Year 7 Camp Reflection by Shanay
Yangshuo Camp Experience
We started off by arriving at school in the morning then got ready to go to the bus. The bus ride was about six hours long. I thought I would get bored, but I got to meet and talk to new people on the bus. We arrived at our hotel at 3 PM and headed to me and my roommate’s room. I thought the rooms were really neat and cozy. Then, we went for a walk near the scenic mountain areas and learnt how they were made and formed.
The next day, we went to the terratribe campsite area and learned about first aid, making fire and building shelters. I was proud of myself because I started a fire using a fire steel for the first time. I could do better on making the shelter because my group and I did not plan our shelter too well. Our shelter also looked unnatural. We then went back to our hotel and planned what to do in the talent show for the next day as a class. We decided to do a baby shark performance with singing and hand movements.
It was Wednesday. The teacher announced that it would be a big day because we would do many activities. First, we went for a hike on the mountain. On the way, we saw a beautiful view of the Li River. After lunch, we did an orientation activity. I thought this was fun because I got to learn to use a compass and map much better than before. During the orientation task, we saw many water buffaloes. The last activity we did was making pizzas. At the end, we had a bonfire with our talent performance. I performed with my class and saw others perform too. I had a great and excellent time because we sang a lot. Finally, we slept in tents with annoying bugs and insects. During the night, I could not sleep at all, but I say it is an experience.
Lastly, I learned many skills like survival skills, orientation skills, cooperation and social skills. I think all those skills are important to have and fun to learn. I think cooperation skills and social skills are the most important because having people to help and be there for us is pleasant and helpful in life. Having people around us can help us learn many things by looking at their point of view and experiences. And having more than one person to do a task will be much easier and more fun!
But anyways, camp was so amazing!
▼ Year 8 Camp Review by Jacob
On the first day of camp, we gathered into our Y8 group at the MFH, split ourselves into teacher groups, and got on the bus to Yangshuo. The bus ride took us roughly about 6 hours, and it was an exhausting trip for most of us. Although we had a tiring trip, we were still surprised by the scenery of Yangshuo: real nature, that is not yet affected by civilization, and consecutive mountains, surrounding us, which got us very excited for Moon Hill later in the week.
During this camp, we participated in lots of fun activities such as the camping night, team building and orientation activities, pizza making, and a campfire. When doing the pizza making activity, we each had ingredients for making the pizza dough ourselves, and we got to choose what we put on our pizzas. The campfire was one of the best activities we had during this camp, because we get to listen to music, sing, and cook marshmallows, and helped connected us with people that we don’t usually have a connection with. The second major activity was hiking Moon Hill. Hiking Moon Hill was a challenging task for some of us, but the scenery you see at the top was worth the hard work you put in. The view of flat green farmland and mountains far in the distance connected us to nature.
This camp helped develop and grow us into more independent and self-disciplined individuals, by taking more of our own responsibilities and doing some of the things all by ourselves. We learnt important skills that we might use in the future, for example, how to use a compass and how to read a map. This camp has also taught us important life lessons such as living without our phones with us all the time.
I can’t wait for Y9 camp in 2024!
▼ Year 9 Camp Review by Ms. Minette (the Head of Year)
During the Year 9 camp, I was reminded of the strength and resilience and positive attitude of our students. They faced challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and new experiences, and met these challenges head-on.
Our journey commenced on a Monday morning when we departed UISG, uncertain about what awaited us in Pak Lap, Hong Kong. Our itinerary involved taking a bus to the border crossing in Shenzhen, which proceeded smoothly, followed by another bus ride to a ferry in Sai Kang. The ferry transported us close to Pak Lap, and from there, we had to embark on a hike over a mountain with all our luggage. In hindsight, some of us realized that we could have packed more lightly!
Upon reaching the summit of the mountain, we were greeted by the breathtaking sight of Pak Lap beach. After settling into our accommodations at the camp, we concluded the day with a night safari. During this serene evening, we sat in silence beneath the stars, listening to the sounds of the ocean, and had the opportunity to witness a colossal spider and various fish in a nearby pond.
The subsequent day was marred by overcast skies and intermittent rain. The students were divided into two groups on a rotational basis. One group engaged in raft construction, while the other received instruction on identifying fish species and plastic materials from an expert who had made notable discoveries in the Hong Kong Bay area. Raft construction proved to be a challenge for some groups, as the ropes had to be meticulously secured to withstand the waves. The rafts were tested on the choppy water which proved to be a lot of fun.
The third day brought even gloomier skies and occasional rain. The students’ resilience during this day, spent mostly outdoors, was truly commendable. Once again, the students were divided into two groups. One group learned sea rescue techniques, while the other acquired the basics of kayaking. Despite somewhat rough waves, both groups ventured into the ocean. The team of counselors, maintaining professionalism, ensured safety and provided substantial support to the students. The first-time experience of kayaking in the tumultuous ocean served as a highlight for many students, as it encouraged them to embrace risk-taking.
