For those of us who will be staying in Beijing for the National Holidays, let’s resist the urge to avoid the incoming/ tourist crowd by staying indoors the whole week.  Now this isn’t scientific, but I’m going to hypothesize that the movie theater will be less busy during the holidays, making it the optimal time for taking the kids!

So what’s playing?

Storks (逗鸟外传：萌宝满天飞)

PG. In the setting of Storks, storks have been delivering packages rather than babies for some time now. However, when a baby appears for delivery, a stork’s gotta do what a stork’s gotta do: deliver the baby.

Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy (樱桃小丸子 来自意大利的少年)

Chibi Maruko-chan (ying tao xiao wan zi), a popular Japanese animation series set in suburban Japan in 1974, has been immensely popular in Asia since its release 25 years ago. Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy is the third Chibi Maruko film, and its release date corresponds with its 25 year anniversary celebration.

Nine Lives (九条命)

In the only non-animated fiction movie in this list, Kevin Spacey plays a workaholic rich man who is disconnected from his family.  For his daughter’s birthday, which he had forgotten, he scrambles to buy a gift last minute and ends up at a mystical pet shop. He and Mr. Fuzzypants (the cat pictured) end up changing places, allowing him to learn about his family by posing as the new family pet.

Mcdull: The Rise of the Rice Cooker (麦兜·饭宝奇兵)

Mcdull (mak dau) is a Hongkonese animation series featuring Mcdull the pig, who, as the name suggests, isn’t very bright.  Yet, as an ordinary character, Mcdull has managed to be featured in seven films already. The latest, Mcdull: The Rise of the Rice Cooker, is about an alien invasion.

Ice Age: Collision Course (冰川时代5：星际碰撞)

PG. The fifth movie in the series, this time their ice age is threatened by cosmic disaster, once again set off by Scrat’s obsession for acorns.  The crew: Manny, Sid, Diego, and company, set off on another exciting trip to save the planet!

The Secret Life of Pets (爱宠大机密)

PG. A story not only about talking animals and the secret lives they lead, but also about change, class differences, and tolerance.  Max, a house dog in NYC feels threatened by the larger stray dog Duke, which his owner brings home one day.  As he dislikes him, they instantly get in trouble, and find themselves amongst other strays who plot revenge against humans. Will they be able to work together to stop the others?

New Happy Dad and Son 2: The Instant Genius (新大头儿子和小头爸爸2一 成才)

A sequel to New Happy Dad and Son movie, based on the popular Chinese animation series, this time Small-Head-Dad and Apron-Mom resort to relying on a stranger for help when Big-Head-Son doesn’t learn in class.  This series was originally released in 1995, but CCTV redesigned and reproduced it in 2013.

Godbeast Megazord: Return of Green Dragon (神兽金刚之青龙再现)

A sequel to the King Kong animation series, the gundams (robots) protect the earth from the Night Emperor’s curse. This time, the earth’s water resources are in danger. Will they be able to protect the earth from awakened behemoths?

Born in China (我们诞生在中国)

An educational nature film by Disney Nature, Born in China has viewers following the families of three endangered animal species: the Giant Panda (which is no longer endangered), the Snow Leopard, and the Golden Monkey.

New releases

I Am NeZha (我是哪吒) – Oct 1

Nezha is a protection deity in ancient Chinese folk religion, called the Third Lotus Prince, and this film is loosely based on the story, Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi).

铠甲勇士捕王 – Oct 2

A futuristic, action-packed movie set in the year 2072. Army Commander Xu Zhan takes his troops back in time to the Qing and Qin Dynasties to fight the Yan God and rewrite human history!

The Ugly Duckling (疯狂丑小鸭) – Oct 3

In a world where the bird kingdom exists besides the human realm, the Ugly Duckling and his comrades travel to find the missing glazed bird and overthrow the Rosa Court to prevent war with the humans.

新东方神娃 – Oct 4

A story about good versus evil, follow along as the Millennium Goddess’ children, Dragon and Phoenix, journey to save both their mother and the planet earth.  As the lamp of light is drained by the demons, the Millennium Goddess retreats and separates from her children. The two must prove their love for their mother, eradicate the demons, and rekindle the lamp’s light in order to retrieve their mother and maintain peace on earth.

