Concordia Language Villages Celebrates 50th Summer

Jun 23, 2011

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
CARL-MARTIN NELSON, director, marketing and communications for Concordia Language Villages
(218) 299-3481
AMY KELLY, Media Relations director
(218) 299-3642

CONCORDIA LANGUAGE VILLAGES CELEBRATES 50TH SUMMER
      Concordia Language Villages celebrates its 50th year of programming in 2011 with special guests, events and programming. Concordia College started the language immersion program in 1961 by renting Luther Crest Bible Camp north of Alexandria, Minn., for the first two-week German session. “Camp Waldsee,” which was limited to 72 campers aged 9-12, was a success and the program grew.
      Now in its 50th year, Concordia Language Villages offers 15 languages and year-round programming to more than 10,000 participants each year. Plans are coming together for events throughout the summer, says Patricia Thornton, director of Summer Programs at the Villages. 
      “Fifty years of creating language and culture immersion adventures for tens of thousands of youth and staff from across the globe in the North Woods of Minnesota is truly something to celebrate,” Thornton says.
      Celebratory summer events include two International Day events held at Waldsee, the German Language Village. The first I-Day will take place Friday, July 8, and will include special events and ceremonies to honor Lac du Bois, the French Language Village. A ceremony to honor Al Traaseth for his service as associate director of the Villages in the '70s and '80s will take place at Lesnoe Ozero, the Russian language village, Thursday, July 7. The second I-Day is Aug. 12.
    “Five Decades of French at Lac du Bois,” a major celebration of Lac du Bois past, present and future with language and culture activities and family fun, will take place July 8-10 at Lac du Bois. All former villages, staff and parents are invited to attend.    
      Concordia Language Villages, a part of Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., is a recognized leader in global education offering 15 world language programs. The Concordia Language Villages attract more than 10,000 participants annually from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. Youth ages 7-18 and adults of all language experience levels can take advantage of on-site learning options ranging from a weekend to four weeks.

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Concordia Language Villages – Celebration of 50 Years of Living the Language
Events for Summer 2011

June 25, 2011    10 a.m. – His Excellency Pekka Lintu, Finnish Ambassador to the United States, visit to Salolampi, the Finnish Language Village

July 7, 2011    7 p.m. – Honoring Al Traaseth, an early Russian dean and longtime Concordia Language Villages administrator at the Russian Language Village

July 8, 2011    10:30 a.m. – Five Decades of French at Lac du Bois, the French Language Village

1: 15 p.m. – Peace Site Rededication Ceremony at the entrance to Skogfjorden

2:15 p.m. – International Day, a celebration of language, culture and global understanding at Waldsee

July 8 – 10, 2011 – Lac du Bois 50th Weekend Celebration

For five decades, Lac du Bois has inspired young people to become global citizens through French language and culture. For tens of thousands of staff and villagers, Lac du Bois and Les Voyageurs have been a school, a camp, a springboard, a family and a big, fun game. There is no better time than the 50th for summer activités, projets culturels, chansons, and banquets to enjoy the past and dream about the future. More information and a schedule of events is at http://french50.villagepages.org. This program will also feature an event honoring David Green, a pioneering leader of the Language Villages and early dean of Lac du Bois.

Aug. 12, 2011    10:30 a.m. – Five Decades of French at Lac du Bois, the French Language Village

1:15 p.m. – Peace Site Rededication Ceremony, at the entrance to Skogfjorden

2:15 p.m. – International Day, a celebration of language, culture and global understanding at Waldsee




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