Phillie Phanatic and Lac du Bois (camp): Difference between pages
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[[Image:Phillies Phanatic.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The Phillie Phanatic makes an appearance during the Phillies-Tigers Spring Training game at [[Bright House Networks Field]] in [[Clearwater, Florida]] on March 11, 2007.]] |
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'''Lac du Bois''' ("Lake in the Woods" in [[French language|French]]) is a French language and culture program at the [[Concordia Language Villages]] based in [[Minnesota]]. As with the other Concordia Language Village programs, it is a [[language immersion]]-based program. |
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The '''Phillie Phanatic''' is the official mascot of the [[Philadelphia Phillies]] [[Major League Baseball]] team. |
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== General Program Content == |
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The Lac du Bois immersion program spans pre-school to adult learners. The program emphasizes French culture, both in [[France]] and throughout the Francophone world. Countries explored include [[Belgium]], [[Switzerland]], [[Canada]] ([[Quebec]]), [[sub-Saharan Africa]] (ex. [[Cameroon]], [[Mali]], [[Ivory Coast]], [[Senegal]]), [[Northern Africa]] (Le Maghreb), the [[United States]] (Louisiana and Maine), [[Vietnam]], the [[Caribbean]], and the [[Pacific Islands]] (Tahiti). Village programs include music, games, traditions, film, clothes, and food from all regions. A villager might listen to [[Raï|rai]] music from North Africa, eat [[boeuf bourgignon]], play in a "world cup" soccer game, learn to play an African drum [[djembe]], make [[fondue]], and participate in a [[Mardi Gras]] celebration, all in French. |
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A fat furry green creature with a cylindrical beak containing a tongue that sticks out, he was created by Harrison/Erickson of New York City (now known as Acme Mascots), who have had ties with [[Jim Henson]]'s [[Muppets]] and the team's marketing and promotions department during the winter after the 1977 season by a young executive named [[Dennis Lehman]], who thought that the team needed a mascot similar to [[San Diego, California|San Diego]]'s [[The Famous Chicken|Famous Chicken]]. Instead of a number on the back of his uniform shirt he wears a star. |
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Lac du Bois is a total immersion program, and (with exceptions for emergencies) counsellors and staff communicate exclusively in French. At the beginning of the program, villagers go through a simulated customs process and choose Francophone names, which are used during their stay. Currency is also exchanged (using an exchange rate which is fixed throughout the camp's duration) into [[euro]]s, which are used at camp stores. |
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The character is named for the fanatical fans of the team after an incident during the third game of the [[1977 National League Championship Series]] played at [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia's]] [[Veterans Stadium]], in which fans drove [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] pitcher [[Burt Hooton]] into losing his composure after he complained to umpire [[Bob Engel]] over balls and strikes (he was removed from the game, but the Dodgers went on to win the game, and ultimately, the series). Another reason he was created, according to current owner and former team vice president [[Bill Giles (baseball)|Bill Giles]] was to bring more families to The Vet, as some of the more inebriated fans were involved in various fights when the team was doing well or poorly.<ref name="Red White and Green">{{cite web|url=http://www.whyy.org/learninglab/archive.htmlred|title="Phanatic! A Phanumentary"|accessdate=2007-03-06|accessyear=2007}} A student film produced for the whyy.org web site in 2006</ref> The Phanatic replaced a pair of siblings dressed in 18th century garb named "Philadelphia Phil and Philadelphia Phillis", who were in the team logo from 1976 through 1978, and were part of the team's "Home Run Spectacular" at The Vet from 1971 through 1979. |
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In his book ''Pouring Six Beers At A Time'', Giles wrote of the worst decision of his life when it came to the creation of the Phanatic. The design would cost $5,200 ([[United States dollar|US]]) for both the costume and the copyright ownership, or $3,900 just for the costume with Harrison/Erickson retaining the copyright. Giles chose to just buy the costume. Five years later, when Giles and his group of investors bought the team from Ruly Carpenter, the franchise paid $250,000 to Harrison/Erickson for the copyright. |
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Lac du Bois staff come from all over the United States and the French speaking world. Business and meetings within the village are conducted exclusively in French. Since all staff members are successful [[second language]] learners themselves, whether they are native French or English speakers, they are able to provide an empathetic, patient, supportive and challenging environment for villagers learning their first foreign language. |
