The inCamps team belongs to the civic society Ferien, which has been organizing international camps for many years now. During the its long history our international camps have hosted teenagers from all over Europe. In the last 5 years, however, the work of our civic society has intesified as the inCamps team began to form. During this time the makeup of the team has changed, but the core of the team has stayed the same. Gradually we developed know-how and became able to come up with a program that creates a fantastic atmosphere and bring the kids together as a team. To a large extent that was possible thanks to the abilities and skills of each single member of the team (for details see the section Our team), however, that alone is not enough. We managed to find an optimal appraoch to young adults, who chose to participate in our camp. This year, for the first time, we have decided to contact wider spectrum of participants from other European countries.
Aims of the projectThe entire project is in English. We try to create an English speaking environment, where the participant has no other option then to start communicating in English. Thanks to excellent language skills of all the counsellors we have been able achieve this goal. The majority of our councellors besides English also speak another foreign language, thus we are able to easily handle a situation, when a participant has a hard time finding the right word in English. Entire communication takes place in a friendly atmosphere so that using English is not forcible, this way we want our participants to get English „under their skin“.
Along with improving one’s English skills our project is also focused on getting familiar with other European and non-European cultures. Our participants from different countries are motivated to communicate and get to know each other during the program. Our program purposely mixes people from different countries together, keeps them in contact and so speak in English. It is exactly the urge to communicate, which is often connected with the dissappointment coming from the unability to express oneself, that increases the motivation for studying the language. The project is thus not aimed only at participants,who already have a decent level of English, but also at those, who would like to master the language, but classical school methods do not suite them.
Last but not least, we are trying to create an inCamps community that will stay in touch even after the camp is over using internet and our web site. Because of the distance it is often hard to stay in contact even if people exchange emails. Because of other commitments it is also hard for the counsellors to keep up correspondence with every participant, which can also be disappointing. That is why every participant of our camp will get and account on our inCamps web, where he can share his pictures, communicate with friends, write blogs or read the blogs of the counsellor’s. This will help to create a community, further improve language skills of participants and maintain friendship across cultural barriers.
Who can participateOur camp is intended for young adults between the ages of 12 and 18. Language skills are not determinant, however, we recommend at least basic knowledge. No one has to fear that he or she will not be able to understand the games and the program, our counsellors are always there to help.
The programFor a detailed description of our program check the section „How do we do it“, it contains the core thoughts and principles of our work. Each run of the camp has its own camp game and theme and of course a set of our legendary workshops, which are designed in a way that everyone finds and activity he likes or would like to try. The program is aimed at the advancement of general skills, trying and experiencing new things and of course communication and teamwork. Program details, however, are for obvious reasons classified as „top secret“ until the very last moment ?
LocationThe camp takes place in southern Bohemia. Besides great recreation centers this region also offers many opportunities for interesting trips and has beatiful nature. The location always meets the needs of the program and our participants. The campsite offers numerous sportgrounds and also swimming and internet access.
How to become a part of the projectAny organization, school or an individual, who can put together a group of young people eager to improve their language skills and find new friends, can participate in the program.
Please direct all suggestions to wannabe@incamps.cz [4]
Links:
[1] http://www.donboscoyouth.net/node/446
[2] http://www.incamps.cz/page/home/en
[3] http://www.donboscoyouth.net/node/447
[4] mailto:wannabe@incamps.cz
[5] http://www.donboscoyouth.net/node/448