YINGHUA in Beijing2014 Language & Leadership Summer Institute

June 23 - July 20, 2014

YINGHUA in Beijing2014 Language & Leadership Summer Institute

June 23 - July 20, 2014

The YingHua Language School is proud to offer itshighly successful 4-week Chinese language programin 2014 in Beijing, China - for students between 8 and18 years old. In its 11th year of operation, the programis co-organized by the Beijing Yanjing ProfessionalCultural School, a nonprofit educational organizationapproved by the Beijing Municipal EducationCommission. Yanjing will be responsible for overseeingand coordinating all activities under the direction andguidance of YingHua. Website: www.yinghuasummer.org Email: info@yinghua.org Tel: 609.530.0399.

• Cultural experience• Language learning• Leadership training and

character-building• Physical fitness• Fun

The first three weeks programs include: Intensive language classes (60 hours) Culture activities (20 hours) Fieldtrips and cultural shows

Four levels with eight to twelve students in each class areoffered. Students will be placed based on information submittedduring registration and an in-country placement exam. Classplacement may be adjusted based on teachers' feedback. Thecurriculum includes reading/writing and speaking/listeningcourses.

The Basic and Elementary levels are suitable for students whodo not speak Mandarin Chinese at home. The Intermediate levelis suitable for students who speak Mandarin Chinese at home orcan understand spoken Mandarin. Students who speakMandarin at home and can recognize over 800 characters maybe placed in the special Extensive Reading class aimed atstrengthening character recognition and sight-readingvocabulary.

Language classes are held Monday through Friday, four 45-minute periods a day with the exception of days when we haveall-day excursions, and include a weekly test. Students will begiven a comprehensive assessment at the end of the third week.

Language classes

Week 1- 3June 23 - July 13Week 1- 3

June 23 - July 13

5 Targets

Culture activitiesBesides language learning, students willpractice Chinese calligraphy, brush painting,the abacus, folk songs, handicrafts, paper-cutting, and Chinese word processing. In theafternoons & some evenings, students willparticipate in swimming, feather-kicking,Chinese yo-yo, basketball, soccer and martialarts.

Students will participate in organized weeklyshows and tours. Performances, such as PekingOpera, acrobatics, and martial arts shows arescheduled. Excursions include trips to historiclandmarks such as the Great Wall of China(Mutianyu and Jiugukou in the 4th week),Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple ofHeaven, Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace,Drum Tower, Beihai & Jingshan Park, Beijing'sHutong and Courtyard, Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque,and other cultural excursions (temple, church,community club, senior citizen center, localgovernment, residential homes, universities, etc.).

Field Trips

The dormitory is inside the four-star Yong An Hotel. Thisfacility has been providing excellent services to our programsince 2010. The courtyard-style complex provides dual-layersecurity at the courtyard and building entrances. Situated atthe Embassy Area, the Yong An Hotel is within walkingdistance to the new U.S. Embassy and close to the ChinaAgricultural Exhibition Center located in the ChaoyangDistrict of Beijing by the Third Ring Road.

Room and Board

Four students will share an air-conditioned two-room suite, a private bathroom with shower, and atelephone. A large cafeteria is also on campus with the very popular breakfast buffet. The diningservice serves mostly Chinese food with some American favorites. Students may use our programcomputers to send email or read news from major sources (i.e., Yahoo!, CNN, etc.) 2-3 times aweek.

The fourth week will give the students a unique opportunity toexercise their language and leadership skills. They will travel toBeijing Guang Ai School in the eastern suburb of Beijing toprovide a free 4-day summer camp to underprivileged children,most of whom are orphans or homeless children.

Our students will be responsible for designing and implementingactivities including English-learning, cultural awareness games,friendly competitions, student performance, decorating the learningenvironment, and beautifying the campus. This week, languagelearning becomes “real” As the Beijing students do not speak muchEnglish. We will go hiking a section of the ancient Great Wall ruin.There will be many other leadership-development, character-building, and culture-immersion activities.

Melissa, 14This program was so much morethan just a lesson in the Chineselanguage. It felt like a wholeteaching in life. The biggest weekthough was the last one atGuangAi (School). I became aleader, something I used to alwaysbe afraid of. I learned what it takesto be a leader and the feeling ofinfluencing others.

Lin-Lin, 13Because I loved this program somuch last year, I returned this year,accompanied by three other friends.

Shannon , 15I have been to this program multipletimes, and the reason why I neverget bored is the people who comehere every year. What’s alsoamazing is that there is so muchpositive peer pressure happening inevery activity we do.

Lisa 13Sure, you have three hours of classfor many days. Even though thatmay sound like a lot, it isn’t!Time passes so quickly that youWISH you had more class.

Ryan , 15I had never been to China beforethis, and I knew next to nothingabout its language and culture. Ithink it really makes a differencewhen you’re forced to put the wordsyou learn into action every day. Ihave learned a good bit.

Darren , 11Ever since I left this program, myChinese was all forgotten, butnow that I’ve comeback, it gave me the highestscores in my class.

James, 14The Chinese classes taught melots of new words. Even though Ididn’t memorize all of them, Ifound myself recognizing lots ofcharacters on the streets.

This program was not just funand games; it was from fieldtrips to the Great Wall all theway to visiting elders andmaking poor orphans grow asmile on their faces. We gavepeople love, togetherness, andmost importantly, celebrationstarting a new life!

-- Sophia, 12

Week 4July 14 – July 20

Week 4July 14 – July 20

“YingHua in Beijing" 2014 Language & LeadershipSummer Institute is limited to 50 students. Registerearly as no applications are accepted once the capacityhas been reached.

