Check the program for 2023 edition here.

The Eco Summer Camp has been launched by the Lassalle-Institut and is jointly organised by

• Lassalle-Institut
• Fastenaktion
• Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)
• ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
• Newman Institute
• Institute of Environmental Science for Social Change (ESSC), Pilippines

The following speakers will be present this year

Dr. Sabin Bieri
University of Bern
Director, Centre for Development and Environment (CDE)
Head of Socio-Economic Transitions Cluster

The camp aims to broaden the participants’ horizons  and  strengthen an international network of young people who contribute to a true cultural change in environmental issues. The guiding principles throughout the entire week will focus on our consumption behavior as individuals and that of our society, since we believe that transforming our consumption behavior is one of the most important prerequisites for building an ecologically sustainable society.

All participants, as well as the experts, will be on campus during the whole time to promote personal encounters as well as personal growth through a direct and informal transfer of knowledge.

Through an innovative pedagogy (self- amd group-reflection, excursions, encounters, etc.) in the framework of a holistic approach (head, heart, and hands), the participants have the opportunity not only to listen to outstanding speakers but also to foster interpersonal growth through a mindful approach (e.g., eco-spirituality, meditation, etc.) as well as through a practical contribution to organizing the week (harvesting, cooking, cleaning, etc.).

Experience shows that such a pedagogy, which not only touches the intellectual sphere but also considers the spiritual and the practical dimension, is a more effective way to foster change in one’s everyday life.

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The camp is intended for people who are interested in widening not only their personal knowledge about ecological issues, but in experiencing a unique opportunity to enlarge their own network in meeting peers and experts from all over the world while engaging in a constructive dialogue and discourse.

The official language of the gathering is English. Applicants should have at least a B2 level in English.

The Summer Camp will take place at the Lassalle-Haus, a unique educational institution committed to a more peaceful and just world. The Lassalle-Haus is a centre for spirituality, dialogue and responsibility founded by the Swiss Jesuits and held as a place for Zen meditation, yoga, Ignatian exercises or Christian contemplation. Although there is a spiritual dimension to the Eco Summer Camp, the program will be held in a non-confessional way open to everyone. The Lassalle-Haus is located outside the city, surrounded by nature and farms. The place invites you to leave everyday life behind and to engage with people and topics in an undisturbed manner.

The total expenses for camp participants in 2023 will range according to room choice and age from 590.- CHF (Women only, four-bed room without shower) to 1’030.- CHF (single room with shower). Please take into consideration that there is limited room availability. Therefore, free choice of accommodation is limited. The expenses are all-inclusive and include accommodation, on-site catering, excursions as well as office supplies.

Students don’t have to pay any additional fees. However, participants until 35 years will pay 200.- CHF, participants older than 35 will pay 400.- CHF as a course fee.

Please be aware, in all transparency, that the actual costs for rooms, speakers, or facilitators are higher than the fee. Still, the Eco Summer Camp needs donations to finance the wonderful program.

If you register before January 31, you will receive a 10% discount on the total amount.

If you register before February 29, you will receive a 5% discount on the total amount.

From 2024, the Eco Summer Camp will become a summer school. This will give participants the opportunity to apply for 4 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). The requirements for acquiring ECTS points are described below. It is not required to apply for ECTS points in order to participate in the Eco Summer Camp.

Classes take the form of lectures, discussion seminars, workshops, and excursions during the week. The examination is taken in two ways:

1. Students are expected to read the assigned readings and actively participate in the work sessions (60% of the final grade); and
2. The entire course content is assessed by a written paper after the Eco Summer Camp on a topic occurring during the course (40% of the final grade). The paper must be submitted by a given deadline.»

We are eager to ensure a fair proportion of participants from different countries around the World, with varied personal backgrounds, and gender. Moreover, to ensure the participation of highly motivated people, a paper-based selection will follow upon registration for the “Eco Summer Camp”. For further information, please refer to the application form.

The application process is open. All applications must be submitted at the latest by April 30, 2024. All applicants will be informed no later than within fourteen days of the deadline. They will be notified whether they have been accepted, wait-listed, or unfortunately rejected.

We are eager to ensure a fair proportion of participants from different countries around the World, with varied personal backgrounds, and gender. Moreover, to ensure the participation of highly motivated people, a paper-based selection will follow upon registration for the “Eco Summer Camp”. For further information, please refer to the application form.

The application process is open. All applications must be submitted at the latest by April 30, 2024. All applicants will be informed no later than within fourteen days of the deadline. They will be notified whether they have been accepted, wait-listed, or unfortunately rejected.

We are eager to ensure a fair proportion of participants from different countries around the World, with varied personal backgrounds, and gender. Moreover, to ensure the participation of highly motivated people, a paper-based selection will follow upon registration for the “Eco Summer Camp”. For further information, please refer to the application form.

The application process is open. All applications must be submitted at the latest by April 30, 2024. All applicants will be informed no later than within fourteen days of the deadline. They will be notified whether they have been accepted, wait-listed, or unfortunately rejected.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Valerio Ciriello SJ

Lassalle-Institut

Bad Schönbrunn

6313 Edlibach

Switzerland

E-Mail: ecosummercamp@lassalle-institut.org

«My heart beats for an ecological turnaround that will bring about an inner and social transformation that promises us and future generations a prosperous and bright future instead of the downfall of an entire civilisation.»

Lassalle Institut

Ernst Göhner Stiftung

Heinrich & Julie Sandmeier-Streiff Stiftung

Jesuiten Weltweit (Deutschland)

Jesuiten Weltweit (Schweiz)

Jurt Stiftung

Katholische Kirchengemeinde Steinhausen

Katholische Landeskirche Kanton Zürich

Kirchengemeinde Baar

Katholische Landeskirche Kanton Luzern

Reformierte Kirche Kanton Aargau

Reformierte Kirche Kanton Zug