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All the Lac du bois staff are a good resource for the credit villagers. They are always willing to help if one doesn't understand, and they are approchable. Many of them only speak French, so one must learn how to explain oneself even if one doesn't know the exact words to use. |
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The Phanatic debuted on April 25, 1978 at The Vet when the Phils played the [[Chicago Cubs]]. Since then, he was given the title "baseball's best mascot" by sports analyst and former Phillies player [[Tim McCarver]], who was the person who formally introduced the Phanatic on the "[[Captain Noah and His Magical Ark]]" show on [[WPVI]]-TV as he did promotional work for the team as a side from being the "designated catcher" for [[Steve Carlton]]. The Phanatic was originally portrayed by Dave Raymond, who was then working as an intern in the team's front office, for fifteen years, from 1978 to 1993. Raymond's father is retired college football hall of fame coach [[Harold "Tubby" Raymond]] at the [[University of Delaware]]. The elder Raymond was once quoted "I used to be known as the head football coach of the Fighting Blue Hens but now I will forever be known as the father of a green transvestite!" Also, the Phanatic was voted 'best mascot ever' by ''[[Sports Illustrated for Kids]]'' and ''[[Sports Illustrated]]''. |
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==Program Types== |
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Lac du Bois offers one week exploratory sessions, two week in depth discovery programs, and four week high school credit programs. Four week credit villagers can earn either the equivalent of one year of high school French or one class of college credit. These intensive courses are somewhat non-traditional since they are conducted in a camp environment and the time is highly condensed. Credit is given by [[Concordia College (Minnesota)|Concordia College]], which sponsors the Concordia Language Village program. |
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{{As of|2008}}, Tom Burgoyne serves as the Phanatic's "best friend". The Phanatic rides around on an [[All-terrain vehicle|ATV]], being the first professional mascot to do so, on the artificial turf of The Vet, and now, with regular tires, on the grass at [[Citizens Bank Park]]. The Phillie Phanatic is one of the most popular and most easily recognized mascots in all of sports. He has a [[Japan]]ese counterpart from the [[Hiroshima Carp]] named Slyly. In 2005, Raymond founded the [[Mascot Hall of Fame]], and the Phanatic was inducted as a charter member of the Class of 2005. Burgoyne has written five children's books featuring the Phanatic that the team has published since 2003. |
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== Locations == |
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One week before the Phillies had their 2006 opener, the Phanatic was "dyed" red as part of the team's week-long promotion to "Paint the Town Red" as he was "dipped into a special paint" made by a team sponsor - [[MAB Paints]] - and was changed from green to red. He returned to his regular color in time for the season opener on April 3 of that year. This was repeated for the 2007 season, as he became red at a Philadelphia Fire Department station (with help from his backup, Matt Mailor in the green outfit) to help raise funds for [[smoke alarm]]s in Philadelphia, and over $4,000 was raised. On April 2nd, he returned to his green hue in time for the opener. This was repeated, starting March 24th, 2008, as the theme (that season) of "Paint the Town Red Week" was volunteerism. |
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=== Permanent Site === |
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[[Image:LacDuBois01.jpg|thumb|300px|right|An entertaining and daily source of amusement.]][[Image:LacDuBoisEiffelTower.jpg|thumb|left|Lac du Bois Bemidji has a to-scale model of the Eiffel Tower.]]The permanent Lac du Bois site is located on Turtle River Lake with several other Language Villages (Skogfjorden, Salolampi, El Lago del Bosque, Lesnoe Ozero, [[Waldsee]]) near [[Bemidji]], Minnesota. The site is designed to be as authentically French as possible, with French style architecture, including three sets of cabins named [[Corse]], [[Bretagne]] and [[Provence]] and with details that reflect the appropriate region of France. The cabins themselves are named after major cities within those [[provinces]]. The main building is called [[Paris]]. There is also a regulation [[petanque]] or [[boules]] court, and a small store that sells authentic European candy and treats. |
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During their stay, villagers and staff enjoy culturally authentic food as well as entertaining shows, while learning French during the day. A picture of one of these shows is included to the right. |
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He appeared in the [[closing credits]] of the film ''[[Rocky Balboa (film)|Rocky Balboa]]'' (2006). |
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A new addition to the Bemidji site is a traditional African Round House, called a "[[Boukarou]]". |
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For activities leading up to the 2009 season opener against the [[Atlanta Braves]] on [[April 6]]th, there will be an assortment of {{convert|5|ft|m}} tall fiberglass statues painted by artists with all monies raised going to Phillies' Charities.<ref>[http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/community/paint_phanatic.jsp Phillies Community Relations web page]</ref> |