Director Dr. Bonnie Liao will escort the group of studentsfrom the New York/New Jersey area on June 22 and returnon July 20. She will stay with the program throughout thefour weeks.

$3,980 including a $80 registration fee, tuition, room &board, books, hotels, travel accident insurance, and groundtransportation for study and travel, but not internationalairfare, visa fee, medical insurance, medical expenses, andother personal expenses.

Deposit of $580 is due in 7 days after online registration tosecure a spot. Subsequent sibling registration may waivethe $80 registration fee.

Visit our website: www.yinghuasummer.orgEmail: info@yinghua.orgCall: 609.530.0399.

3 Waysto register3 Ways

to register

Dr. Liao is a devoted educator in Chinese language and childrenpersonal development. She is the founder of YingHua LanguageSchool (www.yinghua.org) and YingHua International School(www.yhis.org) as well as serving as the Head of YingHua Schools.

The program not only provides funand education, but it goes deeperand it can completely change yourview on life.

- Ben, 15

Typical DaysDay 6 Day 7

7:00~8:35 Breakfast and Morning Exercise Breakfast and Morning Exercise

8:45~10:15

Field Tripa)National Center for the Performing Arts

b)Tiananmen Square and Rostrum

Language StudyConversation

10:25~11:55 Language StudyVocabulary and Reading

12:00~13:20 Lunch

13:30~15:00Lunch

Xinyi Palace, a typical Chinese restaurantoutside of the Forbidden City

Culture ActivityAn introduction to the Peking Opera face

painting and students get to make their ownmasks

15:10~16:40 Field Tripa)The Palace Museum (the Forbidden City),one of the most prestigious museum in China

b)Silk Factory

Marshal Art

16:50~17:50 Leadership Workshop“Emotional Intelligence and Motivation”

18:00~18:50Dinner

Authentic Beijing-style dinner – Zha JiangMian (Literally, the fried sauce noodle)

Dinneron campus

20:00~20:40Liyuan Theater

Watch Peking Opera and how performerspaint their faces at backstage.

Group Reflection

20:45~21:30 Study Hallfor homework and quiet play

The following excerpt was from"Andrew", who had been to some ofthe most popular summer camps inthe US,(see http://bit.ly/yinghua2009 forall 24 from 2009):

"For a lot of us, this is not the firsttime attending a summer camp.Each camp has its features andspecialties that make it one of akind. For me, this is already myfifth time going to a summer camp,but none of the previous summercamps will leave a deeper markthan this one. This is not becausethat it is the most recent, butbecause of what I learned.

Most academic summer campsteach you a lot of knowledge. Youlearn more, but you don’t really getchanged. It affects your brainrather deeply, but not really yourheart and your way of viewingthings. "

During the day, our students take their time to record what theysee and hear. At the end of everyday, they sit down to think,discuss and write their experience down in their daily reflection.

The following excerpt was from"Ming Ming", who returned for the2011 program(see http://bit.ly/yinghua2010 forall 26 from 2010):

Dr. Seuss said, “Don’t cry becauseit’s over, smile because ithappened.” Going through thisprogram has helped me to reallyunderstand this brilliant quote.The past 4 weeks have beenindescribable. I’m literally at a lossof words, because it’s impossible todescribe this experience; but somewords that some to mind are: life-changing, inspirational,unforgettable, touching, and LOTSof fun. Every single aspect at thisprogram had a meaning, andevery single event was botheducational and enjoyable at thesame time. I know for a fact that Ihave changed into a better leader,a better student, and into a personI want to be.

The following excerpt was from"Melissa", who is coming to PCE onMarch 10,(see http://bit.ly/yinghua2011 for all25 from 2011):

In general, I feel like this programwas so much more than just a lessonin the Chinese language. It felt like awhole teaching in life. I learned somany things, in and out of class. I’vestarted to really think things through.... I had so much fun, it didn’t feel likeI was sitting and learning.

In the four weeks here, I learned a lotabout myself. I discovered newaspects of myself and began tocomprehend my flaws. The biggestweek though was the last one at光爱.I became a leader, something I usedto always be afraid of. I learned whatit takes to be a leader and the feelingof influencing others. I became amuch more of a risk-taker here, one ofthe biggest risks being me joining theleadership group. I’ve learned to beambitious and try new things, even ifthey will not end successfully. I’ve alsogrown to accept things in life andunderstand things like emotions. Thisprogram has given me the feeling as ifI have really matured. I understandthings in life that I didn’t even knowabout until now.

In the end, this program was the rightdecision. I was so reluctant at first tocome, expecting a boring session fullof classes and homework. Instead I’veexperienced this program full of life-lessons and eye-opening teachings. Ifeel like I’m going to go back homewith a whole new perspective on life.Although it sounds really far-stretched and fake, I really believethat this program was an amazingjourney that I will probably neverforget.

