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For more than 60 years, Concordia Language Villages has not only taught kids to speak different languages, but also live by the cultural values.
But this year, a fire forced the Sēn Lín Hú programs to take a major turn.
This year would've marked 40 years for the program at Maplelag Resort. But the fire in early October moved the entire camp to Concordia College this summer.
"We have a lot, a lot more students then we’re used to from the last few years, which is exciting for Sen Lin Hu that even in a year of big change like this," said Noah Smith, the program director.
Almost 300 kids from all over the U.S. are enrolled.
Campers ordering Chinese snacks using Chinese currency at the canteen
For Anton Jordan, it's his fifth year.
"I’ve been so much more comfortable over the years. Speaking the language, interacting with the language and now I’m comfortable with even leading a group of people in some task rather than when I first came here, where I was just shy and in the corner," Jordan said.
Camper enjoying an afternoon of tea and games
A staff of 35 members are helping to create an immersive cultural experience, learning the language with plays, sing-a-longs, indoor and outdoor activities, and authentic Chinese food.
"Our counselors are doing a really good job in bringing that spirit, and kind of giving that to the kids, because a lot of kids who are new, they might not really understand that this isn’t always what Sen Lin Hu looks like," Smith said.
A morning exercise of kung fu lessons
While the ambiance of Maplelag Resort is irreplaceable, the camp received $50,000 worth of in-kind donations to transform the campus to resemble the village.
"Our main goal is to bring the Sēn Lín Hú spirit to Concordia College, because it can sometimes feel not as much as a summer camp, when you're living in a nice, but air-conditioned dorm, and when you're eating in a nice cafeteria," Smith said.
Meals are served family style
But for many at Sēn Lín Hú, it's about the people, not the location that makes this camp so special. Sen Lin Hu is adapting to the change.
They've created a cultural fund to raise money to rebuild the home of the village.
It can be found here: https://concordialanguagevillages.givingfuel.com/chinese-language-village-cultural-fund