“Saint Nicholas, Christmas, Halloween… last summer we partied every day”, according to Roeland volunteer Aymerick. “And we organized a giant Cluedo game at camp”, she says.
“Sports, big games, creative workshops, kayaking, tree climbing, mountain biking… Roeland camps guarantee a vast variety of activities. For instance, in Paris there are a lot of things to see. I visited the Louvre, the Science Museum, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel tower.”
Show time!
“My favourite camp activities are the workshops. The participants also look forward to these moments because they are always huge fun. I like cooking, multi-sports and acrobatic gymnastics. Besides that, I also like the ‘show moment’ at the end. Everyone shows what they have been working at, and some gift-wrap it in a little show.”
“It is important to keep the games and activities as varied and creative as possible. ‘Harry Potter theme day,’ for example, provides many opportunities to build a huge set in the canteen. I like to dress up as a wizard and make the children part of this adventure.”
Think more in the foreign language.
“It is most impressive to watch our students evolve. At first, they hesitate to speak French, but after a short while they understand it is okay to make mistakes, and that we are there for them, to help and assist.”
“I keep a keen eye on the input and enthusiasm of our participants. When the activities are fun, interesting, and diverse, they think less in their native language and focus on the learning part. That is why everything we do happens in a playful manner.”
Tent party in the covid era.
“During covid, we obviously could not go out on excursions. It forced us to be extremely resourceful when it came to making our camp an unforgettable adventure. So, we produced the idea to organize a tent party with a campfire, a lot of songs accompanied by guitar music, and an overnight stay in a Scouts’ tent. That day and night are etched in my recollection. And you know what is the best part? Many of the attendees are now Roeland volunteers themselves.”