Student Reflection

"YingHua in Beijing" Summer Language Leadership Daily Schedule

Day 7:00~8:35 8:45~10:15 10:25~11:55 12:00~13:20 13:30~15:00 15:10~16:40 16:50~17:50 18:00~18:50 20:00~20:40 20:45~21:30Day 01 Sun Welcoming Dinner Group Reflections Recess

Day 02 Mon EX、BF Opening Ceremony Leadership Development(IB)

LC Shanxi StretchedNoodles

Group Reflections Recess

Day 03 Tue EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Calligraphy (learn to recognize and attemptall five styles)

DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 04 Wed EX、BF Countryside-styleLunch

Korean BBQ Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 05 Thu EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Chinese painting (practice water-and-inkstyle)

Marshall Art (learn one routinewith 30 poses)

Learn about Forbidden Cityand Tiananmen

DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 06 Fri EX、BF Xin-yi-gong Lunch Forbidden City Yuan-hou Silk Place Beijing Zha-jiang Noodle

Day 07 Sat EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Introduce and learn to paint Peking Operamasks

Marshall Arts EQ and Motivation DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 08 Sun EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese Abacus (addition) Learn about Drum Tower andHu-tong

Porridge Place Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 09 Mon EX、BF Visiting resident'shome

Peking Duck Self-study andhomework

Day 10 Tue EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Traditional Puzzle Toys (carpenter's lock,etc.)

Learn to sing "GratefulHeart"

Chinese Yo-yo DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 11 Wed EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Learn about Chinese dynasties and GreatWall

Mei-zhou-dong-bo Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 12 Thu BF Glass House Restaurant McDonald Group Reflections RecessDay 13 Fri BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Sing songs (Friends, Invisible Wings) Growth Mindset and

Multiple IntelligenceChinese Yo-yo, feather kicking DN Group Reflections Self-study and

homeworkDay 14 Sat EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Dough Sculpturing (one piece pp) Learn about Beihai and

Jingshan ParksChinese Yo-yo, featherkicking, basketball

DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 15 Sun BF Tianjin Dumpling Place

Day 16 Mon EX、BF Spoken Chinese Learn about and tastePeking Duck

Noodles Reading Chinese What US may learn fromChina

Chinese Yo-yo, featherkicking, basketball

DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 17 Tue EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Traditional Puzzle Toys (everyone solves the9-ring puzzle)

Learn about religious Swim (Chao-yang Park) DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 18 Wed EX、BF Hotpot Self-study andhomework

Day 19 Thu EX、BF Spoken Chinese Reading Chinese LC Description of Chinese herbal medicine,acupuncture, moxibustion, massage,cupping, scraping

movie "Invisible Wings" Learn about SummerPalace, Guan Ai School

DN Group Reflections Self-study andhomework

Day 20 Fri BF Oragon Jin-ding-xuan

Day 21 Sat EX、BF Chinese Exam Leadership Assessment LC Food court Group Reflections Packing

Day 22 Sun BF LC Teach basketball Teach English Teach Chinese Yo-yo DN Group Reflections Watch Chinese TV

Day 23 Mon BF LC Soccer and Basketballs DN Group Reflections Watch Chinese TV

Day 24 Tue BF Lunch at Da-ya-li (Peking Duck) DN Group Reflections Watch Chinese TV

Day 25 Wed BF LC Soccer and Basketballs DN Group Reflections Packing

Day 26 Thu BF LC Give certificates Porridge Place Group Reflections Yong An Hotel

Day 27 Fri BF Jing-du Meat Pie Group Reflections PackingDay 28 Sat BF

airport pickup, settling down at the hotel

Ethnic Park and Museum (ethnic dancing and singing, water-splashing festival), Dr. Tea

Watch demo for morning exercise, movie UndergroundTunnels

Visit underground tunnels, anti-Japanese war exhibit Magic-flute Porcelain Workshop (make one piece of porcelain)

Visit and perform with orphans from Sichuan earthquake

Senior center performance, Fa-yuan Buddst Temple Ox-street Mosque, community activity center, learn about residents' life, Kong-fu performance, northeastern cuisine

National Opera House, Tiananmen Square and Gate Li-yuan Theater to watch Peking

Make dumplings

Science & Technology Museum (learn about ChineseAncient Sci/Tech Inventions)

Rickshaw tour in Hu-tong (Cricket culture, courtyard, inner-painting art), Drum Tower, acrobat performance

Swim inside the Olympic Water Cube

Clean kitchen, dining hall, pulling out weeds fromplayground

Decorate classrooms with Guang Ai students through crafts and arts

Jade factory learn Chinese jade culture, Mu-tian-yu Great Wall Cloisonné workshop, Yaxiu Market

Temple of Heaven,Pearl factory

Beihai (row boat), Jingshan Park

Capital Museum Summer Palace, find 18 stories on the Long Corridor (read 100+) Prepare for exam

Beijing subway, Xidan Bookstore, Pearl Market

To Beijing Guang Ai School

Hike to Jiu-gu-lou with Guang Ai students, climb to "flattened tower" Learn how to sing Guang Ai school's song - "Love led me home"

Clean up students' dorm, pulling out weeds Decorate canvas bags - one school on one side using color pens, leave wordsto

Teach guitar, English songs, demo morning exercise Depart for Beijing

Take bullet train to Tianjin, visit the "Snack Street", Lunch, return to Beijing, Xiu-shui MarketDepart for US or to families' homes

Development Traveling (arranged by travel agent) Traveling (arranged by YingHua)

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[The following reflection essays were written by students attending the nonprofit “YingHua in Beijing”2013 Summer Language & Leadership Institute. Almost every day, the students would sit in a circle toreflect on the day’s experience through writing and sharing. On the last Saturday before they wenthome, they were asked to reflect on their 4-week experience and what they would tell other kids aboutit. They had 20 minutes. All 17 students shared their experiences here. More information, such as theinstitute’s daily announcements and schedule, can be found at www.YingHuasummer.org . Contact: Dr.Bonnie Liao bonnie.liao@YingHua.org (609.530.0399). Please feel free to share this document with yourfriends.]

