ECO immersion camp

July 20, 2012

English language learning brought together forty-five young girls and boys from ten departments of Nicaragua July 15-20, 2012. The “English Creates Opportunities” (ECO) camp was the fourth intensive English camp for high school students sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. Teaching teams of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers and Nicaraguan English teachers led interactive classes on the environment, diversity, civics, drama, music, and media.

Mixing up the tempo of the camp, participants also tackled sports, art projects and a reading club. Mid-week, campers welcomed a guest speaker, the Regional English Language Officer Michael Rudder, who wowed students with special sessions on U.S. culture and his active participation in the daily activities. Camp highlights included making s’mores, an American camping tradition, and friendly competitions of “Jeopardy” and a spelling bee.

The week’s activities culminated with the visit of U.S. Ambassador Phyllis M. Powers who joined in the closing ceremony. Ambassador Powers encouraged everyone to keep practicing what they had learned at camp and share the experience with their families, friends and communities. Her words inspired everyone to “pay it forward!”