The Wild Life (Robinson Crusoe, 鲁滨逊漂流记) – Oct 4

Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe told from the perspective of the island’s inhabitants: the animals. A story about cooperation, team effort, and overcoming differences, The Wild Life is more about the animals of the deserted island wanting adventure than Robinson Crusoe’s plight. Watch as the animals overcome their animal-human language barrier and use Crusoe as a ticket off the island, and Crusoe rely on the animals for help to return home.

Note: Click on the link (Chinese name) for a list of theaters and their play times. Some older movies will be limited to fewer locations.

English (original) versions of movies are normally played later at night, so please note the language before buying tickets. Chinese movies will only be in Mandarin.

The beijingkids Home and Relocation Guide 2016/2017 is now available! Whether you’re planning a move, settling in, or preparing to leave, it’s your essential, fact-packed resource.

Before you move
There’s an A-Z checklist of what to consider when choosing a school, and a tour round Beijing’s top family neighborhoods. Our guide to renting includes handy Mandarin phrases, and we look at what you need to know about medical insurance. In addition, we help ease the culture shock by warning you about some of the more striking cultural differences here!

Arriving
Our selection of essential apps will help you find your way around, and we also guide you through the complexities of Beijing’s healthcare system. We tackle one of the city’s most notorious problems in “Pollution Solutions”, and one you may not have considered: water safety. There’s practical tips on money, banking and paying your bills, and on hiring help. And though Beijing must be one of the safest of the world’s great cities, we offer some ideas on staying out of trouble on the streets.

Settling In
We learn from the experience of one family in coming to feel at home here, and look at how you can support your children through the transition. There’s a selection of the myriad of fun things for families to do in Beijing, and help with getting a ride to them. Finally, when you don’t feel like cooking, we introduce you to the range of delivery options for delicious dinners to your doorstep.

Leaving
For those who are heading on to new challenges, there’s an introduction to relocation and moving companies. Our timeline will help you plan for a stress-free move, and we suggest ideas for finding good homes for your unwanted possessions.

Can’t find the print edition? Send an email to distribution@beijing-kids.com, or check out the PDF version at Issuu.com.

Football fans and fun-seeking families are invited to join Beijing’s German community for their annual Soccer Championship on Saturday, May 7.

Twelve teams will compete in this free event from 8.30am to 6.30pm at Side Park, and there’s a feast of fun and food as well as the football. We talked about the tournament with Corinna Schlapps, Senior Project Manager at the German Chamber of Commerce in China – North China.

“The idea for the German Soccer Championship came up at the German Ball 2011,” she told us. “And here we are now five years later and the event is already a tradition for the Sino-German community in Beijing.”

Sports, especially soccer, are very important to the German community. “A lot of companies have their own sports team and it is part of their company philosophy,” Schlapps said. “I personally think that team sports especially are quite important in corporate life because it teaches you a lot about teamwork and team spirit. Besides that, it is also a great outlet and helps you relieve stress.”

Does it get very competitive, we wondered?

“It does get quite heated on the field from time to time (which makes the games interesting)! But in the end sportsmanship prevails and everyone tries to just have a good time and enjoy a fun day.”

It’s not just football though, there’s lots to do! Schlapps says visitors can “expect a fun day, full of exciting games for the entire family. Everyone has the chance to win great prizes, from restaurant and hotel vouchers to signed soccer jerseys, and even a brand new Skoda!”

The children’s area is run by Eduwings Kindergarten, and features face painting, an arts and craft corner, and a bouncy castle. “Their staff takes amazing care of children,” said Schlapps. “The entire venue is child friendly, it’s a park, so it’s perfect to spend a day outdoors tinkering, bouncing, running around, and just having fun.”

There’s great food too.

“We have two caterers who will provide amazingly fresh Western and Chinese food. Der Landgraf prepares classic German and Chinese BBQ with all kinds of sausages and steaks, while Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center provides salads, fresh juices, and a wide variety of pastries from their deli. Nespresso and Cheers offer our guests delicious coffee and refreshing wines – everyone will find something they like.”

The event is free and all are welcome.
8.30am-6.30pm, Side Park, 8 Jiangtai Xi Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing
四得公园,北京朝阳区将台西路8号

Photos: Aaron Berkovich, courtesy of German Chamber of Commerce in China – North China

When I was a kid, “young learners” didn’t have their own summer camps. There was preschool and kindergarten that continued over the summer in the service of working parents, and then there were half-day classes for a number of activities for parents who stayed home (but wanted to send their children out). Yet, those existed all year long and were not especially designed for summers.