YingHua in Beijing 2013 – FINAL REFLECTIONS

Aidan, 11In a general summarization, I think this summer camp is above my expectations (which are quite

high).At the very beginning of this summer programme (YingHua in Beijing), I imagined that this

summer programme was only teaching Mandarin. However, it turned out that they were also teachingus leadership, teaching us about Chinese culture (some of which was developed over 2000 years ago, e.g.jade, silk). Also, they teach you some virtues of life e.g. patience: teaching the amazing Guang Aistudents Chinese yoyo and English… caring: peeling the Guang Ai students home-grown vegetables fromthe school’s vegetable garden, cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, painting walls that YingHua studentsmade in the past, and, lastly, perseverance to pursue on while doing your homework and studying forthe final exam instead of fooling around. Those are three super important virtues.

In conclusion, if I were to talk to a random child I would highly recommend this summerprogramme because it has the skill to benefit you in many different ways e.g. giving you a perfectmindset, which is the growth mindset, excels you in the outstanding language of Mandarin, teaches youto be thankful for everything you have and lastly gets you ready to be away from your parents for yearswhen you are an adult. Zai jian! Xie xie for letting me talk to you and for you to give up your time tolisten to me.

Alice, 11Throughout these four amazing weeks, my life has dramatically changed. I learned so much

more, made so many new memories and friends, and the experience has made me more grateful of allthe things in my life. This “camp”, YingHua in Beijing, is truly an amazing and life-changing experience.

Firstly, I have been immersed in the very interesting culture of China. I’ve learned about thetypes of people, the wonderful places, traditions, and so much more. I really never thought about any ofthese things throughout my past visits to China. Secondly, this “camp” has taught me how to be a leader.

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A true leader, not the stereotypical bossy, controlling person. The leader who has personal integrity andcharacter, the leader who helps others reach their goal, the leader who is caring and understanding ofothers, who is balanced, open-minded, and a risk-taker. Last but not least, these four weeks have taughtbe to understand that I am very fortunate, and I should be very grateful for all that I have. For example,the kids in Guang Ai: they have so much gratitude in every single thing people do for them. They aregrateful for everything they have, and some don’t even have the things you and I take for granted everyday. I know I should be grateful for my mom, dad, arms, legs, my home, my brother, and, veryimportantly, this experience. There is SO much I wish I could say but I will never be able to put it intowords.

If I were to describe this “camp” I would put it this way. At first, when I went to the orientation,the only reason I was coming was because I was forced to. Now, I’m SO so glad I was forced to come tothis camp. I think that I really am a changed person now. I gained so much from this trip. I’ve gainedknowledge, determination, confidence, and I’ve changed my mindset about things. I’ve also gainedexperiences, friends, memories, too many to list. If anyone is considering coming to this camp, take myadvice. I’ve learned many things from Guang Ai, but one of the most important things is, take all theopportunities you can get – you could possibly never get it again, and you won’t get to know whatyou’re missing out on.

Andrew P, 10Before I went to this camp, I thought that this camp would be terrible. But when I went to this

camp, it was way over my expectations and also it was really different. Although you have to leave yourparents, it’s still worth it to come to this camp. First of all, mostly, every day you go out to exercise. Thishelps a lot for the amount of food you will eat each day. This activity is one of my favorites because Ilove running. Also, this institute helps you learn a lot about the Chinese culture. Every day that you don’thave field trips you get to learn Chinese and also listen to the very famous stories in China. Some dayswe do calligraphy or face-painting or the abacus. On the days of the field trips, you get to visit veryfamous places like the Forbidden City. Finally, everyone will learn a lot about leading and influencing atthis magnificent institute.

I highly recommend this institute to anyone who asks. This event has changed my life foreverand also taught me new things as well as old things that I have long forgotten. I felt a little homesick atfirst when I came but then they all felt like my family afterwards and that’s what you will feel. I willnever forget this experience. Thank you, Bonnie, for giving up so much for us. Thank you, Shannon, forassisting and teaching us. And, most of all, thank you everyone for supporting and encouraging me tocome here. WELCOME TO YINGHUA IN BEIJING!

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Andrew S, 13This camp, YingHua in Beijing, was honestly better than I expected by far. With the Chinese

learning classes, I learned more than I had in a long time. Applying things learned in leadership classes inGuang Ai, and having climbed and run along the way, this program was very good.

For the first three weeks, every day we had Chinese class for a few hours a day. In the morning,learning about reading, writing, and speaking, and learning Chinese culture in the afternoon. Coming tothis camp, I mainly needed to read and write Chinese. This learning program taught me a lot. ForChinese culture classes, we did things ranging from Peking Opera masks to frustrating puzzles. However,learning Chinese was not the only thing in this camp.

YingHua in Beijing had a lot of fitness training implemented in it. Waking up every morning, wehad to run to a park, do martial arts, morning exercises, and run a mile. There were two times and ChrisQian and I ran steep mountains, once on the Great Wall and once on Hong Luo Si. We also had to have alot of endurance to help clean things at the Guang Ai School.

Not only did we learn about leadership in class, we got to demonstrate that we could lead at theGuang Ai School. Having been studying for an exam and not joining the “leadership team”, I still got toshow my abilities to lead. This situation also resembles my school situation, having not gotten Head Boy.

In conclusion, YingHua in Beijing is a great program with leadership, Chinese, and fitness. It Iwere someone with nothing to do for the summer and wanted to learn Chinese, I would choose YingHuain Beijing, as it strengthens way more than just Chinese with fun activities.

