Scandinavian Camp 2008 a Success!!

Greetings Everyone~!

This year's camp was a great success. We hosted 15 children from ages 2 years to 17 years old. One child came all the way from Texas!!

The camp focused on Scandinavian Heritage. Every day we learned something a little more about our Northern Folk. The classes this year were: History; Icelandic Language; Havamal and Religion; Mythology, Folklore, and Sagas; Arts and Crafts; Music; Heraldry, and finally Drama. During the week the kids learned about several aspects of "Viking Culture", but didn't limit their learning to just that short period of time. We discussed how the "Vikings" were only a drop in the historical ocean of the Scandinavian people. The kids learned Icelandic Language, performed a skit, created a "Viking Settlement", played traditional Nordic games such as Tafl and Charades, and created Huldafolk and Thor's Hammers. Near the end of their week with a special Children's Invocation that many of the kids said were the most powerful Blot of which they had been a part!

All was not work on this long week. The children also, had some great non-traditional fun, such as a late night game of Capture the Flag, and a wild water-gun/water-balloon battle!

The only down side is when Thomas, our attendee from Texas, fell off a swing and broke his wrist on Wednesday. Luckily we were prepared for this possibility, and he received proper care. He is on the mend, but I ask that every member of the Odinic Rite and our larger community to send their healing energies to Thomas, so he will have a speedy recovery.

A highlight for the week for many of the attendees was the Heraldry class that our friends Chris, Michelle and their family taught. We learned about the Vikings that moved into the North Atlantic Isles and mainland Europe, and their contribution to the History and defense of Europe. They taught the kids (and big kids!) how to create a family crest. They also explained existing family crests for those that had knowledge of their own family history. It was fascinating and fun. Many of the kids commented that it was a favorite!

The week ended a little early for a couple kids, as they had other obligations, and we were sad to see them go, but as the week wound down, the kids were wishing for home again! We capped the week with our Presentation where the kids showcased their work. The kids performed their Sigrdrifa Skit, sang their Icelandic songs, spoke in Icelandic conversation, and finally sang their special camp song that Jodi (the camp Director) wrote for the camp.

The kids exchanged myspace addresses and started discussing next year's camp. Many pledged to make the next one bigger and better. It was heart warming to have all the kids taking part in not only the camp, but also in the planning and growth of it.

It was a fun filled week with learning and bonding. We can't wait till next year, and the expansion of our one of a kind Camp!

We here at Acorn Hollow and the Odinic Rite hope that everyone, especially Thomas’ family, made it home safe and sound. We also wish Thomas a strong recovery. Also, to those that couldn't attend this year, there will be next year, and it is something truly not to be missed!

Be on the look out for some great video from the camp!

Faith, Folk, and Family!
Hyndla OR