The commission is considering organizing a German language day camp in 2025, a program that has not been offered in over a decade. The meeting emphasized the need for additional volunteers and leadership to ensure the camp’s feasibility. With the subcommittee for the initiative currently reduced to a single member, Carolyn Smith, due to resignations, the commission acknowledged the necessity of finding a coordinator or instructor. Vice Chair Seuth suggested that a budget between $500 and $1,000 be allocated for these roles.

Discussions also centered on assessing community interest in the program. Chair Schmidtz emphasized the importance of gauging demand, while Commissioner Weninger questioned if there was sufficient interest, given existing educational offerings in local schools. Mayor Backer expressed confidence in the community’s appetite for such programs based on past summer activities. The commission agreed on the importance of establishing a minimum number of participants for the camp to be viable and highlighted the need for one or more adults to lead the program. Schmidtz reiterated the necessity of flexibility in structuring the camp according to the new instructors’ vision.

Commissioner Marty Smith and Ellie Sweeney were confirmed to be on the subcommittee, with the possibility of recruiting additional members. The holiday season was acknowledged as a potential obstacle for securing commitments, possibly extending planning into January. Weninger proposed using a lifestyle section in the local journal to gauge interest in the German camp, which would serve as a cost-effective means to engage the community. The commission recognized that collaboration with local media would be essential for promoting their initiatives.

Alongside camp planning, the commission is promoting its host exchange program, which is open for applications until the end of December. A presentation during the meeting featured a cultural exchange video created by Newcat and Gary Clemi, who described the video as a condensed version of a longer piece, aimed at engaging students. The video highlights the experiences of over 35 young participants since 1988 in various fields such as manufacturing, education, banking, and museums. It is intended to be shared with students through school counselors, featuring a QR code for easy access.

The commission expressed enthusiasm for the promotional video, despite some technical issues in the latest draft. Clemi suggested potential improvements to enhance the visual appeal, such as including images of commission members and notable sites like Neuschwanstein Castle. The commission showed strong support for the video, with a motion to publish the enhanced version once finalized passing unanimously.

Following the video discussion, the meeting addressed the publicity efforts for the exchange program. Information had been sent to various schools and colleges and posted on the city’s website and social media platforms to ensure broad outreach. The commission also discussed forming a subcommittee to generate ideas for the annual recognition award, emphasizing the importance of diverse nominations.