Andrew S, 9This camp was great. The camp was better than expected because when I first came to the place

where Liao Lao Shi explained what we were going to do at this camp, I thought it would be very boringbecause Liao Lao Shi just talked about what we were going to do. That was a big mistake because LiaoLao Shi only explained about what we would do and she did not explain what we were doing in the fieldtrips. Second of all, I thought this camp was good because we got to learn about how to speak MandarinChinese. Even though the Chinese classes were boring and the homework hard, I still thought it wasworth it because I learned a lot of Mandarin/Chinese. Last but not least, this camp helped me and mybody gets ready for my circus and fencing camps. Now I am way more flexible than I used to be and Ihave quicker reactions than I had before. For instance, now I can sort of do a split when I could barely doone before I started doing guang bo ti cao (the morning exercises). I think more people should come tothis camp.

Austin, 13This camp has made an extraordinary, momentous scar in my mind which will stay there for as

long as I live. As of today, the last day, I reminisce many lasting memories which I find touching andencouraging.

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Over the past four weeks, we have been to the main attractions of China, tried all differenttypes of Chinese delicacies, learned Chinese, Chinese culture, and taught English while helping thecampus of the school for the less fortunate, Guang Ai. Leadership is shown in many of the eventsexplained above.

One aspect that I noticed was that everyone in this camp will bond within the first day. This willbe very useful in the coming days and will allow you to use the quality of being risky. A very momentousmemory was when we had to move from Yong An Hotel to Shun Da Hotel, where they had no elevators.This proved cumbersome because then you would have to bring your suitcase all the way up to the thirdfloor by stairs. However, everybody helped each other when in need and also organized everything.

Another strong memory was how hard people would help each other bargain in bargainingmarkets. This made the bonds of friendship even stronger and increased each other’s respect andtolerance. This example is strengthened furthermore by how people would encourage each other totaste different food, such as the bitter melon.

Finally, I would like to point out how much just 19 people could do to help the schoolGuang Ai. We all cleaned their bathrooms, organized their library, painted two walls for them, pulled outweeds, played games, and taught them English. We did this all within four days. On the last day, we saidgoodbye and sang songs for each other. Many of us cried and this shows the acceptance of gratitudeand the feeling of sadness.

All in all, this camp was great, taught me independence, leadership, and best of all, teamwork.

Breeah, 16Dreaming is something I enjoy to do about things I want to accomplish as my life continues to

move forward. Traveling to China was one of my dreams since third grade to experience the culture,food and overall atmosphere. In 2012 I visited China and wanted more. Now the summer of 2013 I wasafforded the opportunity to carry out one of my dreams. The eagerness to come to Beijing for mysecond time wore off quickly just one day after arrival; at that point, home was the better place to be. Iwanted to forget about carrying out my dreams but Mrs. Bonnie and my Mom would not let me comeback to America. Thank goodness I stayed. Their guidance, persuasion and tough love made me endurethe entire month. I had many opportunities including studying Mandarin, process of learning to be aninfluential leader, experience genuine Chinese culture and exercising every morning which eventuallyturned into fun. This entire experience was enjoyable now as I reflect and share my reflection. I believethat all children should have an opportunity to explore an institute such as the “YingHua In Beijing”summer program.

A novice at the Chinese language from day one until day thirty showed great improvement. Theonly words I knew how to say were "nihao" and "xie xie", which I pronounced incorrectly. Every morningthe students had three hour classes, Mrs. Bonnie would devote her time solely to teach me the Chinesebasics. Over and over again, she would make me pronounce the words correctly, breaking up eachsound. It felt like I was in kindergarten again learning how to read, but it was well worth it. In mynotebook, she would write Chinese characters labeled with each stroke numbers. Another educator thatcared that I was taught the right way, which I really appreciate. She is an exceptional teacher!

You better get your running shoes out! There will be a lot of walking and an excessive amount ofexercise to do. In the morning before having breakfast, the group had to run to the park, completemorning exercises, then run one mile. Since I did not like running, I dreaded each morning, but it soon

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got easier as I built up my endurance, I was successful. By the end of the third week, I was able to run afull mile without stopping, something I had never done before. It was a very fulfilling moment for me.Without coming to YingHua, I may have never had the right mindset or power to do it. Just know thatrunning/ walking shoes MUST be comfortable for not only exercising but for all the sites we visited too.We went to many famous sites including the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall, museumsand shopping markets.

Furthermore, the institute challenges children on how to endure various situations and becomemore independent all in one; putting me far out of my comfort zone. I dealt with it and so should otheryouths who are fortunate to experience the institute which will be something we will have to deal withas we become young adults. I had no choice but to cope with problems and being away from home.There are so many friends to be made, which can last a lifetime too. I was very sad that the trip wascoming to a close, and I wished I could spend more time with all of the other campers. I end on thebelief that “YingHua in Beijing” gives you a chance to learn as much as possible, while having fun andmaking friendships.

Chris, 15YingHua is a summer camp like no other. To call it a “camp” is a stretch, because of what it

teaches. There are three-hour sessions of language classes at least every other day. There are many tripsto various cultural sites. Furthermore, there are periodic leadership classes, which I feel could be morerobust. However, despite the leadership aspect lacking, the language learning and cultural enrichmentmakes YingHua a worthwhile experience.

Despite YingHua being a partly leadership camp, it seems as though that has taken a backseat infavor of language classes and field trips. The leadership classes were infrequent I can only recall five orso from this month. However, I feel like some students preferred that, as the classes were not veryengaging. The last week at Guang Ai makes the leadership aspect more prevalent, but the material welearned in class wasn’t really applicable, in retrospect. The point stands that leadership needs a largerrole, or at least a tweaking in the manner it’s taught.

