Dates: August 3 – 5, 2022
Written by: Lean, Shu Yi
Being Part of a Community
From August 3 to 5, GuanRen Community (GRC) hosted its Summer Camp Quest 2022, offering children different activities that can contribute to their knowledge, encourage them to care for the environment, as well enhance their skills in working as a team and being open-minded. The Manila Xiamen International School co-hosted this event. Many of our students joined as volunteers to supervise the children, helping them have a safe and memorable experience during the GRC Summer Camp Quest. Including the volunteers of Xiamen International School, 26 students worked hard to make this event possible.
The GRC Summer Camp Quest was held for three days, with rich and varied activities each day. During the first session, participants were grouped into four teams and began the camp with a self-introduction, followed by an ice-breaking game held at Bailuzhou Park. Through actively participating in the games prepared by GRC, participants and volunteers became close, and they were able to build teamwork. After lunch, participants learned how to dye canvas bags using flower petals and leaves and were also able to design their bags. In this activity, they had come to appreciate the efforts of making handcrafted bags.
The second day was also filled with activities both exciting and useful. The first destination was at Huwei Mountain, visiting Xiamen Meteorological Station. Listening to the commentator, participants learned about interesting meteorological facts, and their awareness of the importance of caring for and protecting the environment deepened. Moreover, before leaving, participants also watched a movie about Earth and Moon and enjoyed the scenery of Xiamen at the Pearl Tower. Afterwards, another exciting action was awaiting the participants at the GRC, which was also one of the parts that was highly interesting to the participants, the pet care training. First, participants were taught by the Paws Animal Welfare Organization how to take care of stray dogs and cats and the responsibility that their owners should have. Next, the children went to GRC’s rooftop garden for flower planting after watching a video about fruit flies, Brazilian turtles, African giant snails, and other species.
Following the steps of the commentator, participants went to Junwang Temple on the third day, which was the last day of this summer camp. The commentator carried out some activities at the temple which included martial arts performances and storytelling of the legend of Zheng Chenggong. Participants also made and launched rockets built from recyclable materials at the quadrangle of the GRC under Teacher Mitchel’s guidance. Finally, at 7 p.m., the closing party was held, with videos, awards, and various talent shows presented. “We Are the World,” the song that participants practiced throughout the camp session, was also introduced, marking the end of the event with happy laughters and cheerful voices.
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