This July and August, Jonas Salk Middle School hosted 130 international middle school students for an educational multicultural summer camp organized by Old Bridge’s partner, the non-profit student exchange organization IPERC. Forty Old Bridge middle and high school students served as volunteer “American Ambassadors,” each leading their own small groups of visiting Chinese students in hands-on, collaborative activities across a variety of classes taught by Old Bridge teachers, including business, sports, social studies, ESL, STEM, math, music and art.
Students also participated in field trips to Princeton University, Bell Works, and Sandy Hook Park, and bonded over many a pick-up basketball game and choreographed dance routine. Though language and cultural barriers were present, they proved no match for the enthusiasm of Old Bridge staff and students, whose hospitality was on full display.
Old Bridge has long been dedicated to promoting multicultural awareness and global citizenship, and this camp was a wonderful opportunity to bring those values into practice. The friendships formed, leadership skills developed, and memories created will stay with both our students and our international guests for years to come. We look forward to continuing these partnerships and creating even more opportunities for our students to learn, lead, and connect with the world.