ESL Language Camp 2011

Shepherd's Foundation and Minnehaha Academy started a sister school relationship several years before the first ESL camp in 2004 with Zolotonosha, Ukraine.  The mission of the teachers from Minnehaha Academy was to teach conversational English, establish a friendship with the Ukrainian teachers and students, and demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.  The first ESL camp in 2004 could be characterized as one of uncertainty.  Both American and Ukrainian teachers were apprehensive about the logistics of the camp.  The first year the teachers learned that they did things differently but they also had a lot of commonalities.  The uncertainty of it all faded away with understanding and respect for one another.

English was taught by the conversational method with a small group format. An American teacher with 8-12 students and a Ukrainian English teacher made up each group. The day began with singing songs in English and an “ice breaker” for the students to get to know each other. In small groups, Bible stories were read to teach pronunciation, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. During small groups, crafts and object lessons were used to help the students understand the main idea of the Bible story. Then during a special hour the Americans taught about immigrants to the United States. Some of the presentations were, Hmong, Ukranian, Mexican and Swedish. During previous camps there were short presentations about the holidays that we celebrated. Previously an American wedding was acted out with flowers, candlelight, and special music.

On the last day of class, each of the Americans told their story of how they came to Jesus Christ. The students are receptive to hearing what is being said. The Bible stories come alive when they see how lives have been changed.

The American teachers were treated to a Ukrainian gourmet lunch at noon each day. Each meal was an artistic presentation in itself. The Ukrainians showered the Americans with the art of hospitality. Hot coffee, tea, and a special chocolate topped off each delicious meal.

In the afternoon, there were special events. Some of the events were, a scavenger hunt in the market, a tour around Zolotonosha, and a trip to a museum. One of the students’ favorite events was Olympic day. They played relay games outside competing with each group and indoors there were board games that the students enjoyed. During those different events the teachers interacted with the students and got to know them. English is spoken as much as possible so the students learn to communicate in a relaxed atmosphere. New relationships and friendships were made during this time now only with students but the Ukrainian teachers.