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All Things German In California

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School is back in session! Viel Glück im neuen Schuljahr.

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Schultüte

We are starting the second week in September, and the truth is… Summer is over now! Even if it’s not the official end of this favorite season, it sure feels like it.

Once all kids are back in school again and you don’t hear the laughter of children playing in the streets all day, the beaches are deserted, and the freeways are crowded again, I know,… the serious side of life is back.

All children in California are back in school as of last week. Some were lucky enough to enjoy their summer vacation until right after Labor Day, others had to go back to school already in the middle of August.

German language schools in California are back in session as well. If you are interested in enrolling yourself or your children, go check all of them out on our website. No matter where you are, Northern California or Southern California, we have many of them listed here.

Here is the latest news from some of them:

Congratulations, German Pacific School San Diego! GPSSD just received WASC accreditation!  WASC (Western Association of Schools And Colleges) is the official body responsible for the accreditation of public and private schools in all of California. This accreditation means that students officially can get middle and high school credit for their German classes taken at GPSSD. The younger students will benefit from a program that utilizes WASC approved structures and mechanisms to ensure continuation of high-quality education and care. GPSSD is the only supplemental German language program in San Diego with WASC accreditation. Congratulations GPSSD! This is quite an accomplishment.

German School Campus in Newport Beach (GSC) started its new school year already way back in August. This year the school introduced its first PreK-Kindergarten class for the school year 2018/19. Way to go!

And…

German-American School Association of Southern California (GASA), serving the German community with several German schools throughout Southern California, just added a German language class for adults in Torrance at the Los Angeles Turner Museum and opened the doors to a brand new German language school in Temecula. 

Nice work!

Schulranzen, German School backpacks

Let us know what’s new at your German school and we can include you in future updates on German Schools in California.

Image Credits: ©CaliforniaGermans

What’s Next? – Celebrate Spring with German Events

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Check out what’s happening in the German community next!

Its’ Spring and you’ll find festivals and celebrations everywhere inviting you to the outside to enjoy the warmer weather in the company of your friends and family. The German community in CA has been busy to plan some spring events for you. Check them out below:  [Read more…] about What’s Next? – Celebrate Spring with German Events

German Summer Camps 2018 – Deutsche Sommerferien in California (Updated)

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German Summer Camps 2018 –

It’s time to get serious about thinking and planning for a summer camp. We had posted some of the camps in February, so this is a re-post with a few new updates.  Look through our list and find your favourite pick!

Most popular German summer camps up and down the California Coast. 

[Read more…] about German Summer Camps 2018 – Deutsche Sommerferien in California (Updated)

Enjoying Ski Week Without The Snow

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Ski Week and Being Just Fine with Seeing Snow Only on Pictures

In some Southern California school districts, the short week of vacation called “Ski Week” is coming to an end. While I remember families flocking towards Mammoth Mountain or at least nearby Big Bear Mountain or Mountain High to catch some snow, this year I witnessed youth rather flying to Europe or the East Coast.

We didn’t do either. We stayed put and just enjoyed a nice, peaceful but rather chilly week with typical, delightful California sunshine. You think that’s boring? Well, I grew up with four seasons and while much can be beautiful in each one of them, there can also be endless rain in spring and fall and many dark, dark days in winter.

Snow – I don’t mind not having it, and while I used to seek it when my kids were younger for the sake of them learning how to ski, I now am just happy to witness snow falling via social media in other places, like Germany; far away, while I enjoy walking along the seashore in beautiful sunshine.

In fact, Germany just got reminded of the fact that it’s still winter and fluffy white snowflakes started covering cities especially Munich with layers and layers of snow. Perfectly right on time for our “Ski Week” here in California, ironically. So, I had my share of snow via Instagram, Facebook and What’s Up. My phone eagerly beeped all week-long announcing new pictures that were sent from family and friends overseas, covering for me the news of new snowmen popping up all over Munich.

I won’t deny it, seeing pictures of snowmen against a crystal blue sky made me somewhat envious,… but juuust for a short moment. True, these gorgeous, crisp winter days in Germany are really precious. The sun and the bright snow make for a very special light and being on top of a ski slope on a day like that, with a view of the alps around you, that’s heaven I remember.

Just as I am getting melancholy, however, I am reminding myself of the downside of snow in the city. I remember those days of shoveling mounds of snow off my car in freezing temperatures trying to get my children to their Kindergarten class on time. The challenges of driving in freshly fallen snow as well as driving on streets covered with slushy dirty snow are just as much a vivid memory as the dramatic balancing act of maneuvering the car over icy roads.

