The Year 5 students enjoyed a 4-day camp at Zhaoqing from 28 – 31 March. The first night was spent at Dinghu Park surrounded by beautiful mountains. On the first afternoon, the students enjoyed exploring Xinghu Lake Wetland Park where they observed various bird species, learnt about karst mountains and walked through Qixing Cave. The following day the students hiked in Dinghu Park. On the hike they learnt about some of the plants and animals found in that area as well as exploring a river. They collected water samples from the river to identify insects to determine the water quality. 

On the afternoon of the second day, the students moved to Yanzhou Island in Xi Jiang River. Once the students had settled into their rooms, they got ready for the evening activity where they cooked their own dinner. The next day the students completed various activities involving shelter building, survival skills, lion dancing and farming. It was challenging to complete some of the activities in rainy weather, especially the farming, but the students persevered and completed their tasks. 

On the final day the students constructed and decorated their own kites. Once they were done, they attempted to fly them in an open field close to the river. The lack of wind made it impossible, but the students did get a closer look at a few curious cows that were grazing close by. 

After the kite flying, the students ate their lunch before catching a ferry to get to the buses that would take them back to school. The students arrived tired, but with smiles on their faces. They really had some wonderful things to say about their experiences. 

Here are a few comments from the students: 

I liked the fire making and cooking the marshmallows the most because it was very cool, and we got two marshmallows and we got to eat it. Also, we got to make our own fire too. Joanna – Year 5 Red 

Thank you to Mr. Han and the other staff that supported me when I got hurt while hiking. Jiheon – Year 5 Yellow 

I liked much about the camp. I liked sleeping on the soft hotel bed and having free time chatting with my friends. I enjoyed trying the lion dance and making fire. It was quite fun at camp, I hope we can have a better weather next time. Yau Yau – Year 5 Green 

I like that we could stay with our friends for 3 nights and I was sad that we need to go to home but the camp made me stay with my friends for a long time. EunJi – Year 5 Yellow 

Cooking, fire making or shelter building. All of them had creating in them and I thought that they were all stuff that took me back to my grandparents’ house, it brought nice memories. Mikayla – Year 5 Red 

Actually, I really enjoyed the first day, we were watching the first wetland museum in China! We got to see different kinds of birds in different wetland places, there are even flamingos! Sophie – Year 5 Green 

I enjoyed the egg drop because we succeeded, and it was fun building by our self in creative ways. Roy – Year 5 Red 

The beautiful green growing rising hills had always mesmerized me. And wading through the twinkling waters of the streams was quite an amazing experience. Ethan – Year 5 Green 

I liked the egg drop because we could do teamwork and communication. Aarav – Year 5 Yellow

Margaret Grobler
UISG Year 5