It’s a big, wide, beautiful world out there and sometimes we get so bogged down in school, work, and screens that we forget to take a moment and reflect on the natural wonders of which we are a part. And what better way to appreciate the vastness of this planet we call home, than to step out of the comforts of our modern day conveniences and rough it for a couple nights in the great outdoors?
Imagine trekking out into the wilderness, using nothing but your wits and a few primitive tools to survive for five days, all while learning more about yourself, building your character, and making new friends along the way.
As part of their Survival Camp for Level 2 explorers, Imagine China will be leading a group of truly intrepid youngsters on two day-long trips through the forests of Huairou, followed by a three-night camping adventure complete with rivers and cave exploration in the mountains of Miyun.
From Sep 30 to Oct 4, the group will learn invaluable lessons in trap making, advanced fire making, hiding and tracking, raft building, navigation techniques, and advanced shelter building. The excursions are open to kids aged 7-14, and cost RMB 950 per day, with a three day minimum. The price includes activities and instruction from English-speaking outdoor sports instructors, equipment for all the activities, an outdoor sports insurance package, transport fees, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on select days. There are three daily drop-off and pick-up points located throughout the city.
According to Adina Mahalli, a mental health expert and family care professional, “Camping is generally used to help children build up their self-worth. Learning survival and life skills like pitching a tent, starting a fire, and cooking a meal are all activities to help increase one’s self-confidence. Confident children are more likely to be successful in the future.”
So while many of us would be hard-pressed to find ourselves stuck in the middle of nowhere anytime soon, Imagine China’s Survival Camp will provide kids with a unique opportunity to learn skills that push them out of their comfort zones and promote creative problem solving with limited resources, all of which will come in handy whether they’re in a city or the remote back country.
More information, including registration, can be found here.
Photos: Imagine China, Simpleasthatblog.com