However, language learning, the other part of the camp, is executed thoroughly. In thebeginning of the month we were given placement tests, which may not have been too accurate, butpeople went up and down in class levels, balancing it out. For me, the classes were challenging. Aftereach lesson, I would be confused by the material, frustrated with the homework, and dreading the nextclass. Every night, I spent all the time studying or doing homework, which often carried into the next day.Gradually, I learned words, and I wasn’t so hopeless. I’m spending three more weeks in China, and nowI’m excited. For that reason, I commend the language department.

Moreover, one of the other goals of the program, cultural enrichment, is also well executed.Usually every other day, we would go on a field trip. The first day, we went to a museum for differentethnicities in China, and I was surprised to learn that there were so many. Every other day was a newexperience, not just that one. We also had a yellow packet to ensure that we actually learned something.Particularly memorable was the Long Corridor, because of the book we were given, It had stories forevery painting and is a riveting book, not to mention informative. Because this camp’s method ofteaching culture, which is fun at the same time, that aspect of this camp is also fulfilled.

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Though the leadership aspect wasn’t on par with the language and cultural aspects, the camp isstill worth attending. Like I said previously, this camp is not like other camps. I’ve been to sleep awaycamps before, but an overseas program is on a different scale. Staying at a hotel and doing activitiesonly in Beijing was not only different, but also enjoyable. As a message to future possible attendees:don’t let the international scope intimidate you; don’t count this out.

Emily, 14YingHua in Beijing has been an amazing experience for me. When my parents told me that I was

going to be at this camp, I was horrified. But, when my mom dropped me off at the airport, thisexperience has only gotten better. From Chinese and leadership classes to field trips to Guang Ai, I havegrown a lot for the better, made best friends for life, and had a lot of fun.

Every morning at 6:55, we would always have morning exercises, which starts off with a run to anearby part (from the hotel). And then, when we arrived at the part, we would practice guang bo ti cao(morning exercise routine) and our kung fu routine. These two exercise routines made me more focusedand disciplined because you always have to do the right thing at the right time. Then, we would have torun a mile. Running a mile mostly every day made me a better person and athlete in many ways. Also, Iwould always run with my friends, which made it much more fun.

Chinese classes are split into three sections, A class (lowest), for those with very little or noMandarin experience, the B class, for students with intermediate Mandarin, and the C class, for thosewith almost fluent Mandarin, I was placed in the B class, and I learned SO much. It was challenging attimes, but it just made me learn more than if I were placed in the A class.

For the fourth and final week of the camp, we visited the Guang Ai School in the rural area ofBeijing. The Guang Ai School is basically a school and home for orphans, abandoned, and homelesschildren. These children have given me a ray of hope because of their smiles and optimism for the future.We helped them a lot by cleaning their facilities and interacting with them. I loved how determined thekids were and they have changed me into a better person.

I have also made SO many friends at this camp. Interacting with the same group of people forfour weeks really makes you even closer. For the first three weeks, you get placed in a room with threeother people. My roommates were Whitney, Alice, and Sophia. We bonded within the first two days andmade so many great memories. I have also made many great friends that were not in my room,including Lauren, Marisa, and Breeah. The counselors are also very funny and nice. Elaina and Shannonwere great influences on me.

The field trips were all completely amazing. The field trip days are all spread one or two daysapart, and we visit the main sites of Beijing in a timely manner. We visited the Great Wall, the ForbiddenCity, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square, to name a few.

I also learned a lot about Chinese culture through this camp. In the afternoons “on campus,” wehad demonstrations and lessons on culture. These were all very fun, and made me more exposed andopen-minded. We also had leadership classes spaced out the first three weeks. These leadership classesmade me realize that personal integrity and character influence others.

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Overall, this experience has been great and will make you into a much better person. This is awonderful learning and diverse experience. If you are considering going to this camp, sign upimmediately. You will not regret it. Everybody is in the same position as you are, and everybody willopen up.

Ethan, 10It is a brand new experience for me in China. We traveled to different places, tried different

foods, learned about Chinese culture, and learned Chinese. One example that made this a newexperience for me was, first, we got to meet with a school called Guang Ai. This school is a school forhomeless kids. Most of these kids didn’t have a good education, are orphans, and are homeless. We gotto help the school a lot and helped the kids in need. In this camp, you also get to learn Chinese and haveChinese class every day. At the end there is always a test. Lastly, we have reflections every night afterdinner. We usually write about something you found interesting that day and how you feel about that.Overall, this camp is one of the best summer camps I’ve been to. I had a very fun time experiencing thelife in Beijing and I really really recommend you come to this camp. I have learned a lot of lessons that Ishould work on so I hope you do too.

Jonathan, 14Wow, if anyone asks for a great place to be in the summer, the answer from me will no doubt be

YingHua. It’s a wonderful place to be in. I’m sure many people will like it. This camp is magical and thereare many reasons to show for it.

One reason this camp is awesome is because of its people. I have learned so much Mandarinfrom my teacher, Shannon, that she is turning me from Bruce Wayne into Batman. There also areteachers who take care of the students if they are sick or in need of something, so the camp is reallyresourceful. Another example are the kids. They are my fellow students who have become great friendsthat I will never forget. I love them all.

Another reason are the really meaningful lessons. For example, there are leadership classes thatcan help build one’s character. I felt that my following and dependent self has become a much moreindependent one. It was my goal and I saw that come true through guiding the campers in the fourthweek. Another example are the Mandarin classes. I had very little sense of this language when I arrived.However, now that this camp is over, my level of knowledge on this language has improved. I can seethat I have gotten better because I can speak to teachers and even, if rare, to strangers as well.

