Our Annual Gingerbread House Competition: A Winter Wonderland!

After warming up with hot chocolate following the Escalade race, the Middle School boys rolled up their sleeves for one of our favorite traditions—the Gingerbread House Competition!

Using gingerbread biscuits and plenty of sugar glue, the boys worked together to build their masterpiece. Throughout the afternoon, ideas were flying—some boys even popped into the office to share creative suggestions or lend a helping hand.

The result? A stunning winter-themed gingerbread house, complete with snowy details and festive charm. We are so proud of the energy, teamwork, and creativity they put into this project. It turned out absolutely beautiful—truly a winter wonderland in miniature!

A Busy and Exciting Weekend in the House!

This weekend was full of energy and festive spirit!

On Friday, the excitement started as we collected our bibs for the famous Escalade Race, a proud Geneva tradition that everyone looks forward to.

Saturday was packed with our usual activities—cooking, tennis, boxing, badminton—and a special treat: baking biscuits in the House! The boys worked together and ended up making over 100 biscuits, filling the House with delicious aromas. But before that, we headed into Geneva to pick up gifts for Secret Santa.

On Sunday, the big moment arrived: we took part in l’Escalade Race! Despite the chilly weather, the boys showed great spirit and determination. After the race, we gathered for a cozy celebration with hot chocolate and our homemade biscuits—the perfect way to end an amazing weekend.

Running Together at the Course de l’Escalade

Dear all,

This December, our boarding house proudly joined thousands of runners in Geneva’s Course de l’Escalade, the city’s beloved race that celebrates unity, tradition, and resilience.

From the moment we pinned on our bib numbers, excitement filled the air. The streets of Geneva were alive with cheering crowds, colorful costumes, and the unmistakable energy of the Escalade weekend. For many of our residents, this was their first time running through the historic Old Town, winding past cobblestone streets and festive decorations.

And of course, the celebration didn’t end at the finish line. After the race, we returned to our boarding house where warm mugs of hot chocolate and plates of biscuits awaited us. Sharing stories of the run while enjoying these simple comforts made the day even more memorable.

The Course de l’Escalade is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of courage and solidarity, echoing the city’s defense in 1602. By participating, our boarding house didn’t just run a race—we became part of a tradition that unites generations.

We’re already looking forward to next year, with new goals, faster times, and even more laughter along the way. Until then, we’ll cherish the memory of running through Geneva’s winter streets and gathering together afterward, warmed by friendship, biscuits, and hot chocolate.

Boarding Awards Ceremony!

Dear All,

Tonight, we had the absolute pleasure of attending the CDL Boarding Awards Ceremony – and what a night it was for Champs-des-Bois! Our boys truly shone and represented the House with pride and spirit.

We are thrilled to share the fantastic achievements of our students:

  • Paul-David – Winner of the Boarding Life Award, recognizing his outstanding contribution to our boarding community.
  • Mikito – Winner of the Activities Award, for his enthusiasm and commitment to extracurricular life.
  • Chika and Mana– Winners of the Academic Awards for Grades 6 and 7, celebrating their hard work and dedication to learning.

The pride we feel as a House is immense. These achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also the supportive and vibrant environment we strive to create together. A huge congratulations to these lads for doing so well and making themselves – and all of us – proud.

Let’s continue to encourage and celebrate each other as we move forward. And a massive well done to everyone who received recognition!

The Champs-des-Bois Team 🏠

 

Primary Winter Performance

Dear all,

This morning our Level 5 students took part in their Winter Concert! The boys in the house showcased their talents, and it was a pleasure to attend featuring Samuel, Yaroslav, Manuel & Daria. A big thank you to everyone involved for making this event happen – it’s wonderful to see the artistic side of these boys shine through.

All the best,

The Champs-des-Bois Team 🏠

 

A Visit to The Mouse & The Magic Kingdom!

Dear all,

The highlight from the weekend’s activities was the magical escapade to explore the wonders of Disneyland Paris. To say the boys had a magical time would be an understatement. With a whopping fifteen glorious hours clocked in the park over Saturday and Sunday, the crew truly soaked up everything the Mouse had to offer.

From classic Disney charm to Star Wars thrills and Marvel adventures, there was no shortage of attractions, characters, and unforgettable moments.A truly enchanting experience for all involved! Huge thanks to the Trip Staff for pulling all the pieces together—your effort was thoroughly appreciated and certainly well enjoyed!

The CDB Team