Our History

Established in 2020, We As One Camp is a world language and culture program for Kindergarten to 8th grade students, offering a high-quality immersion experience in oral proficiency, cultural dialogues, and hands-on activities.  Students engage with diverse instructors, collaborate with peers from other world language programs and heritage families, and interact with guest speakers with a variety of backgrounds. 

The camp emphasizes language acquisition while fostering meaningful conversations on topics like race, identity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.  Our goal is to use language and culture as a bridge and a window to provide real-life learning opportunities for young students to experience and discuss things that can sometimes be sensitive and difficult to talk about in a safe environment.   All of the courageous conversations are done through social justice themed literature, personal stories shared by adults and peers, and open-ended discussions suitable for the student's cognitive development level.  

During our journey with We As One Camp, we discovered that many world language teachers are first-generation immigrants whose experiences growing up differ significantly from those of our students.  To better educate our students about culture and identity, we need to grow alongside them and their families.  

In spring 2024, We As One Education, a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded to continue providing students with high-quality world language and culture programs.  Additionally, we supports educators and families with intercultural competence professional developments.  We also form affinity groups to provide teachers and families with support, networking, and a sense of community.