Hmong Culture and Language Program Expands Camp
When the Hmong Culture and Language Program's Summer Camp launched in 2004, it enrolled a modest 32 youth in the week-long program. But, word quickly spread in the Hmong community growing the camp to more than 200 students last year.
Now, as the program now enters its fourth summer, a new partnership with area school districts has formed the Language Learner Academy and swelled enrollment to more than 500 students in grades K-12.
The Hmong Culture and Language Program and Language Learner Academy will run in tandem, offering the same cross-cultural learning experiences both Hmong and non-Hmong students. The new interdistrict partnership includes the St. Paul School District, South Washington County Schools, Roseville, North St. Paul, Maplewood, and Oakdale School Districts.
The schools provide transportation and funding support to enable their students to participate in the enrichment program.
The summer camp program runs July 30-Aug. 10, from 9 a.m. ? 3 p.m., weekdays, following a curriculum developed by CSP alumnus and assistant camp director Nao Thao and CSP professor and camp director Sally Baas based on recent research of other Hmong scholars.
The campus community is invited to attend the daily "opening ceremonies" at the Gangelhoff Center, during which the full group explores the theme of the day, such as individual cultural backgrounds, traditional ceremonies or village life.
The campers will be immersed in active learning focused on traditional arts, gardening, Hmong dance, qeej (Hmong musical instrument), historical simulations, folkloric traditions, Hmong language and more.
A new project this year will include each camper contributing a family recipe to a collaborative cookbook illustrated with art created by the students that the program hopes to publish.
The camp will culminate with a Community Celebration open to the campus and community at-large on Friday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m., in the Gangelhoff Center.
The camp includes more than 25 high school- and college-age "clan leaders" (including CSP and other college students), 25-30 instructors, including Concordia SEAT students and other University Education students, as well as the support of numerous volunteers.
