English Excellence Summer Camp Recap
It was an absolute BLAST to be part of the seventh year of the Wisconsin Lutheran High School English Excellence Summer Camp!
Our 45 international campers were a joy to teach, mentor, and befriend. Despite coming from six different countries (Germany, Mexico, Brazil, South Korea, China, and Japan), they quickly built friendships with each other and their 35 local “Wisco Friend” American peers, using English as their common language.
Each weekday morning, the students attended five academic classes: Reading, Writing, Speaking/Listening, American Culture, and a specialty course taught by one of our Wisconsin Lutheran High School teachers:
Week 1: Art
Students made pottery with WLHS Art Teacher Mrs. Schuessler.
Students made pottery with WLHS Art Teacher Mrs. Schuessler.
Week 2: Science
Students experienced a classic American high school tradition: dissecting a frog with WLHS Science Teacher Mr. Nickels.
Students experienced a classic American high school tradition: dissecting a frog with WLHS Science Teacher Mr. Nickels.
Week 3: Performing Arts
Students sang and danced in a performing arts class with WLHS Choral Director Mrs. Uttech, then showcased their talents at the culminating Talent & Awards Show in the WLHS Auditorium!
Students sang and danced in a performing arts class with WLHS Choral Director Mrs. Uttech, then showcased their talents at the culminating Talent & Awards Show in the WLHS Auditorium!
Afternoon and weekend field trips were led by our amazing team of Activity Leaders—a mix of WLHS faculty/staff (including math teacher Ms. Radue and dorm supervisors Mr. and Mrs. Dietze) and recent WLHS and WLC alumni.
Activity Leaders took students all around Milwaukee and even as far as Chicago and the Wisconsin Dells. The students enjoyed treetop climbing, ziplining, roller coasters, and trampoline parks. They immersed themselves in local culture by visiting museums, attending historic downtown Grace Lutheran Church, and watching a community theater performance. They also shared their own cultures at our fun (and delicious!) Cultural Exchange Night.
The students grew to feel at home at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. They celebrated birthdays here (even singing to Chef Sarah in English, Spanish, and Portuguese!), worked out in the weight room and gyms, and enjoyed Outdoor Movie Night on the WLHS Athletic Field.
WLHS President Dr. Fisher ate lunch with the students and shared stories of his trips to their countries. WLHS International Program Director Mr. Duwe spoke in their classes about what it’s like to be an international student at WLHS. Two of this year’s camp participants are using the experience as a jumpstart for their full-time journey as new WLHS students this fall.
Whether returning to campus as students or visiting friends, we consider everyone connected to the WLHS English Excellence Summer Camp part of the Wisco Family—and we hope to see them again soon!