Today, and especially here in Beijing, schools are out for the summer, but offer a variety of different ways to keep your child busy without being in a “school” environment.  As a new parent, I see this as a chance to allow our children to experience new activities, to try out new schools and campuses, and to discover where my child’s natural interests take him.  Summer is the best time to dapple in activities before making them year-long (or life-long) hobbies!

AEA US Embassy Camp, Jun 16-Aug 15
Ages 4-12. The American Employees Association Summer Camp is an American-style day camp with weekly themes, hosted by AEA (affiliated with the US embassy).  Each year, the themes are changed to incorporate current trends and children’s interests.  The daily program is filled with fun, songs, games, and activities which are related to the weekly themes.

• Early bird discounts till May 31. The camp will be hosted at Beijing City International School from Jun 16-Jul 4 and then from Jul 7-Aug 15 at 3e (info@aeabeijing.net, 8531 3349)

HoK Around the World, Jul 4-15
Ages 3-6. Children joining the camp will first get to make their own passport as they’re going on a trip around the word!  What should they pack in their suitcase? Where are they going? They better explore maps and world objects. Then off they go around the world, at each destination they will explore the culture, songs, language and food in a fun and captivating way using games, music, art, geography and science. There will be a whole host of activities to keep the children’s minds and bodies active this summer.

• RMB 2,200/week (full day). RMB 1,350/week without lunch (half day). RMB 1,720/week with lunch (half day). School bus transportation for an additional RMB 200/week. (contact admissions@hokschool.com, 400 650 7747)

CISB Kindergarten Creative Camp, Jun 27-Jul 15, Jul 18-Aug 5 Ages 1.5-6.
The Canadian International School of Beijing’s Kindergarten Creative Camp allows children to learn and discover phonics/reading, chinese language/culture, music, and enjoy a creative English workshop, arts and crafts, swimming, and physical education.

• RMB 4,550-12,600 (half day), for 2-6 weeks. RMB 6,850-19,850 (full day) for 2-6 weeks.  Application deadline May 27. Discounts for CISB, ISNS, CCSC students. Fee includes tuition, materials, snacks, and lunches. Possible transportation. (contact summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com)

Ivy Academy’s Summer Camps, Jul 4-Aug 12

Ages 2.6-8. Ivy Academy offers eleven (11) camps at five (5) different campuses. The overall camp selection are: Creative Art Camps (East Lake, Central Park, Ocean Express, Orchid Garden); Science Shenanigans (East Lake, Ocean Express) wherein children will delve into the world of hydroponics, botany, recycling and reducing waste; Get Active (East Lake, Ocean Express) wherein campers can play sports such as American flag football, basketball, soccer, and bowling; and Chinese Culture (Central Park and Lijing) wherein the topics include traditional art, traditional folk crafts, Chinese calligraphy, and children will make traditional snacks by themselves. Through hand-painted Beijing opera facial makeup, crafts, calligraphy, painting, cooking classes and other activites, children will have the opportunity to understand the profound traditional Chinese culture, and visit the courtyard and Beijing Hutong.

• RMB 2,480-7,200/session/2 weeks. Early bird discounts available for Ivy students (contact: camp@ivyschools.com)

Atelier Summer Camps, Jun 27-Jul 26
Ages 5-12. Atelier Art School will be running funny, creative, and inspiring artistic summer camps for one thematic week.  The themes include a Cubism Workshop where children will make collages, draw a cubist self-portrait, and a cardboard sculpture of a music instrument; Hokusai and Japan where children will discover Japanese engraving, learn about daily life in the 18th century, and realize a wonderful book inspired by Japanese art; Egyptian Civilization where children will learn about Egypt, build a model pyramid, make their own papyrus and write hieroglyphs on it; Africa where children will discover Africa as a continent, its different cultures and habits while engraving savannah animals, making patterns like the clothes of Zulus folk, and African mask collages; The Little Prince wherein children will discover the novel by Saint Exupery and learn new techniques by building a helix plane, understand the work of the illustrator and how to use water colors, and finally build imaginary planets using papier-mache; Around the World in Eighty Days wherein children will discover various cultures and civilizations by following the story in Jules Verne’s novel and making their own travel book with a map, pictures of the characters, and learn how to make pop-up books, different paper textures, and stamps.

