A Summer of Fun

GUANGDONG INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL, QINGYUAN

Qingyuan, China was the destination this year for Camp Quality Hong Kong's biggest summer camp to date, with over 140 people making the trek across the border for an exciting and action-packed three-day camp. The group all met at the Hunghom train station on Friday morning and took the "fast" train to Guangzhou. By the time we reached Guangzhou, the kids were already hungry so it was straight to the Plaza Canton hotel in the city centre for lunch. We also met up with two of our familiar doctors from the Sun-Yat Sen Hospital who were also joining us for camp to see what Camp Quality was all about!

"The fun started before we even arrived"

After lunch we continued our journey by bus and arrived at the Guangdong international youth hostel in Qingyuan just after 4.30pm. After a brief welcome by camp staff, it was time to unpack and start the weekend activities. In the evening, we were all treated to a grand song and acrobatic dance extravaganza, which can only be described as "one of a kind" by one of our companions. It truly was a great performance with the talents of children from various local villages on show. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. The next morning, we were offered a "once in a lifetime experience". We were able to take the kids to watch the South China Football team in action. And what must have been the highlight for a lot of our boys, as well as our female companions too, was the opportunity to have their photos taken with the players as well as to play a friendly match with group! Next it was a short bus ride to visit one of the world's largest International Aquarium of carp. The kids were given an opportunity to feed the carp, including one which was priced at HK$1M!

"Who moved the goal posts?"

In the afternoon, excitement grew as a group of older enthusiastic campers were given the opportunity to try grass-skiing and war-games for the very first time. Our younger campers had the opportunity to plant and grow their own vegetables at the Bamboo & Rose Garden which was kept immaculate by the local people. Afterwards, the whole group descended to the hot-spring park. To many, this was the highlight of the camp as many of the campers and companions had never experience this before. At the end of the day, we had to drag them away from the water parks and hot-spring pools as many didn't want to leave!!

"Beijing Olympics" here we come!!"

"It was time to sit back, relax and put our feet up."

"Aarghh!..this is too much fun!!"

Our evening stop was the local "culture village", Yiu Jai Village, where our campers and companions were treated to a showcase of costumes and song & dance by the local ethnic group. The children and companions were able to take part in the village show and dances which was an amazing way to end the evening on a high note!

"Ouch, ow, aah"

"What kind of para para dancing is this?"

On Sunday morning, we arranged our children with their companions to see the Qing Xin Children's Acrobatic team at their morning training sessions. It was a good opportunity for the children to see how tough the local children had to train and how difficult life can be in the mainland. The children also got an opportunity to try some of the stunts, with some success!! The visit ended with our kids distributing small gifts of sweets and souvenirs to the local acrobatic children. This was a lovely way to end the visit. This camp was filled with plenty of great activities, of which only some have been highlighted here. The best part was that both the children and the companions had the opportunity to learn and enjoy them together. We are all pleased with what was yet another successful and eventful camp.

Final Note :

The strength of Camp Quality has always been in the companions who dedicate themselves to the children we support. We have been unusually fortunate in the number of companions who have supported these children at camp and I would like to mention that each one of them has represented all that Camp Quality has stood for in our three years of operation.

Despite the hot and humid weather, all those who attended summer camp had a great time and it was shown all over the children's faces. My appreciation goes out to Dr & Mrs Shing for their medical support throughout the three-day camp. Their on-going support was extremely precious. Nurse Monita deserves special thanks for ensuring proper supervised care was provided with medication and other necessary medical supplies. Thanks go to the Games Committee for providing us with an endless variety of fun and games, and last but not least, Dorothy and Regina for their invaluable support and assistance throughout the camp. You can always catch them passing out bottled water and treats, telling jokes and handling out hundreds of free hugs!!

A "Quality" camp requires quality staff. Our services and camping programs cannot be implemented without a dedicated team of staff. Their contributions and hard work is crucial to the development of Camp Quality Hong Kong. I would like to express my deepest thanks to each of my colleagues for their on-going support and hard work.

Our staff and the Games Committee have worked together for the last few months to bring together an action-packed and memorable three day camp in China!

Thanks to all those involved in making this a great camp!!

"Ok troops, when I say "go".....attack!"

"Ready, aim, SPLAT!"