Learning about their Swedish culture means more than just saying hello in an ancestor’s native tongue or making traditional holiday pastries for the Nordikids Scandinavian Culture Group, Nordikids Musiklubb 208.
The local organization of 22 members, comprised of children ages 3 to 18, meet weekly on Mondays for lessons in language, music and performance. They are scheduled to appear at various venues throughout the year.
One recent performance at the Valparaiso International Center’s World Culture Festival found the youngsters in the colorful dress of Sweden. Their adult counterpart group, Nordik Folk Lodge 761, also appeared at the event.
“As the only groups representing the Scandinavian countries, our Nordic contingent got quite a bit of attention,” said Linnea Ogrentz, secretary of the Nordik Folk Lodge. “The Nordikids entertained marvelously.”
Founded by Lynda Smith of Munster 10 years ago, the Scandinavian children’s culture/performance group is sponsored by the Vasa Order of America, a Swedish-American fraternal group. Many lodges can be found throughout the United States and Canada, as well as Sweden.
The annual Lucia Fest is the largest celebration undertaken by the children. They begin planning and practicing in September for the formal festival held each year at Wicker Park Social Center.
One recent weekly meeting found the children working with language instructor Annalise Nelson, who helped Smith develop the group.
“It’s important for the children to learn about their culture and keep the traditions going,” she said. “All four of my children were involved with Nordikids, and much of what they learned has stayed with them.”
After the language session, music teacher Lynnea Sinwelski presented Christmas songs for the upcoming holiday season, such as “Away in a Manager.” First in English, and then in Swedish, the children happily changed gears as they practiced for more than an hour.
The Nordik Folk Lodge and Nordikids are two groups that list preservation of Swedish culture and language as their basic mission. Both of these not-for-profit groups are open to anyone who has an interest in Scandinavian culture or the genealogy of Scandinavia, Europe and the United States.
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“The children’s group is educational in nature,” Smith said. “And the adults not only occasionally help with children’s activities, but they also focus on social events for the entire family.”
Harrison Ogrentz, 18, of Munster, has been involved with Nordikids for the past 10 years. Currently a student at Harold Washington College in Chicago, Ogrentz attends the Monday Nordikids meetings when he is available.
“This is what I’ve always done,” he said, explaining his continuing interest in the group. “I help support the little children and act as an instructor when they need me.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Learn more
More information about Nordikids or Nordik Folk Lodge: 219-923-8777