Danish Youth
Skovsøen is the name of the Danish Language Village.
At Skovsøen, you’ll learn Danish in a traditional summer camp setting. Language classes are tailored to learners of all ages and stages. Whether you’re looking for an early introduction or an intensive language program, we’ll meet your level of language and help you to advance during a 1, 2 or 4 week session.
No matter which Skovsøen program you attend, you’ll be enthusiastically welcomed — in Danish! — by our friendly and knowledgeable counselors. They will help you pass through “customs,” select a Danish name to use for your time at Skovsøen, and make a personalized nametag to wear around your neck during your stay. Whether you speak Danish almost fluently at home or if you are brand-new to this beautiful language, we will make sure you impress yourself with the leaps and bounds your skills will take while you’re here. Our goal is to provide an environment in which you find the courage and confidence to explore Danish language and culture. We will use gestures, repetition, songs, and games to make sure you know what to do, where to go, and what’s going on from the moment you arrive.
Once you have gone through customs at Skovsøen, chosen a new name, received your navneskilt, and checked in with the site nurse, your counselors will help you take your things to your cabin. You’ll be living with up to 9 villagers about your age. You’ll have a bunk for your sleeping bag and pillow, a place to store your clothes and other belongings, and easy access to restroom and shower facilities which are located within the cabin. Skovsøen has a relaxed atmosphere. You won’t need much more than shorts, T-shirts, a swimsuit, long pants, and warm sweatshirts. You’ll have the opportunity to dress up for a few events if you wish, such as Restaurant Night. You’ll have opportunities to swim, canoe, play soccer, sing Danish songs, learn about Danish music, and try a variety of arts and crafts. We offer a variety of choices to please every taste, and we never get bored!
Outdoor Activities/Sports
Canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, water games, volleyball, soccer, cycling, traditional Danish games
Arts
Painting, paper crafts, weaving, knitting, cross stitch, woodworking, beading, singing, theater, storytelling, dancing
Technology
Web design for Village Production Pages, moviemaking, journalism
De Cyklende Danskere (The Biking Danes)
Optional Adventure Program
Danes love to be out in naturen (nature) so Skovsøen offers a group bicycling trip. If you participate, you’ll ride your bike on various terrains, explore nature, and stay overnight at Bemidji State Park. At the same time, you’ll learn about the role of bicycles in Danish culture, become a more competent and safer cyclist, and improve your Danish language skills. The Paul Bunyan Trail and connecting routes offer a safe environment for participants to foster a life-long connection to language learning and bicycling culture. The beautiful scenery along the forest bike trails make the trip a favorite adventure for villagers at Skovsøen. The program is co-ed for villagers aged 13-18 with beginning to advanced Danish language skills.
Fast Facts: Skovsøen
· Founded: 1982
· Borders: Turtle River Lake
· Population: 50-100
· Language: Danish
· Currency: Kroner
· Time zone: Daylight Saving Time + one hour
Skovsøen offers three choices of summer villages for young people:
· One-week and two-week sessions
· Four-week high school credit sessions for for students entering grades 9 through 12
Want to know more about Skovsøen?
· Visit our Village Page to see pictures and videos of last year’s villagers and camp activities.
