Aline (age 9) and Thomas (age 11) went to a Roeland Junior English camp in the summer of 2021. It was their first visit, but because of their dad they had known about Roeland all their lives. “Aline took her first steps at camp, and Thomas was still a baby when I brought him along”, says proud dad and Roeland volunteer Gilles Van Der Planken.
Gilles has been a volunteer at Roeland for 16 years, mainly at the Dutch camps for teenagers. At first, Gilles teamed up with a babysitter who would take care of his children while he taught, but nowadays Aline and Thomas are old enough to participate themselves.
How did you experience your first camp?
Thomas: “The first days it was difficult for me as well, but halfway through camp it went much better and I understood the larger part of the conversations. And if something wasn't clear, the teachers explained it repeatedly and patiently, even with a lot of gesturing if necessary.”
What did you learn at camp?
Thomas: “I learned the numbers, how to read the clock, the days of the week, ...”
Have you also played games?
Thomas: “We played football with an oversized ball, we played tag, a game called ‘switching chairs’, miniature golf...”
Aline: “... And we spent a lot of time at the playground. I really liked the location. There was plenty of room to romp around and build a camp.”
What is the difference between a language lesson at school and a language workshop at camp?
Aline: “For me at my age, it was not that different. In the classroom we also did a lot of singalongs and storytelling.
Thomas: “At school I have to take a test every week, but at camp I learn in a playful manner.”
Why do you think it is so important for your children to speak multiple languages, Gilles?
Gilles: “In my opinion, if you just speak one language you probably won’t achieve your full potential in life. The more languages you master, the more friends you will make around the world.”
“The strength of Roeland is defined by the commitment of the teachers. They take the children step by step through a new language by means of immersion, a ‘language bath’ so to speak. It’s a method our teachers use to help the children develop their linguistic skills with the vocabulary they already possess."
Can you tell your English has improved?
Aline: “Yes! Before the camp I only knew a few words. Now I can already speak in sentences.”
Are you going to become a teacher like your dad when you grow up?
Aline: “I don't know yet. I am too young to decide on that right now."
