Friday, July 23, 2010
Hong Kong
We just got an email from March, the group made it safely to Hong Kong and can't wait to start exploring the city!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Friendship Camp
We're having fun in the village!
The group got off to a slow start as the rain washed out our first morning activity. However, we adjusted our schedule, and started our Friendship Camp in the afternoon. The group decided to run three separate stations and let the villagers rotate through each of them: Kayla and Bryan taught English, Zack and Hannah taught Chess, and Alex and Sasha hosted art. That first day was crazy! The group was surprised by the number of kids that showed up—over 60—and astonished to find out that (NEWS FLASH!!!) teaching kids is not quite as easy as it might look from the outside. Issues our students wrestled with that first day:
1) Kids don’t instantly obey every direction or request.
2) The older village kids in Pang Liu especially had a difficult time listening to the teachers and following instructions.
3) Art supplies and sports equipment might mysteriously grow legs and ‘wander off’ if not monitored closely.
4) Big brothers and sisters always think they’re the bosses of their younger siblings.
The group debriefed the first camp session for almost an hour and a half. The leaders made sure everyone’s voice was heard, and asked the group to come up with solutions to various problems they faced. After ironing things out, the group functioned extremely well. Every activity was solid. The group discovered that the village boys enjoyed team sports, so they organized games of volleyball, capture the flag, and dodge ball for them. Since the girls really liked badminton, ping pong, and shutter ball, we incorporated those activities specifically for them. In addition, every one in the group taught English at least once. Everyone agrees that teaching English is the most challenging task of all.
Now for student notes!
Zakariah did his best to play with every villager. He did a great job while teaching dodgeball, often stepping in to help the losing team get back into the competition. He’s also very proud that he taught 20 kids how to throw a football. He gives 100% at everything he does, and always finds a way to stay positive. Zak has a new love, Chinese chess, and now owns his own set and plays whenever possible.
Bryan was the Friendship Camp policeman—he kept order and discipline among both the camp participants and the group. The leaders were impressed by the fact that Bryan was willing to get his hands dirty and watch out for everyone’s safety. He kept the older village kids in check when they tried to take over the younger kid’s games, and did a great job as a soccer referee. Bryan is a mature young man!
Kayla did a wonderful job getting everyone involved in camp activities, and made an effort to look out for the shy kids who sat on the periphery. She was a stellar soccer teacher, finding a way to bring the game to kids who were initially uninterested. She’s a real team player who’s willing to do everything, from taking pictures to cleaning the palettes after the art class. Kayla is always willing to go the extra mile for the good of the group.
Alexandra (like Kayla) made sure every village child had something fun to do. She was an outstanding art teacher, and also did a great job getting the boys to play dodgeball. Whereas Kayla was attentive to the needs of the shy kids, Alexandra became the champion of the young village girls—she shielded them from the teasing of the boys, and even took the time to walk them home from camp. Needless to say, the young girls all loved her!
Sasha really worked hard during camp. She did a great job team-teaching capture the flag and dodge ball with Bryan, and she was a killer dodgeball player—nemesis of the most competitive village boys. She handled everything related to the camp with confidence and grace. Sasha was the only group member to really find a way to get through to the older village boys. Nice work, Sasha!
Hannah is an amazing art and crafts teacher! In fact, she was amazing at everything—teaching chess, motivating kids, teaching English, trying out her Chinese—you name it, she’s good. Hannah’s family: you did a great job, don’t be concerned that these notes are short. She’s simply awesome!
The group got off to a slow start as the rain washed out our first morning activity. However, we adjusted our schedule, and started our Friendship Camp in the afternoon. The group decided to run three separate stations and let the villagers rotate through each of them: Kayla and Bryan taught English, Zack and Hannah taught Chess, and Alex and Sasha hosted art. That first day was crazy! The group was surprised by the number of kids that showed up—over 60—and astonished to find out that (NEWS FLASH!!!) teaching kids is not quite as easy as it might look from the outside. Issues our students wrestled with that first day:
1) Kids don’t instantly obey every direction or request.
2) The older village kids in Pang Liu especially had a difficult time listening to the teachers and following instructions.
3) Art supplies and sports equipment might mysteriously grow legs and ‘wander off’ if not monitored closely.
4) Big brothers and sisters always think they’re the bosses of their younger siblings.
The group debriefed the first camp session for almost an hour and a half. The leaders made sure everyone’s voice was heard, and asked the group to come up with solutions to various problems they faced. After ironing things out, the group functioned extremely well. Every activity was solid. The group discovered that the village boys enjoyed team sports, so they organized games of volleyball, capture the flag, and dodge ball for them. Since the girls really liked badminton, ping pong, and shutter ball, we incorporated those activities specifically for them. In addition, every one in the group taught English at least once. Everyone agrees that teaching English is the most challenging task of all.
