Our guiding principle at Russian Camp MN is to make sure every person feels welcomed, included and valued. One of the ways to achieve it is to develop relationship with campers. The relationship that is mutually respectful between a counselor and a camper and that supports open communication. To start it off, we get to know our campers. We talk to them, smile, show genuine interest by asking questions and making comments. We comment positively on their qualities and strengths and give regular positive feedback, genuine and brief. This positive feedback is based on our communication with the camper and observations at camp.

Here are some flashcards in Russian to use at the morning meeting of the team, in the evening around the fire or when you have some free time with campers. You can choose to ask a question and let campers share one after another. Or make a game out of it. Toss a ball or any soft toy, and whoever catches it needs to repeat all the answers before him/her adding their own answer at the end. You can ask campers to draw their answers or write their name in Russian followed by an answer and have these posted on the board for everyone to see and discuss. Another great way to involve campers is to ask each kid to make their own card with a question and add these to this set to discuss throughout the session. Whatever you choose, have fun learning about each other!