The Best in Summer Camps & Classes

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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GERMANIC-AMERICAN INSTITUTE

Willkommen! Planning an upcoming trip to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, or simply want to learn German? Then summer classes at the Germanic-American Institute are right up your alley.

Adults hoping to painlessly build their everyday conversational abilities can take Praktisch Deutsch, or “Practical German.” This class is focused more on developing a speaking proficiency and less on grammar and writing than a traditional “academic” language class.

Kids anywhere from 5 to 12 have four different weekly sommerschule camp options combining language with a highly interactive, hands-on theme. Camps are available for everyone from the beginner to the bilingual child, with different activities based on age and proficiency levels.

For the third straight year, the Germanic-American Institute is offering a camp based on the Middle Ages, called “Adventure in the Middle Ages.” A variety of activities take place each day, from jousting to writing a book, and there will be plenty of opportunities for children to participate in costume.

“Our teachers spend a lot of time and energy developing structured, language-based activities that the kids will enjoy, that are also appropriate for the kids’ age and proficiency level,” says Jeana Smith, director of
language services.

Photo courtesy of the
International School of
Minnesota/Kids Camp

Online registration for children’s summer camps and adult classes is available on the website after February 5. Early registration is recommended.

The GAI is the sponsor of the Twin Cities German Immersion School, a two-year charter school. They also operate a Saturday morning school (Samstagsschule) for grade school children learning German as a foreign language, and operate a “Kinderstube” German immersion preschool in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

For more information, visit www.gai-mn.org or call 651-222-7027.

THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MINNESOTA

Campers at the International Kids Camp, offered weekly at The International School of Minnesota (ISM), will experience the “flavor” of different cultures by exploring the unique languages, food, games, music, sports, songs, crafts, literature, and customs in a variety of Gaelic, Dutch, Hebrew, and Hindi speaking communities. With energetic camp counselors and weekly “specialists in residence” as tour guides, Kids Camp is guaranteed to be a memorable, fun-filled adventure. International Kids Camp is a true camp experience!

“I think one of our biggest draws is the land our camp resides on,” says Angela Ponto, co-director of the camp. “We have 55 acres of nature just waiting for the kids to explore.”

The weekly camps begin June 18 and run through August 17 for children ages 3 ½ through those entering sixth grade. Full or half day options are available.

Campers can choose from The Explorers (age 3 1/2 through students entering first grade); The Pioneers (students entering second through sixth grade); Sports Adventurers (students entering second through seventh grade); and Counselor in Training (students entering seventh, eight, or ninth grade). The sports camps include baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, basketball, fishing, water sports and safety, and outdoor adventures such as canoeing, archery, and hiking.

For more information, call 952-918-1828 or email kidscamp@ism-sabis.net. Sign up before April 1 to take advantage of the early bird discount.

KORONIS MINISTRIES

Photo courtesy of Tamera Shintre and
the Germanic-American Institute

Koronis Ministries is an 85-year-old United Methodist Camp located on the north shore of Lake Koronis. The camp has evolved from a summer camp to a year-round camp with a variety of camping options, including weekend, five-day, or six-day summer camp packages and conferencing events. Catering to adult groups, youth groups, and family groups, the campground is capable of housing 240 people in the winter months and 500 in the balmy summer months. The camp includes 180 acres of wooded area with approximately three miles of winding trails, creating fantastic opportunities for bird watching and observing deer and other small wildlife. Activities may include boating, swimming, hiking, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and fishing during the summer; and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, ice fishing, and indoor recreational activities such as basketball and volleyball when the temperatures drop. Upcoming special summer camps include the “Red Rock Family Camp” June 18-24, “Ultimate Challenge Teen Camp” June 25-July 1, and “Autumn Gathering for Seniors” September 6-8.

Camp Koronis was established in 1951 as a cabin camp for boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth grade. Campers can try horseback riding, archery, fishing, drama, music, and more. First time campers can ease their way into the camping experience with a fun-filled three-day Teddy Bear Camp. The camp capacity is 60 campers per week.

“Camp Koronis is large enough to offer a good variety of activities, but small enough to care for individual camper needs,” explains Marcus Nettz with Camp Koronis.

Summer programs can be viewed on www.koronisministries@bunk1.com (search under Koronis Ministries). Potential campers can sign up online. It’s best to register early, with registration beginning as early as February. Some of the youth camps are small and will fill up quickly.