Oh, and did I forget mentioning parallel parking into parking spots battling with the snow for who is faster in filling the void space that I initially thought was an empty parking space?

California works just fine for me. If I am really desperate for snow and freezing temperatures in wintertime, snow – fake or real – is just a few hours away in the car. I can enjoy the white sparkling splendor for a few hours and then drive home to spend the evening at the beach if I like. It’s perhaps a bit of a stretch, yes, but it is possible!

Images: ©CaliforniaGermans

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German Summer Camps 2018 – Deutsche Sommerferien in California

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Summer Camps 2018 –

A Little Preview of Some of the Most Popular German Summer Camps in California

“Seriously…!?”, you might say. “We are talking summer camps already?”

Yes, you’ve read correctly! It’s early February and we are giving you the first preview of some of the most popular German summer camps, up and down the California Coast.

Many camps have already started with registration. So get your foot in the door, put your name down and claim your space at your favorite one.

German American School Association (GASA) – 

Our 2018 camp is inviting all 7 to 16-year-olds to our exciting sleep-away camp from June 23 -28. Spend 6 days, 5 nights at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center in Orange, CA.

This year’s highlight will be the literary work of famous German author Cornelia Funke!  Students will get acquainted with Cornelia Funke’s writings, especially the book “Die wilden Hühner” and write and perform their own play/musical. They will also visit a mine and learn about rocks, minerals, earthquakes, tectonic plates and mining in a fun, hands-on fashion.  Special activities such as zip lining, swimming, 136 ft. water slide and wall climbing will be available during leisure time, and we will have fun activities planned such as nature hikes, dancing, singing, crafting, campfire, baking, sports, games, fishing, etc.  All activities will be conducted in German.  Join us for an adventurous week at Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center from June 23rd – June 28th, 2018.  You can find more about the German Immersion Camp on our website www.germanschool4kids.org

German School Campus – Newport Beach

Attention all scientists! GermanSchool Campus in Newport Beach is offering its German immersion STEM Science Camp again.  A week of exploring the oceans, learning about sustainability, recycling, clean air solutions, wind power, and much more starts Monday, July 2nd – Saturday, July 7th (Wednesday 4th of July is off) from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily.

We have exciting excursions planned on a pontoon boat to a local Science center in the Newport Bay, and again will enjoy sailing or kayaking on the bay. Campers will build a solar-powered hydro car with us and will learn about the various environments. Children ages 6-17 years old get immersed into hands-on scientific experiments while playfully being introduced to a new culture and language (German). All levels are welcome!  Find out more about the camp on our website www.germanschoolcampus.com

German Pacific School San Diego – San Diego

Ready for 4 weeks of fantastic summer camps? German Pacific School San Diego is in the middle of planning some spectacular weeks for young German learners. Every week with another theme will keep the summer vacation exciting. Mark your calendar: Camp time will be from 25. Juni bis 20. Juli. Please check the school for more detailed information regarding program and location.

More info at www.gpssd.org

WANDERKIND Preschool & Kindergarten – Glendale

WanderKind School in Glendale/Burbank will offer another German Immersion Camp for the youngest German learners. Mark your calendar for four weeks packed with outdoor fun and adventure in June for kids 4-8 years old.  If you have attended last year, you don’t want to miss out on all the fun this year. Reserve your spot today!

More information at  www.wanderkindschool.org/

BAKS – Bay Area Kinderstube Summer Camp –  Berkeley, Northern California

“Wir packen unsere Koffer” is the theme of our 2018 German Immersion Summer Camp for ages 5-13, and one for ages 3-4.  Join us this summer from, July 16 – August 10, as we explore the diversity of the many cities and towns of German-speaking countries. Our camp location will be on the beautiful Berkwood Hedge Campus.

Sign up by April 1st and lock in our Early- Bird Special. For more information check our flyer here or www.kinderstube.org

GASPA Summer Camp in Palo Alto, Northern California

Get ready, get set, Summer! Back by popular demand and new and improved! The German-American School of Palo Alto is pleased to once again a full immersion German language summer camp program from June 25th through July 20th in Menlo Park for ages 3-10.

New this year, you can sign up for individual weeks. Sign up before March 31st to take advantage of early bird pricing. Full program details and pricing and can be found on our website.

