Dear all,

Today, we introduced a new activity called “What Are You Thankful For?”, where we gathered everyone together and asked them to share one thing they felt grateful for this week—no matter how small.

To get things started, we gave a few examples: the sunny days we’ve had, playing football together, or simply feeling happier after the holidays. Some students took inspiration from these, but we also heard some really thoughtful responses. Many shared how much they’ve laughed recently (apparently, our House Parents have stepped up their “bad joke” game, and it’s paying off), how happy they feel with their friends, or how proud they are of their good test results.

Since the result was very positive, we’ve decided to make it a weekly tradition! Every week, each student will share one thing that made them happy—because sometimes, focusing on the small moments of joy can make them bigger.

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

Tonight, we got to enjoy some classic Chinese dishes at dinner. The menu included Shrimp fritters, Beef sautéed with onions, Chinese noodles, and Stir-fried vegetables with tofu. Everything was fresh and tasty!

Did you know China is home to the world’s longest wall and the busiest train system? It’s also where noodles have been eaten for over 4,000 years!

Our Chinese students were happy to see familiar flavors on their plates!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

Tonight, we enjoyed a delicious Canadian-inspired dinner! The menu featured a hearty dish of potatoes with tender beef in a rich gravy, followed by fluffy pancakes topped with syrup and chocolate for dessert. It was a comforting meal that everyone loved.

Did you know Canada is the second-largest country in the world and produces most of the world’s maple syrup? It’s a country known for its warm hospitality and love for good food!

Our Canadian students were happy to see their culture on the table!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

Did you know that Geneva once faced a night full of bravery? In the Champs des Bois, we shared the following story with the our little kings, and they loved it!

Over 400 years ago, in December 1602, soldiers tried to invade Geneva, but the brave citizens fought back. Legend says a woman called Mère Royaume helped defend the city by throwing a pot of hot soup at the invaders, waking everyone to protect their home.

Every year, we celebrate this heroic night with costumes, parades, and the famous chocolate cauldron. This year, we got to smash one ourselves—and let’s be honest, breaking it to eat the chocolate was our favorite part!

The Escalade is a special way to remember Geneva’s courage and unity—made even sweeter with chocolate and Donny leading the attack to the cauldron! 🍫

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

This evening the cooking team prepared Massaman Chicken, Beef Thai Basil, Shrimp with Vegetables in Oyster Sauce, and a delicious Coconut Rice Pudding roll for dessert.

Did you know Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles” because of its warm and welcoming culture? It’s also home to over 40,000 temples and the famous floating markets!

Our Thai student, Nuttakit, was excited to talk about their traditions, and everyone listened to it carefully—it was aroi mak!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

What a weekend we’ve had! On Saturday morning, the kids jumped into their usual activities—tennis, horseback riding, and even some cooking. Everyone had a great time getting active and creative to start the day.

In the afternoon, Mana and Kimi headed off to Geneva with Terray to do some shopping for gifts (Secret Santa is just around the corner). Meanwhile, back at the house, we all settled in for a movie night that had us laughing nonstop. It was the perfect way to end a fun and relaxed Saturday.

Sunday was definitely the highlight of the weekend! We took a trip to the Montreux Christmas Market, where the festive atmosphere put everyone in the holiday spirit. The twinkling lights, the smell of warm treats, and the cheerful music made it such a magical day. One of the most exciting parts was discovering a collection of beautiful stones, which Chika absolutely loved!

Unfortunately, poor Mana had to stay home because he wasn’t feeling well, but we made sure to bring back plenty of stories (and maybe a little Christmas cheer) to share with him. After a long day of exploring, we returned to the house for a cozy dinner and some much-needed rest.

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

Tonight, we took a trip to Norway through its delicious cuisine! The cooking team served Salmon, Gravlax, Kotterbüllar (Norwegian meatballs), and cranberry sauce. Each dish was simple yet packed with fresh, Nordic flavors.

Did you know Norway is home to the stunning fjords and has one of the happiest populations in the world? It’s also the land of the midnight sun, where some places experience 24 hours of daylight in summer!

Veldig godt!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡

Dear all,

What a month it’s been here at Champs des Bois! From start to finish, everyone brought so much energy and positivity to the November Fitness Challenge. It’s been amazing to see you all pushing yourselves, cheering each other on, and having fun along the way.

A big shoutout to Mana and Kimi, who really led the way and encouraged everyone to get involved. You two have been such incredible motivators, and we couldn’t have done it without you! 🙌

And let’s talk about Jin – the champion of the month! Winning the most challenges is no small feat. Your hard work and focus were inspiring, and we’re all so proud of you. 🏆

But honestly, the best part of this whole month was seeing how almost everyone joined in. Whether it was smashing a challenge, learning something new, or just having fun as a team, you all made this such a special experience.

Thank you for giving your best and showing that Champs des Bois isn’t just a boarding house – it’s a family. ❤️ You’ve made this challenge unforgettable, and I couldn’t be prouder of all of you.

The Champs-des-Bois team 🏠

Dear all,

Tonight, we set sail on a culinary journey to Portugal! The cooking team treated us to Bread with chorizo, Shrimp rissoles, Cod squabs, Portuguese roast chicken with potatoes, and, of course, Pastel de Nata for dessert.

Did you know Portugal is home to the world’s oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand, which has been around since 1732? It’s also the birthplace of fado, soulful music perfect for eating just one more pastel (or two).

Muito bom!

The Champs des Bois team 🏡