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This is an [[Concordia Language Village Evergreen Award]] presented to Karen "Nicole" Anderson, a longtime Dean of Lac du Bois, for 25 years of service to the organization. |
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==== Camp Holiday ==== |
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==Trademark pranks and activities== |
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Located near [[Hackensack, Minnesota]], Camp Holiday is the oldest site still being leased by [[Concordia Language Villages]]. The Camp Holiday site was originally a camp for girls built in the 1930s and many of its buildings still date from that era. The pristine lakes and traditional camp feel of Lac du Bois, Hackensack (as the program is sometimes called) offers a home to many villagers and staff summer after summer. |
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* He ritually taunts the visiting team, dancing provocatively in front of their dugout, and smashing or stomping on an object, such as a batting helmet, representing the team. |
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* Standing on the roof of the Phillies dugout, he leads the crowd in attempts to "hex" the opposing pitcher, which led to the short-lived "Whammy Hand" used in the [[2007 National League Division Series]] against the [[Colorado Rockies]]. |
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* Occasionally he takes pitching practice in the bullpen. This is announced on the stadium video screen. |
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* During pre-game practice, he has been known to steal fielders' gloves and throw them to fans. |
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* The Phanatic had a favorite umpire in the late [[Eric Gregg]], and would greet him enthusiastically on the field when Gregg was in charge. |
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The geography of Camp Holiday includes two hills (previously known as, and sometimes still referred to as, Senior and Junior hills) which are called respectively France and Franco. The cabins on France correspond to cities in [[France]] and those on Franco correspond to cities in the greater French-speaking world. It is located between Mann and Baby Lakes with part of the main road separating the two by just a few yards. Of all the Concordia sites, it has the most waterfront. |
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==Phun Phacts== |
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''From the Phillies Marketing Department.'' |
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The program at Hackensack is known for its emphasis on Francophone cultures, particularly those of West Africa as well as an emphasis on nature, pioneering the Aventure Nature program which incorporates canoeing and outdoor living skills as well as French language curriculum. |
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*'''Height:''' {{convert|6|ft|m}} |
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*'''Weight:''' {{convert|300|lb|kg}} (mostly fat) |
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*'''Waistline:''' {{convert|90|in|cm}} |
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*'''"Birthplace":''' [[Galapagos Islands]] |
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*'''Physical Defects:''' Overweight, clumsy feet, extra-long beak, curled up tongue, gawking neck, slight case of body odor |
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*'''Mom:''' Pheobe |
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*'''Best Friend:''' Phyllis |
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*'''Favorite Foods:''' [[Soft pretzels]], [[hoagie]]s, [[cheesesteak]]s and [[Tastykake]]s |
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*'''Favorite Movie:''' ''[[Rocky]]'' |
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*'''Favorite Song:''' ''[[Motownphilly]]'' by [[Boyz II Men]] (and ''[[Take Me Out To The Ballgame]]'', of course!) |
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*'''Most Memorable Moment:''' Riding down Broad Street in the [[1980 World Series]] Championship Parade |
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Lac du Bois, Hackensack-Holiday is the longest running French site of Concordia. It has also hosted the early Italian Program "Lago del Bosco". |
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==Notable Events== |
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==== New Ebenezer Retreat Center ==== |
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Los Angeles Dodgers manager [[Tommy Lasorda]] famously assaulted the Phillie Phanatic during a nationally televised game after the Phanatic stomped on a life sized dummy donned with Lasorda's uniform. |
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The [[Savannah, Georgia]] location which features full air-conditioning and a swimming pool. Lac du Bois, Savannah creates a full village experience, holding mayoral elections and running a camp newspaper. |
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=== Leased Sites === |
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The Phanatic also has the dubious distinction of being the most sued mascot in sports. Most notably, the Phillies had to pay a judgment of $2.5 million to a man at a paint store event when the Phanatic jumped the patron with a rough-house bear hug, sustaining him with serious back injuries. |