More information at www.gaspa-ca.org

GISSV -German International School Silicon Valley

This summer we have 2 different camps going on at two locations.
German language classes are paired with art, music, science, sports, cooking and more!
Mountain View: June 18th -July 13th (Kindergarten to middle school)
San Francisco: June 18th-22nd ( Kindergarten to 3rd grade)
You can sign up for a full-day or half-day camp. Extended care is also offered. More information at www.gissv.org

Innerweaving Immersion Camp – Fairfax (NorCal)

Begining July, Silvia Schroeder will hold another Innerweaving camp. The camp offers a combination of indoor/outdoor creative fun. “Throughout the camp we will talk German and introduce language based on nature and craft activities.” Family members are invited to celebrate their children’s powerful Nature-Earthcraft accomplishments on the final day.

Dates are not finalized yet. For more information please contact:  Silvia Schroeder at coaching@innerweaving.com  

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Image: Pixabay.com
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It’s Carnival Season. Find your ‘Faschings’ Party in California

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It’s the month of the fools! It’s Carnival!

Germany and beyond is in Carnival Fever. No, not to worry, it’s not a dangerous virus causing this outbreak. Though, it can be contagious!

Dancing, masquerades, and political satire are high in season. No-one is safe in this public outbreak of having-a-fun-time. Most of the bigger cities in German-speaking countries have big events planned for the next couple of weeks. Even smaller communities know how to pay proper tribute to ‘Fasching’.

Kids are looking forward to Carnival all year-long. It’s their time to be Spiderman or a queen for the day, and dress up as their favorite character. In fact, until Halloween had conquered Germany, Fasching somewhat resembled Halloween “German style”, at least in respect to wearing costumes.

And then, February 14th comes, and it’s all over! At least this year…

All the fun is suddenly over on February 14th this year! However, not because of Valentine’s Day. 🙂  This year, 2018, Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday share the same date and Ash Wednesday rings in the Season of Lent. For many Christians around the world, Lent is a time of fasting in preparation for Easter. Carnival is over until next year!

So party your heart out, before it’s too late! To help you find a suitable event we have listed a few that were mentioned to us:

Fasching for Children:

GermanSchoolCampus – Newport Beach:
February 10 – Carnival Party at German School Campus for young and old from 4pm – 6pm (Free Event)

German American School Association (GASA) at the PhoenixClub – Anaheim
February 11th – Kinderkarneval with Youth Dance Group. Event in the Ball Room at 1pm, (Free Event)

Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool – Los Angeles:
February 11th – Fasching At the WirtshausLA, 345 N La Brea Avenue , 3pm-6pm

Karneval for Adults:

Phoenix Club – Anaheim (SoCal)
February 10th – Karneval – Auf der Reeperbahn with Edmonton Blauen Funken, 7:00 pm . Admission: $5/person

Karneval/Mardi Gras/Fasching Costume Ball in Marin County (NorCal)
February 10th -Hosted by Hermann Sons Petaluma Lodge, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma .Doors open 6:00 p.m., Dancing 7:00 p.m. Admission: $25/person

Image: Pixabay.com

 

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How Do I Raise a Bilingual Child in Germany?

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How Do I Raise a Bilingual Child in Germany?

(by Kate Müser)
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I was raised in Northern California by American parents (who hail from San Diego and can still hold their own in Spanish). My husband was raised by native German speakers in Germany. We may now speak multiple languages between us, but grew up monolingually – not counting the Ruhrpott dialect and the menu at our favorite Mexican restaurant – and we each possess just one passport.

Our son, who arrived in November 2017, may be a first-born child, just like both his parents, and have his mom’s chin and his dad’s eyes. But he is different from us. He is 100% German and 100% American. And he is stuck with a mommy and a Papa who use different words for the same things.

Before he was born, I did some research on raising bilingual children, by reading books and watching YouTube videos.

Now that he’s here, speaking English with him comes naturally of course, but I know that more questions will come up the older – and more talkative – he gets.

As “California Germans”, I’m sure many of you have bilingual families or were raised in one yourself. I would love to hear your story.

Watch the video below and share your tips and thoughts with me! I may just include your comments in a future video.

©KateMüser

Image: Pixabay.com

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Kate Müser, who grew up in Pleasanton, California, was surprised to discover that she feels even closer to her home state now than she did when she first moved to Bonn, Germany, over 14 years ago.