Now for student notes!
Zakariah did his best to play with every villager. He did a great job while teaching dodgeball, often stepping in to help the losing team get back into the competition. He’s also very proud that he taught 20 kids how to throw a football. He gives 100% at everything he does, and always finds a way to stay positive. Zak has a new love, Chinese chess, and now owns his own set and plays whenever possible.
Bryan was the Friendship Camp policeman—he kept order and discipline among both the camp participants and the group. The leaders were impressed by the fact that Bryan was willing to get his hands dirty and watch out for everyone’s safety. He kept the older village kids in check when they tried to take over the younger kid’s games, and did a great job as a soccer referee. Bryan is a mature young man!
Kayla did a wonderful job getting everyone involved in camp activities, and made an effort to look out for the shy kids who sat on the periphery. She was a stellar soccer teacher, finding a way to bring the game to kids who were initially uninterested. She’s a real team player who’s willing to do everything, from taking pictures to cleaning the palettes after the art class. Kayla is always willing to go the extra mile for the good of the group.
Alexandra (like Kayla) made sure every village child had something fun to do. She was an outstanding art teacher, and also did a great job getting the boys to play dodgeball. Whereas Kayla was attentive to the needs of the shy kids, Alexandra became the champion of the young village girls—she shielded them from the teasing of the boys, and even took the time to walk them home from camp. Needless to say, the young girls all loved her!
Sasha really worked hard during camp. She did a great job team-teaching capture the flag and dodge ball with Bryan, and she was a killer dodgeball player—nemesis of the most competitive village boys. She handled everything related to the camp with confidence and grace. Sasha was the only group member to really find a way to get through to the older village boys. Nice work, Sasha!
Hannah is an amazing art and crafts teacher! In fact, she was amazing at everything—teaching chess, motivating kids, teaching English, trying out her Chinese—you name it, she’s good. Hannah’s family: you did a great job, don’t be concerned that these notes are short. She’s simply awesome!
Monday, July 19, 2010
From Beijing to Xi'an
After an overnight train ride, the group arrived safely in Xi'an. On the ride, everyone learned how to play Chinese Chess and they all LOVE the game. Alex, Zack, Hannah, and Bryan have become quite good at it.
The leaders were really glad that the souvenir swords the group purchased in Beijing could fit into their suitcases. This saves a lot of questions and explaining when traveling.
Xi'an Highlights:
The group had an amazing time at the Terracotta Warriors. It was a long hot day, but well worth the effort.
The city wall and MMT* were equally amazing. On the day of the city wall visit, the rain stopped right before we were going to start riding bikes on the wall, and it started up again when we had finished our ride. That afternoon, the same thing happened for our MMT. Thankfully, the weather has been cooperating with us throughout the whole trip!
*An MMT (Magical Mystery Tour) is a Windsor Mountain tradition: leaders split the group into small groups (three or more), give them firm parameters and goals for the adventure, and send them off on fun and educational intercultural missions.
The best moment thus far was our visit to the Xi'an City Bell Tower. We ascended the tower when it was raining - the rain, the city lights, and the surroundings were a perfect mix of ancient and modern China. We sat there for about 20 minutes just taking it all in. The moment was beautiful with kids running in and out of the rain and us looking up at the sky seeing all the raindrops falling on our faces. Awesome!
The MMT was a complete success, with one group completing 21 out of the 25 tasks while the other group completed 23 out of the 25 tasks. Overall, Xian was totally relaxing and completely enjoyable.
Student Notes:
Kayla - She bought a sword and named it JingShen, which means "spirit" in Chinese. She also bought a tiger and a lot of Doomo stuff. Her suitcase is now packed to full capacity. Also, she was the cameraperson on the winning team during the MMT, and had a great time learning side kicks and straight kicks during our Martial Arts class.
Hannah - this girl had a great time exploring Xi'an. She literally walked everywhere. By now, she knows the Xi'an plaza area better than the leaders. She loves Muslim food and Chinese Ice Peak soda. We are amazed at her efforts to make connections with everyone she meets - she taught a new local friend how to sing a complete English song, and we have it on video!
Alex - She did somethign unheard of: she got on a Chinese bus, asked for a bus ticket without paying for it, and got off the bus. I think the ticket lady is still confused. She also learned a Chinese tongue twister from a French person on the plaza, and was a key player in her MMT group.
Zack - This young man loves Xi'an! Along with Bryan, he explored the entire Muslim quarter, and particularly enjoyed the food. He is great at Martial Arts - the teacher even asked him to demonstrate moves for the class. He also won the bike race on top of the Xi'an city wall.
