Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Alta, California you’ll find a pine-studded 46-acre summer camp. But it’s no ordinary summer camp, Camp Norge, plays host to 4-weeks of Norwegian language and heritage camps each summer. The camp offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their connection with Scandinavian culture all while having fun in a traditional summer camp setting.
Attendees enjoy field games, swimming, and hiking, but unlike other summer camps they also partake in unique cultural activities including daily Norwegian language lessons, rosemaling folk painting, folk dancing and Scandinavian cooking. When asked about his experience, first time camper 11-year-old Elliot Holm-Johansen from Colorado exclaimed, “It’s probably the best two weeks of my life.”
The camp welcomes campers from across the west and plays an important role in keeping Norwegian culture alive in the United States and, but it provides more than just Scandinavian cultural education. It helps young people make friends, gain skills, and connect with nature. The camp gives youth the opportunity embody the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, which translates to “open-air living”. More importantly, it gives them the opportunity to slow down and just be kids. “I had my greatest adventures, made the best memories, and met lifelong friends at Camp Norge,” shared twenty-two-year-old Baylee McKenney, who has been attending Camp Norge since she was 8 years old and now serves as the lead counselor for the program.
Rebekah Strand, who is the Co-Director and a certified teacher, explains, “I’m proud to be a part of this camp with six decades of history and I’m excited to build programs that give youth the opportunity to stay connected to their heritage.” Lars Strande Syrrist, who lives and works as a teacher in Norway, has taught the Norwegian language and culture class in the past, states, “It’s been a joy teaching such curious kids who always have a question up their sleeve about life in Norway.” Syrrist helps to blend modern life in Norway with historical traditions, teaching the campers everything from popular Norwegian music to what it’s like to live above the arctic circle.
Camp Norge is a program of Sons of Norway. While many of the campers have Scandinavian heritage, it is open to all regardless of ancestry or Sons of Norway membership. Registration is now open for young people between the ages of 8-17. Camp Norge is also currently filling staff and volunteer positions for the season including camp counselors, nurses, teachers, language instructors, and more.
Camp Trollfjell (Ages 8-13) June 28 – July 11
Trollfjell Folkehøgskule (Ages 14-17) – July 12-25
Location: Camp Norge; Alta, California
Website: sofn6.org/arv