Recession and Camp?

If you are wondering whether you should allocate funds for a summer experience for your child,  here are some things to think about.

In a recent blog on parentdish.com  Kathy Unruh, executive director of the Camp Fire USA Orca Council in Tacoma, Washington, says that compared with an expensive family vacation, camp can be a less costly way to provide kids with summer fun while mom and dad get a break.

The price of a three week program at GYV is $2000 and your child will get more than you can imagine for that amount of money – lifelong memories and friends.

FAQ’s

We look forward to answering your questions regarding the Global Youth Village.  You are welcome to give us a call, but first check the Frequently Asked Questions below. These are the commonly asked questions.

Visit the Parent Forum and ask your question and we will respond promptly.

• What kind of people sign up for Global Youth Village (GYV)?
• What is the population?
• When do your programs start to fill up?
• Can my child come with a friend?
• How long has Global Youth Village been running?
• Is there financial assistance available?
• How do people get to Global Youth Village?
• Can you tell me your facilities and the climate?
• Can you describe cabin life?
• What beliefs and religions are practiced at GYV?
• What kind of food is served at your dining room?
• Are there any extra expenses beyond the tuition?

What kind of people sign up for Global Youth Village (GYV)? What is the population?
If your child is interested in current events and international relations, likes to travel and meet people, and has a sense that things could be better in this world, then this is the program for him/her.  Every year teens from approximately 15-20 different countries attend the Global Youth Village.  Some youths have been awarded scholarships from local foundations.   People come from different economic, religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. All of the young people who participate show sensitivity, leadership potential, and a willingness to try new things. On average 50% of the young people are from across the United States and the balance are from other countries. In 2009, we expect young people from Native American tribes in Montana, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Hungary, Iraq, India, and United Arab Emirates.

When do your programs start to fill up?
Because we keep our group size limited (70 young people each summer), it is important to register as soon as possible.  Out of 70 spaces, 35 are open to young people from the U.S. We fill almost all our spaces by May, but sometimes there are occasions when international students are not able to obtain visas and positions open up.  To be sure of a space, send in your application and a $100 deposit as soon as you have decided. It is best to call to let us know that your application is coming.

Can my child come with a friend?
The answer is yes… But, we want everyone to be adventurous, try new things and make new friends. So friends should have an agreement in advance to make the most of this experience, not be exclusive, and expand their circle of friends.

How long has Global Youth Village been running?
We have been offering global living experiences for teenagers since 1979 (30 years).

Is there financial assistance available?

Our staff is continuously working to fund more than 50% of the people who come to Global Youth Village. International participants such as those from Iraq and Indonesia will be fully funded by the US State Department in 2009.  We raise general scholarship funds (approximately $12,000) every year which are used to provide partial scholarships to US youths who would not normally be able to attend a program such as this.  All of these measures allow us to say that the program population is truly representative of the global expereince.  You can find out if you are eligible for assistance.  Most assistance is allocated in February.

How do people get to Global Youth Village?

Families living around the area typically drive down.  For those youths coming from the Midwest, West Coast, or internationally, flying is the most common means of transportation.  Legacy offers a bus service from Washington DC Airports, Roanoke airport and Lynchburg airport to GYV for a small fee.  In the city of Lynchburg, VA there is a Greyhound/Amtrak station at which Legacy can pick up youths coming in via bus or train.  The station is about a 40 minute drive from GYV.

Can you tell me your facilities and the climate?

The Global Youth Village is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  Legacy’s eighty acres of lush woodlands provide a peaceful and safe natural setting. Hiking trails, streams, a pond, flowers, and organic vegetable gardens foster new relationships with nature.    Up to ten young people share a wood frame cabin with an adult staff member.  Bathrooms and showers are centrally located near the cabins in the girls’ and boys’ areas.  Program facilities include art studios, pottery and ceramics shop, air-conditioned workshop areas, a store, dining hall, outdoor stage, big top tent, health house, basketball court, soccer field, volleyball/badminton court, table tennis, swimming pool, sites for rock climbing instruction, and fire circles.  An outdoor stage provides a nice setting for evening programs and games.  Temperatures can range from 62 degrees F to 103 degrees F during the day (17 degrees Celsius at night to 40 degrees Celsius during the day).

