Our classes are very busy as they not only continue their lessons, but also are practicing what their group will present for the closing ceremony.

Last night was our Luau Birthday Party, celebrating the birthdays of our campers that are in July. We also celebrated the birthday of one of our Americans , Ella, whose birthday is tomorrow. Our evening began with games and then was the reading of the birthday letters. These letters are from the parents of those who are celebrating their July birthday. The reading of these letters are always very emotional for the Chinese.

We continue to roll along here. Classes are going well.Our teachers are already working with their students in their preparation for the closing ceremony. It's hard to believe that we only have a few more days with these children.

Last night, the weather was on our side and we were able to play the Photo Scavenger Hunt game. The competition was fierce and we had two classes racing to the finish line at the same time! The Green Team came out on top and they celebrated their victory with a big bag of candy, which they very kindly shared with the other teams.

Classes have started up after a day of rest for students, school assistants and teachers.  One of our assistants told me she had to take her baby to the doctor yesterday because of a fever.  Please lift her and her child.

Nicks class is teaching Christmas, Karla is teaching baseball, Jana is teaching animals and Tina is teaching foods. All the students were eager to get back to class and see their teachers.  The bond we all have for each other grows stronger each day.  Tonight we will get together in our mentor groups for a scavenger hunt and share time afterwords. 

A few shots of our Datong team in action.  

Dave Williams, Datong

Jana, Eric, Nick and Steve teaching English corner

Frankye, Kate, Carol and Jaden leading dance at our birthday party

Some of our team and a few Chinese teachers from the school as our guides at the hanging temple

A big hello from our team to family and loved ones.

Posted by Dave Williams, camp Datong

We are over half way through camp, only four more days to go! The time has gone by so fast. Last night we had our big birthday party celebration. At first we didn't know where we would hold it, but we decided to do it outside in the place we have done the other evening activities. It worked out perfectly, especially as it was a glow in the dark theme. We played some games, ate cake, and danced. The students and teachers all had a good time together. 

Last night we had our birthday party with the students.  We decorated the auditorium with balloons, streamers and party signs.  When the students arrived we greeted them with beaded necklaces, tattoos and lots of balloons on the floor to kick around. We then played a few games, ate some cake and finished off with dancing.

Oh, the flexibility that we must have while being in English Camp! Our day went very smoothly. The rain had stopped. Suddenly, at dinner time, it began to rain. Our evening activity was supposed to be the Photo Scavenger Hunt and with that game there are many tasks that must be done outside.

Within an hour, another activity was put in it's place and the Americans were ready to go when the students arrived in the Sunshine Room. The students didn't know the difference and we had a great time with our Hoedown Dance Party!

We are reaching the end of our first week here in Shangahi. Things have been busy and batty, so we're a little behind on updates.

The second and third days at camp went very smoothly. Both the teachers and the students have grown more comfortable in their roles. The Chinese parents have "complained" that their children keep speaking English at home, so all is going well academically.

Each morning, before class, we assemble all the students outside the classroom building for some necessary announcements from their school, information about their day and something to get them ready for class.  Today we featured our blue class.  Yesterday they learned about our holiday Christmas and learned the song "We wish you a Merry Christmas".  Today they sang it for the camp and did very well.  This was the first class to learn this song.  Today another class will share the story and next week the other classes will be teaching this song and other details about Christmas.  Please lif