Language summer camps- are they worth it???

[Anonymous]

I have noticed a few language immerson summer camps (specifically spanish), and would be interested in sending my kids. However, they are much more expensive then the regular camps they would go to, and would require a significant drive (30 minutes each way.) I would be more then willing to send them if I thought they would really benefit and improve their language skills, but would hate to go through all the trouble for it to be a waste.
I would like to hear from anyone who has sent their child- which camps are good and how much did you child learn.
FYI- My children already know alot of the basics, (colors, numbers, basic words), I am looking for them to move beyond this.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have heard wonderful things about the Concordia Language Villages programs.

http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org

[Anonymous]

The Caterpillar Camp in NW DC has French and Spanish Immersion. It's for 2.5 to 5 year olds and on the cheaper side as far as camps go. www.tenleycircle.city-gate.org

[slwhiddon]

Hi - This is Shelley from Jabberu. While you're specifically looking for feedback from parents, I thought I might be able to provide some helpful information about our camps, that might help you make a decision about whichever language camps you're looking at.

- Our week-long camps (3 hours each day) are taught in immersion, using a technique that allows children new to the language to follow and begin to pick up some language, and more advanced children to be challenged to learn new language.
- The activities are all interactive, giving children tons of opportunities to repeat and respond in the target language.
- The theme is a fun trip to Latin America (in the case of Spanish camp) and each day is a new adventure along the way that allows the teacher to introduce new language that is relevant to everyday life.
- Learning a language is of course an on-going process - our families see camps as a great way to reinforce what the children are learning in school during the year or as a way to build on language that children already know or as a fun introduction to the language and culture, hopefully leading to more language learning.

Best of luck!

www.jabberu.com
1888-951-1119

[Anonymous]

Communikids in Tenley worked well for us to build Spanish skills. There are lots of bilingual families and 100% Spanish used by teachers. Kids had alot more grammar and tons of vocabulary by the end. After 2 summer camps at Communikids, we transferred last year from an English school to Communikids new preschool. There are a few families who commute about 30 min each way to Md.

[gingi]

Sabra Hebrew Day Camp is a fantastic Hebrew immersion camp that has been successfully teaching Hebrew language for the last 7 years.

Check out their website for more details-located in Potomac Md-let's you sign up by the week. K-6/7-8th grade (CIT program)

Lot's of returning campers and staff, very warm nurturing environment.

http://www.sabrahebrewdaycamp.com/index.html