Tag Archives: California

What’s Next? – Celebrate Spring with German Events

Posted on April 16, 2018 by | Leave a comment

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:

April 21-22  – German Theater in San Diego

If you are longing to see and hear some German theater and want to share a laugh in the company of other German expats, this one is for you.

“So ist das Leben!” (That’s Life) and evening that promises to be a lot of fun with humorous and thought-provoking skits, poems and musical numbers presented by The German Theater Group San Diego.

It’s next week and last year’s event was sold out! Get your Tickets here:

Find out more about the Cabaret Evening at our previous post.

Dates: April 21, 2018, at 7:30 pm and April 22, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Price: General Admission $12, Students (with ID) $9
Place: German American Societies, 1017 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020

May 5  – MayFaire Celebration in Mar Vista

Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool invites to their annual Mayfaire celebration with Maypole dancing for the children, Puppet show, Music Performance, Flower Wreath Crafting and Face Painting.

You want to be part of this fun family event with scrumptious foods: Brezel, Bratwurst, Kartoifeelsalat, Kaffe und Kuchen await you.

Celebrate May with us from 11am – 2pm on Saturday, May 5.

$10 donation per family – Everyone is welcome – Proceeds go to Tivoli rainbow Garden preschool. More info here.

Tivoli Rainbow Garden Preschool – 3170 Stoner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066

May 6  – Maifest and Kinderfest in Anaheim

Welcome Spring the German way at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim.  Come celebrate Maifest and Kinderfest in the Biergarten with live music by the Bluebirds Show Band,  a Traditional Maypole Dance, and the election of our Maikönigin (May Queen)!

The Park opens at 11 am, and the joint Program by the Phoenix Club, the German American League, and the German American School Association Südkaliforniens (GASA) starts at 1:00 PM,  with a Parade of the German American League Clubs.

We know the weather will be perfect to enjoy great Bier and German cuisine. The Kinderfest will provide lots of fun activities such as Arts and Crafts, Bounce House, Plant Potting and Cards for Mother’s Day, Pony Rides, Bouncers, Entertainment, Kid’s Train, Dancing for Mom and Dad. Don’t miss the used German Book Sale and in the afternoon be part of GASA’s BIG RAFFLE with prizes you don’t want to miss like the First Prize of $ 500.00 cash!

Admission is $7.00  Children 16 years and under are Free!

Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Avenue, Anaheim, California Ball Road 

May 11  –  ‘Weisser Spargel’ Dinner Event in San Francisco

One night, three courses, one exclusive ingredient: Join the GACC West for their annual White Asparagus Gala Dinner in San Francisco.

It is the season in which one of the German’s favorite vegetable is being harvested: white asparagus.

This vegetable is so exquisite that the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC West) dedicates an entire evening to it – an evening to which the GACC West would like to hereby cordially invite you.

The White Asparagus Gala Dinner is a one-of-a-kind event showcasing the German delicacy, which is harvested at one of Germany’s best Spargelhof and flown in exclusively for this very evening. This “edible ivory” serves thereby as the core ingredient in the exquisite three-course meal, which will be complemented by an exclusive tasting of Bluxome’s locally sourced fine wines.

Find out more at  www.gaccwest.com/2018asparagus or register directly via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/white-asparagus-gala-dinner-wine-tasting-2018-tickets-43633227157

White AsparagusDinner Event at Bluxome’s Street Winery | San Francisco, CA

May 19th – Maifest and Kinderfest in Huntington beach

Join  GERMANSCHOOLcampus.com for their Maifest and Kinderfest. You will find a music and dance program specifically for children. The Donauschwäbische Volkstanzgruppe Los Angeles (Danube Swabian Folk Dance Group of LA) will perform the “Maibaum Tanz” with its Jugendgruppe.  Austrian therapist and author, Claudia Tichy, will read in German from her new book (Tesha Discovers the World – Healing Stories for Children) and sign copies. Old World Restaurant will serve German delicacies while children get entertained with crafts for kids.

Free Event from 3pm-6pm

Old World 7561 Center Ave. #49, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

 Image Credits: Pixabay.com

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

Posted on April 13, 2018 by | Leave a comment

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. 

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 offers 4 weeks of German language camp at the Clairemont location with full immersion, 6 hours German per day for 4 different age groups, 4-12 years old. Reading and writing practice. Music, theater, games, building, painting, and baking.  Kids will enjoy many hands-on projects – Every week is different!  Camp time will be from 25. June to July 20, from 9am-3pm.

This year the school offers a 2-week special Art Camp: Students will learn about famous artists from German-speaking European countries, learn about art history, discover new techniques while doing their own artwork, experiment with various materials and colors and watch movies, all related to art. A student organized art exhibition at the end will be the camps’ highlight.   Art Camp Dates: 25. June – 6. July

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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Happy Easter with a Classic – “Osterhasi or Nikolausi”

Posted on April 1, 2018 by | Leave a comment

We wish you all a happy and enjoyable Happy Easter !

… and just so that you know who is coming by tomorrow to sweeten up your day, we found a classic by Gerhard Polt for you. Enjoy!

 

Image: Pixabay.com Video: YouTube

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Enjoying Ski Week Without The Snow

Posted on February 25, 2018 by | Comments Off on Enjoying Ski Week Without The Snow

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

Posted on February 16, 2018 by | Comments Off on German Summer Camps 2018 – Deutsche Sommerferien in California

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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