Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
| 1) Q: Do I need a visa to travel to the US? A: Germans are eligible under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel for business or tourism to travel to the US without obtaining a Visa if they meet the requirements of the program. This web site gives complete information about the VWP and the rules and regulations therof. Please read it carefully and make sure that you qualify. http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#travelertype A couple of important notes about eligibility. 1) Please make sure that your passport is in good standing for at least six months after your expected departure date from the US. 2) All non US nationals are required to fill out an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form prior to their travel. It is highly recommended to do this sooner rather than later. More about the ESTA form can be found on the above web site URL or here: |
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| 2) Q: Do I need to receive any special shots or inncoulations prior to my visit to the US? A: No. But as rules and regulations regarding travel constantly change, we highly recommend checking this web site for updated information, especially in light of the H1N1 virus and the changing regulations and information about traveling. |
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| 3) Q: What should I bring with me to the Camp? A: As the weather in South Louisiana can be very changing in October, ranging from 30° Celcius and Sunny to 8° Celcius and rainy, we recommend: * a range of clothes from Summer to Fall styles and a light rain jacket. It is often warm in October, and the humidity can be quite high. But it does rain often as well. Short pants are normal wear on a hot day! * sunscreen. The sun in Louisiana can be quite intense, even in October. It is recommended to use sunscreen for outdoor activities. * mosquito or insect repellent for your body. Louisiana is a water paradise, with swamplands, lakes and rivers. And that usually means lots of mosquitos. The West Nile virus exists in Southern Louisiana. It is contracted through the bite of a mosquito. Although it is not usually a problem, it can be quite serious or fatal for some people. It is recommended that all read the pdf document about West Nile virus at this web site:
* other items that might be considered useful would be musical instruments (we are checking on the amount of luggage the group can bring and should be able to provide good information shortly as to whether you can bring a guitar or other instrument along), ear plugs (lodging is in cabins with four beds to each cabin) |
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| 4) Q:Which language will the teachers at camp be speaking? A: The workshops will mostly be done in English with help for those who need clarification in German. We are trying to organize the programs to be self-explanatory in either language. |
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| 5) Q: What is the lodging like at the Camp?
A: NOTE: There are no private cabins for singles or couples at the camp. Lodging for everyone will be with other participants in a multi bed cottage. There are several cottages at the Campsite. And although the lodging in each ranges from dormitory style cottages (sleeps 6-8) to four bed cottages, all are furnished with cable, wifi, all linens, AC & heat. Most have kitchenettes and/or microwave/refrigerator and private baths. There is a coin laundry facility on site as well. We will try to accomadate special lodging requests regarding rooming and such to the best of our abilities but make no guarantees that every request will be fulfilled. Pictures of the cottages and more info can be found here: |
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| 6) Q: Is their lodging for Handicapped participants?
A: Yes. One or two cottages have handicapped access. |
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| 7) Q: I’ve heard that all Cajun and Creole food is very spicy. Is this true? I don’t like my meals too spicy hot! A: Absolutely not. Cajun and Creole cuisines are very different from each other, and there are varying levels of spices in each dish. Spices in both styles are used to bring out the flavors of the dish, rather than to make it fiery hot. Often a restaurant will have pepper sauce on the table should the patron like their meal a bit spicier. |
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| 8) Q: Will this camp enhance my abilities as a singer?
A: Perhaps, but that is not the focus of the camp. The purpose of the camp is to bring singers from Germany who have an interest in singing Gospel music together with some of the best Gospel choir directors of New Orleans to sing together and experience Gospel music at the source of the well so to speak. |
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| 9) Q: I am not a professional singer and I have the fear that I may not be good enough to sing at the camp. Should I still sign up?
A: Of course! There are no rules about how experienced a singer must be to come and sing and have fun with us. The workshops will mostly be for all experience levels. |
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| 10) Q: Is there any way of attending the camp without paying?
A: No. |
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| 11) Q: What about wild animals?
A: Southern Louisiana is rife with animals of all sorts. Alligators, snakes, raccoons, squirrels, skunks, possum, armadillos and other animals can be found throughout the region. In general, most tend to shy away from people. But when walking in the woods near the campsite, we ask that participants stay alert. Animals can behave defensively if they are surprised. Some of the snakes in Southern Louisiana are venemous, especially the water mocassin or Cottonmouth, which can be found near water sources. These snakes will behave defensively if surprised, but most often will not bite unless the person tries to pick them up or steps on them. We are giving this information, not to scare you away, but to insure that you are informed about the habitat that surrounds the camp. |
