How to say VROOOM! in French? If the topic today were onomatopoeia, then we'd surely have that one nailed by the end of this post. But there are two other pressing matters to figure out today:
1) How to say "Be my Valentine" in French? and
2) Who, in the States or in England, can host my French friend's 17-year-old? And/or can anyone recommend a fun USA camp for 16- or 17-year-olds? (Is 16 or 17 too old for camp?). Skip to the end of this letter and let me know!
Coup de Foudre (koo-deuh-foo-drh)
: love at first sight (from the original definition: a thunderbolt)
: A sudden unexpected event, especially an emotional one (Wikipedia)
Beautifully renovated and decorated home in the Luberon. 4 bedrooms and a study with a sofa bed, each with ensuite (full) bath. This villa comfortably sleeps 7-9 adults.
Sound File: (note: our Francophone speaker is away so you are stuck with me, a French accent-challenged Arizonan. Listen at your own risk!) Download MP3 or Wave file
Quand j'ai vu Jean-Marc pour la première fois, c'était le coup de foudre!
When I saw Jean-Marc for the first time it was love at first sight!
If you have been reading this journal for a few years, then you are familiar with our growing list of LOVE TERMS. Click here for a list of terms of endearment and other related Valentine's Terms.
When I saw this 2 CV at the docks the other day, c'était le coup de foudre! It was love at first sight.
"Oh no! Don't drive off!" I shouted, as the man in the striped cap walked into my camera's viewfinder and got into his classic car. I lowered my Smartphone and waved my arms, urging him to wait.
"May I take the photo with you in it?"
A bright and toothy smile was the unexpected reward for venturing to ask a stranger for his picture!
Alain is his name. Notice his toothy gap. Do you remember the charming French term for that? We learned it in the story Not a Cougar, A Wife Hen, where the young salesman flashed his "happiness teeth," or les dents de bonheur, and hearts went pitter-patter.
By the way, the backdrop in the very first photo is the bay of La Ciotat, west of Marseilles. And here, in the foreground we have jonquilles (daffodils), coquelicots (poppies), and palmiers (palm trees)–Nature's perfect frame for this classic car photo.
And who can blame those leaves for reaching out and tickling this adorable Citroën? Dried and about to wither away, these "cougars" of the plant kingdom can still appreciate the ever youthful deux chevaux.
Vroooom! Au revoir, Alain–et la deux chevaux d'Alain! Goodbye Allan and Allan's "two horse" car. A+ (à plus) or see ya later!
Two places to stay in postcard pretty France:
“La Trouvaille”–a true find in Provence! Affordable vacation rental in this beautiful old stone house in the charming village of Sablet.
New rental in Provence! La Baume des Pelerins, in Sablet–spacious, comfortable the perfect place to return to after a busy day’s sightseeing, bicycling or hiking.
Moving on now to our second question of the day: Would you like to host a French student? Or could you recommend good summer camp in the USA?
My friend Isabelle called the other day, wondering if I knew of anyone in the States (or in England) who would be interested in hosting her son for three or four weeks this August.
I told Isa that I could relate to her quest–as I am also looking for an enriching summer activity for my 16-year-old, who would love to improve her English! (In our case, we are looking for a summer camp in which Jackie would be surrounded by American kids her own age.)
The goal is to keep these kids busy, away from the TV, and immersed in English. So if you are an active family who loves to get out and do things, leave a message in the comments box and I'll forward your address to Isa (or maybe steal it for myself!)
Both Jackie and Thomas love sports. Jackie enjoys tennis, horse riding, and fashion (it would be wonderful to find her an internship or a connection in the field!). Thomas skies, surfs, hikes, and loves to hang out in his hometown of Marseilles with friends his own age.
Isabelle spoke about the possibility of an exchange (her child visits you, your child visits Marseilles) but that would mean 6-8 weeks together, in total–something that might test a teenager's patience, don't you think? So if having a French student at your place is in itself an enriching experience and exchange, and if you have a child around the same age, 17, please get back with Isabelle–in the comments section–and I will make sure she sees your note.
And, for Jackie, don't forget to recommend USA camps in the comments section, too. I really appreciate it! Note: an overnight summer camp in Colorado would be ideal! Then Jackie would visit family in Denver 🙂
Thanks for using the comments box, only, as this will help me to locate your note! And thank so much for your interest in helping!
In other nouvelles…
After planting lavender it will soon be time to plant the first grapevines–rows and rows, like an audience of goodfellows. Encore, Chief Grape!
