The 6th International Camp "Evangelist" has once again welcomed a new cohort of children and teenagers from across the world. After five years of successful gatherings in Switzerland, "Evangelist" was held for the first time this year in Portugal.
With financial support provided by the Russkiy Mir Foundation and the International Mother Tongue Association, the Matryoshka Educational Centre in Switzerland secured places on its camp for children from the Russian diaspora aged between 8 and 16 and living in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, France, Latvia, America, Serbia and Russia.
The camp is located in picturesque surroundings not far from Lisbon, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean near the resort of Cascais. The children began their first classes on the very day of their arrival. According to the organisers, the purpose of the camp is twofold. First, Russian lessons are aimed at the preservation and development of the childrens' native language skills. Second, the organisers hope to inculcate within the children the spiritual-moral values associated with Russian culture and belief.
The day traditionally begins will a prayer of thanks and the assignment of the children into different study groups depending on language ability in Russian.
The tests used to identify the language skills of the participants are those developed by the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute in Moscow and used regularly by the Matryoshka Educational Centre in Switzerland. This year the same tests will also be used at "Evangelist".
The programme of the camp features a multitude of interesting and healthy activities aimed at a multi-faceted development for participants of all ages. A thoroughly-planned schedule, discipline and caring camp leaders help the children not only to feel part of a big family in the camp but also to sense their belonging to their original homeland: Russia.
