This page is no longer being updated, but we have now updated our list of FAQs about COVID-19 here

We are open!

We have been monitoring the situation closely and can reopen the World Scout Centre safely from 1 July, as long as we follow the guidance laid out by the Swiss government and public health authorities.

 

 

Making adjustments

Over the next seven weeks restrictions from the Swiss Government are set to ease further. However, we must be honest and let you know this will not be a ‘normal’ summer.

  • We have already helped many of our guests reschedule to an alternative date.
  • Due to a combination of visa restrictions and financial limitations, we have had to take the difficult decision to reduce our Summer Staff intake by over 50%, significantly reducing our capacity to deliver a number of services.
  • The programme and activities we are able to offer will be severly affected, as we come to terms with limits on group sizes and the kind of activities we can deliver safely.
  • We will ask our guests to help reduce the risk of transmission, by bringing their own disinfectant and other items (in addition to what we provide).

Refunds

We have extended our refund criteria, to give you the option of a full-refund, providing your circumstances meet some conditions. You should read our updated COVID-19 FAQs for more details.

Keeping the dream alive

This is a challenging time for KISC, but we would like to reassure you that the spirit of the Permanent Mini Jamboree is still very much alive here and we’ll be doing everything possible to ensure those that can still visit, have a fantastic time.

Frequently asked questions

Contents (Last updated 28/05/2020)
Is it responsible to reopen at this stage?
Can I get a refund?
My National Scout Organisation has suspended international travel, can I get a refund? 
My government has issued a recommendation not to travel to Switzerland, can I get a refund?
My travel provider can no longer get me to Switzerland/Kandersteg, can I get a refund? 
What if Switzerland’s borders are closed when I need to travel, can I get a refund?
Are you opening the campsite and the chalet?
Can we still book meals with you?
What programme and activities will KISC be able to deliver?
What special items / equipment are you asking guests to bring with them?
What if the situation changes and you have to close again?
Is social distancing still in place at KISC?
Where can I find the guidance you are following? 
Will you be providing disinfectant?
Will you be providing face masks?
Is it safe to travel?
Why did KISC close in the first place?
I have a booking with you between now and 30th June. What happens now?
I still want to come, can I postpone my stay?
When can I expect my refund?
How will I receive the refund?
How will I know that you have made a refund?
Can I donate my pre-payment?
My group does not have insurance, can we cancel and get a full refund?
Do I need to re-book programme if our visit has been moved to 2021?
Are staff still working at KISC while you are closed?
Have any of your staff been infected with the virus?
I am supposed to be volunteering at KISC during the summer. What happens to me?
I want to volunteer for one of your vacancies, can I still apply?
Where can I see the changes and safety measures that are going to be in place this summer?

Is it responsible to reopen at this stage?

Yes, providing we follow the guidance issued by the Swiss government and public health authorities. 
 
We have a duty to keep the Permanent Mini Jamboree open and alive for many years to come, and reopening to guests who are able to travel here this summer will help us ensure that. 
 
We accept that in some countries, National Scout Organizations and Governments have issued guidance that makes travelling to KISC harder, and in some cases, impossible. That’s why we are also urging everyone to follow their own country and NSO rules, before attempting to travel.
 
 
We are offering a full-refund to guests who cannot travel to us in July or August, providing they meet one of three conditions:
  1. The Swiss borders are closed to your country 14 days before you are due to arrive.
  2. The country you are travelling from has banned international travel during the time of your booking at KISC.
  3. Your National Scout Organisation (NSO) has banned international travel during the time of your booking at KISC.
If your booking does not meet one of these conditions you will need to follow the requirements in our Terms and Conditions, and we recommend you contact your travel insurer. Please remember, that we have also extended the amount of time you have to cancel from 90 to 14 days – with the same cancellation fee (40% of your total overnights), regardless if you cancel now or 14 days before arrival. Alternatively, we are encouraging our guests to consider moving their booking with us to an alternate date in the future or donating their pre-payment.
 
 
Yes. Please contact us to discuss. 
 
 
If your government has banned travel too/from Switzerland during the time of your booking at KISC, yes. 
 
 
No. However, we would strongly encourage you to claim from your travel insurance. 
 
 
Yes, providing the borders are closed between the country from which you are travelling, and Switzerland, 14 days before your arrival date.
 
 
Yes, both our campsite and indoor accommodation will be open from 1 July.
 
 

Yes, we can now confirm we can book meals. Due to Covid-19 regulations, we will only be serving breakfast and cooked dinner this Summer, but a packed lunch option is available. We will have limited space in the dining hall, to ensure the required distancing measures are followed. If you wish to have catered meals with us, please submit a meals order form through our website and our Reception team will let you know of the availability. You will need to bring your own, filled water bottle with you.

