Norwegian: Skogfjorden
Ages 7-18
Welcome to Skogfjorden!
Life at Skogfjorden is infused with Norwegian language and culture from the moment you wake up – participating in small language learning groups, cultural and camp activities, sports, dance, and song – until the close of the day. Counselors from the United States join native Norwegian speakers to engage with villagers and share experiences using vocabulary repetition and gestures to increase understanding and retention.
There’s no better way to learn Norwegian than to practice using practical words and phrases all day, every day. At Skogfjorden, you’ll use your new Norwegian skills while canoeing on the innsjø (lake), playing sports and games, or learning folk dancing. You’ll practice key words as you ask for seconds at mealtime or buy Melkesjokolade (milk chocolate) at the store. Immersion education will be different from every classroom you’ve ever been in. Here, you will completely change your surroundings and learn by doing.
When you arrive at Skogfjorden, you’ll go through “customs,” select a Norwegian name to use during your stay, and embark on a new adventure where Norwegian language and culture are celebrated. Friendly staff members will make sure you feel welcome as you exchange American dollars for krone and meet your new cabin mates and friends.
Our staff is proficient in Norsk. They all share a talent for combining Norwegian-only conversation with gestures, songs, skits, and activities to make you feel at home, have fun, meet new friends, and learn new Norwegian words and phrases.
One of the best parts of being here is that you will be surrounded by others your own age who also want to learn Norwegian. You’ll share cabins, canoes, funny stories, and amazing experiences. Your new friends will come from all over the country, and sometimes, they’ll end up being counted among your closest friends.
You’ll never be bored. We always have plenty of activities to choose from, including sports, arts, crafts, and music. 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.
Activities at Skogfjorden:
- Soccer
- Singing
- Swimming
- Cooking
- Woodworking
- Weaving
- Canoeing
- Writing
- Dancing
Last summer, four Vikings were stranded at Skogfjorden and had to find a way to get back to their time. The deltakerne helped the vikinger by reading the runes to find out whom they had to go meet. The whole village learned about the Viking times with games, stories, and jewelry making. Finally the Vikings found a magic bridge, Bifrost, and tried to escape back to where they came from, but they were thwarted by the British. The vikinger and the British had a battle, which the British won, and then the Vikings were allowed to go back to their time.
Every night at Skogfjorden, with a picturesque setting sol, we enjoy quiet time gently punctuated with song, poetry, and instrumental solos as we relax by the campfire amongst friends. Er det rart vi har det bra?
Fast Facts
Village: Skogfjorden
Founded 1963
Capacity: 120 villagers
Borders: Turtle River Lake
Language: Norwegian
Currency: Krone
Time Zone: Central
Skogfjorden features authentic Norwegian architecture. Villagers live in a dormitory-type setting, sleeping in bunk beds. The nine beautiful Nordic cabins at are all year-round dwellings with carpeting, electricity and indoor plumbing. They are named after Norway’s largest cities, spanning Kristiansand in the south to Tromsø in the north.
When you come here, you’ll be living in one of these comfortable cabins with one or two staff members and up to 15 other villagers who are all about your age and who are your same gender. You’ll have your own bunk for your sleeping bag and pillow, as well as a place to store your clothes and other belongings (pack wisely as there is limited storage space). Each cabin features one or two private bathrooms with showers shared by the villagers and staff living in that cabin.
Want to know more about Skogfjorden?- Visit our Village Production Page to see pictures of last year’s villagers and camp activities.
- Meet our dean.
- Read about the delicious food
Summer Villages choices:
- One- and two-week sessions
- Four-week sessions: high school credit for students entering grades 9 through 12
Contact Information While in Session
Norwegian Language Village
Skogfjorden
8607 Thorsonveien NE
Bemidji MN 56601
(218) 586-8730
Villager Fax (218) 586-8788
Thanks to generous donations to the Passport Fund from our supporters, scholarships are available.
Is your child ready for a Concordia Language Villages over-night immersion program?
clv@cord.edu
(800) 222-4750