station accept VISA and Master Card and also act at as ‘Bureaus de
Change’. The village website is www.kandersteg.ch.
What should I do when I arrive?
The first thing you need to do (whether you are camping or staying indoors) is to go to the
Reception in the Chalet and let us know you have arrived. Here you will do a full check in
and complete the necessary forms. If you know you will arrive after 22.30, please let us know
in advance as no Staff are available then. We will prepare your room or campsite and leave a
sign in Reception for you with details. We aim to fill out as much of the paperwork before you
arrive so that it won’t be complicated or take up too much of you time when you get here.
You should also confirm your activity bookings with Reception at the earliest opportunity.
What are your opening hours?
The Centre is open 365 days a year!
Reception opening hours:
Monday - Saturday
Sunday
08:15 - 11:45 / 14:00 - 17:45
09:15 - 11:45 / 14:00 - 17:45
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Summer opening hours:
Monday – Thursday
Friday and Saturday
Sunday
08:15 - 11:45 / 14:00 - 17:30
08:15 - 11:45 / 14:00 - 17:30 / 18:00 - 20:00
09:15 - 11:45 / 14:00 - 17:30 / 18:00 - 20:00
Outside of these hours please contact the Staff person on ‘Duty’ using the telephone outside
Reception.
What currency will I need?
In Switzerland you need Swiss Francs (CHF). At the Centre you can pay your bill using
Swiss Francs, foreign currency notes (British Pounds, Euro or US Dollars) or €/CHF
travellers cheques. We also accept debit cards (Maestro, Visa Electron and PostFinance)
and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express). There is a 2% fee on all cards,
apart from Swiss debit cards.
Do I need to worry about the language?
English is the official language at the Centre. However, we also have some information
available in German and other languages. Depending on the current Staff Team’s origins,
you may be able to communicate in other languages.
If I have a problem, whom can I ask for help?
If you have questions or problems, please talk to a member of Staff. Generally they can
answer your questions, help with first aid, arrange a doctor’s appointment, advise you on
things to do and much more! If they cannot help you, they will find someone who can!
Who are the Pinkies?
The Pinkies are our Staff and can be recognised by the bright pink t-shirts they wear. They
can help you with almost everything... and if not they can find someone who can! If you are
interested in becoming a Pinkie then ask one of us for more information or check out our
Staff page on the website.
Many different cultures and Scouting ideas are represented here at the Centre, by both
guests and Staff. Please respect this diversity and encourage your Scouts to learn from it.
The Pinkies are here to help you. They are volunteer Scouts and Guides from all over the
world and, although they are not professionals or may not speak your language, will always
do their best.
If you have an emergency outside our normal office hours you can call the person on ‘Duty’
using the telephone outside Reception or, if it is between 22:30 and 08:00, you can ring the
doorbell on the second floor of the New Chalet (and also the first floor during Summer).
I want to stay in the Chalet, do I need to bring any bedding?
No, all bedding is provided by the Centre. The use of sleeping bags is not allowed.
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I am staying indoors, will I get a room key?
Every room and Guest Kitchen has a key, although it is up to you if you want to use one. The
deposit for a key is CHF 20.-. You will get the money back when you return the key.
Do you have a place for storing valuables?
We have a number of guest lockers where you can store valuable items. To use these
lockers you need to pay a CHF 20.- deposit for the key.
Can I bring my pet(s)?
Pets (except guide dogs) are not allowed in any of the buildings. However, pets are
permitted on the Campsite provided they are kept under strict control.
What catering options are available?
We offer catering services to all of our guests. Meals need to be booked well in advance,
especially during our peak seasons! The catering can be easily coordinated with your
activities. For more information, see our catering section on the website.
When are the meal times?
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Autumn-Spring
Monday-Saturday
Sunday
07:30 - 09:00
08:30 - 09:30
12:00
12:00
18:00
18:00
Summer
Monday-Saturday
Sunday
07:00 - 09:00
08:00 – 09:30
12:00
12:00
#
#
# During Summer we generally have more than one sitting for each meal, so you need to
check the list outside the Dining Hall for the time your group will eat.
Can we bring our own food?
Due to custom regulations, you may only bring one day’s worth of food into Switzerland.
Can we cook for ourselves?
Yes, for guests staying in the Chalet we have five fully equipped Guest Kitchens for cooking
and eating in. Every group staying in the Chalet can use these kitchens but sometimes you
may need to share with another group. We provide tea towels and cleaning products and, as
for all our facilities, we ask our guests to clean before they leave.
For guests staying in the Kander-Lodge, Sunneblick or Tower, there are fully equipped selfcatering facilities available.
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We do not have any kitchens for groups staying in the Campsite, however, if required, we do
have LIMITED freezer space.
Also, you can order basic provisions such as dairy products and bread through our Catering
department. The bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance. The order can be
picked up at the Kitchen from 07:00 during Summer and 07:30 the rest of the year. You can
pay in advance for these orders, or we can add the total to your bill.
There are three small supermarkets and bakeries in Kandersteg itself. Bigger supermarkets are in
Frutigen (15km), Spiez (30km) and Thun (45km).
Is the water safe to drink?
All water from the taps and fountains around the Centre is potable water.
