Portuguese Youth

Mar e Floresta is the name of the Portuguese Language Village.

When you arrive at Mar e Floresta, you’ll go through “customs” and enter a place where Portuguese language and cultures are celebrated. Friendly staff members will make sure you feel welcome as you choose a Portuguese name, exchange American dollars for euros, and meet your new cabin mates and friends.

One of the best parts of being at Mar e Floresta is that you will be surrounded by others your own age who also want to learn Portuguese. You’ll share cabins, canoes, funny stories, and amazing experiences. Your new friends will come from all over the country, and you're sure to have some fun experiences together. 

The staff is responsible, caring, fluent in Portuguese, and knowledgeable about Portuguese-speaking cultures from all around the globe. In addition, they have a unique talent for combining Portuguese-only conversation with gestures, songs, skits, and activities to make you feel at home, have fun, meet new friends, and learn new Portuguese words and phrases. 

You’ll never be bored at Mar e Floresta.  Some activities will be with large groups, others with small groups.  Some activities will be quiet and relaxing, while others will energize and invigorate you.

Outdoor Activities/Sports and Games
Canoeing, Swimming, Water Games, Volleyball, Capoeira, Soccer, Nature Hikes

Arts
Painting, Pottery, Tile Painting, Singing, Theater, Storytelling, Dancing, Afro-Brazilian drumming, Cooking, Jewelry making

Location
Mar e Floresta is located at Maplelag Resort nestled on the shores of Sugarbush Lake, near Callaway, Minnesota.  In the winter, Maplelag is a beautiful and efficiently run ski resort with over 650 acres of trails.  This summer you will find Portuguese-speaking villagers inhabiting this beautiful space, referring to Portuguese signs and mingling with authentic décor from all parts of the Portuguese-speaking world.  Mar e Floresta villagers will feel that they have been magically-transported to a Portuguese-speaking village.

You’ll stay in a dormitory-style cabin with between four and 10 other villagers who are about your age and are your same gender. You’ll have your own bunk and a small area to keep your clothes and belongings. Please pack wisely as there is limited shelf and storage space.

Fast Facts
Village: Mar e Floresta
Founded: 2008
Capacity: 154 villagers
Borders:  Little Sugarbush Lake
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central

Visit our Village Page to see videos and pictures of last year’s villagers and camp activities.