Ciao and benvenuto to Lago del Bosco, our Italian language immersion camp. Here, kids and teens ages 7-18 can dive into the language, flavors, style and traditions of sunny Italy—all against the backdrop of the North Woods of Minnesota.
Il calcio is a part of life in Italy and Lago del Bosco.
La dolce vita comes to northern Minnesota at Lago Del Bosco. Among the many authentic Italian activities that await you are both sports, such as soccer, bicycling, roverino and bocce, and arts and crafts, such as leather working, ceramics and, of course, cooking. You’ll find plenty to amuse, entertain and educate, all while learning Italian.
Two of our counselors, Marco and Matteo, serve up fresh bruschetta, Italian garlic bread with olive oil and tomatoes.
Italian food is more than pizza and pasta. At Lago del Bosco, you’ll go on a guided culinary tour of the whole delicious country, from antipasto (appetizers) to dolce (dessert). You’ll return home with a whole new appreciation of Italian cooking – and a few new favorites.
A daily occurrence at Lago del Bosco is Commedia dell’Arte with stock characters, or “masks” from the major cities of Italy.
Italy is world renowned for its music and drama, and villagers at Lago del Bosco delve into both. Experience the most famous pieces of Italian opera, learn the steps and origins of traditional dances that have been passed down for hundreds of years, or dance to modern Italian pop music at our discoteca.
Interested in world affairs, business, design or culinary arts? Maybe you have a passion for art history, ancient civilizations or architecture? Or perhaps you just understand how important it is to know more than one language and to appreciate other cultures in our ever-changing world? Whether you want to chat with Nonna in her native tongue, prepare for a trip to Florence, or the Eternal City or just delve into the rich cultural heritage of bella Italia, Lago del Bosco will provide you with the tools you need.
Need-based scholarships are available for Italian summer youth immersion sessions through the Passport Fund. Scholarships are based on a family’s adjusted gross income, number of dependents, and the length of the session.
Additionally, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education offers a $1,000 stipend for Minnesota students who qualify for free or reduced lunch at school. Additional information is available here.
Eric Dario Dregni has been the dean of Lago del Bosco since 2007. He has spent more than four years in Italy (Brescia, Florence, Milan and Modena) as an exchange student, English teacher and journalist for an Italian newspaper. He wrote the memoir Never Trust a Thin Cook about living in Modena, and his newest book, You’re Sending Me Where? Dispatches from Summer Camp is all about the fun and unpredictable adventures at Lago del Bosco.
Italian Summer Camp