• RMB 1,500/week, session. Morning session for 5-8 year olds. Afternoon session for 9-12 year olds. Note that the Sanlitun campus sessions begin on Jun 27 and end on Aug 26, while the Shunyi campus begins on Jun 13 and ends on Jul 22. See their website for a detailed schedule of when each theme is taught. (contact@atelier.cn.com, 132 4018 490, 6416 1614).

That’s Mandarin! Chinese Summer Camp, Jun 13-26, Jun 27-Jul 10, Jul 11-24, Jul 25-Aug 7, Aug 8-21
Ages 5-17. That’s Mandarin offers several different camp options to suit any family!  There are morning camps, day camps, and full day camps.  For older children, there are also homestay camps, and if you’d like in on the fun—family camps! Camps can be two week long or four week long. The full-length program includes intensive Chinese classes with cartoon class, reading and writing, and topic based oral lessons.  Each week has three days of cultural activities, including traditional Chinese calligraphy, opera mask painting, cooking classes, Chinese knot making, and mahjong. Fieldtrips and excursions are also available for Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Confucius Temple, and Beihai Park.

• For Beijing camps, contact: info@thatsmandarin.com (5218 6432). For the Shanghai camps, contact: info.shanghai@thatsmandarin.com (6452 0017).

ClubFootball Summer Camp, Jul 5-Aug 24
Ages 4.5-16. ClubFootball has been around since 2001, hosting football classes and camps that promote coordination and teamwork. This summer, their coaches will have week long summer classes for players of all skill levels, or minimal three-day intensive workshops, depending on your child’s schedule.

• RMB 800-1,500/week. Camps will be held in Chaoyang Park, Olympic Forest Park, Zhongguancun, Wangjing, Lido and Shunyi (coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, 5130 6893)

The Children’s House Summer Camp, Jul 11-Aug 18

Ages 1.5-6.  The Children’s House Summer Camp will be hosted at the Kempinski and China World campuses. Daily programs include nature arts and crafts, music, story tales and lots more.

•  RMB 1,500 (half-day), RMB 2,000 (half-day + lunch), RMB 3,000 (full day) for a session (one week). 10% discount if you sign up for all five weeks. (contact: info@montessoribeijing.com, 6505 3869 or 6465 1305) 

Photo: Pixabay

As long, long time ago, I also attended summer camps (to give my parents a break).  I attended girl scouts camps, YMCA camps, educational day camps, and one year I even went all the way to Sweden to attend a Chinese culture camp organized by Taiwan’s overseas division.

In the beginning, camps were literally camps. We had tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, huge backpacks, flashlights, flasks, pocket knives, and everything else in the camping checklist from our trusted scout handbook.  Then, as I grew older, suddenly we had these day camps where I still had to rise dreadfully early and travel to the middle of nowhere to explore nature and make friendship bracelets–all to ensure that I was properly socialized during my summer break.

The last summer camp I attended was the Chinese culture camp, and despite my initial revulsion for it (I was in middle school by then), the traditional dances, martial arts, and top spin training all turned out to be pretty fun in the end.  So, why was it my last then?  I became more independent and began traveling with friends (instead of family), so the ultimate goal of my going away and getting out of everyone’s hair was still met.

Nowadays, summer camps are even more complex than before.  I have been in the education scene long enough to realize that it’s definitely not about tents and campfires anymore, but now we want to know if the camps are for fun, enrichment, enhancement, or just pure revision.  Which camp is right for your child? I have no idea.  All I can do is roundup all the available summer camps and let you decide what is the best fit for your child!

Imagine Survival Summer Camp, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 7-14.  Imagine’s Summer Survival Camp is a real outdoors camping experience where children will learn to make fires, build rafts, cross rivers, make traps and tools, cook fish, and build shelters.

• RMB 3,500. Campers do not stay overnight. Daily transportation included. Imagine (info@imagine-china.com, 5739 4933).

AEA US Embassy Camp, Jun 16-Aug 15
Ages 4-12. The American Employees Association Summer Camp is an American-style day camp with weekly themes, hosted by AEA (affiliated with the US embassy).  Each year, the themes are changed to incorporate current trends and children’s interests.  The daily program is filled with fun, songs, games, and activities which are related to the weekly themes.

