Look, I'm a Journalist Again!

from 10/17/2007

A pre-edited article for our organization's newsletter... a little of our Senior High Fall Camp experience. The framework is taking an overnight train to Beijing and then hopping on a bus for 2.5 hours to the mountains, 25 plus students in toe. I stayed in the hotel penthouse and if I had better vision, I might have been able to see The Great Wall. At this hotel, I learned that common China showers are not separated from the rest of the bathroom facility. No toilets either; step over the hole to stand under the shower head....now there's a concept.

Here's my article.

Tying it all Together:

Teams of students labored through a high ropes course and a collection of team building activities targeting communication skills, collaboration, and leadership development. They found that what is frightening is also an exciting opportunity for growth and empowerment.

“If we have tried something that is impossible and accomplished it, we are all the more able to do it again with [trust in Dad] to overcome our fears,” one student commented.

As Fall Camp revealed, challenges never present a solo venture. “There are some things we just cannot do alone…it is always better to have someone beside you.” Throughout their climbs, the students appreciated partners of encouragement and safety. They spoke the value of such partnerships throughout their lives.

“We’re a group, not only at Fall Camp, but at school, and in the world...We’re a big family,” a student suggested. “If we want to make a dysfunctional world work correctly, we should train ourselves first.”

The camp in Tianjin hopes to be a premier step in development of community action, leadership training centers around China. WYIS was the first large group to be hosted in the facility. The location looks to serve the [organization's] community along with outside groups as the idea of adventure education expands throughout the country.