Getting Ready for Camp

Each Language Village has a unique and culturally influenced daily schedule packed with fun activities, learning and excitement. Although no two days are alike, and schedules vary by language and program, view what a typical day at Concordia Language Villages can be expected to look like here.

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At the Villages, you’ll not only speak, play and learn in another language, you’ll also eat in another language! More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to eat culturally appropriate cuisine from the various countries that speak your target language. The menus are specific to each Village and have been carefully researched and planned by each Village’s kitchen staff. While you enjoy your meals you will continue to learn as you get to know the vocabulary necessary to “pass the salt” or delight in conversation with all your new friends. If you have food allergies or special dietary needs, please let us know. We do our best to accommodate your requests.

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Special activities vary from Village to Village, but they may consist of anything from writing and crafts, to playing soccer, dancing or swimming in the lake. The best part is, learning a new language through arts and crafts, song or a game on the soccer field doesn’t even feel like learning!

Although there isn’t much time in our busy schedules for it, each day does allow for some free time. When your days are so full of fun and learning, your mind may need a rest. Visit the Village bank or store, hang out with your friends or go for a swim—the time is yours to relax and do what you enjoy. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting unknowingly with your friends in the target language!

Before bringing the day to a close, the entire Village gathers to take part in a cultural activity. Programs range from serious simulations dealing with current world events, to fun re-enactments of holiday celebrations or festivals. This is a time when counselors coming from around the globe share their own cultures with the villagers. After leaving the evening program, villagers have time to reflect together on the activities of the day during their cabin councils.

All Villages work to model environmentally responsible behaviors, including reducing, reusing and recycling, developing respect for nature and property and learning outdoor skills. We believe that is how a global citizen should act. In order to help villagers truly become aware of the natural world, and to interact with their woodsy surroundings at the Villages, we prohibit the use of electronic devices such as cell phones, Apple watches, tablets, iPods and other noisy devices. Nature is its own music! Join us in the quiet. Listen. We are committed to helping our participants reconnect with the natural world. Many natural settings of our Turtle River Lake sites have been developed and cataloged by an environmental education specialist. Read more about our Unplugged Policy.

Faith diversity within the Village community is respected. Villagers may attend weekly religious services in a nearby community, if available.