Can you describe cabin life?

The cabin serves as a home away from home for 8 to 10 young people and a staff member.  Cabin groups are carefully mixed and girls and boys cabins are completely separate.  In your cabin, there may be as many as five different cultures.  The cabin is a place to relax.  There is laughter, storytelling, and also much needed sleep.  You will always remember your cabin group.

What beliefs and religions are practiced at GYV?

There is a wide range of faiths practiced here.  Bahai, Buddhist, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Native American, Quaker, Shinto and other faiths are regularly represented.  People are encouraged to do their spiritual or religious practices that are part of their regular routine.  There is a special room set aside for prayers, meditation, and reflection.  On Friday afternoons, Jumaa prayer is offered for Muslims.  On Friday evenings, Shabbath is observed.  On Sundays, church trips for those who regularly attend services are arranged.

What kind of food is served at your dining room?

The Global Youth Village menu is an international cuisine that provides yet another venue for cultural exploration.  The diet is primarily vegetarian (chicken is served twice a session).  At the Global Youth Village, the meals are served “family style” in our dining hall. International dishes are prepared with natural foods and whole grains, with special attention given to the cultural tastes on campus.  Legacy can accommodate special diets. Through the dining experience participants:

• explore variety and new foods from around the world
• become flexible and open to new experiences
• learn about better nutrition and balanced diets
• discover what eating low on the food chain entails

Are there any extra expenses beyond the tuition?
Yes, families should be prepared to incur some other expenses such as travel to and from our program site.  In the spring, we send a list of recommended clothing.  It is the responsibility of each family to make sure that the participant comes properly equipped. We recommend that youths come with a limited amount of spending money as they can purchase snacks, film, tee shirts, Village photo from our store – $75 is standard.

Salute to Kroger

The Kroger Company donated gift cards totaling $1000 to Legacy this summer for our various youth programs involving Iraqi, Indonesian, US, and other international teens.   A program such as this has many exciting events that require numerous supplies in the way of food, condiments, cleaning products, toiletries, utensils and much more.  This year Kroger once again demonstrated their commitment to helping those in need and supporting local events.  Kroger products were enjoyed and appreciated by our supporters in the local area, regionally, and our participants around the world.    The staff at Legacy, the community, and 2009 participants would like to say “Thank You!” to Kroger for their donation this year to GYV 2009.

It is a challenging time for all people around the globe.  We see with more heightened awareness how interconnected we are through the global economy and how much cooperation is needed to solve problems.   Kroger’s commitment to helping those in need is an example of putting words into action and their community programs are an example.  Kroger’s support of Legacy grows from a shared belief that educational experiences that build a sense of friendship, breakdown stereotypes, create lasting impressions of challenges others face, are essential.

We at Legacy can express our gratitude again and again but the individuals who can say it best are those youth who benefited from your support of our process.  Here is what they had to say about GYV 2009:

“Before I attended Global Youth Village I was very shy and not outgoing.  Now I feel like I can go up to someone I don’t know very well and talk to them without being shy.  I feel like I can be a real leader when I get back home and try to make a difference in my community.”

“GYV has left me with a lot of memories.  I have made friends from many places: America, Iraq, Indonesia, Germany, China, Kyrgyzstan…  I have learned a lot about other cultures, specifically Iraqi and Indonesian cultures.”

 ”I am confident that I am taking new skills home like leadership, self-confidence, and strength.  I don’t know how to characterize GYV in simple words: a place where you learn.” 

“This program really, really, really changed my life and view on life.  If I could thank you with ten thousand tongues I couldn’t thank you enough.  Thank you.”

Thank you Kroger!