• Early bird discounts till May 31. The camp will be hosted at Beijing City International School from Jun 16-Jul 4 and then from Jul 7-Aug 15 at 3e (info@aeabeijing.net, 8531 3349)

Enhancement

DDC Ocean Exploration Camp, Jun 20-Aug 26Grades 2-7. DDC Ocean Exploration Camp is led by ocean experts from New England Aquarium USA.

• RMB 5,800.  Hosted at the Beijing Aquarium (dd-learning.com, 8049 0079).

DDC Talented Youth Program – MIT STEM, Jun 27-Aug 5Grades 4-7. DDC Education Centre offers a tailored educational program dedicated to the development of highly talented children. With award-winning teams of instructors from the United States, it offers systematic STEAM courses to students aged between 7 and 14. Courses include web design, 3D printing and computer programming. They give priority to the development of students’ science spirit and comprehensive ability, and emphasize the mixture of social value, humanities and the arts, Information Technology & STEAM.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week (contact@dd-learning.com, 8049 0079)

Keystone Academy’s Marine Science STEAM Program, Jul 18-29 Grades 3-7. The Marine Science STEAM Program for summer students is a small step that combines the school’s missions of promoting environmental stewardship and thoughtful bilingual immersion education. Students’ learning in the program will be inquiry-based: they will work with our teachers to observe closely, ask good questions, investigate actively, and find answers to their own questions–all in the context of studying ocean life in both Chinese and English. Students will be challenged to examine the connections between human life and millions of lives in the ocean. In doing so, they will achieve an understanding of the importance of environmental conservation.

• Registration deadline May 1. RMB 10,900. Contact: complete application at keystoneacademy.cn

DDC Integrated Art Summer Camp, Jun 20-Jul 1, Jul 11-Jul 22Grades 2-7. A joint effort between DDC and educational experts from the US, Integrated Art summer camp is an organic and evolving approach to teaching by integrating music, language, and visual arts.  It builds communication, problem solving, collaboration, shared experiences, and allows the student to actively ponder and experiment to display comprehension employing a variety of art forms.  Students will awaken their critical eye and develop ownership of thought and creativity with evidential reasoning via hands on and minds on learning.

• RMB 5,800. DDC Education Centre (contact@dd-learning.com 8049 0079).

DDC Talented Youth Program – US STEAM Summer Camp, Jun 27-Aug 5Grades 5-8. DDC Education Centre invites you to have a touch of the prestigious US STEAM summer camp at British School of Beijing Shunyi! Whether you want to know how to become a doctor, how to create water on Mars, you’ll learn how through the various projects in this camp.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week. British School of Beijing Shunyi (contact@dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

Enrichment

CISB Enrichment Camp, Jun 27-Aug 5
Ages 6-15. Canadian International School of Beijing will be hosting two enrichment classes where children can develop their English or Chinese skills, play sports and participate in cultural activities, such as playing a Chinese instrument and going learning Kungfu.

• Registration Deadline May 27th.  RMB 7,900/2 weeks.  Canadian International School of Beijing (summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com)

Beijing Mandarin School Summer Camp, Jun 13-Aug 26Ages 6-13. Beijing Mandarin School was founded nine years ago, and has successfully been running Mandarin classes ever since to expats of different native languages.  Their children’s summer camp is divided into three different age groups with varying learning targets.  Each group begins their day with Chinese lessons, indoor Chinese culture activities, sports, followed by a half-day excursion.  The camp also offers whole-day travel adventures on the weekend.

• RMB 1,250/week (3 hr Chinese class), RMB 1,850/week (half-day), RMB 2,880/week (full day).  Registration fee RMB 280. Price includes orientation, assessment test, books, t-shirt, study materials, and a learning certificate. Lunch can be added for an extra RMB 200/week, and the price of transportation is negotiable. Beijing Mandarin School ( info@beijingmandarinschool.com, 6508 1026).

Imagine’s Summer Knight School, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 7-13. Now in its third season, Imagine’s popular Summer Knight School Camp teaches kids aged 7-13 how to wield a sword, fire a bow and arrow, ride a horse, build a trebuchet, design a shield, make chainmail, travel to a castle, slay a dragon, and much more! Run by a team of English-speaking, experienced outdoor education professionals.

