The Château Experience: Family Camp

Sunday, July 11 – Friday, July 16, 2027

Château d’Hauteville

Blonay - Saint-Légier, Switzerland
 

We are thrilled to once again invite Pepperdine alumni, supporters, family, and friends to join us next summer for the truly special gathering of The Château Experience: Family Camp. Located at Château d’Hauteville—the University’s spectacular 90-acre campus in Switzerland—you’ll be surrounded by the breathtaking architecture and history of this magnificent 18th-century estate and even have an opportunity to stay overnight at the château during your visit. If you are not already familiar with the history and impact of this extraordinary property, please read more here.

The week-long experience of The Château Experience: Family Camp includes delectable meals featuring Swiss and other traditional cuisine provided by the château’s world-class culinary team, daily “apero” receptions, and other on-site recreational activities such as karaoke and a movie night, where you, your family, fellow alumni, and friends can connect with others who also celebrate Pepperdine’s mission. In addition to opportunities to walk through the château’s winding hallways and historic rooms, surrounding gardens, vineyards, and forest, you will also have daily access to the property’s newly refurbished and sparkling pool. In lieu of formally led off-site excursions, a team of Pepperdine staff and student ambassadors will be available to help you plan visits to nearby restaurants, museums, and other local attractions that are unique to the area. With this group’s expert advice and firsthand knowledge of the region, you’ll be sure to experience the very best that southwest Switzerland has to offer. For attendees 16 or older who wish to participate, there will be an off-site visit to the region’s nearby vineyards (included in the cost of registration) as well as a wine dinner onsite in the château’s wine cave (for an additional cost). More details for each are listed below. 

Families with children under the age of eight or who would prefer to stay in off-site lodging are welcome to explore our suggested hotel options below. We especially recommend the Modern Times, which is adjacent to the Château d’Hauteville property and just a five-minute walk from the Pepperdine estate. 

Kids-Trip

As a part of this boutique travel experience, the team at Château d’Hauteville is pleased to support traveling families by providing top-notch access to kid-friendly activities, entertaining the youngest in your group while giving parents a chance to rest and socialize with their own peers. To accomplish this, we will be partnering for our third successful summer with the incomparable Kids-Trip, a specialized group local to the Saint-Légier area that provides extra supervision and fun for your children aged 7–15. In an engaging and educational way, this team will introduce Family Camp kids to local Swiss culture, provide on-site games and activities at the château, as well as transportation to various locations in the region such as area parks or museums. Participation in Kids-Trip is included in the cost of each child registration, and it will allow your children to have an opportunity to bond and connect with their fellow young travelers, while you can rest assured knowing that they are in good hands.

Purpose Statement:

The Château Experience: Family Camp brings together Pepperdine alumni, families, and friends in a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring environment where they can connect with others who are passionate about Pepperdine’s mission and witness firsthand the positive impact that Pepperdine is having on students and communities around the world.

Registration Costs

The registration fee includes all breakfasts, light lunches, and dinners served onsite at the château, and each children’s fee includes participation in Kids-Trip activities (for kids ages 7-15). Each registration will also include lodging at the Château’s primary property, the Garden House, or Orangerie buildings. For those who would prefer access to accommodations that include a private kitchen, living area, and bathroom, the Gatehouse, Orangerie, and Faculty Apartments will be available for an additional cost. The optional wine dinner on Thursday evening is also an additional cost, for those who wish to participate. More details for both the dinner and lodging are available below.

Every year during The Château Experience: Family Camp, attendees join together to leave their own philanthropic mark on the Château d’Hauteville international campus by providing a group gift that enhances the space and makes it even more special for the future. By designating a portion of each registration cost to support this important pillar of Pepperdine, we can continue to serve students and visitors from around the world while upholding the University’s mission. In previous years, Château Experience participants have helped fund workstations in the Château’s Glass House laboratory as well as an outdoor sound system, benefiting the educational experience of our International Program students and allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful Château gardens while listening to keynote speakers and enjoying music. For the upcoming Château Experience: Family Camp, each registration will include a tax-deductible gift portion ($450 for each adult and $250 for each child), which will support funding of the weatherized outdoor bicycle parking area at Château d’Hauteville. 

