Program is cancelled for 2008.

La Dolce Vita in the Woods of New Jersey
Concordia Language Villages Opens Italian Language Village on the East Coast

On January 31, 2008, Concordia Language Villages, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), and the Consulate General of Italy celebrated the establishment of Lago del Bosco, New Jersey. The Language Villages was honored to welcome former governor of New York Mario Cuomo and Mrs. Matilda Raffa Cuomo at this event.

“We are pleased to bring Concordia Language Villages and our mission of preparing responsible global citizens to the east coast—and what better way to enact that mission than through the depth, breadth and beauty of Italian language and culture,” said Patricia Thornton, Director of Summer Programs at the Language Villages.

Concordia Language Villages launched the first Lago del Bosco in Minnesota in summer 2003. The Minnesota site now offers programs for high school students to earn credit, families, and adults. Since 2003, members of the Italian Language Village Advisory Committee and of national Italian-American organizations have been urging the establishment of a second Italian Language Village on the east coast.  This coming summer, that dream becomes a reality. Lago del Bosco, New Jersey opens in August 2008 and will offer two residential summer camp sessions for youth ages 7-14.The Village is situated near Blairstown, N.J., about 90 minutes from New York City.

The strong Italian community and longstanding network of Language Villages supporters in the North East destine Lago del Bosco to provide la dolce vita to local youth. Ciro Poppiti, Esq Co-Chair of NIAF’s Education Committee captured this spirit noting his belief that the Village will introduce and deepen villager knowledge about their heritage:  “Our mission is really about heritage, and you are doing our mission.”

Ryan Luca Calabretta-Sajder, dean of Lago del Bosco, Blairstown voiced excitement as he described welcoming the first villagers to the new site. “This summer will be full of fun, learning, sharing, and growing.  We will experience everything from Carnivale to the Commedia dell’arte, bocce to briscola.  And when we cover Il Rinascimento, I will think about all of you, gli artisti, the artists of the Renaissance in New Jersey.”

Margaret Cuomo, parent and National Advisor Board member for Lago del Bosco opened the event. "My own 10-year-old daughter attended Lago del Bosco in Minnesota last year, and she had a wonderful time learning the Italian language and having fun engaged in authentic Italian activities. There is no better way to expose young people to the beauty and richness of the Italian language and culture."

Concordia Language Villages “prepares young people for responsible global citizenship.” Lago del Bosco, translated as “lake of the woods,” provides an outdoor camp and learning environment in which villagers increase their cultural understanding as they learn about countries where Italian is spoken and about the global issues affecting these areas.

Concordia Language Villages is a program of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. It is accredited by the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation, the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, and the American Camp Association. 

For more information, registration materials, employment opportunities, or to contribute to Lago del Bosco, please go to www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org or contact our office at 1-800-222-4750.