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We have surf camp in San Diego in the summer. Also, there is a summer sailing camp in Dana Point in Orange County. I will ask my students today if any of them might be interested in hosting a French student. I will keep you posted.
Bonne journée!
Julie
We have surf camp in San Diego in the summer. Also, there is a summer sailing camp in Dana Point in Orange County. I will ask my students today if any of them might be interested in hosting a French student. I will keep you posted.
Bonne journée!
Julie
Hello! I absolutely recommend Blue Mountain Ranch Camp in Florissant, Colorado (about 45 min. outside of Colorado Springs and 2 hours from Denver)!! I was a camper there from ages 10 – 16, and a counselor for years after that. It is an incredibly active camp with many activities including a great horseback riding program. It is a wonderfully unique family atmosphere where kids feel safe, challenged and motivated. They have had international campers for over 30 years, so are equipped (but 90% of the campers are always American, so English is what’s spoken)! 16 is about the last year that most kids go as campers, but they can be CITs (Counselor in Training) at 17 (or sometimes younger if they want to be!). Going to Blue Mountain was truly my favorite part of my childhood. Pour moi, c’était un coup de foudre! 😉 Check out their website (http://www.bluemountainranch.com) and please don’t hesitate to contact me with ANY questions you may have. It really is an absolutely AMAZING place!!!
Thanks so much for your emails! I miss living in France SO much!
Hello! I absolutely recommend Blue Mountain Ranch Camp in Florissant, Colorado (about 45 min. outside of Colorado Springs and 2 hours from Denver)!! I was a camper there from ages 10 – 16, and a counselor for years after that. It is an incredibly active camp with many activities including a great horseback riding program. It is a wonderfully unique family atmosphere where kids feel safe, challenged and motivated. They have had international campers for over 30 years, so are equipped (but 90% of the campers are always American, so English is what’s spoken)! 16 is about the last year that most kids go as campers, but they can be CITs (Counselor in Training) at 17 (or sometimes younger if they want to be!). Going to Blue Mountain was truly my favorite part of my childhood. Pour moi, c’était un coup de foudre! 😉 Check out their website (http://www.bluemountainranch.com) and please don’t hesitate to contact me with ANY questions you may have. It really is an absolutely AMAZING place!!!
Thanks so much for your emails! I miss living in France SO much!
Dear Kristin,
Cheley Camp in Estes Park is “A four-week camp in Estes Park with horseback riding, hiking, and sleeping under the stars in the Rocky Mountains.” It’s a little pricey, but amazing–designed to bring out the very best in kids.
Classic, real West experience. http://www.cheley.com/camp-history.html
I’ve lived nearby all my life and always wished I had been able to go to Cheley.
P.S. Comment dit-on “Oh no! Don’t drive off!” et “May I take the photo with you in it?”
Dear Kristin,
Cheley Camp in Estes Park is “A four-week camp in Estes Park with horseback riding, hiking, and sleeping under the stars in the Rocky Mountains.” It’s a little pricey, but amazing–designed to bring out the very best in kids.
Classic, real West experience. http://www.cheley.com/camp-history.html
I’ve lived nearby all my life and always wished I had been able to go to Cheley.
P.S. Comment dit-on “Oh no! Don’t drive off!” et “May I take the photo with you in it?”
Hi Kristin,
There was a recent news article here in Colorado about the National Parks being woefully short of workers for 2014. The following link has information about various job opportunities, including a hyperlink to a “Jobs for Students” page. And, of course, Rocky Mountain National Park is right here in Colorado.
http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm
Regards, Bill in Boulder, CO
Hi Kristin,
There was a recent news article here in Colorado about the National Parks being woefully short of workers for 2014. The following link has information about various job opportunities, including a hyperlink to a “Jobs for Students” page. And, of course, Rocky Mountain National Park is right here in Colorado.
http://www.nps.gov/aboutus/workwithus.htm
Regards, Bill in Boulder, CO
John, The French love Canada! I mentioned the States (specifically Colorado) with my daughter in mind–so that she could be close to family.
The more I click on the camp links, the more I realize that at almost 17, Jackie and Thomas are a bit too old for camp. If anyone has any ideas for the college camps, let me know and thanks!
John, The French love Canada! I mentioned the States (specifically Colorado) with my daughter in mind–so that she could be close to family.
The more I click on the camp links, the more I realize that at almost 17, Jackie and Thomas are a bit too old for camp. If anyone has any ideas for the college camps, let me know and thanks!
Julie, are the surf camps *day* camps? If not, please send the link and I would also be interested to hear back from your students. Thanks!
Julie, are the surf camps *day* camps? If not, please send the link and I would also be interested to hear back from your students. Thanks!
