Winter Holiday Camp - February & March

School holiday activities - Practical information

Our workshops are organised for children aged 6 to 16 in various towns in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. We form different age groups to offer a first-rate atmosphere and group cohesion. 

The courses are given in French, 3 hours a day over 5 days. The price is CHF 290 for the whole week, i.e. 15 hours of teaching in all.

What do students learn? The programme

At Apolline, each student benefits from tailor-made teaching. From the very first workshop, a skills assessment is carried out to ensure personalised support. All levels are welcome: beginner, intermediate or advanced. 

Over the course of the week, each student works on an illustration project. The theme is suggested by the teacher, but the choice of artistic style remains free, whether Manga, Belgian comics, Comics or another personal inspiration. The teacher focuses on specific technical aspects to help each student progress from their current level.

For younger participants, the approach is different. Our workshops focus on fun, games and enjoyment. The aim is to enable children to discover the different aspects of drawing while having fun and making friends. Our aim is to motivate students by offering them fun and challenges adapted to their level.

For more information on the techniques covered, objectives and skills, please consult the detailed section on this subject, a little further down on this page.

Want to sign up now? Go to our  SUBSCRIPTION FORM

Locations and Dates of the Workshops:

Etoy: Ateliers de la Côte - Route de Pallatex 5 - 1163 Etoy

  • Drawing, Painting & Illustration: February 17–21, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 6 to 10
  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Geneva: UCG - Av. de Sainte-Clotilde 9 - 1205 Geneva

  • Comics & Manga: February 24–28, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: February 24–28, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Lausanne: Rue Saint-Martin 9 - 1003 Lausanne

  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Neuchâtel: HUB Neuchâtel - Rue des Terreaux 7 - 2000 Neuchâtel

  • Drawing, Painting & Illustration: February 24–28, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 6 to 10
  • Comics & Manga: February 24–28, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Yverdon: L'étoile - Rue du Four 21 - Yverdon

  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Sion: Rue de Pré-Fleuri 8B - 1950 Sion

  • Comics & Manga: March 3–7, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: March 3–7, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Fribourg: Innovation Lab - Ch. du Musée 4 - 1700 Fribourg

  • Comics & Manga: March 3–7, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: March 3–7, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Vevey: Salle Pavillon - UCJG - Point-du-Jour 2 - 1800 Vevey

  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM - Ages 8+
  • Comics & Manga: February 17–21, 2025 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Ages 8+

Techniques covered, Objectives and Skills

This section gives you an overview of the skills and techniques your child can explore during our workshops. It is important to note that this list is an overview and that the focus of work will be determined with the teacher, according to the needs and wishes of the student. Not everything can be covered in a single week.

  • Human anatomy: Understanding the proportions of the body and face, as well as expressions and emotions.
  • Non-human anatomy: Study animals and imaginary creatures to broaden drawing skills.
  • Static and moving bodies: Learn to draw figures in action or at rest.
  • Set design: Master the basics of perspective and composition to create environments.
  • Objects and accessories: Draw realistic or stylised objects.
  • Creating characters: Character design to bring unique characters to life.
  • Colouring, lighting and shading: adding depth and realism to your drawings.
  • Constructing a scenario, dividing up the panels in relation to the text: the basics of visual storytelling.
  • Working with speech bubbles or phylacteries: how to integrate text into the illustration.
  • Composition and framing: guiding the viewer's eye through the work.
  • Hatching and texturing techniques: Using lines and patterns to create textures.
  • Atmospheric perspective: Using colour and light to create depth.
  • Layering and transparency techniques: Creating material and light effects.
  • Elements of graphic design: Introduction to the principles of design to enhance artwork.
  • Introduction to calligraphy and lettering: Basics of beautiful handwriting and artistic lettering.
  • Digital drawing: Use of iPads for digital drawing, suitable for older children.

Students will have access to a variety of tools and materials, such as pencils, felt pens, gouache, watercolour, Indian ink and digital tools. This will enable them to work on developing their personal style.

Prices

Cours Durée Prix
1 semaine de stage 3 heures par jour 290.00 CHF

Course locations

Inscrivez-vous à nos stages de dessin Manga durant les vacances scolaires

Printemps, Eté, Automne & Hiver

 

Inscription à nos stages

Learn more

We provide all the equipment needed for our courses so that our students can concentrate on their learning and creativity. They will also receive all the advice they need to make the most of it. We provide pencils, pens, paints, alcohol markers, light tablets, iPads and graphics tablets, Indian ink, rotring, coloured pencils and much more. We have everything our students need to express themselves creatively, and everything they need to produce quality drawings.

