Sí, suena incluso amenazador, pero… piensa bien dónde envías a tus hijos, ¿se trata de una organización seria?, ¿conoces a las personas que la componen?, ¿qué referencias tienes?, ¿los mandas con un equipo humano cualificado, experimentado y responsable?, ¿cuáles son las prioridades de la organización?.
Actualmente hay una oferta muy extensa y variada de campamentos donde elegir, pero es importantísimo, además del nivel del programa académico, lúdico y deportivo, y las instalaciones donde se vayan a desarrollar las actividades, la calidad humana del equipo, ¡porque nuestros hijos son lo más importante!
A continuación reproducimos la entrevista que nuestros colaboradores internacionales de www.campstogo.com han hecho a nuestra directora. En ella podrás ver qué es lo realmente importante en CÍJARA SUMMER CAMP, cuáles son nuestros valores, nuestros objetivos, y… ¡qué es lo que más nos importa, nuestros hijos!
Paola Jiménez de Armas, director of CIJARA SUMMER CAMP, an organization specialized in educational leisure and Language Immersion Programs in English, French and Spanish: “Our values are: excellence, quality, trust, safety, professionalism and personalized care.”
I am Paola Jimenez de Armas, director of CIJARA SUMMER CAMP, an organization specialized in educational leisure and Language Immersion Programs in English, French and Spanish. Although I have a degree in law from University of Extremadura, I am entitled to coordinate and conduct educational and leisure activities. The reason I decided to dedicate myself to organize international programs for children and young people was because I participated in an expedition called RUTA QUETZAL. At the age of 17, I traveled for a month and a half in much of Spain, Peru and Ecuador along with other 400 young people from 39 different countries. Another reason, as important as the former, is my actual condition as a mother of two children, 7 and 9 old. That’s why I organize, work and run the camp with the demands of a professional and the tenderness of a mother.
Paola, your Camp is Bilingual with language inmersion program, right? What languages do children study and speak at Cijara Summer Camp?
We teach native Spanish-speakers English and French and native English-speakers Spanish in our Camp.
For us it is an exciting project and our main goal is linguistic growth for children; our intention is to infuse a real interest in mastering another language, encourage and support its development, and address the concerns with learning it, thereby assisting in losing the “fear” of expressing oneself in another language.
All classes and activities will be carried out with professionalism, educational emphasis, safety and personalized service.
The distinguishing feature of our Summer Camp is that we provide language immersion; an environment where English-speaking children live with Spanish-speaking children for a minimum period of two weeks or a maximum period of 1 month. A strict schedule of classes and organized intermingling during recreational activities, led by native teachers and camp counsellors, ensures that each camper is getting the full benefit of the immersion.
Where does your Camp take place?
The program takes place in a totally secure and privileged geographical environment. In addition to the exceptional beauty of the facilities in Extremadura (South-western Spain).
What activities do you offer?
We offer a truly international experience with children from many countries!! From 8 to 16 years old. In one of our selected venues in Spain, choose from our extensive range of speciality camps offereing languages, sports, arts and leadership training. Each camper can be sure to find the ideal camp for a meaningful learning experience and an unbeatable Summer holiday.
What is special about your camp and how it differs from others?
Remember, Cijara Summer Camp´s programmes are not run like schools! Of course, youngsters improve their skills and achieve personal growth but they do it while having a great time and enjoying all the activities. That is how the learning process becomes FUN! This is the basis of your guiding mission – Education through Recreation.
As Cijara Campers your children:
- Develop a greater sense of independence;
- Learn new life-long interests and hobbies;
- Improve skills in arts and sports;
- Interact with peers from the world over;
- Experience different cultures;
- Gather memorable souvenirs to last a lifetime;
- Study a second language;
- Experience the thrill and excitement of competition and challenge;
- Network the world through new friends;
- Understand the value of teamwork and leadership;
- Build greater self-confidence.
What percentage of campers return each year?
70% of campers return each year, we are highly successful.
Language camps, well-structured syllabuses, upgraded learning materials and fresh, innovative methods of teaching, all designed by an impressive team of language experts. The improved results and positive feedback from families have been extremely encouraging.
What are the safety procedures at your the camp?
We are in a hostel which is locked at night, so it is not possible to get in or out. Our monitors, who are qualified and experienced in first aid, take care of the children 24 hours a day. Regarding communication with families, in addition to sending a daily email with information on all activities and with images of them and making use of social networks often, we provide you with an emergency telephone number to contact with the camp coordinator. We also have a car available 24 hours a day in case of emergency.
How do you hire and train your staff?
Counselors come from all over the world: United States, China, Russia, France, Spain. We are a team of qualified professionals with diverse experience in education and leisure activities. Our teachers, all of them native or bilingual speakers, are certified language instructors with experience working with children and young adults and with an absolute commitment to teaching.
Our aim is not just to teach the language, but to assure children enjoy learning a new language through dynamic workshops and fun games.
Our staff has to overcome tough and demanding selection tests, not only in the academic field but also several personality tests.
In addition to the quality of the program, the facilities, and the work of our team, CIJARA SUMMER CAMP is a very familiar camp (there will be no more than 50 children, in order to take care of them individually and in caring way).
An unforgettable Summer is experienced when children are happy and have fun, learn, discover new things and make good new friends. For that, in CIJARA SUMMER CAMP, we have properly qualified personnel, and most importantly, they work with an absolute dedication to children.