• RMB 4000/week. RMB 800 deposit required upon registration. Campers do not stay overnight. Price includes transportation, equipment, and supplies. Requires own lunch. Imagine (info@imagine-china.com, 5739 4933).

Chinese Cultural Summer Camps, Jun 20-24, Jun 27-Jul 1, Jul 4-8Ages 6-14, China Culture Center hosts a five day bilingual summer camp with both indoor hands-on activities and outdoor tours exploring the city’s authentic Chinese culture and structures.

• RMB 3,200 per child for 5 days. China Culture Center (info@chinaculturecenter.org, 6432 9341)

Atelier Summer Camps, Jun 27-Jul 26
Ages 5-12. Atelier Art School will be running funny, creative, and inspiring artistic summer camps for one thematic week.  The themes include a Cubism Workshop where children will make collages, draw a cubist self-portrait, and a cardboard sculpture of a music instrument; Hokusai and Japan where children will discover Japanese engraving, learn about daily life in the 18th century, and realize a wonderful book inspired by Japanese art; Egyptian Civilization where children will learn about Egypt, build a model pyramid, make their own papyrus and write hieroglyphs on it; Africa where children will discover Africa as a continent, its different cultures and habits while engraving savannah animals, making patterns like the clothes of Zulus folk, and African mask collages; The Little Prince wherein children will discover the novel by Saint Exupery and learn new techniques by building a helix plane from the 40s, understand the work of the illustrator and how to use water colors, and finally build imaginary planets using papier-mache; Around the World in Eighty Days wherein children will discover various cultures and civilizations by following the story in Jules Verne’s novel and making their own travel book with a map, pictures of the characters, and learn how to make pop-up books, different paper textures, and stamps.

• RMB 1,500/week, session. Morning session for 5-8 year olds. Afternoon session for 9-12 year olds. Note that the Sanlitun campus sessions begin on Jun 27 and end on Aug 26, while the Shunyi campus begins on Jun 13 and ends on Jul 22. See their website for a detailed schedule of when each theme is taught. (contact@atelier.cn.com, 132 4018 490, 6416 1614).

Hyde Education Summer Enrichment Program, Jul 11-Aug 12Grades 1-9. Hyde Academy has scheduled a series of fun, hands on, academic summer enrichment programs in math, science, language arts, and humanities for students in grades 1- 9. Take a tour of the universe from the inside out with our exciting introductory physics course.  Use math to explore the world around us through a variety of inquiry-based problems and projects. Fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes? Sign up for our Crime Scene Investigation program.  Other course titles include: Public Speaking, Archaeology, Geography: Mapping our World, and Vocabulary and the Art of Writing.

• RMB 2,250 (half day), RMB 4,275 (full day) per week. Hyde Academy  (registration@hyde-education.com, 8046-3886).

Beijing Playhouse Summer Theater Camps, Jun 27-Aug 6Ages 6-14. At Beijing Playhouse’s two-week long summer camps, children will get to perform Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Rapunzel with acting, song, and dance. Aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and musicians are all welcome. Some English proficiency is required. All who audition will be cast. Parents are invited to the final performance.

• Audition dates May 7, May 21, June 4. RMB 8,000 (broadway@beijingplayhouse.com)

That’s Mandarin! Chinese Summer Camp, Jun 13-26, Jun 27-Jul 10, Jul 11-24, Jul 25-Aug 7, Aug 8-21 Ages 5-17. That’s Mandarin offers several different camp options to suit any family!  There are morning camps, day camps, and full day camps.  For older children, there are also homestay camps, and if you’d like in on the fun—family camps! Camps can be two week long or four week long. The full-length program includes intensive Chinese classes with cartoon class, reading and writing, and topic based oral lessons.  Each week has three days of cultural activities, including traditional Chinese calligraphy, opera mask painting, cooking classes, Chinese knot making, and mahjong. Fieldtrips and excursions are also available for Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Confucius Temple, and Beihai Park.

• For Beijing camps, contact: info@thatsmandarin.com (5218 6432). For the Shanghai camps, contact: info.shanghai@thatsmandarin.com (6452 0017).