A third reason are the events that the camp provides. For example, there are so many timeswhere a person is brought to teach us a certain thing. We had lessons on Chinese puzzles, Chinese yoyo,medicine, and many other Chinese traditional things. I learn and get a lot of fun out of the come-inteachers. Another example are the trips. We have been to so many historic and monumental Chinesesights that have great meaning. Going to those places really expanded my knowledge on Chinese history

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and culture. These trips are fun as well though. Running on the Great Wall, looking at cool paintings onthe Long Corridor, going to hutong and riding on rickshaws: all of it has been very entertaining.

All in all, this camp is very special. Learning so many things and having great fun can be achievedat the same time here. Anyone can come to this camp and enjoy it. The teachers will be caring and veryhelpful in a student’s learning, the kids will become lifelong friends among themselves, learning aboutChinese culture can be easy and fun, and the activities and trips are all great. Any kid will love this camp.It’s all one could dream of. I would know, because I dreamt of this and have experienced thisawesomeness.

Lauren, 13I’ve enjoyed the four weeks here in Beijing.Some things that I’ve liked are: bonding with my roommates, visiting different places, and

getting the opportunity to come here. There were many memorable times and jokes we had in ourrooms. Also, I got to take pictures of the places, especially because my sister lost her camera in China,and I learned a lot. I’m glad that I came here: my Chinese improved and I had fun.

I learned to be more independent here and to not always rely on others for everything that Ineed.

Visiting Guang Ai made me realize I have so much. Also, it taught me to be thankful for life, andto glorify in God in all that I say and do.

Marisa, 15These past four weeks have been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I did not expect

to learn as much Chinese as I did. Nor did I think that I would be taking in so much about Chinese cultureand history. Most of all, I didn’t quite think that the other students would become as close to me as myfamily during the last month. YingHua in Beijing was truly an unforgettable program that has definitelyinfluenced me in many ways.

In the beginning of the program, I was extremely shy and more willing to follow others thanmake my own voice heard. I had also lost a lot of my Chinese reading and writing skills from not usingthem in a year. Not to mention, I couldn’t really run the lap around the lake at Chao-Yang Park withoutstopping multiple times. In general, I had many weaknesses in my character that were in desperate needof improvement.

Over the course of the first three weeks, many changes occurred. After traveling around inBeijing for long enough and attending Chinese classes, my Chinese is pretty much back at the level it waswhen I graduated Chinese school. My knowledge of Chinese culture and history skyrocketed because ofthe various landmarks we visited during our stay. I was thrilled to understand more about my cultureand about the things that have shaped the world today.

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Additionally, I have forever grateful for the leadership classes led by Liao Lao Shi and Shannon.Now, I am more aware of whom I influence and the different aspects of a person’s character that couldmake them truly happy and successful in life.

For me, the most memorable part of YingHua was our visit to Guang Ai. There, those threeweeks of Chinese and leadership classes were put to the test as we interacted with the students andorganized activities for them.

To be honest, describing the impact that YingHua has left on me is quite difficult. I have learnedso much about myself, others, and the world from all the experiences at this program. Yes, I am veryhappy to have improved my Chinese speaking, reading, and writing skills. I can now communicate withmy relatives and other Chinese-speaking people a lot more effectively. But I am more impressed withYingHua’s ability to improve me as a person. I am more risk-taking, balanced, and reflective. I wouldhave never guessed how much YingHua has allowed me to grow these past four weeks.

The thing that I believe has opened my eyes the most was our visit to Guang Ai. If anything left amore lasting impression on me, it was the love and joy radiating from the Guang Ai students. Beforearriving, I heard the incredible story of the school and its founder, Shi Xiao Zhang (Principal Shi). I fell inlove with the atmosphere of the school once I saw the students gather in the courtyard to playbasketball and do other things. Every moment I spent in Guang Ai was worthwhile. I am extremelythankful to be able to have had the opportunity to leave something behind for the students to cherishforever.

If you haven’t gone to YingHua, you are missing out on a life-changing opportunity to helpothers and yourself. I highly recommend getting this kind of experience because it’s one word –AWESOME!

Nathan, 13I believe this camp is a good experience to expand your knowledge of Chinese and leadership.There are leadership sessions every few days to teach us about leadership and influence. On the

last week, we go to Guang Ai to teach classes and mingle with the kids. During this the counselors stepback and the campers run themselves.

Every day we have Chinese classes where we listen to Chinese classics and read lessons inChinese. We are given homework to do in our rooms, and we are quizzed on them every class.

We go on trips every few days to see Chinese cultural landmarks and learn the culture. We haveto answer questions that make sure we pay attention to the things in the place.

I think that this camp is very fun and you would enjoy it. You meet a lot of new people, learn alot of new things, and eat a lot of good food. I think it is definitely worth spending a month of yoursummer in this camp. All in all, I think this is a great camp where you learn a lot and have a lot of fun.

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Oliver, 13I have learned a lot over the course of four weeks at the YingHua in Beijing summer program. I

have learned useful vocabulary and phrases in the Chinese classes. I also learned about Chinese cultureand lastly, I learned how to become a successful leader.

For the first three weeks of this program, we had Chinese classes in the morning. We learnedvocabulary and phrases like “I’m hungry” or “I’m tired”, and things that are most commonly said. Ilearned a lot more than I would be learning at a Sunday school. I think because of coming to thisprogram I am able to communicate much more than I used to be able to and I am happy with theamount of Chinese I learned in these three weeks.

