The Joy and Highlights of This Year’s Summer School at Institut Montana

From sports and science to creativity, broadcasting, business, tech workshops, and language courses in English and German, the summer camp focused on learning, talent discovery, and intercultural exchange.

This year’s Institut Montana summer school was a resounding success, bringing together 44 students from 17 different nationalities. between July 14 and 27. Under the theme ‘Learn, Grow, Move and Meet,’ participants immersed themselves in a dynamic program brimming with adventure, learning, and the creation of lasting friendships.

‘Radio M’: Where Kids Become Radio Stars

One of the highlights of this year’s camp was the special radio station, ‘Radio M,’ where young presenters got their first taste of broadcasting. Guided by a former Montana student and renowned US radio presenter Cary Harrison, who travelled to Zugerberg specifically for the project, the children created and aired their own programs live on social media. The content was both current and impactful: two boys from Ukraine and Russia discussed the ongoing situation in their home countries, while other children delved into the upcoming U.S. presidential election. They also went live interviewing interview an Olympic medallist.

Creative with AI: Where Imagination Meets Technology

Led by two Montana alumni Luisa Lager and Dominic Graber, who are also the co-founders of an AI company Mindmode, students had a lot of fun at their AI Superhero Workshop. They were introduced to AI in a fun, engaging way, learning to distinguish between real and AI-generated images and even creating their own superheroes. Using AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, they crafted fascinating characters, stories, unique superpowers, then later presented their work to the class. The workshop also addressed the limits of AI and underscored the importance of critical thinking, showcasing how AI can both simplify complex concepts and spark creativity.

Adventures Beyond the Classroom

True to tradition, Institut Montana’s summer school included exhilarating excursions. This year, students visited the Victorinox factory to learn about Swiss knife making, explored a chocolate factory, and enjoyed active adventures like trampoline jumping, indoor skydiving, hiking, and boat paddling at Unterägeri and Mount Pilatus. They also had a blast learning how to make ice cream, proving that fun and learning go hand in hand. Some evening fun sessions included Forest BBQ, Karaoke and Beauty Night.

This year’s summer camp at Institut Montana was truly a celebration of learning, creativity, and global friendship.