Want to have a taste of camp life? That is exactly what the Roeland teachers are having, at the training weekend. For two consecutive days they find out how to organise a great language camp, they experience immersion firsthand, and they get to stage a big play with seasoned teachers. Project Manager Lieve Haeverbeke: “we create a micro-version with a real camp feel”.
Every year, in March, Roeland organises a weekend to convey to aspiring teachers the skills needed for language camp. They are being groomed as a teacher or activity leader. At the same time, experienced volunteers also attend the weekend to enrol in elaborate workshops. New and veteran volunteers also team up for joint activities, in order to get to know each other better.
A passion for language and youth work
The volunteers who sign up are a diverse group of people: they range from students over young teachers to experienced chefs. What do they have in common? A shared passion for language and collaborating with youngsters.
From ‘getting to know you’-games to a joint singalong
Lieve: “We always kick off the training weekend on a Friday night”. At Roeland, she oversees the English language camps and the training moments for volunteers. “It’s a playful way to break the ice. And it works: after a couple of minutes the vibe is already there.”
“On Saturday, the aspiring teachers receive practical information about Roeland and how we work. Afterwards they can choose between a workshop Activities or Didactics. Experienced teachers can sign up for a complementary trajectory, invent an elaborate game, going on a field trip or partake in a creative session.”
“Our singalong moment is a classic. New and established teachers join in, because singing together at camp is a terrific way to learn a new language.”
First-hand immersion experience
“At an immersion camp, the participants are not allowed to speak their native language. We know that can be a daunting experience at first, so that is why we have our new teachers enrol for workshops in a language they are not used to speak. It is the best way to experience how it feels to be submerged in a foreign language, which is truly an asset when you are teaching and guiding the children and youngsters who encounter difficulties at camp.”
“On Saturday we end the weekend with a cool activity, like a quiz. An ideal way to get to know each other even better, and fun is guaranteed.”
Big game
“On Sunday we play the big game, invented and designed the previous day by the senior teachers. The new volunteers can learn how to create, dress up and explain a game like this. At the same time, the experienced teachers also exchange inspiration.”
“We had a blast with all the different tasks of which the game was made up, such as ‘who can construct the highest tower with flotsam and jetsam’ or ‘who can make it unscathed through the minefield that is drawn into the sand’.”
“Throughout the activities we constantly explain what we are doing, and why and how we are doing it. Usable info, for when they lead their own camp.”
Beachcombing under the full moon’s eye
“The most beautiful part of the last training weekend? The beachcombing with Aäron. He zealously shared his stories about his findings and his adventures on the beach. There we were, our small band of people, under a full moon’s glow and scourged by a mean northeaster. Which we did not seem to feel, because we were really impressed by his tales and the showing of his findings.”
Future Heads of Projects
“Another fine moment I cherish was the session I had with the teachers who want to become Head of Project. They are the ones who lead and support the team at the language camp. The zeal they displayed for taking on this important task was really touching.”
Sign up for the training day!
Has this story inspired you to become a teacher with Roeland? Send an email to info@roeland.be. On Saturday, April 26th Roeland organises the next training day in Ghent.
www.roeland.be
