Canada is known for its beauty, friendliness, cultural diversity, and welcoming atmosphere. Many aspects of Canada’s reputation came about as a result of the country’s unique and rich history. Although Canada is a fairly young country, celebrating its 150th birthday this year in 2017, the history of the land extends for thousands of years. Before being settled by Europeans, indigenous First Nations peoples had been living on Canadian soil for many years.

To this day, Canada celebrates the diversity of its people including First Nations, immigrants from other countries, Francophone Canadiens, and Anglophone Canadians. The value of acceptance that is deeply ingrained into Canada’s culture creates a unique environment for students from all over the world.

Are you considering Canada as the ideal destination for your child to study English this coming summer? Read on to discover three interesting facts about Canada your child may learn at English summer camp!

1. Kids at English Summer Camp Will Know Canada’s Name Was a Misunderstanding

Students in English summer camp can take a lesson from the French explorer, Jacques Cartier, about how important understanding other languages is. Between the years of 1534 and 1542, Cartier made three separate trips across the Atlantic Ocean to claim Canada’s land for France. Cartier is responsible for bringing the first traces of French culture to Canada, where French is now one the two official languages.

While visiting North America, Cartier misunderstood the Indigenous Peoples when they spoke of “Kanata”. Kanata means village or settlement. He believed they were referring to the entire country’s area, not an individual settlement. As a result, Cartier began referring to the entire land as Canada. Early European settlers quickly adopted the name, and it has endured ever since.

Canada’s name formed from a misunderstanding of the Indigenous word “Kanata”

2. During Language Camp, Your Child Will Learn Canada Has Only Had a Flag for 50 Years

The Canadian flag is an iconic symbol. Red and white with a bold red maple leaf right in the middle. Although Canadians have been using maple trees to produce the beloved Canadian maple syrup for quite some time, it wasn’t until about 50 years ago in 1965 Canada received an official flag with the maple leaf on it!

In 1964 the Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, assembled a committee to address the fact that Canada, nearing 100 years of age, still didn’t have an official flag. The flag was designed by a devout Canadian, George Stanley, and made its debut on February 15 1965. Now students in ESL summer programs in Canada can look forward to waving Canada’s official flag!

3. During Language Camp, Your Child Will Learn Canada Was Founded in 1867

Canada as an official country was born on July 1st 1867. However, it all started three years earlier in 1864 when representatives from Nova Scotia, the Province of Canada (which is now Quebec and Ontario), and New Brunswick got together to agree to establish a new country. After coming to agreements about how the provinces would be divided and how governance at the federal and provincial levels would be conducted, the British North America Act was passed in 1867 forming the Dominion of Canada. The anniversary was originally called Dominion Day, but today it is officially known as Canada Day, celebrated every year on July 1st.

Students can celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday this summer!

Children visiting Canada for language camp this summer may get the unique chance to partake in Canada’s 150th birthday festivities! Your child can celebrate Canada’s wonderful history by taking part in fun activities like fireworks and concerts Ottawa is putting on for the historic anniversary!

It’s never been a better time for your child to learn English in Canada! Are you interested in enrolling yours in language camp?

Contact Destination Canada today to learn more!