Dear Future Castle Dwellers,

            The object of this project that we have put together is to get the castle students involved in the community. Americans don't have the best of reputation in Europe, and we thought the best way to represent our country well was to start right here in our very own community of Well. It has been so refreshing to leave our little American Island and to get out and interact with the people who make it possible for us to live here. And what a way to give back to our Dutch town to go out and play!

Through this program, we have made 32 new friends and have spent valuable time interacting with the community. Instead of sitting in the computer lab or in the VB lounge for an hour and a half, we spent time playing games and getting to know these wonderful kids. It is truly a gratifying experience to enter the classroom to 31 smiling eyes, and to know that those eyes are shining because you are there to make their day! Just to be out in the town and have a child smile and call you by name from their bike, that makes your day.

This program is not required, it was purely initiated by students and run by students of the castle. The success it has become, however, something that if continued and built upon by future castle generations, a wonderful addition to the program and curriculum. Ideas and insight of future students could build a program that stays and perhaps even builds a stronger tie between the castle students and the students and families of Well.

Enclosed in this packet is information about what we did at the school and tips and information that could be useful if continued in the future. The most important element that makes the program work, however, is the level of commitment shown by those involved. It is better to have a small committed group then a large group of people that are signed up but dont show up. That can have the opposite effect than what the program is trying to accomplish, it gives us a bad name.

I hope that this program proves to be something valuable for castle experiences to come and that you, as castle students, can experience the joy and satisfaction we have received through it. I can honestly say that some of my best memories that I know I will cherish from this semester have been playing red rover with our new friends, making a child smile or simply even remembering one of their names. To be able to communicate with few words but still making an impact is a beautiful thing. I hope you get the chance to experience it!

Sincerely,

            Liz Edwards

IF INTERESTED, YOU CAN REVIEW THE PACKET WHEN YOU COME TO THE CASTLE