8월12일2007년

      After a busy week of classes and activities, the villagers enjoyed an easy, relaxing weekend. As a special treat, the hard-working kitchen staff put out delicious Korean-style American food commonly found in Korea such as kimchi burgers and kimchi pizza. Campers lounged about at the 호숫가 (waterfront) and watched Korean movies in the 식당. On Saturday night, credit students were allowed a brief respite from total immersion and gorged themselves on the American snacks that had been previously confiscated as contraband. Refreshed and well rested, the kids and staff alike should be ready for another eventful week!

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8월10일2007년 - (International Day!)

     Once again, International Day was a great success, and the Korean villagers showed the same class and spirit they have become known for at this annual event. After an especially hearty breakfast, the kids were let loose at Waldsee, the German village, to explore the multitude of cultural games, songs, and foods offered by more than a dozen other villages. In turn, Sup sogui Hosu shared our camp songs, our delicious Duk Bokki (rice cakes in spicy red pepper sauce), and the traditional game, Yut Nori. While wearing beautiful and handsome hanboks, our villagers had some time to relax, experience other cultures, and, in accordance with this year's I-Day theme, Speak their Peace.

     As the day came to a close, the villages gathered in the main plaza at Waldsee to witness each others' closing programs. While our village waited to perform, we witnessed salsa dancing, martial arts, and songs sung in the target languages. Finally, it was our turn to present our closing program, "The Gayageum and Drum's Harmony". First, eight fan dancers took the stage, accompanied by villagers playing "Arirang" on traditional Korean gayageums (Twelve-stringed zithers). Suddenly, sogo and buk drummers stormed the stage, overwhelming the fan dance with their own rhythms. Affronted, the beautiful fan dancers attempted to win back the crowd. After a few moments, a magical jing (gong) sounded, and the two factions realized that they can perform together in harmony. Fan dancers, drummers, and gayageum players joined together to put on an amazing show while a modern remake of the classic "Arirang" played in the background. At the end of the day, the villagers returned to the site having displayed cultural pride and unified spirit unmatched by any other village.

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8월9일2007년

     Throughout the day, many activities focused on getting ready for tomorrow's International Day. Every year at I-Day, campers from all different villages gather at Waldsee, the German village, to experience each others' games, songs, foods, and culture. This morning, after the credit villagers presented us with another wonderful Chunhyang skit, our song leader led us in the Sup Sogui Hosu I-Day cheer. (가나다라마바사!아자차카타파하!)

     Later in the day, the kids participated in their daily rotating and chosen activities, including a ceramics class that used the 물레 (pottery wheel) for the first time. However, in preparation for I-Day, several credits and two-weekers practiced for the I-Day closing ceremony. Tomorrow, they will perform 부채춤 (fan dance), 가야금 (Gayageum), and 소고춤 (small drum dance) in front of campers representing thirteen different villages.

     Tonight, the evening program was 숲속 의 초대 (Invitation into the forest) where campers journeyed in contemplative silence deep into our abundant woods. As they followed the trail, they came across forest fairies, a lugubrious minstrel, and abundant wilderness. At the end of the path, they were presented with a silent play accompanied by spontaneous landscape painting. The night closed with a campfire where villagers and staff alike divulged their dreams and wishes onto slips of paper which were then thrown into the flames. 꿈은 이루어진다. May your dreams come true.

8월8일2007년

     We apologize for the delay in updates as we had some technical problems and a new webmaster. As you may know, the first two-week session ended among many tears and sad farewells, as villagers and staff parted ways after a fun and educational two weeks. Still, staff and credit kids could find comfort in each other as they cooked 김밥 (kimbap - seaweed and rice rolls) together and went to town for some laundry and American junk food.

                Suddenly, the weekend was over and the site was once again full of kids (aged 12-18). Some villagers shouted excitedly over joyful reunions while others moseyed around the crowds full of apprehension and uncertainty, especially when greeted enthusiastically by two merchandise-laden staff, imploring them to buy a souvenir or two from the 백화점 (Baekhwajeom).

     The next day, the villagers were immersed in a plethora of activities and entertainments designed to introduce them to the language and culture of Korea. The morning started with dancing and singing, as well as a skit starring the credit students about the traditional Korean tale of 춘향 (Chunhyang) and her love, 몽룡 (Mongnyong). Throughout the day, the villagers split into classes based on level and took part in activities such as, but not limited to, ceramics, archery, movie making, and learning to play the traditional 가야금 (gayageum).

      Every night, the day closes with an evening program in which (most of the time) only two week villagers participate. The first two nights were dedicated to orientation and cabin bonding, but tonight's program was much more hands on. Entitled "Rainbow Night", the idea was to teach the villagers colors and quiz them on basic vocabulary and questions, after which they would be permitted to slather paint all over the counselors (if they were correct). A light drizzle did nothing to deter the kids as they proceeded to drench the staff and just make a huge, fun mess. Everyone has been having a good, safe time, and more great activities are lined up for the rest of the session! Thank you!