Summer Programs for Families & Children ~ Summer 2012
Several Scandinavian groups are offering summer camps for children this year.
~ Danish ~
The Danish language camp, Himmelbjerget, is for young people in the 4th through 12th grades. A program of the Northwest Danish Association, the camp is at the Menucha Retreat and Conference Center, 22 miles east of Portland
When: June 24 - June 30, 2012
Tuition: $600 before and $625 after March 31st. It includes food by a native Danish chef, lodging, and activities.
The Himmelbjerget experience provides young people with the opportunity to acquire an appreciation of Danish language and culture as well as leadership skills that can be used for the benefit of the Danish American community and the preservation of Danish culture in the US. From arrival to departure, the campers are immersed in a "little Denmark." Upon arrival, they go through Danish "customs", and things that are specifically American are "confiscated." American dollars are exchanged for Danish "kroner" and can be spent in the Danish "butik." Upon departure, campers go through U.S. "customs" again to "go back" to the USA.
Activities teach Danish history, people, culture, and traditions. Campers will learn elementary vocabulary and useful phrases, Danish history and architecture, as well as Danish traditions. the food is Danish and time is set aside for singing and folk dancing. A native Danish cook helps ensure that the food is made as Danish as possible.This year’s theme is CASTLES. Campers will learn about these traditional strongholds of Denmark, the stories of knights and kings (and queens!), of bravery, cunning, and everyday life in the keep. There will also be Danish songs and basic language, folk dancing, arts & crafts, and of course the chance to create new legends to stand the test of time!
For information about the Himmelbjerget Danish Language Camp, go to www.nwdanishcamp.com.
~ Norwegian ~
All three of the Sons of Norway summer camps expose campers to Norwegian language and culture, folk dancing, Norse mythology, history and Troll lore, cooking, weaving, woodworking, Rosemaling, fotball (soccer), and field trips.
Please note: 2012 dates are not yet available.
Camp Trollhaugen (ages 13-15) is located in Easton, WA, and will run June 26 – July 9, 2011.
Camp Nidaros (ages 9-12) is located in Gearhart, OR, and will run July 17 – 30, 2011.
Camp Normanna (ages 9-12) is located at Lake Riley, WA, outside Arlington, July 31 - August 13, 2011.
Tuition: $475 with the balance due by June 10, 2011. Children must have a parent or sponsor who is a Sons of Norway member in District 2 to attend. For more information and registration forms, visit their website at: http://www.sofncamps.com
Camp directors are also looking for caring, creative staff members for a variety of positions. For information and applications go to their website.
~ Swedish ~
Trollbacken, the Swedish language camp for children (ages 7 to 13), is at Menucha Retreat near Corbett, Oregon. Trollbacken offers a discount for families with more than one child. The week includes Swedish language lessons (beginner & bilingual), swimming, crafts, folk dancing, story telling and other activities.
When: August 20 – 25, 2012
Tuition: $390 per child and $360 for families with more than one child.
For a brochure with an application form, call Tina Kreft-Tenglbad at (503) 296-4884 or email: director@trollbacken.org . Early registration is recommended because space is limited. Please sign up by May 18, 2012. For further information, visit their web site at http://www.trollbacken.org
~ Concordia Language Villages ~
the three Concordia language camps in Minnesota teach Swedish, Danish, Finnish and Norwegian languages and culture.
Sjölunden is the Swedish Language Village. One week, two week, and four week (high school credit) sessions are offered.
Skovsøen is the Danish Language Village. One week, two week, and four week (high school credit) sessions are offered.
Salolampi is the Finnish Language Village. One week (including family sessions), two week, and four week (high school credit) sessions are offered.
Skogfjorden, the Norwegian Language Village, includes Norway’s principles in peacemaking. One week, two week, and four week (high school credit) sessions are offered. In addition, Concordia offers a high school credit abroad program in Norway.
Please visit their website at http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org for more information and registration forms.