The Gift of GYV: Heartfelt Thank You to Legacy Scholarship Donors

This year many of the youth at GYV were able to participate on account of the Legacy GYV Scholarship Fund.  Thank you to everyone- alumni, community members, partners, and families- who contributed to this cause.  We at Legacy can express our gratitude again and again, but the individuals who can say it best are those youth who benefited from your support.  Here is what they wanted to say to each of you:

Dear Friends,

Before I attended Global Youth Village I was very shy and not outgoing, now I feel like I can go up to someone I don’t know very well and talk to them without being shy.  I feel like I can be a real leader when I get back home and try to make a difference in my community.  I learned new ways to go green and how I can help out and I learned peace building activities.  I got to learn about many new cultures, which was my first reason why I wanted to go to the Global Youth Village.  Learning about new cultures I feel has been one of the most important things for me because I now have new friends from other countries and I have a few things from them that I can bring back home to share with my friends and family.  I can’t wait to go back home to look back on the things I learned and teach others about the things I learned at Global Youth Village.  Thank you for this opportunity and I will treasure my memories from Global Youth Village,

Sincerely Yours,
Gaby 

Age 16, Gaby is from Napa, California.  Gaby was selected through our partnership with Summer Search.

Dear Friends,

These past three weeks have been memorable and exciting.  Thank you so much for assisting me.  I have learned so much and have changed in so many ways.  None of this would have happened if I had not gotten the scholarship that you gave me.  I would have spent just another boring summer at home.

I took the Peacebuilding Workshop first.  In that workshop, we learned a lot about good communication.  We played games that seemed like competitions, but were really meant to show us that working together is always the best.

During the same week, I took the Green Your World Workshop.  I learned about the environment and how to preserve it.  Hopefully I can go home and impress my dad with my new environmental knowledge.  Amy was a really good teacher.  We discussed organic farming, climate change, and composting, as well as other things.

My elective for that week was Music and Recording.  I got to write my own song and record it.  I worked with my friend and I played the guitar.  At the end we had a two minute song.

In the last two weeks, I took Plant Action Workshop, which was basically Green Your World all over again.  We did do a lot more activities, like making recycled paper and organizing a Hunger Banquet.  I also took Crossing Cultures through the Arts Workshop.  We made flags out of melted wax, which was an Indonesian art.  We also made stepping stones in celebration of the 30th anniversary.

My action team for the last two weeks was Peer Education.  We chose the topic of tolerance.  Our only problem was that we did not have enough time to really influence others to have more tolerance.  In that action team, I learned how to facilitate discussions, express my opinions clearly, and listen to others.  I was not very good at any of these before.

GYV has left me with a lot of memories.  I have made friends from many places: America, Iraq, Indonesia, Germany, China, Kyrgyzstan, and many more.  I have learned a lot about other cultures, specifically Iraqi and Indonesian cultures.  During free time, I have been able to hang out and talk with people from all over the world.  I hope to come back here at some time, whether it is as a participant or a counselor.  Thank you so much for the money to get me here.  I don’t know what my life would be like if I hadn’t come.

Thank You!
Noura 

Age 14, Noura is from Charlotte, North Carolina.  Noura was selected from  a pool of applicants requesting scholarship assistance.

Dear Friends,

I want to thank you for the opportunity to be in the GYV.  It was really great 3weeks.  I learned a lot of things I never did and even heard before.  I was in USA 3 times before this trip, but this one was most successful!  I liked workshops, action teams, and electives.  And now when I come back home, I will try to be a good example to my little sister and my friends. I met a lot of people from different countries with different cultures and languages.  I made a lot of friends.  It was really funny and interesting to share with each other experiences and cultures.  I would like to thank you again for this chance.  These three weeks were the fastest weeks in my life.

Saikal

Age 14, Saikal is from Kyrgyzstan. Saikal was selected from a  pool of applicants requesting scholarship assistance.

Dear Friend,

Thank you for all the help.  Global Youth Village has been a fun experience to me because I got the chance to seek new cultures and religions.  I am confident that I am taking new skills home like leadership, self-confidence, and strength.  I don’t know how to characterize GYV, simple words: a place where you learn.  I learned that we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover; I met students from all over the world.  I have lots of memories at GYV, but the one that inspired me the most was at the 30th anniversary- hearing about a medical doctor that attended GYV when he immigrated from Vietnam and how he went on and attended Harvard.  Global Youth Village is a place that changes peoples’ lives, not spontaneously, but as the time goes on.  I am going to miss all my friends that I met at GYV; we became like a family.  I am very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank you.

