In this delightful season of clear autumn skies, the sixth-grade students embarked on a two-day study tour. During this journey, the young students learned self-reliance through practical activities and experienced the joy of growth. With nature as the classroom, students were able to flourish with a positive spirit amidst the autumn atmosphere.
Under the warm autumn sun, we set off together for Suzhou Taihu Cowboy Resort. There were a variety of activities available here for the students, but also a series of fun challenges for the students to face, including protecting eggs, orienteering, cooking farmhouse dishes, learning to tie knots, building bamboo rafts, high-altitude challenges, live-action CS, and constructing Roman catapults.
The students listened attentively in the hall as the content and requirements of the two-day study tour were explained. Each student was given a raw egg, and their next task was to learn how to protect their ‘little treasure’. During the egg protection activity, students carefully carried their eggs, ensuring they did not break. This experience gave them a profound understanding of the importance of responsibility and allowed them to appreciate the patience and effort their parents put in on a daily basis, leaving the students deeply touched.
Study Tour Lesson 2 – Orienteering
In this exhilarating orienteering activity, participants not only challenged themselves but also learned essential survival skills in nature. First, they attempted to filter dirty water to provide themselves with clean drinking water. Next, they crafted small tools to be prepared for any situation. The wild vegetable foraging segment brought them closer to nature, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of gathering in the wild. Finally, the fishing task tested their patience and taught them how to meet the challenges of acquiring food. This activity benefitted everyone greatly, fostering an understanding of the importance of resource conservation and living harmoniously with nature.
Group members gathered to enjoy the fun of cooking farmhouse dishes. As the activity began, everyone was busy with their tasks—some were washing vegetables, others were focused on chopping, while a few took charge of stirring and frying. Around the stove, students took turns tending the fire, creating a scene of delightful chaos. After much effort, delicious dishes like scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried green peppers with pork, braised chicken, and braised fish were finally ready. The table, full of tasty dishes, gave everyone a sense of accomplishment and joy from cooking by hand, while also experiencing the pleasures of teamwork.
In this combined activity of high ropes challenge and live-action CS, students faced a dual test of their physical strength and intellect. The activity began with the high ropes exercises, where they bravely climbed and balanced on ropes, pushing their limits and experiencing the thrill and sense of achievement that comes with operating at height. Following this, the intense live-action CS competition commenced, with team members quickly entering ‘combat mode’, collaborating in groups, devising tactics, and flexibly responding to ‘enemy’ attacks. Throughout the process, students not only enhanced their courage and physical fitness but also improved their teamwork and strategic thinking skills, experiencing unparalleled fun and growth.
In this challenging practical activity, students learned the skills of tying knots, building bamboo rafts, and constructing Roman catapults. First, they diligently practiced tying knots, mastering a basic yet crucial survival skill. Next, they worked together to construct sturdy bamboo rafts, experiencing the strength of teamwork. Finally, by crafting Roman catapults, they appreciated the ingenuity of ancient machinery. Through these hands-on activities, they not only honed their manual skills but also sparked their creativity and collaborative spirit.
The challenging two-day Humanities Walk excursion successfully concluded with some important outcomes. During this event, students not only honed their self-reliance skills but also gained a deep understanding of the importance of teamwork. By solving various real-world problems and participating in group tasks, they experienced the power of mutual support and collaboration. These invaluable lessons are essential components for supporting them in their journey of growth.
It wasn’t until the bus wobbled its way to our destination that I began to grasp the significance of the theme for this trip — “Self-Reliant Youth.”
There were no luxurious hotels, no welcoming staff, and no exquisite meals; everything appeared so natural and unrefined…
We had to cook our own meals, organize our own belongings, learn to identify wild vegetables, and acquire skills like knot tying and fishing. These two fulfilling days taught me self-care and, more importantly, the meaning of self-reliance.
What does it mean to be self-reliant? It’s a state where we gradually eliminate dependency on others or overcome external conditions to sustain our lives.
To be self-reliant, we must first learn to take care of ourselves. This is the greatest insight and takeaway from this autumn outing.
Not only was the scenery there breathtaking, with picturesque landscapes, but we also got to experience various activities like horseback riding, archery, and go-karting.
Let me introduce some of the fun activities to you!
Horseback Riding — Transforming into dashing knights, we galloped with the wind whistling past our ears.
Myanmar Bridge — We experienced a challenge requiring courage and strength as we simulated the Red Army’s daring capture of the Luding Bridge during the Long March.
Cowboy Rustic Cooking — We became professional chefs, working with our friends to prepare delicious meals.
There were many more activities, but I’ll leave those for you to discover and experience yourself!