Bill, thanks for the great tip! With Jackies American nationality I think she could get a job–and contribute alot with her French background. Now to find something for Thomas!
Bill, thanks for the great tip! With Jackies American nationality I think she could get a job–and contribute alot with her French background. Now to find something for Thomas!
Hi Kristin! My kids both went to Camp Chief Ouray, which is near Granby, Colorado. They loved it and it has lots of great mountain activities. They do take 17 year olds and they have more advanced activities for them. Check it out: http://www.campchiefouray.org/ Also, we live in Denver and would be happy to host Jackie. We have had 2 other French exchange students in the past. But it sounds like you have Denver covered by family. I have talked to you before. In 2010, we were trying to visit you at the winery, but we got lost in Grenoble and had to cancel. We are open to any kind of arrangements, and I’d be happy to be a connection in Denver for any camps you want to explore. You and I are friends on Facebook, too, so lots of avenues to discuss. Write me anytime. Good luck! – Sheryl Simmen
Hi Kristin! My kids both went to Camp Chief Ouray, which is near Granby, Colorado. They loved it and it has lots of great mountain activities. They do take 17 year olds and they have more advanced activities for them. Check it out: http://www.campchiefouray.org/ Also, we live in Denver and would be happy to host Jackie. We have had 2 other French exchange students in the past. But it sounds like you have Denver covered by family. I have talked to you before. In 2010, we were trying to visit you at the winery, but we got lost in Grenoble and had to cancel. We are open to any kind of arrangements, and I’d be happy to be a connection in Denver for any camps you want to explore. You and I are friends on Facebook, too, so lots of avenues to discuss. Write me anytime. Good luck! – Sheryl Simmen
J’aime Le deux chevaux, and this one is in excellent condition .
Good luck on finding a camp for Jackie and a home for your friends son. We have hosted Spanish students several times, but they always had classes and programs to attend, therefore, they did not feel bad about being with two 60+ Year old adults. In fact we still correspond with some of them.
The flowers are beautiful. I can’t wait for spring and working in the garden. We have a huge storm here right now in Connecticut and the snow just keeps piling up…ugh! There is 18″ or so on my outside table, although most of it is from the previous snow storms. Wish I was in Provence!
J’aime Le deux chevaux, and this one is in excellent condition .
Good luck on finding a camp for Jackie and a home for your friends son. We have hosted Spanish students several times, but they always had classes and programs to attend, therefore, they did not feel bad about being with two 60+ Year old adults. In fact we still correspond with some of them.
The flowers are beautiful. I can’t wait for spring and working in the garden. We have a huge storm here right now in Connecticut and the snow just keeps piling up…ugh! There is 18″ or so on my outside table, although most of it is from the previous snow storms. Wish I was in Provence!
Sanborn Western Camps are wonderful. My son went there and loved it. They are in near Colorado Springs. Looks like they have openings for assistant councilors:
http://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/page.asp?id=79&name=Big%20Spring%20AC%20Job%20Description
The oldest age for campers seems to be 16.
Sanborn Western Camps are wonderful. My son went there and loved it. They are in near Colorado Springs. Looks like they have openings for assistant councilors:
http://www.sanbornwesterncamps.com/page.asp?id=79&name=Big%20Spring%20AC%20Job%20Description
The oldest age for campers seems to be 16.
We recommend the American Youth Foundation camps in Michigan and New Hampshire.
http://www.ayf.com
They have a range of programs for older teens and the camps are beautifully located and run well.
We recommend the American Youth Foundation camps in Michigan and New Hampshire.
http://www.ayf.com
They have a range of programs for older teens and the camps are beautifully located and run well.
My grand daughters have been going to this camp for 8 years and they love it. It is through the YMCA in Ann Arbor, Michigan – I hope the website below will help.
http://www.annarborymca.org/youth-development.php-0
My grand daughters have been going to this camp for 8 years and they love it. It is through the YMCA in Ann Arbor, Michigan – I hope the website below will help.
http://www.annarborymca.org/youth-development.php-0
Why not NYC for a summer fashion camp?
http://www.teenvogue.com/careers/fashion-careers/2012-04/high-school-summer-fashion-programs/?slide=2
Why not NYC for a summer fashion camp?
http://www.teenvogue.com/careers/fashion-careers/2012-04/high-school-summer-fashion-programs/?slide=2
Kristin-
I worked at a language-immersion camp in Bemidji, Minnesota for the summer, back in 2003. It’s called Concordia Language Villages. I worked at the French language camp, and, when I did a little research, it turns out that they have an English immersion camp too, called Hometown, USA.