Sincerely,

Irving

Age 15, Irving is from Sonoma, California.  Irving was selected through our partnership with Summer Search

Dear Friends,

I am grateful for you sending me to GYV this summer.  Words cannot explain how much I am grateful for this experience at GYV.  I was able to meet different races, backgrounds, and styles of people around the world.  I learn that we as a whole are making a lot of mistakes and that we need to stop.  GYV gave me a wider look on the world.  I also learn that the children across the sea are the same as we are in America.  I made new friendships with the people here at GYV.  It helps me realize that I need to work somewhere so I can help people who are in need.  The workshop taught me more about politics and how it works.  I think every child should come here because it will make them a better person.  I also learned how to knit.  This will save my older sister Linda some money.  This program really, really, really changed my life and view on life.  If I could thank you with ten thousand tongues I couldn’t thank you enough.  Thank you.

Sincerly,

Nick

Age 17, Nick is from Chicago, IL.  Nick was selected through our partnership with North Lawndale Charter School  in Chicago.

Dear Friends,

When I first got accepted to attend the Global Youth Village I was excited, but at the same time I didn’t really know what it was about.  As the days to approach GYV came, I was very nervous at that time- I had never been on a plane and all of the new things I was going to have to adjust to started to overwhelm me.  When I finally arrived I tried to fit in the best way I could.  As my time here at GYV went by, I learned more than I could imagine.  This camp was really a life changing experience for me.  I talked to people my age who were from different countries, religions, and ethnic backgrounds.  This camp gave me a chance to go outside my comfort zone and open up to people I would never talk to nor associate myself with.  Thanks to you I have gained not only the chance to meet new people and learn about different cultures, but a chance to find myself and who I really am.  Some people here brought out the best in me that I would not have brought out at home.  They made me feel comfortable and now I live with more morals to my life than just living each day selfishly day by day.

Thank you sincerely,

Jsarques A.K.A. A Happy Camper

Age 16, Jsarques is from Chicago, IL.  Jsarques was selected through our partnership with North Lawndale Charter School  in Chicago.

Dear Friends,

Thank you!  This year at 2009 GYV I have experienced things that would have never happened to me unless I came to GYV.  This was a once in a lifetime experience and it was so much greater than words can explain.  The first day I came to GYV and got off the bus I was thinking “There are so many people from so many places that may not even understand what I am saying.  What if I don’t make any friends and am lonely for the next 3 weeks?”  Well by the second day, I didn’t even have to worry about that.  All of us, no matter where we came from or what language we spoke, had become such a close knit family it didn’t matter.  We would teach each other things we didn’t understand.  In camp we went to peace-building classes that helped us communicate and we also took Arabic or English classes depending on what language you were better at.  We had so much fun playing ping-pong, volleyball, soccer, and all the wacky activities the camp had planned.  And during free time we were inseparable.  We also took art and music classes.  I took Arabic music class which was fun and hilarious because it was really hard to speak Arabic and make all the sounds that came with the language, but all the Iraqi’s really helped me out.  The most of surprising thing for all of us was the food- especially for the carnivores.  It was a vegetarian diet and it was so delicious; the chefs were amazing.

