The fortunate ones will be able to return to their schools in the fall and continue their studies. If their schools don't have German classes, Ilse says, some motivated children take the initiative and study on their own using tapes and workbooks. In every camp situation there are always some kids who would rather be someplace else doing something different, or nothing. The Waldsee parents' handbook states that disruptive behavior may be grounds for dismissal. However, with two or three mature, skilled counselors per small group at Waldsee, it's relatively easy to keep most kids happy, involved, and out of mischief.
Instructors say that by the end of the week many of the initially disinterested kids want to return.
In fact, the return rate is high, between 50-60 percent. This percent would be even higher, 65-70 percent, according to Paul Magnuson, until this past summer the Language Villages' assistant director for public relations, except it excludes youths who become too old for the summer programs. Older children, who have some German and may have been at camp before, return to Waldsee to work on improving their skills. For these youths, reading and writing receive extra attention. Their sessions can last one, two, or four weeks.