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Language Program since 1987
When sending your child to summer camp you want them to have lots of fun, learn new activities, become more autonomous, and make new friends. For many families, learning or improving a second language is part of the goal as well. In Quebec we are lucky in that we have the option of sending our children to English camps, bilingual camps or French camps. We have been offering our program since 1987 and are proud of the achievements since it was first introduced.
Wilvaken offers campers a unique opportunity for practice in both of Canada's official languages, English and French. We are not an immersion camp but an English camp which supports the uniqueness we have in Quebec. The campers are a part of both the English and French worlds and are encouraged to learn and communicate in their second language.
Many parents ask “Will my child actually learn something, when there are others at camp who speak their mother tongue?” The answer to that is that they will not walk away after one session at camp talking fluently in the second language. Their comprehension will have improved and their vocabulary as well. Of course the extent of improvement depends in all cases on the individual child, and the effort they put into it.
The important aspect is that you encourage them. Don’t force the idea on your child that the only reason they are going to camp is to learn another language. It is their summer vacation too!
Language is not learned overnight. Sending your child to camp in English or French for one summer will help, but sending them annually will benefit them much more.
We do have on staff, a language instructor, who works specifically with those who have a particular interest in improving their English or French or with those who do not speak any English or French. All our staff participate in encouraging campers to learn to communicate in both languages. With our approach, the use of both languages is simply the norm at camp. The learning process is natural, without pressure — and fun.
Of course, those who are most open to learning, and willing to make a certain effort, are those who profit most by this opportunity. Many youngsters have become quite fluent in a second language when their only opportunity for practice has been their summers at camp. Usually these are youngsters who stay for a month, and come for more than one summer.
It is important to discuss the language program with your child prior to registering. Learning a second language can be a frustrating time but the child has to understand that we are there to help him or her at all times.
All our campers and staff are a part of the language program as Wilvaken switches back and forth from English to French every two days. During those language days all staff and campers are encouraged to use the language of the day. For those campers who are already bilingual or able to communicate well in the second language, we ask that they assist those that are learning. They are a great support and encouragement for the other campers.
Instructions are mainly given in the language of the day but translation is available if necessary. In case of emergency, instructions are given in both languages. Sundays are free choice!
