Welcome to Wynchemna: Rain, Laughter & New Beginnings!

Despite the grey skies and steady drizzle, excitement was in the air as new students arrived for the first day of Wynchemna’s Calgary Summer Camp. Our newest campers — from all over the world — are officially here for a month-long adventure of learning, laughter, and life in Canada from July 14 to August 10. Umbrellas in hand and backpacks slung over their shoulders, the students may have stepped off their buses and flights into the rain, but their smiles were anything but soggy.

There’s something special about the first day at Wynchemna. Whether students are coming from across the globe or just across the border, that mix of nerves and anticipation fills every corner of the room. And while we always hope for sunshine on Day One, the rain didn’t stop us from starting the session with energy and enthusiasm. In fact, some might say the weather helped bring us closer together—literally!

We kicked off the afternoon with a series of fun icebreaker games, including “Two Truths and a Lie,” “Human Bingo,” and a team scavenger hunt that got students laughing, talking, and even running (yes, in the rain!). Huddled under tents or gathering inside, the students got to know each other’s names, countries, and favorite foods — and found out quickly that learning English at Wynchemna doesn’t mean sitting still.

One of the highlights of the day was a surprise birthday celebration for Chauncey, one of our campers who turned a year older today. Despite being far from home, Chauncey was all smiles as the entire group sang “Happy Birthday” and shared cupcakes after lunch. He even got a handmade card signed by every student and teacher — a true Wynchemna welcome! It was a great reminder that this camp is more than just a program; it's a community.

From the very beginning, Wynchemna aims to blend language learning with real-life experiences, and Day One delivered just that. Students practiced their English not by filling in worksheets, but by meeting new friends, following game instructions, sharing stories, and even learning a few fun Canadian words (like “toque” and “eh?”).

There’s so much more to look forward to over the next four weeks: hikes in the Rockies, canoeing, sports tournaments, art projects, and of course, English classes that are full of movement, creativity, and curiosity. Rain or shine, Wynchemna is all about building connections, trying new things, and having fun along the way.

So while the skies may have been grey today, the energy of the group shone brightly. It’s clear already — this summer is going to be one to remember.

Welcome to Wynchemna, Class of Summer 2025! Let the adventure begin.