After some delay (apologies!) I have the results of the DIY bootcamp survey. About 40 people contributed their time to this project and offered many thoughtful ideas - thanks much to all. Below is a summary of the data collected. If anyone would like to see more detail on any aspect of this, just send me a PM.
The strongest interest seemed to be for a shorter bootcamp-like experience (three to four days) in a predominantly Welsh speaking area. Huw and I were quite keen to try organizing something along these lines and did some preliminary planning toward such an event. Unfortunately, we discovered after much to-ing and fro-ing that the only weekend we both have available is the same weekend that the September SSiW bootcamp will be taking place. We didn’t feel it was appropriate to schedule another potentially similar event for that weekend, so regretfully, we have decided not to proceed with the project for the time being. We still feel that it’s an idea well worth pursuing and we hope to be able to take it up again in the first half of next year. And perhaps others will get inspired to organize some immersion adventures in the meantime.
DIY bootcamp survey summary
The respondents
- Most people (67%) had completed at least one SSiW bootcamp.
- Most (72%) had completed at least Course 2 of SSiW Welsh.
Regarding makeup of the group for a DIY bootcamp
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Most people (89%) were interested in a DIY bootcamp with people at a
mixture of levels of proficiency in Welsh, though there was also
significant interest in bootcamps with mainly more experience (48%)
or mainly less experienced speakers (25%).
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To the question of the minimum number of participants for a good
bootcamp experience, the replies ranged from 4 to 10, with the
average and most frequent reply being 6.
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To the question of the maximum number of participants for a good
bootcamp experience, the replies ranged from 8 to 16, with the
average and most frequent reply being 12.
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In regard to the importance of having a first language/fluent Welsh
speaker on board, 36% thought that was essential, 39% thought it
important but not necessary and 25% would be comfortable with only
learners in the group.
Regarding type of accommodation
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20% prioritized low cost over comfort/luxury/privacy
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40% prioritized comfort/luxury/privacy over cost
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40% were happy to be flexible, depending on what others wanted
Regarding length of bootcamp
Regarding locations for a bootcamp
In regard to appealing locations, all of the areas suggested in the question received endorsement by more than 50% of respondents. Ranked by popularity:
Dolgellau (tied for first)
Ynys Môn/Anglesey (tied for first)
Caernarfon
Bannau Brycheiniog/Brecon Beacons
Llanrwst
Gŵyr/Gower
Tresaith
There were lots of suggestions for other places that might work for a bootcamp. Within Wales, the most frequently suggested locations suggested were Pen Llŷn and Bala. Others included:
Machynlleth
Dyffryn Clwyd
Denbigh
rural Denbighshire
Harlech
Cardiff
Porthmadog
Carmarthen
Corwen
Aberteifi
Llangollen
Cerrigydrudion
Pembrokeshire
North/northwest Wales generally
Plas Tan y Bwlch
Nant Gwrtheyrn
Locations suggested outside of Wales:
Bristol
Birmingham
London
Liverpool
north of Britain
Additionally, several people stressed the need for a location that is easily accessible both by car and by public transport.
Regarding degree of structure
Equal numbers favoured similar amount of structure as an SSiW bootcamp and a lesser degree of structure. No one favoured more structure.
Regarding themed bootcamps
Nearly all (90%) of respondents were interested in a themed bootcamp, history and walking being the most popular themes, followed by music, food and camping. Additionally, natural history was also suggested as a possibility.
Other suggestions
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bootcamp with smaller bootcamps within it
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“moving” bootcamp - staying a night or two in each location
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something involving children
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something including non-Welsh speaking partners
)