Thanks to a new venture at UWEC, young children could be starting on the path to bilingual sophistication this summer.

A new summer camp, Bilingual Beginnings, that combines language immersion and nature will be hosted at the university’s Children’s Nature Academy at The Priory for children entering 1st and 2nd grade. Running from June 16 to August 22, there will be five two-week camps offered both in the morning and afternoon. Choosing from German, Spanish or French, the children will be completely immersed in a language and culture for close to four hours a day.

This summer camp isn’t just a learning experience for the children although, as many of the teachers are students themselves. Most of the Bilingual Beginnings teachers are UWEC language education majors who’ve studied abroad. While they also have experience with elementary age children, the teachers underwent specific training in immersion just for the camps.

Registration for the camps is due May 30 with a fee of $25, while each two week session costs $200.Thanks to a collaborative partnership with ECASD, they’ve offered to cover the $200 for any child residing in the school district.

Now if your older children are starting to feel a bit left out, fret not! Future plans for Bilingual Beginnings include, not only adding more languages, but also carrying programs for students through sixth grade.