Young Emigrants Learning About Slovenia in Summer Camp
A Slovenian emigrant association is once again staging a summer camp for children of Slovenian emigrants. Teenagers included in the programme get to stay in the Debeli rtic youth camp on the Slovenian coast, where they learn about the land of their ancestors.
The project is being organised by the Slovenian World Congress (SSK), a Slovenian emigrant association. This year 50 teens have been included in the project in two one-week sessions, during which they learn about Slovenian landmarks, culture, language and traditions. The first camp, intended for teens 12-14 years of age, was held between 29 July and 5 August, while the second camp, which began on 5 August and was running until Sunday, is being attended by young people aged 15 and above.
The teens involved in the programme come mostly from Europe, including Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia.
According to Cop, the summer camp was first held eleven years ago at the behest of Slovenian emigrants, who wanted their children to learn about Slovenia. She added that almost all the participants speak Slovenian.
The camp organises special Slovenian lessons, where the participants get a chance to brush up on their knowledge of the language. The lessons also include learning Slovenian songs and each participant leaves the camp knowing the Slovenian anthem, "A Toast" (based on the poem by Slovenian poet France Preseren), by heart.
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