Summer English Camp wraps up at Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • By 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 20 Wolf Pack Airmen participated in this year's Summer English Camp in nearby Gunsan City from July 27 to August 14.

The English Camp, which happens twice a year, allows military members stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, to travel to the local schools and assist the school teachers in teaching English.

The volunteers, who were informed through e-mail or word-of-mouth returned for three weeks straight and participated in the classes. For many of the volunteers the reasons for doing it varied but the outcome was still the same.

"I enjoy working with kids," said Airman 1st Class Leonila Celestino, 8th Operations Group client support administrator. "I always have and always will. When I get out of the military I want to become an elementary teacher. When this opportunity came about I jumped on it."

During the camp, the volunteers would assist in a variety of activities and games.

"We taught some English through games and helped out with words in different contexts," said Staff Sgt. Edwin Commet, 8th Maintenance Squadron munitions inspector. "The students were already familiar with English and our main job, I would say, was to help with the pronunciation of the words."
The work was fulfilling for the volunteers and very helpful to the Korean school teachers as well.

"The American volunteers helped in many ways," said Da Young Kang, Elementary school teacher. "They were able to better explain the English words the students were learning. They were also able to share some American culture with the students. I hope more volunteers come back for the camps in the future."

All of the students participating in the English Camp also got a base tour which included seeing the military working dogs, the fire department and an F-16 Fighting Falcon static display.

Though the camp has ended, it's an experience many of the volunteers won't forget.

"I would volunteer for the program again in a heartbeat," said Sergeant Commet. "I have already made some plans with some teachers around the area to help out with their regular classes. This is such an amazing experience anyone who can, should take advantage of volunteering in the program."

Though the summer camp has ended, Wolf Pack Airmen who would like to take advantage of this volunteer opportunity should contact Mrs. Song for the winter English camp.