Salem Junior Camp

To ensure students can profit from an efficient and motivating learning environment, they are first given a placement test. Based on the results students are assigned to an appropriate group. Particular attention is given to the following skills: oral and written expression, reading and listening comprehension as well as grammar topics. Current topics related to English-speaking countries will be followed and discussed with the help of a variety of reference material.

Students registered for one of our "German as a Foreign Language" courses always take a placement test at the beginning of the Salem Junior Camp. The test covers the contents of all three levels and usually confirms the course chosen. If the results of the test differ from the original choice, we rely on the expertise of our language teachers and reserve the right to place a student in a course corresponding to the test results.

German Beginners

This is a course for complete beginners with no, or very little, knowledge of the German language. To the extent possible, students will receive support in all four areas of competency (speaking, writing, reading, and listening comprehension). Lessons will also give due attention to vocabulary, grammar, and Germany's culture and customs.

German Advanced Level 1

In the mid-level German classes we offer a combination of grammar topics, culture and customs, and role-playing conversation with a focus on increasing vocabulary. Our goal is to reach the European language level equivalent of A1/A2. More specifically we will deal with modal verbs, separable verbs, present and past modal verbs, expressions of time, word order, comparatives, accusative and dative pronouns, as well as the most important connectors. Conversational exercises will involve practice in self-presentation, expressing appreciation, and asking questions. These will be embedded in games, teamwork while exploring German customs, the creation of mind maps as a group project, a quiz and skills rally, as well as in learning contemporary German rap and hip-hop songs.

German Advanced Level 2

This class is directed above all at students who already have a high level of competency in speaking and oral comprehension, but still have difficulties with their written skills. Thus, the course will focus on writing and reading in order to perfect an already high language level. We will deal intensively with students' own texts and those of other writers, giving particular attention to word choice, text structure, and grammar. Participants will have the opportunity to deal with different types of texts (e.g., news stories, fairy tales, short stories) and understand their characteristics. They will also write their own texts, analyse them, and revise them. Attention is centred on the student's own writing skills, supplemented by the analysis of published writings and their stylistic devices. Prerequisite for enrolment is a diagnostic placement at the European language level equivalent A2-B1.

Participants of our Salem Junior Camp will take a journey back in time. Around the schloss where you will be staying, as well as in the nearby Bodensee region steeped in history, students will learn in a practical, close up and detailed way about different historical time periods. A good knowledge of the German language is essential in order to participate in this group.

Maths classes in Junior Camp are all about finding fun in mathematics. We have a look at special numbers (such as prime numbers or square numbers) to improve number sense. We also explore where probability appears in everyday life and how it can help you make better decisions, and we apply geometric theorems to determine heights and distances. Good grades in regular maths classes are not a requirement.
 

In this study group students get an insight into different scientific processes. Possibilities include paper-making or topics related to fire, and other forensic investigations.

When the students of the THW service have established that an area is safe, the students of the Fire Brigade have extinguished the fire, and the students of the Nautical Service have brought all the injured ashore, then the Emergency First Aid Service begins its work. First they students have received comprehensive introduction to First Aid on the site of an accident. Which measures should be taken first? How should the injured person be positioned? How should a wound be dressed and how should a bandage be tied? And of course the participants practice resuscitation!

In the Fire Brigade the command ‘Water Go!’ will only be given when all students have become familiar with the equipment and fire hose. How is the hose put together, where is it connected, how do you hold it and where do you direct the water? Speed and team spirit are required in equal measure. On the theoretical side, fire safety, proper conduct in a fire, different extinguishing materials and techniques are explored. Students also practice how to use a walkie-talkie.

Members of the Nautical Service man the boats as soon as they hear an SOS signal. In this service, students receive an introduction to maritime rescue, learn to tie simple knots and how to use a walkie-talkie. In the school sailing boats and motorboat, students set out on Lake Constance to practice how to assist a ship in distress. At the end of the two week course, the students are ready to respond as junior rescuers.

In THW, the Technical Emergency Relief Service, the students learn the first skills required in case of a catastrophe. They need to ensure that an area is safe and rescue people from land and buildings. They need to put together  crash barriers, construct and climb ladders and rescue and move people with stretchers. Vigor and level-headedness are needed here just as much as strong nerves!