Bryan - He got a haircut during the MMT to earn 10 points for his group! He was one of the most enthusiastic "raindancers" on top of the Bell Tower. He has been a great help to the leaders during the entire trip, always there to pitch in when help is needed. He was also overjoyed to find a good price Spanish national team soccer jersey.
Sasha - She was the leader of the winning MMT team which set an all-time Bridge China record of completing 23 out of 25 items on the list within two hours. Awesome! She was able to meet local police officers and snap a photo with them, and many other great interpersonal exchanges. Also, Sasha came in a close second during the bike race to the top of the city wall.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Student Notes!
We have concluded our Beijing and Xi’an portion of the trip. The group is doing great and real friendships are being formed. The leaders are happy because everyone is doing well physically and mentally. Beijing was an unforgettable experience!
Hannah – she bought a traditional Chinese dress. The beautiful blue dress goes perfectly with her knee-high Converse shoes and her hand painted fan. She is funny and so so loveable. She is giving 100 percent effort! She is also a great swimmer and very funny. We love the fact that she put a smile on people’s faces. She also really likes traditional Chinese stuff.
Sasha – she loves to shop. She loves to bargain. She made a lot of Chinese friends on the trip. She is never afraid to speak Chinese to the local people, that is why she can be helpful to the leaders. She is a runner. This was evident as she ran more than anyone else on the sports field. March truly wishes he had Sasha’s endurance. Sasha loves to snack. We love Sasha and are glad she’s on this trip.
Bryan – Bryan is the Energizer Bunny. He is FULL of energy. He loves to explore the city. He bought special gifts for his mom and dad. Bryan is always helping someone. He is funny and he is much smarter than he gives himself credit for. We enjoy his company and love his energy. He is the engine of the group. The leaders are having a hard time keeping up with his energy level.
Kayla – she loves Harry Potter. She knows just about everything with regard to Harry Potter and is teaching the leaders why Harry Potter is the best! She is getting really good at bargaining. Recently she bought a toy tiger for 5 dollars. That was a great buy! She is always herself and everyone respects that. Every group needs someone like Kayla to keep them honest and down to earth. We think she is cool!
Zack – This guy is cool too. He stays true to himself and is someone you respect. He is a mature young man. We think the world of Zack. He lives by the word “positivity.” We love the fact that he is a problem solver. He can take care of himself and others. He is an asset we were lucky to get. He is so much fun to be around. He is falling in love with Chinese chess.
Alexandra – she is the best ping pong player we have ever met! She has defeated many Chinese players and is undefeated in our group. She loves ping pong and was really excited to go to the ping pong shop. We love having her around! She loves cute things and loves chocolate and cakes. We have asked her to help out whenever we needed; she never refuses.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Pictures!
New pictures have been posted! If you click on the small image in the right-hand column, you will be taken to an online album with larger versions of all the pictures. Enjoy!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Fantastic First Days in China
Bridge China Update, right from March and Amy
We got to China safely! The group is doing really well. Everyone is highly motivated, and we’re all staying healthy by eating lots great food, getting plenty of exercise, and most importantly, getting good sleep every night. We have so much confidence in this group that we have already given many people the opportunity to lead activities. Sasha and Kayla have already performed exceptionally well as group navigators, leading the group from place to place. Everyone is having fun and learning new and exciting things. We’ve already been to the Great Wall and tried the famous Peking Duck! We (March and Amy) are so glad the kids on this trip are so wonderful! We can’t wait to see what the Chinese class will be like for them!
Kayla was the first person to take the position of group leader! She is a wonderful girl who loves to participate in all group activities. She gives 100% and the leaders can ask nothing more of her. She volunteered to play basketball with the boys against some tough competition. Although we lost our game, we won in spirit. She also worked hard to climb the 2900 plus stairs at the Great Wall. We were so happy that she never gave up and made it all the way to the top.
Sasha has a lot of natural leadership abilities. We can tell she loves to participate, and she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. This was evident when she coined the group mantra “go hard or go home”. She led the group through the creation of our full value contract, which can be described as a group-generated collection of ‘rules’ or ‘ideals’ for the trip—a group constitution, of sorts. She is always talking to someone. She is a sunny and positive girl who loves to have fun! Oh, did I forget to mention that she speaks a lot of Chinese?
Hannah is a very strong and opinionated person. We love it! She knows who she is and is not afraid to tell you what she thinks. We really appreciate her honesty. She also knows a bit of Chinese. Hannah puts in a lot of effort towards group activities and is a fun person to be around. She got everyone together to play cards last night, creating a wonderful group bonding session in the girl’s room. She is willing to talk to everyone, and is a wonderful person to be around.
