Specialty Programs

Afrique!
Afrique! provides an in-depth look at the French-speaking cultures of West Africa, focusing on daily life, customs, songs, dances, legends and ceremonies. Villagers who elect to participate in Afrique! will adopt a Yoruba name in a traditional naming ceremony, practice balancing loads of food and goods on their heads, make African masks, and learn traditional greetings and manners. All the while, they’ll learn more about what it’s like to live in Africa today, from the climate and customs to the duality created by Africa’s modern cities and rural villages.Afrique! is offered at both our Hackensack and Bemidji locations. If you have attended Lac du Bois previously and have an intermediate language level, you have the option of choosing this program on the opening day of your Lac du Bois session. Offered during FB12, FB32, FB52, FB72 and FB92 as well as FH42.

Aventure Nature
Incorporating outdoor living skills with language-learning adventures, Aventure Nature is offered through our French Language Village in Hackensack, Minn. Nestled between two Minnesota lakes, the ambiance of the site is uniquely suited to learning about nature and the Francophone culture. Villagers typically take a morning-long hike and go on an overnight camp-out as part of Aventure Nature. The program is co-ed for villagers who are at least 10 years old, who complete the 10-minute swimming test, and who have an intermediate language level. You can sign up on opening day. Offered during FH22, FH42, FH62 and FH82.

Helvetia
Helvetia unites the French (Bemidji), German and Italian Language Villages in a program focusing on Switzerland. You will live at Lac du Bois Bemidji and then come together with the other two Language Villages for a day of learning about Swiss language and culture The program is co-ed for villagers aged 8-18 with beginning to advanced French, German or Italian language skills.  We also will offer a Helvetia Swiss Week for kids 8-18 and family adventurers of all ages.