She is the creator of the successful YouTube series #thoseGermans and the portrait series #germany24. Visit Kate’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/katemuser and her website, justkate.de.

For over a decade, Kate has been a TV, radio and online journalist at Deutsche Welle, where she has hosted the feature documentary film Gutenberg in the Cyberstorm, the video series Meet the Germans with Kate and the TV show PopXport.

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EUSTORY, an International History Competition for German and French Youth to Reflect on Peace

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Students of a German School in San Diego learn how to write a movie script

About a month ago  German Pacific School San Diego and San Diego French American School collaborated in preparing for an international competition that invites them to reflect on the concept of peace before, during and after WW I.

EUSTORY, an international history competition wants to guide students to a greater understanding of historic events but also engage them in finding relations between today’s events and events in the past, and overall help them become productive citizens of the world.

Both schools decided on choosing film as a medium for their project, and to learn the ‘nuts and bolts’ of scriptwriting they participated in an intercultural scriptwriting seminar. In the following read more about their experience:

German and French students collaborate on international competition

( by Lenni Elbe)
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An excited buzz fills the air as groups of French and German students discuss their ideas. They are preparing for an international history competition, called EUSTORY.

On October 14, students from San Diego French American School and German Pacific School San Diego partook in a seminar run by a professional scriptwriter, Diane Alpaio, to help prepare them for the competition in Spring.

The script writing workshop led students through a pre-written script in order to learn the basic elements of story writing. First, they watched and analyzed a short film. Then, they were split into small groups and wrote their own scenes using those basic elements such as dialogue, conflict, and characters.

The students left with a greater understanding of how movie scripts are written, and with plenty of ideas on how to continue their own EUSTORY project. “Working with the French students was great and I didn’t expect the seminar to be so much fun. It really got everyone excited about the competition” said Jack, a student at GPSSD.

The script writing seminar was just the start. Students will continue to meet on a regular basis throughout the script writing process. Instructors from both schools are guiding the students, including Mr. Baron (SDFAS), Ms. Brouder (SDFAS), and Ms. Elbe (GPSSD).

EUSTORY was started in order to provide students with an opportunity to reflect on the events of World War 1, to work together, and to foster cross-cultural understanding. This year’s theme is: “Peace in War Time, Peace in World War 1.” This initiative is representative of the creative potential in students, and broadens young people’s perspectives, giving them the tools and skills required to become productive citizens of the world.

The short film will premiere this coming spring at an event at SDFAS.
For more information, please visit www.eustory.fr or www.gpssd.org

Images: German Pacific School San Diego – GPSSD

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Mondschein

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Mondschein

(Ein Gedicht von Dieter Kermas)

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Ach wie schön war doch die Feier,

heimwärts schwankt der volle Meier.

Und des Vollmonds helles Licht

scheint Herrn Meier ins Gesicht.

Doch zu Meiers großem Schreck

ist das Mondlicht plötzlich weg.

Um ihn ist es stockedunkel,

´ne Wolke schluckt das Sterngefunkel.

Da schleichen Schritte auf ihn zu.

Vorbei ist´s mit Herrn Meiers Ruh.

Panisch hetzt er durch die Nacht.

Ein Schlag trifft ihn mit aller Macht.

Nun sieht er wieder viele Sterne.

Doch dran ist schuld nur die Laterne,

die in dieser Nacht nicht brannte,

wo Meier flott dagegenrannte.

Sein Feierfreund kam kurz darauf

und fiel auch noch auf Meier drauf.

So liegen sie im Suff vereint,

wie schön, dass nun der Mond erscheint.

 

©Dieter Kermas

Image:  pixabay.com

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Dieter Kermas, CaliforniaGermans Author and a true Berliner, turned to writing after he retired from his profession as an engineer. Family and friends urged him to document his many experiences during his childhood in wartime Germany. This made for a collection of various essays which have been published here at CaliforniaGermans. (You can find the stories here on CaliforniaGermans.com by putting “Dieter Kermas” into the Search Box.) Apart from his childhood memories, he is also sharing some of his short stories and poems on CaliforniaGermans. Dieter Kermas, who loves to write, has published his first novel “Kolja. Liebe im Feindesland” in 2016, available at Amazon . Some of his work has been included in anthologies.

To get in touch with Dieter Kermas, please send an email with subject line “Dieter Kermas” to: californiagermans@gmail.com
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