During this trip we learned a lot about China’s culture. We went to many ancient places, likeTemple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. I also learned how to paint calligraphy, which requires a lotof patience and technique. I feel like I learned a lot more than I would have in school and on the internetbecause I actually experienced these things.

Leadership was one of the most important lessons in this program. Bonnie (Liao Lao Shi) taughtthe classes and they were basically about how to become a successful leader. The ten attributes to be agood leader are to be inquisitive, knowledgeable, communicative, caring, principled, risk-taking, open-minded, balanced, reflective, and thinker. I think if I didn’t come to this camp I would never have knownthe true attributes to become a good, successful leader.

In the last week, we had the chance to use out Chinese and leadership skills to teach andinstruct the Guang Ai students. I think it was a great experience for me because I helped the kids in needand it was my first time doing something like that. That week I realized that I was so fortunate to have ahealthy family and to have so many opportunities.

I really enjoyed the short time I had here in this camp. Although in the beginning, I wasn’tlooking forward to this camp because I would be spending half of my break in China and I had a fixedmindset then, now I feel like it was so worth it and I got a lot out of it. I totally recommend this programto other kids because you will experience lots of new things and learn a ton plus interact with kids thatare less fortunate than you.

Sophia, 13Over these past four weeks, so much has happened in terms of friendship bonding, community

service, learning the beautiful language Mandarin is, Chinese culture, and character building. Not onlydid we learn about the points above, but we also visited the most exciting and memorable places inBeijing including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the hutong area, the Drum Tower, the GreatWall, the Summer Palace, and saw various shows including the acrobatics and kungfu shows, which aredefinitely worth seeing. In this camp, the people who attend are always fun, sweet, and enjoyable to bearound! It is my second time to this camp and I have found it very easy to make friends both experiences!This year everyone became friends already on the second day, and we knew each other as if we hadalready known each other for years, and this is a very welcoming quality for a camp to have.

This camp, YingHua in Beijing, not only has beautiful plans to venture into the depths of Beijing,but there are also many nice teachers who are all very comforting and sweet! If this camp didn’t have

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the teachers that we had this year then it wouldn’t be the same camp and would probably be quiteboring. There were also many talkative and lively counselors including Shannon and Elaina. I was gladthat they could be a part of our camp because they made it extremely fun! This camp is also amazing atteaching children with all levels of Chinese because of the three hours of class every day and I reallyenjoyed the classes because they were not boring. We actually got the chance to have longconversations in Chinese. This way, the classes were much more exciting! Every night we would get a lotof homework, I mean for the classes B and C, but this is all part of learning and the work was one of themain parts that helped to improve my Mandarin. Thanks to this camp, I think I am now going to study ayear in Beijing at the Ne w Talent School, which many previous students have done!

If anyone is thinking about coming to this camp, you’ve made the right choice because this camphas met all of the objectives that Liao Lao Shi said we would cover at the very beginning of the camp. Ifyou come to this camp, be prepared to go back home with a whole lot of new knowledge and you mighteven need to find more space in your brain to store it all because this year we have learned so much andI would love to return next year! I love this camp so very much and it is the best Chinese camp that Ihave ever been to because it really teaches us how to manage our emotions when something is wrongso that it is easier to make new friends. This institute/camp is fascinating, interesting (not “weird”),exciting, and fun because of the people you meet there and the Mandarin that you learn to help you getaround Beijing!

I have overall had an amazing experience this year and am really going to miss my fellowcampers. I just don’t want to say goodbye. I am also going to make sure that I won’t forget my Mandarin,so I will always go over what I have learned throughout this camp. Remember this saying: “Suck it uphappily!” Make sure you come to this camp and don’t be scared because whoever comes won’t ever bescared or homesick because it is so easy to settle in and feel welcome in the community of this diversesummer camp.

Whitney, 14YingHua in Beijing was a great learning experience.My knowledge of the Chinese culture has grown over the course of this program. We learned

many different forms of art like Peking Opera. We were fortunate enough to go to a Peking Opera showand learn the different styles of masks used in the show. Another thing I experienced was visiting thehutong area. We rode in rickshaws around the area and I learned how hard it is to have a job like that. Inthe hutong area, we went to a man’s house where he served us lunch. He said that his house had beenin his family for generations and it didn’t look like he was selling it anytime soon. I have moved threetimes in my lifetime of fourteen years, and I realized how much the Chinese culture values familytraditions more than what I’ve been used to.

I was able to learn about leadership and meet many types of people over the course of thisprogram. For our leadership classes, we were taught how to be good leaders and learners. Also, welearned how the U.S. could learn from Chinese customs.At the beginning of this camp I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to make friends because I have gone to thesame small school for six years. But we all clicked on the first day and I made friends quickly.

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The one thing I would think the program needs to work on is the “leadership team” during thefourth week at Guang Ai. Guang Ai is a school/home for children who have no place to go. During thelast week, we went there to teach English, help out around the campus doing things like cleaning. Someof the leadership team were a bit bossy during that time.

Reflecting after a day helped me improve my public speaking, and is a good habit I now have.Every day after around 7 we would gather in a circle and reflect on what we are gratefulfor/learned/realized. Then we would have to read it out loud, and at first I wasn’t that great of a publicspeaker, but then I started reading more voluntarily, not always going last.

In conclusion, I think this program has helped me become more independent, I appreciate myparents, who sent me here to experience the outside world and its many new opportunities.