Jack Peck, 9, in front of the huge Norwegian flag at Skogfjorden, the Norwegian Language Village in Bemidji, MN. Jack spent a week at the language immersion camp.
Jack Peck, 9, son of Darren and Annalisa Peck of Tofte, was recently issued a passport, exchanged his U.S. currency for Norwegian, adopted a new name, and spent a week where everyone speaks nothing but Norwegian. The young man from Tofte didn’t travel to Scandinavia—but he certainly got a taste of Norway at the Concordia Language Village Skogfjorden in Bemidji, MN.
According to a Concordia spokesperson, the Norwegian Language Village provides a simulated visit to another country. Jack was immersed in the language and culture of another country through large and small learning groups, authentic foods, holiday celebrations, reenactments of historic events, songs, dances, crafts, games, and everyday conversations.
Jack’s participation in the Norwegian language camp is a family tradition. His mother, Annalisa Peck, was a camper at Concordia for seven summers, starting when she was 8 years old. Annalisa explained that the tradition is thanks to her grandfather, who came to the United States from Norway when he was 17 years old. He became a member of the Sons of Norway and that led to his interest in Skogfjorden. He helped several of his grandchildren go to the camp, hoping that they would retain their Norwegian heritage.
Annalisa certainly did. “I wanted Jack to experience it like I did. I don’t want my grandparents’ strong Norwegian heritage fall by the wayside,” she said.
Jack was alone at the language camp, which was a bit challenging. In addition to being immersed in another language, he didn’t know anyone there. He adapted quite well though, even to the task of selecting a new name for the duration. He selected “Knut” as his Norwegian name.
Jack overcame homesickness and enjoyed being Knut for the week. He is now looking forward to going back to Skogfjorden next summer for two weeks.
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