Typical camp activities and programs include: Calligraphy classes, Chinese games and outdoor fun, Cooking classes, Martial Arts, Making the Dragon, and quality family bonding activities. Families participate in the Saturday evening annual bonfire. There is also a Closing Ceremony held every year.
Grades K – 2
At Camp China, we strive to provide age-appropriate programs. By encompassing a variety of activities, campers learn about Chinese Culture. At the Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade levels, campers learn Chinese Brush Art, Calligraphy, Chinese music and dance, and games. What they learn in the dance class is performed at our Closing Ceremony on Sunday night.
Grades 1-2
As our campers grow, so do our programs. Additional age-appropriate activities engage our Grade 1-2 and create strong bonds. From Chinese Art to Chinese Festivals, this group continues to learn more about their heritage.
Grades 6-8
Our middle-school campers are given opportunities to express themselves with Chinese Art. We also provide our 6 – 8 grade campers with more advanced physical activities that are led by YMCA counselors. Camp Crafts, Archery, and Challenge Course activities are some of the more popular selections. At this age, we also try to provide sessions led by our speakers and adoption counselors.
Grades 9 – 10
In 2019, we added the 9th/10th grade group for campers who wanted to continue their camper experience rather than transition to a counselor. We added special programs that better fit these high schoolers. Ropes courses and team building activities are just a couple of activities that are added to this group’s activities. This group is also open for counselor applicants who are not able to fill a counselor position.
Adult Adoptees
New for 2023 is the Adult Adoptees group (age 18+). This group is for both new and returning Camp China campers and counselors. This group will participate in some parts of the Parent schedule, but will also have programming just for them, including a special session with one of our speakers. They will also have opportunities to mingle with our adult counselors.
Parents
At Camp China, we emphasize involving the whole family. Parent Campers can enjoy participation in Tai Chi, Mahjong, and cooking classes. Guest Speakers, such as Jaclyn Skalnik, Kay Bratt (Author of “Silent Tears: A Journey of Hope in a Chinese Orphanage”), and Dr. Changfu Chang (the “professor of adoption films”) are presented in a parent-only setting
Families
When you finish lunch, there are 2 1/2 hours of family free time to enjoy the amenities of the Blue Ridge Assembly. From swimming to hiking, there is certainly something for all families. After free time, there are family activities planned. Often this activity centers around the kitchen and cooking. Recipes such as soup, cold noodles, wonton, and rice dumplings are often created and enjoyed by this afternoon session. Other activities include family-oriented Tai Chi instruction.
Add-on YMCA Activities include Archery, an Alpine Tower, a Climbing Wall, a Family Hike, and Heritage Crafts. (add-on activities are not included in registration fees). See the available activities on our registration form.
Click on these links for more information:
