Moon Hill
Hey folks, I know you’ve been waiting from some posts from China, but after spending a week with 29 seventh-graders on the Mainland, I spent each night reading a book and sleeping early while attempting to take nice pictures of the stunning scenery during the five-day camp. The program staff, from Asia Pacific Adventures, took the kids through a number of team-building adventures and physical challenges, such as rock climbing, land navigation and abseiling. They also brought our students to a couple local school to practice their Mandarin by teaching classes and playing games with the students, with the focus of their teaching on English language exercises and vocabulary.
Two of our students share a painting lesson with local Chinese children.
It was eye-opening to see the students in a different environment. My perceptions changed greatly. I know that many of the students tried things that were new and frightening for them, overcoming their fears, but I feel as if I also got something out of camp to: it made me see them as more human.
Student abseiling high above the Yangshuo landscape.
The area of Yangshuo, located about an hour by bus from the airport in Guilin, is covered with massive pinnacles of limestone karsts, which are filled with caves and caverns that are ideal for climbing and caving. We stayed at the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, right on the bank of the Yulong River. The view out the front door was one of amazing vertical green giants, ancient limestone phalluses, and tiny walled patches where the local famers tended to their orchards and livestock.
The view of the river from the resort.
The resort, which retains a very local atmosphere, using linens made by local cotton farmers and traditional Chinese furniture and decor, also has a very Western feel. It is one of China’s premier eco-tourist spots, situated near ancient looking mud-brick walled villages.
Wandering through the little hamlets was like taking a step back in time. There were no major roads or large vehicles (save for the occasional tour bus), and we saw loads of bicycles and quite a few water buffalo on our hikes. We did see a number of these curious-looking tree-wheeled vehicle that looked like a cross between a Thai-style Tuk Tuk and a large John Deere riding mower. Other than the water buffalo they are pretty much the workhorses of the villages.
Tractor-like truck.
The hotel itself was comfy and warm; though we got the kids quite wet and muddy during our 5-day adventure. The camp counselors split the class into four groups, which remained together during the week. Each group had to pick a team captain, all four of which were girls. Other students in the groups had various assignments: spirit holder, hydration manager, land-nav expert, timekeeper. Every student had a role.
Some students at the beginning of their adventure challenge.
The students were also forbidden from bringing personal electronics, such as: cellphone, iPads, iPods, portable game consoles. They instead brought books, journal pads and enough imagination to come up with hours of chants, cheers and songs. Even throughout some minor grumbling about the weather or disputes between team members the students did start to operate as cohesive teams, cheering on their teammates while they performed frightening tasks. One student, who swore he would never try abseiling, overcame his fear and did what he thought to be an impossible task. Watching him come down the cliff face was a wonderful thing.
Chinese students having fun during our visit.
Looking back at the camp experience, I realized that I really do want to pursue teaching as a career; not for the crazy-huge benefits like reasonable pay and health insurance, but because I genuinely like being around these kids.
For more pictures from this trip, look at my photos on Flickr.
Our students practicing their Mandarin and bartering skills.
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