• $2,050 per adult (ages 16 and above) – cost for the entire week
• $900 per child (up to age 15) – cost for entire week

After exploring this page if you have additional questions, please contact Tess Bridgesmith at tess.bridgesmith@pepperdine.edu. 

The Château Experience: Family Camp 2027 Itinerary

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you would like to provide additional support for the Château d’Hauteville, we invite you to sponsor one of the receptions or meals listed below that will occur during The Château Experience: Family Camp. Your gift is tax-deductible and you will receive special recognition at whichever gathering you choose to support. If you have additional questions about these sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tess Bridgesmith at 310.506.4953 or tess.bridgesmith@pepperdine.edu.  

Apero Sponsor – $2,500

Sponsor one of the nightly wine receptions, each at a different charming location on the château grounds (subject to move indoors in the case of inclement weather): 

• L’Orangerie Terrace
• Haye Wine Garden
• Hanson Family Magnolia Garden
• South Garden Terrace

Dinner Sponsor  – $3,500

Sponsor a weeknight dinner, featuring various regional and traditional cuisines:

• Artisanal Pizza Gathering, Lily Pond Terrace
• Swiss meal featuring local fare, Haye Wine Garden
• Fondue and Swiss cuisine, Grand Alley
• Buffet Family Dinner, Orangerie

Wine Cave Dinner Sponsor – $5,000

Sponsor the special closing wine dinner:

• Johnson Family Wine Cave
  
  

Around the Château and Memories from Previous Years of The Château Experience: Family Camp

Optional Excursions

Train trip in Wine Country

Train des Vignes (Vineyard Train)

Climb aboard the Regio R7 express railway train in Vevey and enjoy a picturesque ride to Chexbres-Village. Along the way you will have incredible views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the vineyards that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located along the northern shore of the lake and covering more than 2,000 acres, the Lavaux region is known not only for its ideal climate for grape production but also its terraced vineyards, making it a popular tourist area that is both easy on the eyes and the tastebuds. During your journey, you will have the option to explore these terraced landscapes on foot or transfer to the Lavaux Panoramic, a “road train” with tired wheels that will navigate the winding paths. With a more up-close look at the vineyards, you can duck into various wine cellars, meet the vintners, and—of course—taste the literal fruits of their labor. Guests who are interested in hiking the footpaths are asked to come dressed with proper footwear, and those who are unsure of their fitness abilities are encouraged to sit back and soak up the sights from a seat on the train.

Adults only, limited to first 32 registrants

This excursion is complimentary for all adult attendees aged 16 and over; cost is included in the registration fee

Dinner in the Château’s Wine Cave

An adults-only dinner is the perfect way for you to spend your final night at Château d’Hauteville, bonding with the friends you’ve made throughout the week, reminiscing, and enjoying a wonderful meal prepared by the Château’s incredible culinary staff. Seated in the cozy, historic Johnson Family Wine Cave, you and your fellow diners will create memories that will stay with you long after you return home from your adventure abroad. 

Adults only, limited to first 36 registrants

Price: $275 per person

**During the wine dinner, a kid-friendly meal will be concurrently served in the Château’s Orangerie, where childcare will be provided by Kids-Trip staff, and families can choose to dine together as a group if they choose.

Lodging at the Château

As always, we will be offering a range of on-site lodging options for the week, allowing you to enjoy a fully immersive experience of the château lifestyle. We are only able to accommodate lodging for families with children ages 8 or older at the Château d’Hauteville. Families with younger children are welcome to stay at a local hotel and join both daytime and evening scheduled activities held at the Château. See additional lodging options below. 

All lodging packages include access to laundry facilities and the fitness center.

  Château Estate – Complimentary lodging included with registration

Twin beds, communal bathrooms with private showers. Lodging costs are complimentary with the purchase of any Château Experience registration. Details below outline the number of beds in each room and approximate square footage to help you select the option that best fits your family or travel party. 

