Community Language School

The Community Language School offers language courses to community members and regularly runs language-focused summer camps.

Classes for Adults

Kids’ Summer Camps

The CLS Director and Contact Info

Bear Camps Director Contact Info

Community Language Classes for Adults

Japanese Crash Course

Planning to travel to Japan? Join the Community Language School for a 6 hour Japanese “crash course.” (This is non-credit bearing.)The dates and times for this course are as follows:

Wed. 3/11/26 5:30-6:30

Tue. 3/17/26 1:30-2:30

Wed. 4/8/26 5:30-6:30

Thur. 4/9/26 1:30-2:30

Wed. 4/15/26 5:30-6:30

Tue. 4/21/26 1:30-2:30

Registration is $35. Please sign up with this link, and Deanne Murphey will contact you for the registration fee.

 

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Bear Camps (CLS Summer Camps)

These fun, action-packed day camps for children entering 1st – 7th grades (approximate ages 6-12) provide interactive children’s literature, foreign language instruction as well as hands-on cultural experiences including international games, food sampling, arts and crafts, music and celebrations related to the country of focus!

Camps are reasonably priced and held in Irby Hall, on the UCA campus where classrooms are transformed into colorful and exotic destination from afar. What a wonderful summer journey to send your child on!

 

Renaissance Kids Bear Camp: July 13-17, 2026

This summer, travel back in time 500 years to Renaissance Europe with the Renaissance Kids Bear Camp! The Renaissance was a time of innovation, including the invention of mechanical clocks and the telescope, (which led to our understanding of how the solar system works). In art and literature, the age saw the development of perspective drawing, the use of shadows in painting, and the invention of the printing press, which made books and information more accessible. This was also an era of great voyages of exploration and discovery. Through engaging activities led by expert UCA faculty and experienced UCA student counselors, children will take a week’s worth of journeys through time and space to explore the history, theater, music, art, technology, science, food, and sports & leisure of the Renaissance. Spark your child’s imagination, curiosity, and knowledge with this interactive, formative, and informative week of activities!

Director: Dr. Glenn Jellenik (English)

Link for Registration Coming Soon!

 

Global Rhythms Bear Camp: July 20-24, 2026

Join the Global Rhythms Bear Camp to travel around the world through music, dance, and song. As an anchor of tradition, community, and intergenerational memory, music will be your passport to learning about the rich cultures of Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and more!

Through engaging activities led by expert faculty and experienced UCA student counselors, children will explore the power of storytelling and self-expression through song, participate in traditional dances, learn lyrics in multiple languages, enjoy international snacks, and create their own instruments and crafts. Spark your child’s imagination and curiosity in this unforgettable journey through the magical world of music!

Director: Dr. Adele Okoli (French and Africana Studies)

Faculty leaders: Dr. Matteo Fiorini (Linguistics) and Dr. Kae Reed (Japanese)

Register for Global Rhythms Bear Camp

Celebrate Africa Bear Camp: July 27-31, 2026

Did you know that as the home of over 2,000 living languages, Africa has the highest linguistic density of any continent in the world? This summer, empower your child to embark on a unique learning journey on UCA’s campus as they celebrate the cultural richness, dynamism, and beauty of Africa with friends at Bear Camp!

Through hands-on activities led by expert faculty and experienced UCA student counselors, children will discover key cultural values of African societies, explore the power of oral history and communal memory through folktales, learn traditional dances, sing songs in multiple languages, taste new snacks, and create crafts to take home. Unlock your child’s creativity and potential for global learning in this world-class camp!

Director: Dr. Adele Okoli (French and Africana Studies)

Faculty leader: Dr. Arnaud Tcheutou (French and Africana Studies)

 

 

Register for Celebrate Africa Bear Camp

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