Our Story - JK 70!
Purpose
Jõekääru Summer Camp's mandate is to provide a summer camp where children come to increase their sense of connection with Estonian cultures and traditions. Through their interactions with fellow Estonian children and adults, they will build an understanding of Estonian heritage and develop a sense of identity. At Joekaaru, the campers will be provided with opportunities to develop their language ability, to participate in traditional music, craft, dance and sports, and to engage in activities in nature. Joekaaru provides a safe and supportive environment for this important work!
Jõekääru is like a little piece of Estonia, that has been functioning for 70+ years. It was run first by the Toronto Estonian Womens' Group, and now the Jõekääru Camp Committee. It has also been generously supported by private donations and through very generous contributions from the National Estonian Foundation of Canada.
Engaging and instructional activities create an enjoyable and one-of-a-kind summer vacation for the campers; one that they celebrate in song….This is our playground! The spirit of Jõekääru lives in the campers and its effects continue when the campers go home with new skills and knowledge.
Jõekääru Summer Camp is also a fun place for the campers to practice and improve their Estonian language abilities. This year we invited Estonian speakers to attend our camp during the first week, for a program run completely in Estonian. For the rest of the weeks, we welcome campers of all abilities. For many summers now, language teachers have been brought from Estonia to help teach the campers. Language instruction happens in a wholistic way, during the various activities, games and events, as well as in a more formal setting where campers of similar abilities are grouped together and receive language lessons.
Being truly committed to the strengthening of the Estonian language and culture with our summer camp activities, we have included the highly committed staff who can help each child to learn the Estonian language. When you send your child to Jõekääru summer camp, then you can be sure that your child will spend their summer in an Estonian environment while they engage in musical, art, sports, and Estonian cultural activities. They will also probably find themselves with some Estonian friends for life!
Jöekääru offers Estonian children an exciting, activity-filled summer camp that has added benefits of its beautiful location and specially created buildings and facilities as well as instructional programs. Jöekääru is a place the becomes like home to the campers, and it's a place where campers love to be. There are often protests when it's time to go home!
Be a part of this piece of Estonian heritage and help your children or grand-children to keep their sense of identity as Estonians: send them to Jõekääru this summer!
