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A SUMMER OF ADVENTURE: RECAPPING PROGRAM 2016
There is something to be said at the end of each summer when we part with our young visitors. A feeling of accomplishment for another successful year, pride in seeing the warm connections the students forge with their peers, hosts and camp colleagues hesitant to let their new friends go back home... all these characterize yet another summer with EERC.
The Romanian students came here to learn something new: how to be a little more focused, more tolerant, and more open minded; to experience an American lifestyle with new friends while sharpening their English language skills; to learn first hand about generosity, giving back, leadership, and initiative.
Did they ever have a chance to be bored? Not ever! Be it at camp (Derby Academy, Hingham; CRCA, Dover; Frank A Day YMCA; Newton Arts Center; Fay School, Southborough), with their hosts, with the program group activities around Boston, or the welcoming party brilliantly hosted by the Balsamos, their schedule was filled to the brim with museum visits, duck tours, neighborhoods visits...
there was always something new to see!
The host families make this experience truly unique by welcoming the students with open arms, and being a second family away from home. Once the summer has come to a close, we are always overjoyed to hear what people have to say!
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We want to thank the EERC team for all your hard work and for making the dreams of these wonderful children come true. We feel fortunate to have been a part of the experience. Our girls were amazing and they will be missed
!
"
"Our house feels very empty but we are so thankful for having such a wonderful experience. Thank you. Your program is fantastic and we look forward to working with you again and helping to spread your message to other families."
"It has truly been a wonderful experience for our whole family. Ioana is a lovely young woman!!! I have also enjoyed getting to know the whole EERC community. Thank you for giving us this opportunity." 
And so, another year went by and we move forward to our 9th summer program. We shape, form, and invest in the younger generation. It takes more
than
just a village to raise a child! Thank you dear friends for taking part in this grand adventure with us.
With deepest gratitude,
The EERC Board
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Seven letters. One word. A thousand feelings. A-M-E-R-I-C-A.
T
here are probably endless things I can say about the experiences and people I have met... I'll just start with the beginning. I still remember when I first walked on American land and I felt overwhelmed. Being far away from home with people I have never met before was both amazing and frightening. For the first couple of days, I couldn't even believe I was in the United States, but as my journey went by, I started to feel at home. The f
irst two weeks I attended an overnight camp, Camp Frank A. Day, on the beautiful shores of Lake Quamquasit, west of Boston. The sunsets on the lake, the campfires, the songs, the people - everything was so enjoyable and full of love. I loved the camp, but, of course, I was not happy that I didn't have my phone!!! At first I was so angry about this, but as days passed by I realized it was a lesson.
The time spent here made me be proud of my country, because we were students from all around the world. I told everyone about our traditions and our people and it was one of the proudest feelings ever.
After the camp ended , I stayed with Joanne and Neil, my host parents to whom I wish to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart for everything they offered me. This time I had my cell phone, but the time zone was still different. Somehow I managed to talk with everyone at home. It was then when I realized how attached I am to my town and my friends there and the strong connection we have.
My host parents were surprised to see me talking with my friends or my family who stayed up all night just for me. While living
with my hosts I took English classes at the EC Boston in Faneuil Hall. The classes were amazing, not only because my teacher was the best (miss you Jenna), but because I was once again with people from all across the world and I learned SO many things from these people and about their countries. It really was an experience that changed my view of the world and it made me wish for more.
As I said, I have thousands of things to say about this experience, what I bought, what places I saw however I would rather focus on the experience itself. Apart from the fact that my English improved a lot, I am now a much more open-minded person, and I have started to appreciate more what I have. I love my country but now I realized I how much I adore it and belong to it. Of course, I like America and I cried when I was in the airport saying the last goodbyes, but nothing can compare to home. I was looking forward to see my family, friends and to share this experience with everyone. While I was in Boston, I felt like I was in Wonderland (coincidence or not, but there is actually a place in Boston called Wonderland). I learned a lot of things and I improved as a person. Because Americans seem so easy going I am trying not to stress about little details but just focus on the important things. I try to see the positive side - that's the point of life.
Thank you, Educational Enrichment for Romanian Children, for giving me this opportunity. I am so grateful I can now say I experienced living in US and I can feel how this experience changed me in better. I wish a more students will have this chance because we need to make the most out of our life and what we have. There are not enough words to explain my gratitude feelings towards EERC and US, they are now a part of my soul. Thank you so much!
Andreea Zsak, Vilcea
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HOW TO HELP EERC
MATCHING:
Ask your company if they have a matching program for volunteer hours and financial donations.
HOST A STUDENT: The best way to become directly involved and make a new friend too!
ORGANIZE:
Organize a fundraising event in your home on behalf of EERC.
VOLUNTEER:
Don't hesitate to help volunteer for EERC; everything helps, and we can use your creativity and individual approach!
USE AMAZON SMILE:
You can designate "Educational Enrichment for Romanian Children" as the charity of your choice.
ROMANIAN SUPPORTERS:
You can direct ANEF 2% to the Aspera / EERC fund.
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Your Contribution to EERC will cover:
$50: medical insurance;
$100: a vaccine; $200: an air chaperone;
$300: a mini grant sponsorship;
$1,400: airfare;
$2,500: camp tuition.
Donate online,
or mail a check to: EERC, PO Box 254, Sudbury, MA, 01776.
Thank You for Your Generosity!
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