Alliance Française Summer CampCo-Directors:
Hollie Babin &
Frederique/Frenchie Leiritz
Phone:
Hollie: 239-4545
Frederique: 360-6499
E-mail: frenchie@bresnan.net
Holliebabin@hotmail.com



Accommodations: Camp Watanopa, owned by Camp Fire, Inc., Ponderosa Council of Missoula, is located on Georgetown Lake near historic Philipsburg, Montana in the beautiful Pintlar Mountain area. It has six sleeping cabins with 10-14 beds (5-7 bunks) in each, two small buildings, and a dining hall. Campers must supply their own warm sleeping bags or blankets and pillows.

Cuisine: Becoming acquainted with French cuisine is an important cultural experience for many campers. Previous years' specialties of poulet rôti, boeuf bourguignon, quiche, ratatouille, crêpes, mousse au chocolat, tarte aux pommes, and pêche melba have been met with enthusiasm.

Activities: Campers will learn and practice French as they enjoy outdoor and class activities including swimming, boating, hiking, singing, African drumming, arts and crafts, drama, dancing, volleyball, soccer, and French games including Pétanque. Each day begins with the raising of the French flag and singing of La Marseillaise, and evening activities include French songs, skits, and organized games and contests such as a relay/fashion show. Special evenings include a mardi-gras or other cultural celebration.

Staff: Our large and dedicated volunteer staff includes current and retired French teachers, native French speakers, and university students. We employ a professional cook and a certified lifeguard. Our core group includes: Co-Director Frederique Leiritz, a native French speaker and business owner in Missoula; Co-Director Hollie Babin, a Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Montana French department and School of Education; Cindy Green, French teacher at Big Sky High School in Missoula who has directed camp in previous years; and camp administrator Sue Talbot, who has an M.A. in French, many years experience teaching, extensive travel in France, and served for many years as Consul Honoraire de France for the State of Montana and President of the Missoula Chapter of the Alliance Française.