 
 
Sadly, we will not be able to fulfill all the activities you have requested. Instead, we will be delivering a weekly programme with a variety of alternatives, onto which you will be able to book.

Following the email sent out from the Programme team, you will now be able to book a maximum of three activities for your trip to KISC.

Activities are as follows:

Activity schedule - summer 2020
(Click on the image to open a PDF-version of the schedule.)

  Category Activity
Challenge activities Crate Stacking, Jacob's Ladder, Zip Wire
Guided hikes Bunderspitz Hike, Doldenhorn Hut Hike, Gasterntal Hike, Lötschenpass Hike
Workshops Backwoods Workshop, World Scout Workshop, The Juicinator, Fueling the Future
Jamboree activities Light Trail, Campfire, International Sports Afternoon

 

 
To help us comply with the guidance laid out by the Swiss government and public health authorities, we are asking all guests to bring with them some specific hygiene items, these will be confirmed in advance of your stay and will include disinfectant. 
 
 
We will update all our guests by email if we are forced to close again for any reason. Please check our FAQs regularly, which we are updating when there are changes.
 
 
Yes, a distance of 2 metres is currently being observed by staff and we anticipate guests will have to follow this in some form as well.
 
 
We are following the guidance set out by the Federal Office of Public Health Switzerland
 
 
Yes, it is a requirement that we provide hand disinfectant at the entrance and exit of the centre, and where we are providing catering services. However, it is also important that you bring your own personal disinfectant too. This will help us reduce the risk of transmission. 
 
 
Our staff will all be issued with face masks when required to wear them. We are not able to provide guests with them, you will need to bring your own.
 
 
To travel safely, you should follow the health and safety guidance provided by both your government, the Swiss government, NSO and travel provider. 

Why did KISC close?

Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone at KISC. In March, the advice from public health authorities worldwide and in Switzerland, meant we could not guarantee that.

We are continuing to play our part in reducing the risk of transmission of the virus.

I have a booking with you between now and 30th June. What happens now?

We have individually contacted all our affected groups in the last few weeks to discuss available options. These include moving your booking to another date, donating your pre-payment to the Permanent Mini Jamboree, turning your pre-payment into a KISC membership, or issuing you with a refund.

If you believe you have not yet been contacted by us, please email info@kisc.ch 

I still want to come, can I postpone my stay?

Yes! We are encouraging all our guests to consider joining us in a different month or year, up to 2021. You are welcome to move your booking, including any pre-payments to an available date in the future.

When can I expect my refund?

We will not be able to issue refunds until later in the year. The KISC Committee have had to take the difficult decision that we will only be able to pay you your refund once the situation around the Covid-19 pandemic becomes clearer, allowing us to factor in any necessary cost savings and to better understand our financial position. We anticipate this to be around the end of the Summer season. This is to ensure the Centre can continue running not only to celebrate its centennial in 2023, but for many years to come.

How will I receive the refund?

All refunds will be made by bank transfer.

How will I know that you have made a refund?

You will receive an email notification from us confirming that your refund has been processed.

There is no doubt this will be a difficult year for KISC financially and we would be very grateful for any and all donations. Your support during these difficult times will help us weather this storm and safeguard the Permanent Mini Jamboree for many more years.

My group does not have insurance, can we cancel and get a full refund?

If you cancel your stay and your circumstances do not meet one of our three conditions outlined above, we cannot offer a full refund. Please see our cancellation policy found in our Terms and Conditions

Do I need to re-book programme if our visit has been moved to 2021?

Yes, if your booking has been moved, you will need to submit a NEW programme booking with us on 1st March 2021. This is to make it fair to each group who will be staying with us in 2021.

Are staff still working at KISC while you are closed?

Yes, our current team of Pinkies are continuing to work here, and we’ve very grateful for their dedication and hard work. They have been answering your calls and emails, cleaning the Chalet, preparing the campsite and gearing up for when we do reopen. We’re also working on ways to continue to engage with you and your Scouts, and spread international friendship whilst you can’t visit us in person. 

During this time we will be following the guidance set by the Swiss public health authorities. This includes working from home where possible, social distancing, washing our hands thoroughly and regularly as well as self-isolating if anyone gets sick.

Have any of your staff been infected with the virus?

No. We have been following social distancing guidelines and have rigorous hygiene processes in place. We do not currently have any staff in self - isolation.

I am supposed to be volunteering at KISC during the summer. What happens to me?

We have contacted all of our volunteers who are due to join us this summer with instructions. If you have any questions or concerns please contact our Staff Development Director directly.

I want to volunteer for one of your vacancies, can I still apply?

Absolutely! We’re only closed temporarily and we’re going to need an army of enthusiastic Pinkies once we’re back open again. You can find our current vacancies here.

Where can I see the changes and safety measures that are going to be in place this summer?

You can find relevant changes and safety measures in the KISC concept for operation - Summer 2020.