14 years ago, summer camp is what started it all for us here at Les Petites Pommes!
It all started when I participated in a program called Summer Company. Summer Company is a program offered through municipalities in Ontario, (I believe most other provinces also offer this program) for students 15-29 to years old to create their own summer business. Students must submit a business plan and go through an interview process to be chosen for this program. Students receive up $3000 (half at the beginning and half at the end) to go towards their business. I still recommend this program to our students today!
During university, I never considered the possibility of entrepreneurship as I was in the humanities studying French and music however this program really changed the trajectory of my life unlocking the possibility of a different path while still using my French skills.
That first summer, the one thing I wanted was to create a place where students could feel happy while learning French. So many times (still to this day!) I hear people say “I wish I stayed in French” or “I really didn’t like my French teacher” and I wanted to make sure we left our student with only happy memories and confidence in their abilities. This continues to be our goal today.
Whether it’s in our online or in-person camps, French Learning Circle or Tutoring programs, I always love the possibility of summer for our students because it allows them time outside of their regular classroom learning to pursue challenges by choice. Outside of the regular routine of school, students can approach their language learning with the space and rhythms of their own pace which is very empowering. Students who participate in the joys of language learning during the summer as enrichment rather than a chore enter into September not only refreshed but also a step ahead. To me, enjoying learning is of the utmost important and summer is the a very special time to cultivate this enjoyment and enthusiasm.
On the left is a picture from my first class in 2009 and on the right is from more recent! We still have our original banner in one of our classrooms!