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There are other Lac du Bois sites that are not permanent (the longest running Lac du Bois is hosted by Camp Holiday). These consist of traditional camps around Minnesota as well as one in [[Savannah, Georgia]]. Though the buildings do not offer the same architectural representation of the francophone world, the programs offered at each of these sites follows the same philosophy of language and culture immersion that is part of the Lac du Bois celebrated tradition. A fourth camp, in [[Fosston, Minnesota]] formerly was used for French instruction but is now used for [[Italian language|Italian]]. |
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=== French Abroad === |
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His head was stolen |
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French students may also choose to study French abroad in France as part of Concordia Language Villages' French program. |
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=== Village Weekends=== |
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Hosted at [[Skogfjorden]]'s permanent site outside [[Bemidji, Minnesota]], the French Language Village offers short term programs for school groups and teachers. This program (formerly called mini-programs or mini-weekends) has welcomed eager learners of French for exploratory weekends throughout the academic year since the early 1970s. Each year a new theme is explored in depth through music, art, meals, skits and of course French. Though the Lac du Bois magic of the summer program lives on through these Village Weekends, the structure and activities are geared towards groups of students rather than individuals. Past themes have included ''l'Acadie'', ''le Maroc'', ''le Sud de la France'', ''le Moyen Age'', ''la Revolution Francaise'', ''l'Afrique'' and ''les Caraibes''. Village Weekends host school groups from across the country who are interested in short term experiences in language and culture within the United States. |
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{{portalpar|Philadelphia|Libertybell alone small.jpg}} |
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* [[List of Major League Baseball mascots]] |
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* [[Mascot Hall of Fame]] |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/french Concordia Language Villages French programs page] |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==See also== |
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* [[Concordia Language Villages]] |
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* [http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/phi/community/phi_community_phanatic.jsp Phanatic profile, from the official Phillies website] |
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* [http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/stories/2002-07-25-phillie-phanatic_x.htm From USA Today], about the donation of a Phanatic outfit to the [[Baseball Hall of Fame]]. |
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* [http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/atm-qa-200810.html The Woman Behind Miss Piggy - Smithsonian Magazine], an interview with Bonnie Erickson |
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[[Category:Concordia Language Villages]] |
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{{Philadelphia Phillies|width=100}} |
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[[Category:Mascot Hall of Fame]] |
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[[Category:Philadelphia Phillies]] |
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[[Category:Sports in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] |
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Revision as of 15:46, 13 October 2008
Lac du Bois ("Lake in the Woods" in French) is a French language and culture program at the Concordia Language Villages based in Minnesota. As with the other Concordia Language Village programs, it is a language immersion-based program.
General Program Content
The Lac du Bois immersion program spans pre-school to adult learners. The program emphasizes French culture, both in France and throughout the Francophone world. Countries explored include Belgium, Switzerland, Canada (Quebec), sub-Saharan Africa (ex. Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Senegal), Northern Africa (Le Maghreb), the United States (Louisiana and Maine), Vietnam, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands (Tahiti). Village programs include music, games, traditions, film, clothes, and food from all regions. A villager might listen to rai music from North Africa, eat boeuf bourgignon, play in a "world cup" soccer game, learn to play an African drum djembe, make fondue, and participate in a Mardi Gras celebration, all in French.
Lac du Bois is a total immersion program, and (with exceptions for emergencies) counsellors and staff communicate exclusively in French. At the beginning of the program, villagers go through a simulated customs process and choose Francophone names, which are used during their stay. Currency is also exchanged (using an exchange rate which is fixed throughout the camp's duration) into euros, which are used at camp stores.
