Recently, our two students Jason and Eric attended a unique character-building camp at YCIS Shanghai Puxi (Hongqiao Campus). This event brought together 15 secondary school students from YCIS Shanghai Puxi and over 50 local primary school students, embarking on a journey of character development together.

This Character Camp marked the fifth collaboration between the Shanghai Expatriate Center (TEC) and YCYW, showcasing a shared commitment to service learning and community engagement. The partnership thrives on the belief that empowering youths to lead and teach fosters growth not only in mentees but also in the mentors themselves.

The preparation for the camp began with two days of intensive training. The secondary student mentors from YCYW delved into the importance of core qualities and developed creative lesson plans. Centered around the theme of "Becoming Character Detectives," they designed various scenarios and challenges to spark curiosity and self-reflection among the primary students.

During the official camp, the campus was filled with laughter and a positive atmosphere. Our students, together with TEC teachers, led the primary school students in a series of activities such as dance, sports games, and interactive lessons. Each activity was closely aligned with the core objectives, allowing the children to understand and demonstrate patience, focus, and insight through practical experience.

This camp not only greatly benefited the primary school students but also provided significant growth opportunities for the student mentors from YCYW. Our students Jason said, they learned how to lead and manage a team, and continuously improved their teaching methods based on feedback and observations. More importantly, they deeply understood the value of leadership and empathy through serving others.

The successful organization of the character-building camp not only reflects the shared commitment of YCYW and TEC but also serves as a shining example of education transcending traditional boundaries. It demonstrates that when young people are empowered with leadership qualities and compassion, they can enrich the lives of others and contribute to the harmony and progress of society.

As parents, educators, and community members, we should actively support and celebrate these programs that nurture the hearts and minds of the younger generation. It is these future leaders who will guide us towards a better and more united society.