I highly recommend these programs, since, as a counselor, I was there to see all that goes into them. The staff is trained and excellent in their respective languages, and, it’s extra fun because the campgrounds are designed to look like a real city in that country. So the English camp will likely have the look of a town in the US, where the French camp main building looked like a large French home, or chateau of some sort.
All the activities and food are based on the language and countries that speak them. There is time each day for language “classes” as well as for recreation like canoeing, volleyball or other sports.
I had an excellent time working at this camp. I even worked in the kitchen for half the summer and I can tell you that the food is excellent too, and quite authentic.
I think Jackie would get a lot out of this camp, and she certainly would come back home with a new confidence in her English abilities.
Here is the website: http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/Languages/English/Hometown_USA.php
Please let me know if you’d like any more info!
Kristin-
I worked at a language-immersion camp in Bemidji, Minnesota for the summer, back in 2003. It’s called Concordia Language Villages. I worked at the French language camp, and, when I did a little research, it turns out that they have an English immersion camp too, called Hometown, USA.
I highly recommend these programs, since, as a counselor, I was there to see all that goes into them. The staff is trained and excellent in their respective languages, and, it’s extra fun because the campgrounds are designed to look like a real city in that country. So the English camp will likely have the look of a town in the US, where the French camp main building looked like a large French home, or chateau of some sort.
All the activities and food are based on the language and countries that speak them. There is time each day for language “classes” as well as for recreation like canoeing, volleyball or other sports.
I had an excellent time working at this camp. I even worked in the kitchen for half the summer and I can tell you that the food is excellent too, and quite authentic.
I think Jackie would get a lot out of this camp, and she certainly would come back home with a new confidence in her English abilities.
Here is the website: http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/Languages/English/Hometown_USA.php
Please let me know if you’d like any more info!
If your kids are interested in science, this is a great “geek camp” in Alaska:
http://www.uaf.edu/asra/
It’s a 2 week residential camp, where the students stay in college dorms. Applications are due soon. My son has enjoyed it for the last couple years.
If your kids are interested in science, this is a great “geek camp” in Alaska:
http://www.uaf.edu/asra/
It’s a 2 week residential camp, where the students stay in college dorms. Applications are due soon. My son has enjoyed it for the last couple years.
Canoeisland.org is a french camp in the San Juan Islands. She might be able to work there as a counselor teaching french but as most of the kids don’t speak french if at all she will be speaking English too.
Canoeisland.org is a french camp in the San Juan Islands. She might be able to work there as a counselor teaching french but as most of the kids don’t speak french if at all she will be speaking English too.
Young Life Camp Malibu in Princess Louisa Inlet , British Columbia, CANADA. … totally teen oriented but with a very strong “born again” Christian core. As-teen I was shocked by the pressure to witness ( I am a Lutheran ) I learned a lot about respecting others faith systems & how to stand my own ground. Unbelievably beautiful setting. Why did I go ? Neighbor kids were talking about it & I wanted to see a foreign country (I was from Oregon) ! http://malibuclub.younglife.org/Pages/default.aspx
Young Life Camp Malibu in Princess Louisa Inlet , British Columbia, CANADA. … totally teen oriented but with a very strong “born again” Christian core. As-teen I was shocked by the pressure to witness ( I am a Lutheran ) I learned a lot about respecting others faith systems & how to stand my own ground. Unbelievably beautiful setting. Why did I go ? Neighbor kids were talking about it & I wanted to see a foreign country (I was from Oregon) ! http://malibuclub.younglife.org/Pages/default.aspx
Oh… One more thing the Young Life Malibu Club camp in BC is specifically for high school teenagers. So 17-years-old is just right. Most of the campers were American teenagers. Getting there was a lovely adventure — a day long trip by ship from Washington state. http://malibuclub.younglife.org/Pages/summer-videos.aspx
Oh… One more thing the Young Life Malibu Club camp in BC is specifically for high school teenagers. So 17-years-old is just right. Most of the campers were American teenagers. Getting there was a lovely adventure — a day long trip by ship from Washington state. http://malibuclub.younglife.org/Pages/summer-videos.aspx
Sounds like you have loads of good suggestions. I am sure Jackie and Thomas will find something to suit them. My family and I would be happy to host a student, but my children are younger and do not fit the demographic you are looking for. I was an au pair in Paris years ago, and so have a heart for youngsters away from home in a new country.
Sounds like you have loads of good suggestions. I am sure Jackie and Thomas will find something to suit them. My family and I would be happy to host a student, but my children are younger and do not fit the demographic you are looking for. I was an au pair in Paris years ago, and so have a heart for youngsters away from home in a new country.
