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7 Things You Never Knew about Summer Camp in China

Summer camp in China is full of surprises, if nothing else. You’ll try new things, new foods, and probably even pick up a new word or two. With both campers and co-counsellors, you’ll be immersed in the world of summer camp and the opportunity to have a new adventure every day. While it’s a guaranteed concoction of both fun and challenge, you’ll also be able to try more new things than you had ever expected. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of 7 things you never knew about summer camp in China. Get ready to be surprised!

Author:
21 Jan 10:26
You’ll need to get used to eating every meal with chopsticks

If your chopstick skills are a little rusty, perhaps now is a good time to get some practice in. Going to a summer camp in China means that you’ll have to join in with Chinese traditions, including eating meals in the way that Chinese people do. And yes, that includes breakfast! While you may struggle a little to start with, most people are able to pick up the art of eating with chopsticks fairly quickly. Especially when you’ll be surrounded by campers and co-counsellors who are willing to help you along. You’ll also be able to impress your friends and family with your new meal time skills when you get home. You might even find yourself discovering a new favourite food while you try out new dishes and new ways of eating.

You’ll take part in more chants and songs than you had ever imagined

Summer camp in China might be a bit different to your traditional ideas about camp, but after all summer camp is summer camp! And, for novices, that means that you’ll be engaging in a fair few songs, dances, and chants to keep the days fun and upbeat. So leave your reservations in your rucksack and you’ll enjoy singing yourself silly as much as the campers do. While you’ll end up sharing some of your favourite childhood chants with each other, you’ll also be encouraged to get your creative head on and craft some new sing-alongs for yourself. Be prepared for unexpected mealtime chants, singing during and between activities, and perhaps even a tune to get your campers through shower hour and washing up time.

You can take part in a themed day (Christmas day in August, anyone?)

To keep things fun and interesting for both you and the campers, you’ll probably be tasked with the challenge of thinking up a themed day or two over the summer. So let your imagination run wild! Perhaps you’d like to centre it around dressing up, maybe you’re keen to have a full day of creativity and decorate the whole camp, or maybe you’d like to pretend it’s Christmas - even if it is boiling hot outside. You might even find that the campers are brimming with inspiration for a potential all-camp theme, so chat to them and find out what gets them excited! Camp is truly a time for everyone to feel like a child, so encourage dressing up, colour, and bundles of enthusiasm.

You’ll be able to sing a song (or at least a few lines) in Chinese

With the amount of chants and songs you’ll inevitably take part in during your time at summer camp, you’re bound to sing some Chinese tunes at some point along the way. Allow yourself to feel culturally enlightened by your co-counsellors and campers, who will undoubtedly be keen to share the words to their favourite songs with you. You’ll then have plenty of chances to practice your new skills during evening activities, talent shows, or even in your free time at a karaoke night!

You can feel like a child again (and enjoy it!)

When going to work at a summer camp, you’ll quite obviously be spending the majority of your time with children. This means your energy and spirits will need to be high and you’ll need to develop a willingness to get stuck into absolutely everything! From paper mache and carefree singing to face painting and reinventing your favourite childhood games, you’re bound to find something which makes you embrace your inner child. Anyone fancy a water fight?

You’ll test your vocal chords at KTV (Karaoke Television)

Your days off will be filled with as much adventure as your time at summer camp, if you use them wisely. How about taking a trip to your local KTV bar with your new co-counsellors? Have some fun away from the campers and daily camp activities and try your voice at your favourite tunes as well as some Chinese favourites, if you’re feeling brave. While you might be somewhat familiar with a Karaoke session from the comfort of your own home, or perhaps your local bar, there’s really nothing quite like the experience of taking part in KTV in China. You’ll be able to stock up on snacks and drinks from the KTV supermarket before being welcomed into your very own disco-ball lit singing lounge.

Getting up on stage will seem a normal part of your routine

With opening and closing ceremonies being part of Chinese summer camp tradition, you’ll most certainly find yourself getting up on the campfire stage on at least a weekly basis. Whether you’re singing, dancing, acting, talking, doing magic tricks, or anything else you can think of, is really up to you! Show your talents and join in with everything by getting up on stage and making sure the campers are keen to get up and perform with you, creating that all-important summer camp spirit.

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