What's Beyond the Universe?

Amanda recalls a story about a counselor, some campers and a discussion about what is exactly beyond the universe. Read about best to communicate with campers, whether that be a dinner table discussion or explaining the rules of an activity.

Days at American Village Camps are jam-packed with a variety of events conducive to English-learning. These events are organized and lead by our counselors.  Selecting which recreational activities to plan takes a little bit more forethought than at a typical child care program stateside, as all of our campers are English-learners. That said, countless sports, arts & crafts, drama games, large-scale field games, scavenger hunts, treasure hunts, team-building games & small group workshops can be played at camp.

Believe it or not, English is not the ultimate limiting factor when determining which recreational activities to prepare. Our campers’ interests are far more important to consider. That said, we cannot explain and lead games in the same manner that we do at childcare programs in the US or UK.  

If our French campers can’t understand the rules of a game that they are about to play, they will be hesitant to join in. No one wants to look foolish in front of his or her peers.

There are oodles of simple methods that any counselor can use to promote understanding and encourage participation amongst language-learners. 

During my first summer as an American Village Camps counselor at Azé in 2006, I witnessed a veteran counselor, “Carlos” (Amvil ‘99-’11), start a discussion with some campers with a low-intermediate level about what they thought existed beyond the universe!

This was a defining moment in my understanding of how I should be communicating with campers while working at American Village.

Here's how it worked:

Carlos started by asking the question entirely. "What do you think is beyond the universe?".

The boys did not understand. But they were interested, as Carlos was an interesting guy and always participating and having fun with the kids.

Next, he broke it down visually and verbally.

1. He spoke slowly, clearly and selected times for pauses. He commented all of his gestures.
2. At each step, his facial expressions changed and he looked the boys in the eyes. He ended on a very inquisitive - and highly comical - face.
3. In terms of gestures:
4. He started with a concrete concept about immediate space, using his hands to slowly point around us. 
5. Then, he mimed each step to get from an immediate concept to the universe. First, he mimed a globe to represent the Earth, then he pointed behind the globe (the solar system). Then, he took a step backwards to refer to the space beyond the solar system (the universe) and finally, the space beyond that (beyond the universe).
6. He used the same vocabulary and sentence structure at each step. 
7. At the end, he asked  “What do you think is here?” (pause, pointing)  Beyond the universe?” (inquisitive facial expression, shrugging his shoulders).

The boys were entirely engaged during his questioning and tried to formulate their answers; Carlos was a dynamic counselor who regularly had interesting ideas to share. This counselor didn’t believe that the campers’ potential for understanding was limited by the immediate surroundings of the camp. This amusing anecdote is one way I try to explain our methods to new counselors. 

We can convey a surprising amount of information without relying on French.

At our camps, recreational games are adapted to help campers understand and play.  Not sure how to do it? That’s OK! Take 2 minutes and try this simple exercise.

Imagine a basic activity or game that you could lead with children.  It can be something quite simple that you have already lead at an American camp, like a tag game or a workshop for a given sport.  

While imagining that activity:

• Consider rules adjustments : Which concepts or vocabulary may be a tad bit too complicated for basic play?
• Consider intentional English use : What are 1 - 2 ways I can integrate written or spoken English into game play, through use of signs, prompts, clues, key terms, vocabulary cards, etc?
• Consider reinforcing information : Where can I slip in the vocabulary they already know?
• Consider the support network : Where are the counselors during the game? Spontaneous formulation of English during the game will occur when the counselors are within close proximity of the campers. (Hint : There are many answers to this question, but none of them include “sitting on the sidelines!”)

By taking the time, starting from common ground, being are interesting-to and interested-in our campers, and using all the tools at our disposal, our counselors can express many thoughts and wishes to our French campers without speaking in French.  You can develop a caring and fun learning relationship with the campers under your care, without breaking immersion!