Do not drink river water - glacial minerals are dangerous and can seriously damage your
health! We also ask our guests not to swim in the Kander River as glacial minerals can be
easily ingested if swimming and there can be large rocks or fast flowing water.
What activities do you offer?
We offer over 130 individual activities. We have both guided and unguided activities, as well
as various trips we can organise for you around Switzerland using external companies.
Please check the Programme section on our website for details of our activities. Online you
can search the activities to find what is suitable for your group’s size, ability and age, the
season you are coming and your price range.
When can I book activities?
You can book your Summer activities from March 1st of the year you are coming. Winter
activities can be booked from October 1st of the previous year. All activities are booked on a
first come first served basis. Activities can be booked by contacting us via our website, email,
letter or fax. Once you are at the Centre, activity bookings and/or alterations can be made at
our Reception.
What equipment do we need to bring for our activities?
Please check out the Programme section on the website for information on the specific
activities you are planning to take part in and the equipment required. Most specialised
equipment is included in the cost of the activity.
Be aware that your group must have the appropriate equipment and boots for their activities.
If anyone is your group is ill-equipped for the activity, they will be unable to take part for
safety and insurance reasons, but you will still be charged.
Do I need insurance?
You must have insurance for accidents, mountain rescue and sickness. Kandersteg has a
fully equipped doctors surgery, a hospital nearby and a mountain rescue team. Switzerland
provides excellent services – but it is very expensive. We can provide a single day’s
insurance supplement for use during Centre guided activities. This is not full insurance, it is a
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supplement to your own insurance to help cover rescue costs, which can be substantial and
may not be covered by your own accident/travel insurance.
What do we do if someone in our group gets sick or injured?
In the event that someone in your group is injured or sick we ask that you contact a member
of Staff. Many of our Staff have First Aid training and can assist you in our First Aid Room or
contact the relevant professional service. If you require a doctor, ambulance or other
professional service please notify a member of Staff who will make the request for you.
The doctor in Kandersteg is very well equipped and can possibly deal with much more than
your local doctor in your own country. The doctor has x-ray facilities and can treat broken
bones. The doctor, not the hospital, deals with most of our incidents. If the injury or sickness
is very serious the doctor may direct the person to the hospital.
If you have used an emergency service that has not been requested by Staff please notify
any Staff member as soon as possible.
Do you have a shop?
We have a shop in the Chalet, near the main entrance. It sells souvenirs, postcards and
sweets, as well as useful items such as batteries, toiletries and maps. During Summer we
also operate a shop on the Campsite (near the entrance of the main Campsite). We accept
CHF and (notes only) US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro. Our shop also accepts Visa,
MasterCard and American Express.
What is ‘cleaning duty’?
Every group in the Chalet and on the Campsite has to help us with cleaning once during their
stay. When and what you have to clean will depend on the group size and how long you are
staying. You will be given the date and time of your cleaning duty when you arrive. Please
check it and arrange a different time if it doesn’t suit your group’s schedule.
What do we do with our rubbish?
Switzerland has strict recycling regulations and the Centre has an Environmental Policy in
place that is regularly reviewed and updated so that we can operate as a ‘Green Centre’.
All around the Chalet and Campsite you will find Recycling Centres. Please use them and
encourage your Scouts to do the same!
We also have an Eco Adventure Room in the ground floor of the Old Chalet where you can
find further details on how to deal with rubbish and recycling. We can offer you lots of ideas
for environmental games and activities for your group, which can be used for fun, learning
about the environment and to help your Scouts to earn a badge for their uniform.
Is there Internet access available for guests?
Yes, we have an Internet Café with seven computers. It is located in the New Chalet on the
Ground Floor, opposite the Dining Hall. We also have a wireless Internet connection
available in the Chalet** and Kander-Lodge.
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The Internet Café is open:
Monday-Saturday
08:00-22:30
Sunday
09:00-22:30
**Cost: CHF 4.- for 30 minutes, CHF 6.- for 1 hour (vouchers are available from Reception)
For guests staying in the Kander-Lodge, there is free wireless access.
What do I do if I lose something?
If you have lost something, or if you find something, please tell the Reception Staff.
Is it possible to receive messages (by telephone/fax/email) whilst here?
Any letters, faxes, e-mails or phone messages to you will be displayed on the ‘Guest
Mailboard’ to the left of Reception. Unfortunately we cannot deliver messages in person so it
is your responsibility to check this board every day.
Are there any indoor social areas?
We have several common rooms and areas available for socialising in. There is the
International Friendship Room with a TV and a DVD player, books and games; the Eco
Adventure Room with information on the environment and a piano; the Main Hall with space
for groups to relax and meet one another in the evening and a fireplace and the High
Adventure Room with tables and chairs and a fire place. Groups are able to book meeting
rooms in advance. Please contact Reception for details of rooms available.
How do we pay our bill?
Please come to Reception the day before you are leaving to settle your bill.
How do I make a donation?
There are many ways to help the Centre. You could apply to become a member of Staff or
join a Work Party and donate your time and skills. You could join the KISC Association,
which has several membership types. You could also make a financial donation to the
Association or Foundation either in person or by electronic bank transfer (each section on
our website has more details).
How do I become a member?
You can become a member by visiting the About Us section of the website. Here you will find
details on the different types of membership and can pay online. You can also pay by bank
transfer or the next time you visit the Centre. Contact us if you need any more information.