Most fourth graders look forward all year to their trip to Concordia Language Camp, and it never seems to disappoint them.  You simply had to be at the bus for pick-up to hear them chattering away about all of the great things they did at camp. The excitement starts on Friday when they can come to school wearing camping clothes and dragging all their belongings behind them. Then they have to leave their class early to eat lunch with the Upper School students because the bus picks them up at 11:30 a.m.  This year, we even had to sneak in a birthday cake and song before leaving, as one of the campers had a birthday over the weekend.  Then the buses arrive!  Most of our students have never ridden on a coach bus so they are in awe as they board this luxurious mode of transportation.  And then the long ride begins.  It always starts with a lot of chattering, a few songs, some games and finally a movie.  The movie seems to get everyone to settle down until the bus pulls in to a fast food restaurant.  The fun of choosing exactly what you want to eat with no parents looking over your shoulder as well as sitting with only kids in your own booth seems to make everyone happy, and this fervor carries the kids for the next leg of the ride. 

Upon arriving at camp, you are inundated by the target language.  You feel like you are in a foreign country as you get your passport stamped, exchange your money for euros, and even change your name to one from the country you are visiting.  Your heart starts to beat a little faster as the counselors let you know what cabin you are in because you hope so much that you will be with other MPA students.  (Of course, every year the MPA kids are either all in one cabin or split between two, but you may not know that as a fourth grader.)  So, off to your cabin you go, settling yourself in as you unpack your bag and make your bed.  

The evening continues with dinner where you meet your “family,” a mixture of children from many schools, and then some group activities so you can meet other students.  Saturday is full of much the same.  There are group activities that everyone has to cycle through as you learn about the theme for the weekend and try some new things.  And then there are activities where you get to choose what you want to do.  Although Saturday night is a banquet with candles and table cloths, every meal is actually an experience in itself.  The food is often new and introduced by a song or skit.  Since all is in the target language, you don’t always know what it is you are eating, but because of all the activity you are hungry and more eager to try new things.  Saturday night presents itself with a carnival or party of some sort so the kids go to bed ready to sleep. 

By Sunday, everyone is a little calmer and usually a bit more tired, so the bus ride home is often full of dozing passengers.  That is, until they see their family waiting for them.  Then the spark returns and they can’t wait to share all the fun they have had over the weekend.  This weekend is the culmination of years of Spanish or French, and our children always do so well.  A huge thank you to Sra. Castellanos and Monsieur Swanson for planning it, and to Ms. Stacy for going along with the group while Mr. Clear covered French and Spanish classes back at MPA.  What a wonderful experience for our 4th graders. 

While talking about French and Spanish, we might as well look at the summer offerings for our languages.  These always seem to be popular, so make to sign up soon.   

French and Spanish Survival (grades K-4) classes are meant for children who started the language this year or have never taken the language before.  Sometimes French students want to dabble in Spanish for the summer and vice-versa.  It introduces and reviews the basics for children grades K-4.  (Yes, that means our present Pre-K can sign up for a head-start in the language of their choice.) 

Spanish Conversation (grades 2-5) is great for 2nd through 5th graders who have had two years of Spanish.  The children complete crafts, cook, and even go on a shopping spree while reviewing and expanding their Spanish. 

A compliment to this Spanish class is the Fun with French (grades 3-6) where children review French while learning about Brittany.  Only one year of French is required for this class. 

If your child is going into 5th grade and wants to get ready for the jump to Middle School language, I would suggest French or Spanish Refresher (grades 5-6), or they might want to warm up their French skills with the French Cooking class (grades 5-8). 

If your child has enjoyed being introduced to Chinese this school year, there is a one-week Chinese Camp (grades 1-5) being offered in June by Maureen Wu.  She did the Chinese after-school program last year and does a wonderful job of intermingling active learning with the culture and language of China. 

If you want to stick to speaking English over the summer but want to expose your children to other cultures, you might consider Cooking Around the World or Cultural Activities Around the World. Each will choose a different culture daily and will engage your child in activities from that culture--either should prove to be a broadening experience. 

Another way to have your child introduced to another culture is by hosting a child from Northern Ireland.  The children will be in the Twin Cities from June 26th–August 1st.  If you are interested, you can call 651.405.1108 for more information. 

As we speak of other cultures, here is a new one for me.  I am considering buying the Dance Revolution system as an alternative at inside recess.  It would greatly reduce the cost if anyone has a Play Station 2 that they no longer need.  Please let me know if you have one you might donate. 

Don’t forget the musical this weekend.  The theater group has done a great job of perking the interest of the Lower School students.  It is definitely a family-centered show, and the matinee should be brimming with our Lower School students. 

Happy Spring!

Nansee Greeley