Camp Neringa

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Located in Vermont, Neringa is a Lithuanian cultural camp founded by the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1969. For over 30 years Neringa has served hundreds of children and families in various camp sessions with the mission to foster understanding and love for Lithuanian heritage, teach Christian values and provide for positive character development. Camp Neringa maintains a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation status as a cultural, religious, and educational organization. Other groups with a cultural, religious, or educational purpose may apply to use Neringa's facilities off season. "Neringa" is named for the Baltic coast of Lithuania.The camp counsulers teach the children words in Lithuanian such as hello (labos) and they also learn songs in Lithuanian.One of the many songs taught are the Lithuanian alleigence.

Contents 1 Values 1.1 Lithuanian folk culture 1.2 Christian values 1.3 Character development 2 Facilities 3 History 4 Links

[edit] Values

[edit] Lithuanian folk culture

Lithuanian folk culture programming incorporates lessons in folk art, songs, dances, history, geography, literature, and current events. Sessions conducted in Lithuanian have activities meant to supported existing language fluency, while the heritage camping sessions aim to incorporate some Lithuanian words and phrases relevant to the campsite or program into the events of the day. The cultural program, which emphasizes a hands-on experience, affirms understanding and love for Lithuanian heritage.

[edit] Christian values

Surrounded by the glory and peace of a beautiful natural environment, campers participate in liturgy Roman Catholic, various forms of prayer, and partake in faith value discussions, all with the aim of providing for spiritual growth. The spiritual program is reinforced by the values of day to day living in a Christian atmosphere.

[edit] Character development

Living away from home, assuming responsibility for one's self, participating in group activities, and being challenged by creative programs all foster individual character and social development. Each person's growth is encouraged within a safe, supportive and stimulating environment.

[edit] Facilities

Main lodge (Group Dining and Living Rooms, Kitchen, small stage area)

Cabins (Up to ten campers includes toilets and sinks)

Common shower facilities

Indoor and outdoor chapels

Resident manager’s house and the administration cabin (private residences).

Sports fields

Basketball

Volleyball courts

Obstacle course including tree house

Pond and Dock, Waterfall area

Piano

[edit] History

1936 - The Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary arrive from Lithuania to take up residence in the U.S.

1943 - Seven girls spend their summer at the Sisters' Villa Maria residence in Thompson, CT. The seed of inspiration is planted for establishing a summer camp for youth.

1944- The Sisters organize the first summer camp, called "Immaculata" for Lithuanian girls on the convent ground in Putnam, CT. Fifty-five girls attend the two week session.

1968 - Camp Immaculata celebrates its 25th anniversary. The camp has grown to accommodate 100 girls for the month of July. Growing popularity leads to a search for more spacious facilities.

1969 - A 95-acre camp ground nestled within the green forests of Marlboro, Vermont is purchased. "Neringa" is named for the Baltic coast of Lithuania.

1970 - The Immaculata summer program relocates to Vermont. Neringa is inaugurated with a girls session in Lithuanian and a Lithuanian Heritage session (in English) for boys and girls. The first sacramental celebrations take place at Neringa at the outdoor Birch Shrine.

1971 - The first Lithuanian speaking boys camp begins.

1975 - A young adults (17-25 years old) enrichment camp is launched.

1982 - A new winterized main lodge is built. Neringa expands its camping season to include study-ski winter camps.

1984 - Long time camper and counselor Antanas Kulbis directs and films Partizanas and The Legend of the Iron Wolf (1988) on site.

1985 - The Lithuanian speaking family camp begins.

1987 - The separate boys and girls camps (in Lithuanian) are combined into one new coed camp.

1989 - Alumni camp reunion is organized. This sets a precedent for increased alumni activity. The newly build chapel is christened.

1994 - The Lithuanian Heritage family camp is born!

1996 - Neringa is Incorporated (Neringa, Inc.). The first Board of Directors is formed and full time Executive Director appointed.

[edit] Links

http://www.neringa.org/ http://www.43places.com/places/view/558312