The Language of Liberty Institute

LIBERTY ENGLISH CAMP 2007, DAUGAI, LITHUANIA -- About the Camp by Alena Mikhan, Minsk This year the Liberty English Camp took place in Daugai, Lithuania. That is a picturesque, quiet place near a wonderful lake. More than 60 young people from Belarus and Lithuania participated. We got lessons from four different people and on four different subjects – from business and economic matters to human rights and psychology issues. Although we touched on many different topics, their common root was classical liberal ideas. The participants had an opportunity to get acquainted with the Austrian School of economics, the liberty movement, democracy, and human rights. The camp broadened my mental outlook and opened the door to a different world, about whose existence I didn’t have a clue. And what was remarkable – the class sessions were mostly not the academic lectures we are used to at our universities, but a true exchange of thoughts and ideas, where we could express our opinions freely and openly. The teachers just gave us some basic ideas -- sometimes provoked us – and ardent debates followed. Our minds were challenged all the time, as we were given curious facts about the world we live in, and interesting interpretations of current events. So, we were stimulated to ponder and ponder over…… Liberal ideas penetrated not only the content of our studies, but also the way they were organized. More freedom for the “students” and less power for the “teachers” – that is a good recipe for obtaining a good outcome! Organizing the classes this way transfers a lot of knowledge to your head without any difficulty. Another result is that you practice your English not thinking about it. You just talk, concentrating on the theme of the discussion, and … only afterward you realize that no words of your native language appeared in your head during such a long time. It’s amazing! It turns out to be so easy to improve your proficiency in English. And the entertainment! Well, I can’t say the studies were not fun, because they were. But we also had enough free time to spend how we liked – playing, reading, communicating, whatever. This camp was a real paradise for those who like to meet interesting people. There were so many – to chat with, to question, to learn from their experience. The participants exchanged not only classical liberal ideas and English language skills, but information about their different cultures, traditions, habits, characters, and personalities as well. Our energy was immense! We spent all the time actively – playing various games and experiencing diverse activities. Football in the rain and mud (the bad weather couldn’t spoil our mood by any means, only added some peculiarities to our time), night swimming (something new for us) – frisbee, campfires, singing accompanied by guitars, non-stop dancing – all these were part of our camp life. The atmosphere was very friendly and amicable. During that week we made lots of friends, met many people who share our beliefs, and became a real team. Those six days in the camp were like a full life, vivid and memorable. Thanks to the teachers – Andy, Jaroslav, Walter, and Sunni! Due to you, we obtained a real amount of new knowledge and new experience. Likewise, you supplied us with many ideas and materials to think over during the time after the camp. Thanks also to the people who organized the camp and took care of our comfort – Egle, Asta, and their team -- Virgis Daukas, one of the founders -- and Glenn Cripe, the camp director. One final thought -- I think each one of us came home renewed, more educated, more friendly, more experienced, stronger, and inspired to do more in life. Thank you all, guys! The time spent there is unforgettable!

© 2007 - 2008 The Language of Liberty Institute. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.