April 2011 Archives

We bid adieu to Lac du Bois this morning after spending a magnificent weekend learning all sorts of French expressions, songs, games, dances, etc. I told the kids that this has been a wonderful weekend. I am incredibly proud of them for trying new things, for speaking French, for being the kind and thoughtful kids they are.

Merci!
Madame J

Bonjour!

 It looks like a winter wonderland up here at Lac du Bois this morning! Beautiful! Our magnificent fourth graders are embracing this experience and have been actively engaged in all the activities. I am very proud of them! One of the counselors informed me that in his cabin this morning, one of our MPA students gave the rest of the cabin a French lesson! Fantastique!

I am including photos from our arrival yesterday at the Douane (customs). The kids checked into camp, exchanged money, chose activities for today and made name tags with their newly chosen French names!

Today is our busy day! We had "the most amazing petit dejeuner (breakfast)" this morning. How can you possibly go wrong with a big bowl of hot chocolate, NUTELLA, cereal, yogurt, fruit and juice? Miam, miam!  This morning the kids are playing. They are rotating through various activities including: awélé, course de café, concentration and making bannique (roasting bread on sticks over an open fire).

After lunch, our fourth graders will have the opportunity to try out their shopping vocabulary words when the store and candy shop will be open. They will also participate in an activity they selected last night. Some will be playing music, or creating art, playing handball,  playing games, and much more! We'll then head off for dance lessons before preparing for our banquet this evening. A very full day, to say the least.

The kids are happy and really trying to speak as much French as possible. They are kind, polite and eager to learn!

Madame Johnson

Bonsoir!

We have arrived safe and sound! I shall post photos shortly!

Mme Johnson

Greetings! I am including in this post a copy of the letter going home this afternoon with times and other important pieces of information. The packet coming home with your child includes: the letter below, a phone tree, the official letter from camp with FAQs, and the packing list. It looks as if it will be chilly this weekend. Please make sure your child has warm clothing.  

We are going to have a wonderful weekend!

Mme Johnson

 Dear Fourth Grade Families,

Just a reminder  that we are leaving for Concordia Language Camp Friday, April 15^th, at approximately 11:30am. Please eat lunch at home before we leave. Additionally, the bus stops at a fast food restaurant at the midpoint of our ride so children can purchase  a snack. Please do not send other snacks for the bus ride as the bus company does not allow any eating on the bus. Games and books are encouraged to help pass the time. Please do not send any electronic games as camp is comprised of children from many different schools and it is easy for your child's electronic game to end up with the wrong owner and really no way for us to track it down.

 

Your child should come dressed in camp clothes. Make sure to pack lots of warm clothes and rain gear. It is often chillier up north and we want them to be able to participate in all outdoor activities. The more things you label with their name the more things will come home at the end of the weekend.

 

The bus is scheduled to arrive at Mounds Park Academy on Sunday between 3:30pm and 4:00pm. Please arrive at the earlier time so your child will not be disappointed if we get to school early and you are not there. They are generally very excited to see their family once again. On the other hand, do not worry if we are late as a road trip is always difficult to predict. We do  have a phone tree and will call if we have an emergency or an unforeseen delay. We suggest you talk with your child about the amount of spending money they can bring with them to camp. Please take into consideration the two snack stops at the fast food restaurant plus the souvenir  and candy store at the camp. 

Many thanks!