After 8 days half of one of the closest families you have ever seen was separated.  The Iraqis had to leave and we were so sad, but we had sharing night the day before they left and I participated which built my confidence up because I usually have trouble in front of a lot of people but it was easy because all my family was there to cheer me on.  We got so many pictures I can’t even count them anymore.  So now we can all call each other and talk on Facebook any time we want.  When the Iraqis left we were all sad, but then the Indonesians came and it was like are family returned even though we still miss the Iraqis the pained dimmed a little.  We played all the same games, but now we had action teams and our morning activities were different.  We had morning activities separate from the Indonesians. The 3-weekers did art and culture class in which we got to make wish flags and stepping stones; it was so much fun.  Then we had planet action where we organized a hunger banquet.  In the afternoons, with our action teams, I was in Spreaders of Spirit where we always tried to make people happy and we organized frowning is illegal day, singing announcement day, and a huge game of hide and go seek.  All the activities were so much fun.  We also had our gossip and drama too, but in the end I think it helped us as future leaders.  We dealt with it peacefully and solved conflict.  I really want to come back next year and if I do I will bring back with me my peace keeping skills and try to stop gossip immediately after it starts.  Again I want to say thank you for giving me the best experience of my life.

Love,

Cali

Age 13, Cali is from Centerville, VA.  Cali was selected form a pool of applicants and received scholarship assistance from Deborah Berkley of the Madeline Center in Forest Virginia.

Andrew wanted to attend GYV to meet and befriend kids from other countries.  Andrew wanted to share, experience, and work together with teenagers from around the world.  He wanted to feel the excitement and exhilaration of working together to pursue a common goal.  Andrew has learned from personal experience to put other’s needs before his own.  He learned to be sensitive and patient and not take things for granted.  Andrew is disturbed by the racial and ethnic barriers in his school; Koreans socialize with Koreans, African Americans socialize with African Americans, Hispanics socialize with Hispanics, and so on.  Andrew wants to take down these barriers and end the racial stereotypes and cliques at his school.  Andrew is on the wrestling team, plays in the school orchestra, and is involved in the community program called We Are Future Leaders.  This program is a scholarship program to develop young Korean Americans into future leaders of the Korean community.  Andrew’s mother admires his ability to put others before himself, his sensitivity, and generosity. While at GYV Andrew participated in the following:

Age 15, Andrew is from Little Neck, NY.  Andrew was selected from a pool of scholarship appicants.

American Camp Association’s Guidelines for Parents

From the American Camp Association website

Questions To Ask Camp Directors
When looking through the various summer program brochures, you are bound to have questions pop into your head regarding the facilities, safety, activities, location, and so on.  In writing everything looks picture perfect and all you are reading sounds great.  But are you getting the information you need as a parent?  Take away all of the pretty pictures and unending lists of activites and what is left?  The American Camp Association is a group of camping professionals who have come together to share their knowledge and experience about summer programs to ensure program quality.  The ACA has been in existence for over 100 years and is highly regarded.  On their website the ACA created a list of questions which they recommend parents ask Camp Director’s when looking at a summer program (http://www.campparents.org/safetytips.php). 

GYV staff have added our responses to the questions

What is the camp’s philosophy and program emphasis?

The Global Youth Village promotes respect as a standard for human interaction. Program activities help participants discover a common ground for understanding people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, by encouraging core human values such as peace, justice, tolerance, ethics, service, and equity.  Workshops promote skill building and leadership development. More information on GYV’s philosphy can be found at: Philosophy and Goals.

What is the camp director’s background?

The ACA minimum standards recommend directors possess a bachelor’s degree, have completed in-service training within the past three years, and have at least 16 weeks of camp administrative experience.

Mary brings 22 years experience to the GYV, playing a key role in fundraising and youth recruitment throughout the year. During the summer months, she trains staff and oversees program quality and content. A native of Philadelphia, Mary received her Bachelors degree in Sociology and French from Trinity College in Washington D.C. She taught for several years at the pre-school and elementary levels, but has dedicated most of her life to training teens and young adults. Mary is fluent in French and “knows a little bit of Indonesian,” as she directs many of our U.S. State department sponsored programs with Indonesia. To watch a video featuring Mary go to Who We Are: Our Team. 

What training do counselors receive?

According to ACA at a minimum, camp staff should be trained in safety regulations, emergency procedures and communication, behavior management techniques, child abuse prevention, appropriate staff and camper behavior, and specific procedures for supervision.

At GYV, the summer starts with a 9-10 day training program for all staff.  Legacy staff share our signature methods for program design and delivery, group building, and lesson planning.  Staff training addresses the following areas: Human Relations, Intercultural Relations, Professional Skill Development and other components such as: facility set-up, curriculum planning, risk management, health care, and orientation specific to individual responsibilities.  To find out more go to: Staff Training.

