By Fritz Busch, NU Journal

Youth age 13 and under concluded a week studying the German language and culture at Martin Luther College (MLC) with a program Friday for parents and friends. (Photo: Glockenspiel in New Ulm, Minnesota)

Students from New Ulm, surrounding communities and a former New Ulmite now living in Maple Grove, learned German greetings, introductions, days of the week, months of the year, counting, body parts, and colors among other things.

New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht thanked youth for participating and gave them small German flags.

"We hope you had fun and have a chance to apply for the Hans-Joohs Cultural Exchange Program that would allow you to spend up to 12 weeks in Ulm and Neu Ulm, Germany," Albecht said.
"It's a great, great honor to be a part of the exchange program," Albrecht added.

The exchange program allows young adults following a career track to combine education, practical work experience, and foreign language skills in another country.

Participants live with one or more host families.
Kurt Wittmershaus, MLC Dean of Education who is in his 11th year as German Camp instructor, said the camp is challenging but can be rewarding.

"We hope to encourage children to learn the German language and culture in a meaningful way. Youth are encouraged to come to the camp more than once, which helps the knowledge sink in," Wittmershaus said.

"I'm encouraged by the number of students who still want to learn the German language and culture," he added.

Wittmershaus received the Sister Cities Commission (SCC) 2008 Recognition Award for conducting the camp, sponsored by the SCC, for a decade and for six years service as a Sister Cities commissioner.

The New Ulm Sister Cities Commission accepts applications for the program on a continual basis.

Individuals interested in applying should contact the commission through the City Manager's office at 507-359-8233.
Successful candidates must have strong language skills.

Fritz Busch - Journal Staff Writer