Aug 2nd, 2009
This year the "Camp de Travail" was a huge success. The team of students felt like a family, where every member did his/her part to ensure that major improvements were made on campus. Some of the work projects that we completed this year were more difficult than previous years, but this did not stop these enthusiastic campers. The main project was cleaning up the fallen asphalt laying on the perimeter of the gymnasium. We dug it up and made a gigantic pile next to the building. Then we shoveled the pile into multiple truckloads to be taken to the dump. While working, songs were sung, jokes were told, and pictures were taken. "The Pile," haunted our dreams, for it was a significant project, both in its importance and its duration of time. However, when it was completed, everyone felt great! This summer we also painted the bus stop on campus, sanded and varnished the windowpanes to the batiment scholaire, and repainted the windows and door to our building, "Cosmos." We spent the last few days clearing brush and creating new paths for the students to take to and from their classes.
The following activities took place in addition to the work projects:
1. French class took place every afternoon Monday-Friday. There were two classes; beginner and advanced. Students enjoyed watching French films, engaging in conversation, learning basic grammar and tenses, and reading newspaper articles
2. Spent the day in Le Puy where we visited la chapelle and the cathedrale. For lunch students had the opportunity to buy food at the large market throughout the city.
3. Visited "La Chaise Dieu" and saw the main church and cloisters in this very old village.
4. We spent the day on a hike to and from the ancient volcano Lizieux. We took a break at the top to eat lunch. On the hike, students get a true feel for the French countryside, as we pass various animals, flowers, rivers, and homes.
5. We went to the French cinema and saw the comedy "Les Beaus Gosses."
6. We spent one Saturday morning at the local market, followed by a delicious lunch at "La Mandarine," the creperie in town.
7. The group was given a historical tour of the town by the local Pasteur. During the tour we had the opportunity to interact with French teens from different areas near Chambon.
8. We watched the film "Weapons of the Spirit" by Pierre Sauvage as a group and spoke about the history of the town
9. We had numerous evening discussions where the students wrote prompts and we spent time discussing our thought and feelings about certain topics.
10. We had a soiree at the house, where there was an array of local food products such as cheese, bread, jam, fruit juice, and more. Students got the opportunity to appreciate the tastes of the local products and learn where they come from.
11. Students got to make pizza at the local pizzeria
12. The students spent time with the sports campers. We spent an evening playing soccer with them in their tournament. We also had a barbeque one evening.
13. Students spent many meals dining at the local restaurants in town. Several trips were made to the pizzerias, salon de the, and creperie.
14. We spent an afternoon at the plage
15. Went to the "brocante"
16. Watched fireworks on Bastille night and went dancing in the square.
17. Students had the opportunity to rent ATVs and Quads
The following activities took place in Geneva:
1. Students spent the morning at the United Nations High Commission of Refugees where they were given an interactive briefing about UNHCR's role in refugee crises, what a refugee is, and how a refugee lives while in a camp. The students were given lots of attention and a folder full of packets pertaining to refugee crises.
2. Students visited the UN headquarters
3. Students took a walk around Lake Geneva, where they saw the jet d'eau, the famous flower clock and enjoyed an afternoon on the promenade
4. Visited the old city, where we saw the Cathedral, and climbed its two towers overlooking the lake. Then we ate lunch in the square.
5. We spent the day at the beach. Students went swimming in the lake, went zip lining over the water, and dove off the diving planks that were as high as 10 meters!
6. Every night in Geneva we dined at various ethnic restaurants. Some examples are Thai and Ethopian.
We appreciate your interest in the College Cevenol and wish for you to enjoy the French culture experience, interacting with local villagers, and developing friendships with asylum-seeking families.
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Over the years many of our camp visitors and camp directors have taken photos of their stay.
We like to share our memories with you and your families. Please take a moment and view the rich history of le College Cevenol and many of our alumni. View Our Photos