To take part in our Manga drawing workshop, you don't need to have any particular level of drawing experience. We welcome beginners, intermediates and more advanced artists. We create a positive and caring atmosphere in our drawing classes, so that everyone can progress at their own pace and develop their creativity. Whether you're a boy or a girl, a Manga drawing course is accessible to everyone. We're convinced that everyone has creative potential to develop, whatever their starting level. So don't hesitate, come and give it a try!

For extra-curricular activities, families can take advantage of a 10% sibling discount for the second child or more enrolled in our Comic & Manga illustration camps. This means a price of Fr. 261 for a week of 5 half-days. We understand that parents are often very involved in their children's education and are keen to see their children's progress. That's why we offer families regular monitoring, for parents who want to be kept informed of their child's progress. Our teachers are available for discussion during each course, week or workshop and can provide advice and recommendations to help the child achieve his or her goals. We offer courses for beginners and advanced learners, so that each child can learn at their own pace and achieve their goals. We look forward to working closely with parents to support their child's development and provide a positive and successful learning experience.

Super instructors! The manga teachers at our school are true professional artists who are committed to and passionate about their profession. They love to share their knowledge and expertise with students and are very comfortable with children and teenagers. They offer exciting activities that allow students to discover new techniques and express themselves creatively. Each of them has their own professional specialism and brings it to the fore, which means that each course is exciting and offers a discovery experience for students. Our teachers are dedicated to helping each student achieve their goals and develop as an artist. Thanks to their expertise and passion, the teachers at our school are exceptional mentors for students wishing to learn to draw manga or to perfect their skills in this discipline. They are also very popular at holiday camps, where they offer an exciting and fun workshop with sound advice!

Manga is a genre of comics originating in Japan that has gained worldwide popularity. The word "manga" literally means "comic strip" in Japanese, but it is often used to describe a specific style of illustration that has become synonymous with Japanese comics. The manga artistic movement is characterised by expressive facial features, exaggerated characters and exciting stories that span many genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, romance and comedy. The mangaka, or manga author, is an artist who creates manga. They are often highly talented and passionate about their work. Mangaka are often real stars in Japan. Manga has become an important part of Japanese culture and is much appreciated by Japanese of all ages. Although manga originated in Japan, it is now appreciated all over the world and has influenced many artists and comic strip writers across the globe.

Of course! Our comics and Manga workshops are open to everyone, regardless of gender. We welcome girls, boys and anyone who considers themselves outside these two categories to our workshops, and do everything we can to make them feel comfortable and confident. Whether you're a girl, a boy or any other gender, you're welcome in our house of comics and Manga. We offer courses during the school holidays as well as weekly classes throughout the year.

Our comics and Manga workshop is exclusively for children and teenagers. We do not accept whole families, i.e. children with their parents for example. Brothers and sisters are welcome, however, and even get a 10% sibling discount! If you are an adult and would like to learn how to draw comics and Manga, we offer weekly courses on request. These courses are tailored to adults, their level and their objectives. Please contact us for more information and prices.

Our prices for comic strip and Manga courses are accessible to all. For 5 half-days of training, from Monday to Friday, the cost is CHF 290. The course runs for 3 hours a day, either in the morning from 9am to 12pm, or in the afternoon from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. We offer a 10% sibling discount from the second child onwards, i.e. a price of CHF 261.--. Check our diary for available dates and choose the one that suits you best. The children do not stay for lunch, as this is a half-day activity only, and no accommodation is provided. You can register using our online form. We offer courses in the following cantons: Fribourg, Geneva, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Valais and Jura. You'll find us in Lausanne, Geneva, Morges, Montreux, Yverdon, Sion, Fribourg and Neuchâtel, as well as Biel and Delémont.

Training in the field of manga is a dream prospect for some budding cartoonists. It's an excellent opportunity for those who want to discover this world and improve their skills in this discipline. We offer a wide range of courses for all levels, whether you're a beginner or an advanced artist. We have weekly courses, which run on a year-round basis, or week-long workshops during the holidays, which we call holiday courses. Classes are open to both boys and girls, for those who are new to the discipline and want to learn the basics, as well as those who want to deepen their knowledge and improve their technique. If you're interested in learning about manga, please contact us for more information and to sign up. We look forward to welcoming you to our schools and helping you achieve your goals.

Art, considered to be the soul of education, is particularly highlighted in visual creation courses. These courses are particularly beneficial for students interested in illustration, whether manga, comic books, Belgian comics or other genres. They help them to develop their creativity, their sense of observation, their dexterity and their ability to express themselves visually. Manga illustration courses, in particular, are an excellent opportunity for students to master the drawing techniques specific to this artistic movement. They can also deepen their understanding of art history and aesthetics, which is essential for any aspiring artist. The visual arts courses also cover crucial elements such as colour, composition and perspective, which are essential aspects in the creation of quality artistic works. In this way, students can acquire new skills and improve their drawing technique. Finally, visual arts courses also offer students the opportunity to work in groups and collaborate with other artists. This social dimension is an important aspect, as it allows artists to enrich each other by sharing their know-how and creativity. In short, visual arts courses are an excellent way for students to develop their creativity, deepen their understanding of art history and acquire the technical skills needed to produce quality works of art. Art is a field with many possibilities, and visual arts courses are a great way to discover this fascinating world.

