1. Integration and Growth
During August 10-16, Chunhui Children gathered some of its Guizhou program children together for a seven-day summer camp, where the children discovered the excitement of group activities, enriched their interests, and experienced the wonders of nature in a safe and nurturing environment. It was a great opportunity for them to interact with their peers, to learn empathy and to appreciate differences.
Unlike other summer camps, this Chunhui-facilitated camp incorporated traditional customs of Guizhou into its activities. The young campers had an amazing time in alpine vegetation exploration, age-old long table banquets, baboo dancing, singing performances and overnight ventures for treasures. While having immense fun trying new things with new friends, they learned and grew in powerful ways.
2.Stand Side by Side with Each Other
Mountain climbing is a challenging sport that takes perseverance and encouragement.
Against the first ray of early morning sunshine, the campers set out on their uphill climb. Halfway up the mountain side, the children were tired out and sweating buckets. They couldn’t help venting their frustration. “How far are we from the destination?” “Let’s take a rest!” “I don’t want to go on. I am worn out”…
“Cheer up! You may not bother to appreciate the natural beauty on the way, but you will definitely have an incredible experience that you’ll never forget!” “Come on, we are almost there,” their counsellors encouraged them. At these inspiring words, the children braced up and went straight ahead. All along the way, they were greeted by lush vegetation, gentle breeze and murmuring water…
“We made it. Good job, everyone!” At these words, the children breathed a sigh of relief and, after a short rest, started exploring. In this wonderful refuge away from the real world, they built up their health, grew confident, developed skills and lasting friendships.
3. Mutual Trust Makes Every Effort Worthwhile
At night, all the campers had fun together in bamboo pole dancing. Following the music, the counsellors moved the poles in a set rhythm. The young campers jumped and turned as the poles came together and spread apart.
This dance seems simple but puts high demand on teamwork. The pole holders need regulate their rhythm so as not to pinch the dancers’ feet. The dancers, in turn, need adapt their pacing to the pole holders’ rhythm as it slowly accelerates. In close cooperation with each other, the campers delivered an impressive dance.
4. Laugh Out Loud with Confidence
Another great treat of the camp was a long table banquet. The campers and their counsellors were streamed into four groups. Group 1 was responsible for preparing fruits, group 2 for introducing long table banquet culture, group 3 for proposing toasts, and group 4 for drawing a picture of the banquet.
For the children, this activity was a rare opportunity to have fun while building up their knowledge and problem-solving skills.
5. To Experience and to Become Better
Live CS, rock-climbing, swimming, board role-playing games and fishing in the pool all brought the children huge fun. Behind each of these games are Chunhui counsellors’ expectations for the children-----set themselves free and enjoy their childhood heartily.
In his free time, a boy completed a piece of embroidery artwork. Although it was less than perfect, he felt accomplished. When challenged with rock-climbing, many campers refused to try at first, on the excuse of fear for height. But with encouragement from their counsellors and co-campers, they mustered up the courage and joined in the climb.
End of the Camp, Beginning of a New Journey
On the last night, the campers were aware that they would say goodbye the next day. To create an everlasting special memory, they used the luminous stones they collected overnight to spell out their best wishes. At that moment, they counsellors knew that the children were learning and growing confident. This outstanding experience will live with them for a lifetime and always motivate them to fight for their dreams.
Degree of Satisfaction with This Summer Camp
Feedback from the Campers
20 campers felt “happy”, “delighted” and “satisfied”;
16 said “I like my counsellor”, “The counsellor is very gentle”, and “Thank you, my dear counsellor”;
10 mentioned “friends”, “partner” and “true friendships”
Other feedback included:
“I am so happy that I was part of the camp. I met many new friends and counsellors. Thank you all for this fantastic five-day experience.”
“As a team, we had so much fun together. My groupmates were all very nice and I learned a lot from them.”
“I had an incredible time here, made true friendship, and learned the importance of team spirit. I love this camp and I believe I will come back a better camper next time.”
“I hope the happiness we experienced here will go on. I love everything about the camp……”
Refreshing breeze, fine grass and rippling waters made the camp such an awesome place for the children to get away from home. Chunhui Children would love to stand by each at-risk child and help them fit into society. We believe that given enough love, they all have the chance at a bright future.