On the evening of the third day, students showcased their talents during a spirited talent show. Within our group, we discovered a wealth of talented singers, actors, and models. The winning group’s performance outshone the others, reflecting the considerable effort and practice they had invested.
Our plans for the final day had to be adjusted due to adverse weather conditions. The sea’s roughness made it impractical to undertake the full-day kayaking trip to the secret beach from Pak Lap. Instead, we opted to take a bus to the Sai Kang area, where calmer waters facilitated kayaking. The students embarked on their kayaks, putting into practice the skills they had acquired in the preceding days. During the journey, Mr. Po Chi, our kayaking expert, challenged the students to form various kayak group configurations, which proved to be an enjoyable exercise in problem-solving. It was heartening to witness the students’ effective communication and teamwork.
The day concluded back at camp with a bonfire and a social gathering with the Year 10 students. Students indulged in marshmallows, dancing, and singing their favorite songs.
On Friday, we returned to school as a more knowledgeable and unified group.
Karla Jaeckel in 9I had the following thoughts about camp:
“It felt really good to be able to go to camp and have a break from your usual daily routine, especially after Covid. Even though it was exhausting, it was also relieving and exciting. Something I personally especially enjoyed about camp was that everybody started to socialize more. I talked to a lot of people in these five days, and it was really nice. Camp gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better, and I think most of us enjoyed talking to new people.”
The camp left a lasting impression on our students, it was both highly successful in terms of bonding as a group and immensely enjoyable.
▼ Year 10 Camp Review by Mr. Walsh (the Head of Year)
Year 10 students embarked on an adventure to Pak Lap, Hong Kong for this year’s camp week. This adventure allowed them to explore the wonders of nature, build search and rescue skills, practice the art of orienteering, and savor the essence of wild cooking. In addition to these experiences, the trip nurtured lasting bonds among the students, prompting them to exemplify the IB Learner Profile traits and cultivate resilience when confronted with new challenges.
The Year 10 trip focal point was a challenging hike through the scenic hills and dense forests of Pak Lap. Students showcased resilience as they conquered steep terrain, navigated muddy paths, and worked as a team to carry all of their camping supplies to the campsite. Once there, they faced the additional challenge of setting up camp and cooking their meals, all under the constant threat of rain. These circumstances not only tested their survival skills but also brought them closer, as they huddled together. As the darkness settled in, students, teachers and camp leaders came together under torchlight to share experiences, songs, games, and riddles.
Students returned from Pak Lap with a new appreciation for nature, a strengthened sense of resilience, and stronger friendships with their Year 10 peers. Our trip embodied the core values of the IB Learner Profile, encouraging reflection and empowering students to apply their newfound skills while relying on friendships both old and new. Students not only refined their survival skills but also established a solid foundation for addressing the academic and personal obstacles that await them in the demanding IB Diploma Program and their life’s journey.
▼ Year 11 Camp Review by Cindy
The Y11 camp trip took place in fascinating Beijing from October 16th to 20th. The whole trip was all about into the vibe and spend the last camp with friends. The city’s vibrant landscape features golden ginkgo leaves and red maple leaves. Let’s take a look at Beijing’s autumn through Y11 student’s lens and enjoy this golden season.
“We experienced the vibes in Beijing as a typical tourist, visiting famous attractions such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square” said Y11 student. Apparently, it seemed like a big trip because what we did all the time was walking. “The daily step count in that week was really high, like about 20,000 per day! I have never walked that much.”
Visiting The Great Wall of China is on everyone’s bucket list right? Especially as it’s one of the seven Wonders of the World. Firstly, what’s good to know is that there is a section of The Great Wall of China that is the closest part to Beijing, this is the part that most people visit, especially on a day trip to The Great Wall of China, this part gets extremely busy and is the restored part. However with The China Horizons Trip, we didn’t go there, instead, we drove 2 hours from Beijing to a disused part of The Great Wall of China making it a really unique experience! That was the highlight of the trip and the most excited and enjoyable part.
We also visited shopping streets called Beijing Wangfujing Street, and Beijing hutongs, a type of narrow street or alley. Whereas the trip was successfully held, unexpected ‘surprises’ were waiting for us throughout in order to ‘keep a balance’.
Fortunately, Beijing is a little bit cool. Why was that? Because the hotel we stayed in supplied ‘natural air’ only, and it does help reduce the chance of catching a cold or protect the environment in case of conserving energy in a way.
We enjoyed the walks through the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and some traditional Chinese restaurants. We tried the famous Beijing duck, many types of broiled vegetables, and foods of many kinds. We enjoyed vistiing a night market and were given some money to spend as we liked which we enjoyed as we were trusted to be masters of our own finances.
Y11 student camp was a different, educational and social experience. We “escaped” from school, bringing a sense of calm by educating ourselves in life outside of books.