Staff
Lac du Bois staff come from all over the United States and the French speaking world. Business and meetings within the village are conducted exclusively in French. Since all staff members are successful second language learners themselves, whether they are native French or English speakers, they are able to provide an empathetic, patient, supportive and challenging environment for villagers learning their first foreign language. All the Lac du bois staff are a good resource for the credit villagers. They are always willing to help if one doesn't understand, and they are approchable. Many of them only speak French, so one must learn how to explain oneself even if one doesn't know the exact words to use.
Program Types
Lac du Bois offers one week exploratory sessions, two week in depth discovery programs, and four week high school credit programs. Four week credit villagers can earn either the equivalent of one year of high school French or one class of college credit. These intensive courses are somewhat non-traditional since they are conducted in a camp environment and the time is highly condensed. Credit is given by Concordia College, which sponsors the Concordia Language Village program.
Locations
Permanent Site
The permanent Lac du Bois site is located on Turtle River Lake with several other Language Villages (Skogfjorden, Salolampi, El Lago del Bosque, Lesnoe Ozero, Waldsee) near Bemidji, Minnesota. The site is designed to be as authentically French as possible, with French style architecture, including three sets of cabins named Corse, Bretagne and Provence and with details that reflect the appropriate region of France. The cabins themselves are named after major cities within those provinces. The main building is called Paris. There is also a regulation petanque or boules court, and a small store that sells authentic European candy and treats.
During their stay, villagers and staff enjoy culturally authentic food as well as entertaining shows, while learning French during the day. A picture of one of these shows is included to the right.
A new addition to the Bemidji site is a traditional African Round House, called a "Boukarou". This is an Concordia Language Village Evergreen Award presented to Karen "Nicole" Anderson, a longtime Dean of Lac du Bois, for 25 years of service to the organization.
Camp Holiday
Located near Hackensack, Minnesota, Camp Holiday is the oldest site still being leased by Concordia Language Villages. The Camp Holiday site was originally a camp for girls built in the 1930s and many of its buildings still date from that era. The pristine lakes and traditional camp feel of Lac du Bois, Hackensack (as the program is sometimes called) offers a home to many villagers and staff summer after summer.
The geography of Camp Holiday includes two hills (previously known as, and sometimes still referred to as, Senior and Junior hills) which are called respectively France and Franco. The cabins on France correspond to cities in France and those on Franco correspond to cities in the greater French-speaking world. It is located between Mann and Baby Lakes with part of the main road separating the two by just a few yards. Of all the Concordia sites, it has the most waterfront.
The program at Hackensack is known for its emphasis on Francophone cultures, particularly those of West Africa as well as an emphasis on nature, pioneering the Aventure Nature program which incorporates canoeing and outdoor living skills as well as French language curriculum.
Lac du Bois, Hackensack-Holiday is the longest running French site of Concordia. It has also hosted the early Italian Program "Lago del Bosco".
New Ebenezer Retreat Center
The Savannah, Georgia location which features full air-conditioning and a swimming pool. Lac du Bois, Savannah creates a full village experience, holding mayoral elections and running a camp newspaper.
Leased Sites
There are other Lac du Bois sites that are not permanent (the longest running Lac du Bois is hosted by Camp Holiday). These consist of traditional camps around Minnesota as well as one in Savannah, Georgia. Though the buildings do not offer the same architectural representation of the francophone world, the programs offered at each of these sites follows the same philosophy of language and culture immersion that is part of the Lac du Bois celebrated tradition. A fourth camp, in Fosston, Minnesota formerly was used for French instruction but is now used for Italian.
French Abroad
French students may also choose to study French abroad in France as part of Concordia Language Villages' French program.
Village Weekends
Hosted at Skogfjorden's permanent site outside Bemidji, Minnesota, the French Language Village offers short term programs for school groups and teachers. This program (formerly called mini-programs or mini-weekends) has welcomed eager learners of French for exploratory weekends throughout the academic year since the early 1970s. Each year a new theme is explored in depth through music, art, meals, skits and of course French. Though the Lac du Bois magic of the summer program lives on through these Village Weekends, the structure and activities are geared towards groups of students rather than individuals. Past themes have included l'Acadie, le Maroc, le Sud de la France, le Moyen Age, la Revolution Francaise, l'Afrique and les Caraibes. Village Weekends host school groups from across the country who are interested in short term experiences in language and culture within the United States.