Summer Camps in Poland

Positive cultural interactions have the potential to change hearts and minds. Such interactions can break down stereotypes, build knowledge, increase understanding, and foster intercultural sensitivity. When these experiences take place outside of one’s home country, they are all the more powerful. Summer camps organized by Eagle-Orzeł Educational and Cultural Exchange, Inc. in Poland provide the opportunity for American and Polish teachers and students to learn from one another through daily lessons and extracurricular activities. The program provides opportunities for teachers, teacher aides, and peer tutors to volunteer as cultural representatives and to build relationships through educational experiences. Eagle-Orzeł offers these experiences through two camp models: 1) Connecting Americans and Poles through Language and the Arts (CAPLA) and 2) Leadership and Civic Engagement (LACE).

The American staff for the camps consists of the following: American staff leader, teachers, teacher aides, and peer tutors. The Polish camp staff consists of a Camp Director or Staff Leader, Assistant Director, teachers, a doctor and/or nurse on call, a translator, and camp counselors. Polish staff members provide support to the American teaching staff during lessons and are in charge of recreational and educational programming related to teaching the American staff about Polish history and culture. The American teachers teach several lessons each morning to small groups of Polish students who are generally at the advanced beginner to intermediate level of proficiency. Teachers will utilize topics or themes based on life in the United States and on positive and appropriate American cultural experiences including the fine and performing arts and/or leadership and civic engagement topics. During the program, they engage the students in interactive English language immersion and cultural activities that stimulate vocabulary expansion and correct usage, encourage the acquisition and use of American expressions, promote the improvement of pronunciation and conversational skills and provide practice in thinking in the English language. The teachers and teacher aides can also organize and lead popular American extracurricular activities such as sports, games, and enrichment sessions during the recreational periods.

Volunteer Opportunities Available in Both Camp Models

The American teaching staff includes an American Staff Leader, certified teachers (active or retired) or persons with verifiable teaching experience, teacher aides, and peer tutors.

TEACHERS

American teachers certified in all subject matter disciplines as well as teachers of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) are encouraged to apply. The American teachers are responsible for conducting four classes each morning (Monday – Friday) for small groups of Polish students. A program handbook will provide sample lesson topics. The English language proficiency of the students ranges from advanced beginner to intermediate.

TEACHER AIDES

College students at least 18 years of age at the time of application and anyone else who does not possess the credentials of a certified teacher can apply to be a Teacher Aide. Preference is given to those college students pursuing a degree in Education. The Teacher Aide is not responsible for planning lessons but assists the teacher in the execution of lessons and afternoon activities.

PEER TUTORS

American students 10 to 17 years of age can apply to be a Peer Tutor. These individuals must be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, relative, or legal guardian who is serving as an American staff member. The responsibility for monitoring and ensuring the engagement and safety of the Peer Tutor lies with the adult accompanying him or her. Peer Tutors are not considered part of the American teaching staff and will be expected to pay for their accommodations, food, and tour. The Polish Director will determine and communicate the cost of on-site expenses and tour prior to departure for Poland. The legal guardian will be asked to sign an agreement regarding these expenses prior to leaving for Poland. Peer Tutors will also be required to pay the registration fee as per the application instructions. Peer Tutors enhance the overall experience for the Polish students by interacting with them informally both during lessons and outside activities. Inclusion of Peer Tutors is subject to the approval of both the Polish Director and the American Staff Leader.

ROOM AND BOARD, TOUR, AND TRANSPORTATION

During the course of the camp, the Polish Director provides the American staff members with room and board and a complimentary tour of important cultural and historical sites in Poland on the weekends. Transportation to and from the airport in Poland is also provided.

ANTICIPATED EXPENSES FOR PARTICIPANTS

American Staff members may anticipate the following costs (some totals are estimates) for participation in the program, if selected:

Registration fee – Teachers: $300 and Teacher Aides and Peer Tutors: $250

Airline Ticket

Passport (if applicable) – $140 for passport book and card (under regular processing and for an adult passport – 16 or over)

Small gifts for Polish staff – approximately $25-$50 total per American staff member