There are hundreds of different things that children can do during the school holidays, whether it's a leisure activity, tutoring, a nature trip or a therapeutic holiday. Camps are one of the best ways for a child to experience a wide range of fun activities. Our school offers Comics & Manga illustration courses during the holidays (autumn, spring, summer and winter). This is a daytime activity, so there is no accommodation and children do not sleep on site. Our school offers a wide range of courses for all levels, from beginner to advanced. We welcome both those who have just discovered this discipline and want to learn the basics, and those who want to deepen their knowledge and improve their technique. We offer a workshop and even weekly classes for those who want to improve and are prepared to work hard to achieve their goals. We believe that learning the art of manga illustration is an exciting and rewarding experience, and we look forward to welcoming you to our schools to help you achieve your goals. Every extra-curricular period is suitable, autumn, winter, spring or summer, with the exception of the Christmas period.

Choosing the right holiday camp for your child may seem like a daunting task, but by following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your child has an unforgettable holiday. First of all, it's important to consider your child's age and interests when selecting a workshop. Holiday camps often offer a variety of activities, so make sure you choose a camp offering activities that will captivate your child. Sport, the arts, tutoring, therapy - the possibilities are endless. Next, it's important to check safety and quality by looking for reviews online and talking to other parents who have already sent their children to the same places. Finally, it's important to involve your child in the final decision so that they feel enthusiastic and invested in their summer, autumn, winter or spring holiday. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your child has a summer full of fun and memorable activities. Camp and therapy in the great outdoors Therapeutic camps for children in Switzerland are educational and recreational programmes designed to help children overcome emotional and psychological problems. They often incorporate artistic activity, particularly drawing and illustration, as a therapeutic means of helping young people express their emotions. These camps are run by qualified counsellors who are trained to provide effective therapy for children. During their stay at the camp, children are encouraged to participate in group activities and to interact with other children in order to strengthen their social skills. The activities on offer vary from camp centre to camp centre, but often include activities such as sports, illustration, painting or outdoor activities in nature, with horses for example (particularly in spring and autumn). Therapeutic camps for children in Switzerland aim to provide a safe and fun environment where they can connect with other young people while receiving effective therapy.

Here's how to organise your child's or teenager's next holiday: - Choose the right course for your child. Our courses are open to participants aged 9 to 16 and are organised in every canton of French-speaking Switzerland: Geneva, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Valais and Jura, in the towns of Geneva, Lausanne, Morges, Yverdon, Montreux, Sion, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Biel and Delémont. - Choose the period: autumn, winter, spring or summer? With the exception of the Christmas holidays, your children will be able to take advantage of a Comics & Manga course during every major extra-curricular holiday period! - Register on our website. We remind you that no accommodation is provided and that participants do not sleep on site.

Our art school offers a variety of extra-curricular activities throughout the year, including the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons. We organise holiday activities for young artists aged 9 to 16. However, this is a daytime activity, lasting 3 hours in the morning or afternoon. No accommodation is provided. Our leisure programmes are designed to welcome individual participants or families (brothers and sisters), for great fun with friends. Whatever the season, our extra-curricular activities offer unique opportunities for young artists to develop their skills and discover their creativity in a stimulating and welcoming environment. You'll find us in every canton of French-speaking Switzerland: Geneva, Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Valais and Jura, in the cities of Geneva, Lausanne, Morges, Yverdon, Montreux, Sion, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Biel and Delémont.

One of the best-known events in France for fans of manga and pop-culture is Japan Expo, held every year in Paris. It's a chance for fans to meet artists, publishers, authors and cosplayers, and take part in workshops and conferences. A father recently told us about his experience: he took his two children, a son and a daughter, to Japan Expo, and all three came back delighted. Before this visit, the son was a circus performer and the daughter was passionate about theatre. They were both training in Veyrier in the canton of Geneva. Since Japan Expo, they've discovered a fascinating world and have changed direction. The son started drawing manga, while the daughter took up cosplay. As for the father, he discovered One Piece and fell in love with the story. "I'm delighted to have found a passion to share with them, who are also fans of One Piece. It's a universe that brings us together and allows us to spend unforgettable moments together," he declared. So the manga has an inter-generational dimension, allowing members of the same family to share a common passion, not bad at all ;).