A friend of mine did an exchange of their son and a boy from Lyon, both about age 16 or 17. It was two weeks in each country, and the boys liked it very much, as did the two sets of parents. So that idea for Thomas might work out well if there is a family with a boy the same age. I met the boy from France, said Bonjour, and got the immediate response, he just wants to hear English. So I shifted back to English.
I hope you find a good place for your daughter, too. It seems likee she has a lot of options, with fashion or in a regular outdoor summer camp.
More amazing to me is how your husband is planting now! We are still under snow cover, will it ever melt? I know some parts of Europe have had hard times this winter, like Slovenia, hit by a terrible ice storm. Probably compensated by one of their athletes winning gold in the Olympics.
A friend of mine did an exchange of their son and a boy from Lyon, both about age 16 or 17. It was two weeks in each country, and the boys liked it very much, as did the two sets of parents. So that idea for Thomas might work out well if there is a family with a boy the same age. I met the boy from France, said Bonjour, and got the immediate response, he just wants to hear English. So I shifted back to English.
I hope you find a good place for your daughter, too. It seems likee she has a lot of options, with fashion or in a regular outdoor summer camp.
More amazing to me is how your husband is planting now! We are still under snow cover, will it ever melt? I know some parts of Europe have had hard times this winter, like Slovenia, hit by a terrible ice storm. Probably compensated by one of their athletes winning gold in the Olympics.
If Jackie is interested in a music and dance camp, there is a wonderful one here in northern California. All ages, all imaginable instruments. google Lark in the Morning, Mendocino, CA.
If Jackie is interested in a music and dance camp, there is a wonderful one here in northern California. All ages, all imaginable instruments. google Lark in the Morning, Mendocino, CA.
I can’t recommend highly enough Canoe island French Camp, for 9-16-year-olds (most campers are teenagers in the three-week sessions) in the San Juan Islands (where I’ve been a camper/work as a counselor). A French camp might sound contradictory to what you’re looking for, but in fact we frequently have French campers come to practice their English, because it is not an immersion program and English is the primary language used among campers (most of whom are not yet advanced French speakers) and in activities. As a French camper, though, Jackie could share her culture with the other campers, and have questions answered if needed by French-speakng staff (half the counselors are Francophone, half Anglophone, but all speak French). Canoe Island is really a magical experience, an opportunity to escape technology for a few weeks, bond with a small group of students and staff, and discover the outdoors on a private island. I’d recommend session 2 for Jackie, a 3-week session with a focus on Native American culture as well as the history of French explorers in Canada, which tends to attract older students and offers several off-island overnight outings. Sessions fill early, though, so act quickly if you’re interested! And of course let me know if you have questions, or email the camp director who’d be happy to help.
http://www.canoeisland.org
I can’t recommend highly enough Canoe island French Camp, for 9-16-year-olds (most campers are teenagers in the three-week sessions) in the San Juan Islands (where I’ve been a camper/work as a counselor). A French camp might sound contradictory to what you’re looking for, but in fact we frequently have French campers come to practice their English, because it is not an immersion program and English is the primary language used among campers (most of whom are not yet advanced French speakers) and in activities. As a French camper, though, Jackie could share her culture with the other campers, and have questions answered if needed by French-speakng staff (half the counselors are Francophone, half Anglophone, but all speak French). Canoe Island is really a magical experience, an opportunity to escape technology for a few weeks, bond with a small group of students and staff, and discover the outdoors on a private island. I’d recommend session 2 for Jackie, a 3-week session with a focus on Native American culture as well as the history of French explorers in Canada, which tends to attract older students and offers several off-island overnight outings. Sessions fill early, though, so act quickly if you’re interested! And of course let me know if you have questions, or email the camp director who’d be happy to help.
http://www.canoeisland.org
How about Sydney Australia? We have a very active local venturer scout group and Rover scout crew who regularly have european visitors for a few weeks? They do a lot of exciting things
How about Sydney Australia? We have a very active local venturer scout group and Rover scout crew who regularly have european visitors for a few weeks? They do a lot of exciting things
Bob–Sydney, Australia? No, that is on the parents bucket list! Our daughter does not get to go before us!
Bob–Sydney, Australia? No, that is on the parents bucket list! Our daughter does not get to go before us!
Thank you, DSB! The summer fashion camp is a great idea. Any ideas for student lodging in NYC?
Thank you, DSB! The summer fashion camp is a great idea. Any ideas for student lodging in NYC?