Testimonials
PARENTS PRAISE CASA’S SUMMER CAMP
This year’s camp was excellent in every way! My kids had an outstanding time and cannot wait to
return. I know they were sad it was over. What a special and precious place and opportunity this was.
Thank you for all your time and effort. We can’t wait to do it again next year!
— Elizabeth Kincannon
I wanted to extend our gratitude to the entire Casa Italia staff. This was the first year my children
attended the camp, and they loved it. They very much looked forward to going to camp every day.
The camp was very well organized, the itinerary was well thought out and the immersion approach
really helped the children learn. The counselors spoke impeccable Italian, were very attentive to the
children and kept them busy with fun activities all day. The dedication and enthusiasm that ALL of the
staff brought to the camp was evident, and we are grateful for that.
— The Ohm Family
I was blown away by how well the staff took care of our children during the summer Italian immersion
camp. The counselors were super enthusiastic, energetic and their Italian skills are excellent. My
children are more interested in speaking Italian with me at home now, and they can’t wait for next
summer to attend this same camp again. A million thanks to the entire staff, including Nancy in the
administrative office.
— Daniela Norton
My usually very picky daughter doesn’t eat a lot of things, but she told me she ate the lunches and
now is willing to try foods she didn’t eat before Italian camp! Mille grazie from this grateful mama!
— Angelina Russo
When I saw (Casa Chairman) Ron Onesti at the conclusion of the camp, I thought, “How wonderful to
see him so integrated into the preservation of our Italian culture.” I now understand that the food was
donated by Ron. We are so grateful for the well-rounded and nutritious meals afforded by Ron’s
generosity. Every day, I sent the children to camp knowing that their learning would be supported with
great food, expertly and lovingly prepared. And when I picked them up, they were cheery and bright
and passionate about learning Italian in a fun, immersive way.
— Jennifer Maniscalco
As you know already, we love Casa Italia! We miss many of the old faces, but we also welcomed the
structured environment and program this year. Everything was wonderful. My children enjoyed the
food, activity and company. Fresh meals are always a plus, and we are very thankful for Ron and all
his efforts. My kids enjoyed all that was prepared for them. Nancy receives our endless praise, as she
truly treats you like family! Leonora and her staff were wonderful. Mille Grazie!
— Dr. Lisa Biancalana-Marsh
My children (ages 7 and 5) LOVED the summer program at Casa Italia. After the first day, they asked if they could come back to the camp every summer. As a parent of Italian descent, it was amazing to see my children learn and love the Italian culture, language, food, music and arts. They enjoyed being outdoors with their “Italian villages” and loved the counselors that were there to teach and support them everyday. They would tell me the food was delicious; they especially loved making pizzas with Davide and Lucy. At the end of the day, they were always excited and happy to tell me all about their day at camp! We are so happy that we have found Casa Italia and the amazing summer program! We are looking forward to another fun two weeks!
— Rena McMahon
So many of us wish and dream we were fluent in multiple languages and as an educator, I know starting young is the best way to make that happen. Being able to send my 4 and 6 year olds to Casa Italia’s language camp last summer was a true blessing! They learned language, culture, dance, cooking, gardening, and the traditions of Italy in a fully immersive environment. The quality of instruction from Concordia Language Villages is fabulous and being able to offer my kids their expertise right here in the Chicago area is a wonderful benefit! We look forward to participating in Casa Italia’s summer camp again and again and again!
— Libby Robertson Kincannon
I’ll be sending both of my daughters (ages 6 and 4) to camp this summer. My oldest daughter had a wonderful time last year and still sings some of the songs she learned, and my youngest daughter can’t wait for her first chance to attend!
— Brigit Goudie
The Italian immersion camp at Casa Italia was an enjoyable and educational experience for my children. They learned the Italian language and culture through play-based learning so they looked forward to going each day. I spoke some Italian to my kids at home, but they never responded or showed interest until after your two-week camp. Casa Italia’s summer camp made learning Italian fun!
— Kira Izzo-Famartino
I cannot say enough about the wonderful things that happen at Casa Italia! My children have attended their language sessions for years and we have been fortunate to engage in the yearly summer camp now under the direction of the Concordia Language Villages. It is such an amazing retreat! The camp is done in full immersion and it is astonishing how quickly the children catch on. Learning Italian is just the tip of the iceberg. They learn so many things, from Italian culture, history, cooking, table etiquette, performing arts, gardening, bocce, arts and crafts, basketball, soccer, etc. The list is endless. My children love going on nature walks and exploring the beautiful grounds of Casa Italia and their absolute favorite is the giant water slide that cools them down on hot days. I have never witnessed such an amazing summer camp! My children are embraced by the staff as if they were family. If you’re looking for a two-week passport to Italy for your little one without ever leaving the Chicago area, this is it! Give them the gift of language, community, culture and long-lasting friendships through an abundance of magical moments and memories forged at Casa Italia!
— Dr. Lisa Biancalana-Marsh