Coyans in the Czech Republic

camp coyan

english camp

In a small village called Albrechtice nad Vltavou there are quaint little cabins and a lake filled with silvery schools of fish whilst nearby amongst the reeds hover hundreds of iridescent turquoise and copper dragonflies. The heat, the stillness and the incessant buzzing of dragonfly wings are the makings for a delicious nap. Surrounded completely by rolling hills, meadows of shorn straw on which are scattered huge amber-colored cylinders of hay, bordered by cherry trees, there lies a campground where right now many have gathered to practice their English and hear the Good News that there is a Creator and His love for us is overwhelmingly real and intense. For the past 9 years a group from Canada has come to this place to meet with Czechs who want to improve their English in an English only environment and over the years they have developed really deep friendships. Many of the campers are our students and members of our Bible study group. Throughout the day there are a range of activities (today there was traditional Czech marionnette making, beading, Rock Band games courtesy of Dan, aerobics and softball games). In the afternoons are English conversation groups sorted by mastery of the language. Within these small groups there is ample opportunity to practice speaking and learn new words and phrases through the use of games and topical discussions. In the evenings are spiritual messages designed to get one thinking about our purpose here on earth and what to do with the sense that something is missing in our lives. This is our first year at the camp (we aren't staying at the campgrounds as we live just a 20 minute drive from the area, although it is so nice here that we may decide to stay next year). I am looking forward to the sermons as this is sorely missing from my life in my own language.