What is the counselor-to-camper ratio?

ACA standards require different ratios for varying ages and special needs.  To find specific ratios go to their website at: How to Choose a Camp: Safety Tips.

At GYV the counselor-to-camper ratio is 1:3.

What are the ages of the counselors?

ACA standards recommend that 80 percent or more of the counseling/program staff be at least 18 years old. Staff must be at least 16 years old and be at least two years older than the campers with whom they work. 

At GYV, staff range in age from 21-45+  with 90% being above age 22. We attract very high caliber teaching due to our well-know currciulums and the unique opportunity the diverse population provides.  

 What are desired qualities in camp staff?

Every summer, Legacy recruits between 25-30 staff members to deliver our life-changing summer programs. The success of our programs is based on a comprehensive staff selection process.  We attract a diverse group of highly enthusiastic, idealistic, practical and committed adults who want to make a difference in the world.  We look at the combination of skills and how the team is constructed in order to offer a wide array of activities ranging from skill building workshops, to afternoon recreational activities, to cabin life and engaging all campus programs.  Please feel free to review the criteria for the various staff positions.

What percentage of the counselors returned from last year?

 The GYV staff return rate is 30-40%

Information provided in part by the American Camp Association.

Parent Reflects on Son’s Experience in Morocco

I wanted to take the time to thank you for giving my son the experience of his life by awarding him an exchange opportunity in Morocco summer 2008.  First let me compliment you on your ability to see that Max, although young, was fully up to the task! I believe he was an asset to your program and it is really your vision that allowed him to contribute. We noticed how much he matured on his trip from the minute he got off the plane but it was all good-he is still our wonderful son but seems to be much more appreciative of our care now that he has lived without us for several weeks. I encourage all parents of teenagers to send them away for a little while!

I was completely confident in Max’s safety and well-being the entire time he was in Morocco-from the moment his plane was met in Washington D.C. to his host family welcoming him with open arms. He was so well taken care of that, at times, Max ate so much delicious food he said he was literally stuffed! No more food could physically go down! All members of the family took time to work with him on his Arabic language, allowed him to observe the preparation of traditional meals and helped him with his every need. They tended to him without suffocation-he felt confident to do his own exploring around ancient Marrakech as well. It really was a wonderful combination of care and independence, and the perfect match for Max. So, while he did miss us a bit, he never mentioned it because he was so happy with is Moroccan family. Legacy did an excellent job with host family placement. The trips that the group took were definitely the highlight of Max’s journey. Riding camels across the Sahara, watching the ocean while eating breakfast on the roof of the hotel in Essaouira, attending Mosque in Rabat and buying Fez hats in Fes-these are memories he will treasure forever and solidified his love of Morocco, the Moroccan people and the Arabic culture. 

The school in Marrakech was top-notch. Max said upon his return, “Those are people who know how to teach.” Not only did his knowledge of Arabic expand immensely, he connected with his teachers on an emotional level and I believe the connections made will last a lifetime. Although the school days were long and the homework intense, he never felt overwhelmed and was able to meet the challenge.  Finally, the majority of students chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime experience were exceptional. Max has a couple of friends from this trip that I know he will stay in touch with forever. How nice for Max to associate with such a fine group of young people. I believe Legacy picked the cream of the crop for this very special journey and I am honored that my son was found to be worthy of such an honor. I am confident that he will bring back what he learned in Morocco and improve the understanding between our cultures for years to come. Already Max is singularly responsible for signing several of his friends up for Arabic class at Washington High this school year!

I am forever indebted to you for making my son a citizen of the world. There is no doubt in my mind that Max will be embarking on more adventures every summer between now and graduation.  Please accept my thanks and my gratitude.

~Alyssa Turk-McGee

Legacy International in partnership with American Language Center in Marrakesh delivered the Arabic Language Institute in 2007, 2008.  The program is supported by a grant form US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

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