120 students from twenty one different schools in the Northern Illinois area and Southern Wisconsin area will be in attendance at the third annual German Immersion Weekend Oct. 4-6 at Covenant Harbor, Lake Geneva Wisconsin started by Niles West German teacher Josef Neumayer.

The purpose of this weekend is to give students a hands on experience of living life as if in Germany. Because taking students to Germany is a large expense, Neumayer created this weekend based off of a Concordia Language Village in Minnesota called Waldsee. Throughout this weekend, students speak the target language, German, eat German food, sing German songs, play German sports, and talk in German.

“I’m really excited for this weekend because the program is growing with each year,” Neumayer said. “It gives students an opportunity to get away from home and have a fun time while still learning.”

There are many planned activities that are run by either teachers or Concordia counselors that students can participate in. Some of these programs include playing soccer, going on nature hikes, or “baking the American.”

“Germans aren’t really big on baking cookies, but there is one that is most popular. It’s called ‘The American,” Neumayer said. “When the students are finished baking the Americans, they present them to the group, in German of course.”

The programs run parallel to each other. More advanced students partake in activities such as setting up camp as if they were in Germany, while students newer to the language learn the basics; colors, numbers, days of the week, and time.

“It’s really great to see the students learn part of the day, and then come together to have fun at night” Neumayer said. “The only way for students to learn is by doing and living.”

For more information on this opportunity visit the website.