Amaury in Chad!

#inspirationpoint

Amaury hitching a ride in Chad

Past Canoe Island French Camp program coordinator, Amaury Coin, is currently in Chad! Amaury is working as an international aid worker with a NGO named MOUSTAGBAL. The organization focuses on helping those who live in poverty through education, professional development, social and economic reintegration, food security and health. Amaury is the technical assistant to the director and works to execute the current projects by writing up reports for partners and funders, writing and submitting grants, and attending meetings with partner groups.

Here is a short excerpt about the weather in Chad from his newsletter "La Reine du Guera" .

The “rain season” is 90% done, we get a rain once a week now and by the end of October we shouldn’t have any rain until June. Which means it’ll be sunny every single day. I still don’t really realize that aspect of life. I’m so used to have rain and/or cold every often in Lille, Paris. But it seems to be true, every morning, when I wake up at 6am, there’s a warm sun and a perfect blue sky, with some white clouds sometimes. 

For the full newsletter en francais click the newsletter title above the excerpt.

France's reaction to Trump's victory

#lemonde

cover of La Croix after the US election

News across France last Thursday led with headlines relating to President-elect Donald Trump. Most included tones of shock and disbelief for his victory. La Croix was titled "L'inconnue" in reference to how little is known about his foreign policy and how many of his policies may impact the globalized world. They also warned against worrying too much with this message:

"What brings us together is worth more than that which divides us, it's better to build bridges than walls"

For the full range of discussion points around the United States election in France, including what it may mean for the upcoming elections in France, see this news clip from France 24. 

At Canoe Island we are constantly working to build bridges to understanding those different than ourselves: different languages, different cultures, different world views. Connie Jones, camp director, shared a message for the vision of Canoe Island French Camp looking forward:

"What we do for and with children and their families and the lessons we teach, should give us strength in the knowledge that we will make a difference in the outlook of the upcoming generation."

The desire to inquire and learn about those with different viewpoints from our own should not stop at camp. If anything, this election has revealed just how divided in thought an conversation the United States is. We need to focus on building relationships in our discussions and lead with curiosity from our hearts.

Bring out your inner artist!

#frenchfantastique

Ever wanted to share your artistic expression through film, writing or design? Not only do you have the opportunity to do all these things at Canoe Island French Camp, you can bring these passions into your classroom back at school!

Every year, during National French Week, the American Association of Teachers of French invite students to muse on the annual theme and submit short films, essays, and posters. Sometimes all it takes to enthuse a new generation of filmmakers, writers and graphic designers is the right subject. And what is more inspiring than the theme "Onward to New Frontiers for French!" Enjoy the submissions for this year's French week, or see the winners from National French Week 2014.

CIFC camper designing a poster in art

En avant vers les nouvelles frontières du français!

#frenchfantastique

Canoe Island French Camp mimes ready to perform!

Always up for an adventure, we at Canoe Island French Camp, along with the American Association of Teachers of French, explore the wonderful world of French November 4-10! National French Week is an annual celebration of French language and culture. The theme this year, is "Onward to New Frontiers for French," An inspirational sentiment in a global community that is ever changing and growing.

President Obama sent his support for the celebration of French in a letter relaying the appreciation he has for all the contributions French language and culture has made to the United States.

Send us a photo or upload one to instagram with the #canoeislandfrenchcamp #nationalfrenchweek of yourself and others celebrating French culture this and next week!

CIFC dancers in the San Juan Island 4th of July parade