Room Type	Beds	Square Feet	Week Price	Availability
Type A	6 beds | 3 sets of bunk beds	Rooms range in size from 332 – 495 square feet	Complimentary	4
Type B	6 beds | 2 sets of bunk beds, 2 stand-alone twin beds	827 square feet	Complimentary	1
Type C	4 beds | 2 sets of bunk beds	Rooms range in size from 215 – 245 square feet	Complimentary	3
Type D	4 beds  | 1 set of bunk beds, 2 stand-alone twin beds	Rooms range in size from 212 – 219 square feet	Complimentary	2
Type E	3 beds | 1 set of bunk beds, 1 stand-alone twin bed	Rooms range in size from 151 – 257 square feet	Complimentary	5
Type F	3 beds | all stand-alone twin beds	288 square feet	Complimentary	1
Type G	2 beds | 1 set of bunk beds	Rooms range in size from 108 – 129 square feet	Complimentary	3
Type H	2 beds | both stand-alone twin beds	Rooms range in size from 130 – 168 square fee	Complimentary	2

 

 

  Other On-site Buildings – Complimentary lodging included with registration

Rooms in the château’s Garden House and Orangerie properties offer single and double beds, accommodating one to two people in each. Bathrooms are shared with others, with private showers, and each of the Orangerie bedrooms has its own sink, offering ease for brushing teeth and washing hands and face. Like the main château property, rooms in these buildings are also complimentary, included in the cost of registration. 

Building	Beds	Amenities	Square Feet	Week Price	Availability
L'Orangerie Single Room	1 twin bed per room	shared restroom/shower facilities	Rooms range in size from 98 – 124 square feet	Complimentary	25 single rooms
Garden House | Single Bed Option	1 twin bed per room	shared restroom/shower facilities	Rooms range in size from 90 – 192 square feet	Complimentary	5 single-bed rooms
Garden House | Double Bed Option	1 double bed per room | 2 twin-size mattresses set alongside each other	shared restroom/shower facilities	Rooms range in size from 90 – 192 square feet	Complimentary	3 double-bed rooms

L'Orangerie Single Room

Garden House

 

 

 

  Fully Private Family Lodging – Additional cost

For Château Experience attendees wishing for some extra space with access to private bathrooms, kitchen and living areas, and independent laundry facilities, the options listed below are available for an additional cost. 

Building	Beds	Amenities	Square Feet	Week Price	Availability
L'Orangerie Apartment	2 bedrooms, 1 queen bed per room	accommodates a family of four, equipped with private kitchen, bathroom, powder room, living room, washer and dryer	970 square feet	$6,000	1 reservation
Gatehouse	3 rooms, 3 king beds | 1 room, queen bed	accommodates up to 8 people, private kitchen, living room, 2 full bathrooms, laundry room	1,588 - 1,781 square feet	$9,000	2 reservation
Château Faculty Apartment (photos not available)	2 bedrooms, 1 queen bed per room	accommodates a family of four, equipped with private kitchen and 2 bathrooms, powder room, living room, washer and dryer	980 square feet	$7,500	1 reservation

L'Orangerie Apartment

Gatehouse

 

  Additional Lodging Options

Area hotels for families with children under the age of eight, or families who choose not to stay overnight at the château:

• Modern Times Hotel(Marriott)
  
  Four-star hotel near Chaplin’s World Museum. Easily walkable to and from the Château property for daily participation in Château Experience events and meals. When making your reservation, mention that you are with the Château Experience organized by Pepperdine and provide promotional code “PDK” to receive a discounted rate. Room rates include breakfast and parking; taxes not included.
  Email contact: reservation@moderntimeshotel.ch
• Astra Hotel
  
  Four-star hotel with easy access to a nearby train station. To make your reservation, visit the hotel’s website and use promotion code “malibu26” to receive the discounted rate.
• Hotel des Trois Couronnes
  
  

  Five-star hotel alongside the shore of Lake Geneva, in Vevey. Approximately two miles from the Château, 5–6 minute drive.

• Grand Hôtel du Lac
  
  Five-star boutique hotel near Hotel des Trois Couronnes, several restaurants, and the picturesque region of La Tour-de-Peilz. Approximately two miles from the Château, 5–6 minute drive.
  
  

Activities In and Around Vevey

Vevey is a beautiful resort town with historic sites and iconic landmarks, surrounded by enchanting villages and postcard-perfect Swiss countryside. Below are some optional activities to consider taking part in during your visit.

Travel Tips

Transportation Information

Recommended Airports