Alexandra is such a sweet girl! Just about everything she says is funny. We love her quiet nature and we truly appreciate the sense of respect and intelligence she brings to the group. She is never rude or confrontational. She is simply cool and lovable. She is also a wonderful tournament ping pong player. March discovered this the hard way as he was handed the beat down of a life time by none other than Alexandra Lesieur.
Bryan is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He absolutely loves Coca-Cola, and eats everything we put in front of him. He is helpful and kind. He knows how to be himself, and he also knows how to make you feel comfortable around him. He has a wonderful smile and uses it often to express his happiness. Bryan loves soccer, and is really upset that both Brazil and Argentina were knocked out of that little tournament down in South Africa. Aside from that, he is having tons of fun and can’t wait for the next day to start.
Zack is very mature for his age. He’s a great person—he knows the leaders need everyone to pitch in, and he is not afraid to lend a helping hand. Mature, helpful, lovable...what more can we say? Zack likes to play basketball and is a great player. This was evident when he went one on four against the other team and scored! We need his magic both on and off the court. He is a great listener and he does not hold back one bit during group activities. We love his effort and we are genuinely glad he is on the trip. He went above and beyond the call of duty when the group did their first shopping trip, lugging more bags than anyone. Go Zack!
We got to China safely! The group is doing really well. Everyone is highly motivated, and we’re all staying healthy by eating lots great food, getting plenty of exercise, and most importantly, getting good sleep every night. We have so much confidence in this group that we have already given many people the opportunity to lead activities. Sasha and Kayla have already performed exceptionally well as group navigators, leading the group from place to place. Everyone is having fun and learning new and exciting things. We’ve already been to the Great Wall and tried the famous Peking Duck! We (March and Amy) are so glad the kids on this trip are so wonderful! We can’t wait to see what the Chinese class will be like for them!
Kayla was the first person to take the position of group leader! She is a wonderful girl who loves to participate in all group activities. She gives 100% and the leaders can ask nothing more of her. She volunteered to play basketball with the boys against some tough competition. Although we lost our game, we won in spirit. She also worked hard to climb the 2900 plus stairs at the Great Wall. We were so happy that she never gave up and made it all the way to the top.
Sasha has a lot of natural leadership abilities. We can tell she loves to participate, and she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. This was evident when she coined the group mantra “go hard or go home”. She led the group through the creation of our full value contract, which can be described as a group-generated collection of ‘rules’ or ‘ideals’ for the trip—a group constitution, of sorts. She is always talking to someone. She is a sunny and positive girl who loves to have fun! Oh, did I forget to mention that she speaks a lot of Chinese?
Hannah is a very strong and opinionated person. We love it! She knows who she is and is not afraid to tell you what she thinks. We really appreciate her honesty. She also knows a bit of Chinese. Hannah puts in a lot of effort towards group activities and is a fun person to be around. She got everyone together to play cards last night, creating a wonderful group bonding session in the girl’s room. She is willing to talk to everyone, and is a wonderful person to be around.
Alexandra is such a sweet girl! Just about everything she says is funny. We love her quiet nature and we truly appreciate the sense of respect and intelligence she brings to the group. She is never rude or confrontational. She is simply cool and lovable. She is also a wonderful tournament ping pong player. March discovered this the hard way as he was handed the beat down of a life time by none other than Alexandra Lesieur.
Bryan is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He absolutely loves Coca-Cola, and eats everything we put in front of him. He is helpful and kind. He knows how to be himself, and he also knows how to make you feel comfortable around him. He has a wonderful smile and uses it often to express his happiness. Bryan loves soccer, and is really upset that both Brazil and Argentina were knocked out of that little tournament down in South Africa. Aside from that, he is having tons of fun and can’t wait for the next day to start.
Zack is very mature for his age. He’s a great person—he knows the leaders need everyone to pitch in, and he is not afraid to lend a helping hand. Mature, helpful, lovable...what more can we say? Zack likes to play basketball and is a great player. This was evident when he went one on four against the other team and scored! We need his magic both on and off the court. He is a great listener and he does not hold back one bit during group activities. We love his effort and we are genuinely glad he is on the trip. He went above and beyond the call of duty when the group did their first shopping trip, lugging more bags than anyone. Go Zack!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Safe and Sound in China
Angus just got off the phone with March and is happy to report that after a loooong flight, a bus ride to Beijing Normal, and a yummy dinner, the very tired students of Bridge China are all settled into their beds. Tomorrow they'll be up and at'em early, ready to explore the amazing city of Beijing! Everyone is incredibly excited to start their summer adventure!
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