Q: Will my child be able to participate in the
camp if he/she does not speak Serbian?
A: Most of the leaders of the camp, as well as the children, have a basic,
if not better command of English. This first year we had two Russian youths
from Germany and two from the USA participate in the camp. They got along
wonderfully with our Serbian children, all mainly communicating in English, which
is a required subject in Serbian schools. Whatever they could not manage to communicate verbally they succeeded
through gestures. It was surprising how
much the children bonded; the language barrier did not prove to be a problem in
the least.
When the Russian children left the camp,
which they were obliged to do before its conclusion because of previously-set
travel plans, all the children gathered to say their goodbyes and see them
off. The parting was truly
touching. After their departure all felt
their absence very much, for their joyful spirit and substantial experience in
other camps greatly contributed to the overall atmosphere of the camp.
With this example we would just like to
encourage and assure parents that their children who do not speak Serbian
should not feel the least embarrassment or discomfort at our camp because of
language. Our spiritual and camp leaders, along with the children, are
exceptionally open and welcoming to visitors from abroad. A shared love for Christ and Christian values
easily bridges any language barriers, and children coming from abroad will have
the opportunity to be exposed to the unique, rich Serbian Orthodox culture and
tradition.
FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT US
at the novistjenik@gmail.com address
and we will respond and post the question and answer for others’ benefit on
this page.
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