About Masse Moro
Masse Moro has a rich history and has provided an ever-evolving and engaging program to youth since 1979! That's over 30 years - Tenk på det!
Masse Moro is a Norwegian Heritage camp specifically created with a focus on sharing the history, arts, and rich culture of Norway with our youth. While there is a language component to our program, it is not a language immersion camp. Our camp is located on the Beaver Creek Nature Reserve in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, which we feel is the perfect setting as Norwegians are known for their appreciation of the outdoors and the natural environment.
What campers can expect when they come to Masse Moro is to let go of their American culture for two weeks and learn about the culture of Norway. It's a great opportunity for them to take a break from technology and video games, and to make new friends and learn about another culture. Campers will participate in a set of daily activities which include learning Norwegian camp songs, taking a Norwegian vocabulary class suited to their ability level, team sports like soccer, exposure to a variety of traditional Norwegian folk arts, and Viking sports which culminate in the Viking Olympics at the end of the camp session.
Every day, campers gather together to raise and lower the Norwegian flag and will learn the Norwegian National Anthem. We also encourage cleanliness and respect for the environment and teach the campers how to keep their bunk and cabin tidy, as well as learning how to help with kitchen duty. Another great feature of our program is that campers have many opportunities to share their personal talents, whether it be through leadership, the performing arts, or athletic ability. We encourage our campers to explore their personal skills and to share them with our community. The Masse Moro program is centered around a regular daily schedule which allows the campers to get the very most out of their experience at camp. But don't worry, there is time every day for rest and relaxation as well as fun outdoors! To see a sample of our daily Timeplan, please click here!
In addition to these daily activities, campers will also learn about Norwegian history through creative evening programs, take imaginary tours of Norwegian museums and monuments, listen to popular and traditional Norwegian music, learn about the significance of holidays and special cultural events, sample Norwegian cuisine, and learn about current events happening in Norway today!
Our program seeks to enrich a child's knowledge of the culture of Norway, so it stands to reason that many of our campers are of Norwegian decent and participate in camp to experience their heritage in a hands-on atmosphere. While we strongly encourage persons of Norwegian decent to attend our camp, this is not a requirement for acceptance to our program. All are welcome!
Sons of Norway membership is also not a requirement to attend our camp, but one of the many great benefits of membership is tuition assistance for the Masse Moro program. The money you could potentially save in tuition for sending one child to our camp for one session would be enough to cover annual membership dues for approximately the next 5 years, so it is certainly something to be considered. Membership would also allow your family the opportunity to expand on your child's experiences at camp by participating in Sons of Norway events year round in your area, including the Youth Activities Program, or the Cultural Skills and Sports Medals programs!
Learn more about membership and events in your area by calling your local lodge! For information on becomming a member of a Sons of Norway Lodge in your area, please visit www.sofn.com
The Masse Moro Norwegian Heritage Camp is sponsored by Sons of Norway District 5. To learn more about "The Friendly Fifth" district, please visit their website at www.sonsofnorway5.com
To learn more about our program, including how to apply, please see the "Information for Parents" tab!
Testimonials
"Masse Moro was a new experience for me, and I enjoyed it immensely!"
~"Diedre" - Camper
"The immersion in Norse mythology I experienced in preparing for storytelling at camp led me to my avocation as a professional storyteller and author. Since those first days at Masse Moro, I have ... written five books on Norse mythology--including two collections of original short stories ... without Masse Moro I doubt any of this would have happened."
~Douglas A Rossman, Storyteller and long-time Volunteer
"Participating in camp year after year invigorates my connection to my heritage! It is such a gift to be able to share this amazing program with so many lucky kids from all across the country! One of the best things about camp is that you truly do make life long friends, and you belong to the Masse Moro family forever. Once you experience Masse Moro, you will want to return! I guess that's why our campers continue to come back as volunteers and staff!"
~Kaia Ellis, Camp Administrator