by Donna and Bob, parents of returning camper Jake and new camper Will
We were new to the area and were looking for some summer camps for Jake who had just finished first grade. We found the Kids and Cultures website, read about the camp, registered and have been coming back each year ever since!A favorite memory: Jake enjoyed learning about Poland since his great grandparents were born and raised in Poland. He loved sharing what he learned with his PopPop who could add his own memories of the traditions and language.
Jake is also more open to trying ethnic foods now. He surprises his Nana with the foods he eats!One day last year in camp, he learned about a game from Nepal. That afternoon, he was over at our neighbor's house who is from India. While there, he noticed that same gameboard in our neighbor's house and started to play. Wow, our neighbor was shocked that he not only knew the game, but was good at playing it!
Jake comes home from camp and teaches neighborhood kids how to play the different outdoor games. One afternoon, I enjoyed watching a group of kids playing "Bear, are you awake?," a game that he learned that day.
The value of the lessons that are learned surpasses the cost of the camp. The activities, foods, language and games that are shared have encouraged our family to explore new cultures. My children participate in our church's Vacation Bible School and area sports camps, but Kids and Cultures is a unique camp that leaves lasting memories for the kids. It's great to see the kids smile and greet each other each year when they get together for camp once again.
Jake says, "It's a great camp where you learn about different places and they don't seem that far away!"