Sports

Imagine’s Watersports Summer Camps, Jun 13-Aug 19
Ages 6.5-15.  Now in its third season, Imagine’s popular Watersports Camp in Shunyi teaches kids aged 6.5-15 all kinds of watersports skills, from sailing and kayaking to rafting and paddling. Learn how to balance on the paddle board, play games on rafts, navigate the boat, using knowledge about the wind and work towards your ‘Learn to Sail Level 1’ Certificate. Taught by certified trainers who learned abroad.

• RMB 4000/week. Campers do not stay overnight. Transportation included. (info@imagine-china.com, 5793 4933)

SBJ Summer Camps, June 13-Jul 27 Ages 5-15. Sports Beijing will be hosting its weekly sports camps at at ISB’s air-conditioned Fusion Dome.  The choices are basketball, gymnastics, and soccer in the mornings; multi-sports (flag fotball, dodge ball, ultimate frisbee, etc.) in the afternoon. Tennis is now also offered in cooperation with Fusion Tennis Center. Water activities, such as water fights and pool time, can be expected, as well as fun games such as capture the flag and obstacle courses.

• Early bird specials through May 31, with sibling and multiple week discounts also available. Price includes lunch, camp t-shirts, and transportation. (contact info@sportsbj.com)

Flips & Kicks Plus Summer Camp, Jun 27-Jul 1, Jul 4-Jul 8 Ages 4-12. Flips & Kicks Plus offers a multi-sports Summer Camp where children can try fun sports, such as: Gymnnastics, Martial Arts, Track & Field, Football, Ping Pong, Basketball etc.

• RMB 1,980 (half day-1 block). RMB 3,080 (full day-1 block). Price includes water and a fruit snack. Please bring your own water bottle. Lunch can be provided for an additional fee. (info@flipsandkicksplus.com, 13718462044)

ClubFootball, Jul 5-Aug 24
Ages 4.5-16. ClubFootball has been around since 2001, hosting football classes and camps that promote coordination and teamwork. This summer, their coaches will have week long summer classes for players of all skill levels, or minimal three-day intensive workshops, depending on your child’s schedule.

• RMB 800-1,500/week. Camps will be held in Chaoyang Park, Olympic Forest Park, Zhongguancun, Wangjing, Lido and Shunyi (contact coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, 5130 6893)

Photo: Pixabay

Teenagers are difficult to place for the summer outside travel plans since all they probably want to do is spend time with their friends (who are either traveling or visiting home), or remain glued to their computer/game console/mobile device/social media.  What they should be doing is reading to prevent summer brain drain, but that can get boring, so we’ve rounded up a number of Beijing summer camps for you to sign up your teen!

The camps are all for kids between age 13-19, or grades 7-12.  We begin with enhancement (to prevent summer brain drain and perhaps return to school more knowledgeable than before), then move on to enrichment (where the real juice is), and finish up with sports (to get them moving).

Enhancement

CISB Scholastic Assessment Test/SAT, Jul 18-Aug 5
Grades 9-11. The Canadian International School of Beijing’s SAT course trains prospective SAT testers in vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and mathematics for an improved result.

• Registration deadline May 27. Discounts for CISB, ISNS, CCSC students. Fee includes tuition, materials, snacks, and lunches (possible transportation). For more details, contact: summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com.

CISB Intensive English Course, Jul 18-Aug 5
Grades 6-8. The Canadian International School of Beijing’s Intensive English Course is meant for SAT applicants to hone their foundational English skills and writing skills. The course will focus on sentence structure, grammar, vocabulary, strategic reading, and creative writing.

• Registration deadline May 27. Discounts for CISB, ISNS, CCSC students. Fee includes tuition, materials, snacks, and lunches (possible transportation). For more details, contact: summeradmissions@cis-beijing.com.

Keystone Summer Archway English Immersion, Jul 11-29
Grades 6-10. The English Immersion programme at Keystone Academy is designed for non-native English speaking students interested or currently enrolled in a local private school, or going abroad. They will learn how to perform at a high level in an international or American-style independent school learning environment. During this three-week programme, students will develop a strong proficiency in their academic English ability, while also honing their study skills and being introduced to many key concepts in the arts, sciences, and humanities. By participating in activity-based learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom, students will be well prepared for Keystone Academy and its peer institutions, and also develop and strengthen a genuine interest in learning as a personal quality.

• Registration deadline May 10. RMB 15,900. Contact: (5825 6008)

Harrow Beijing’s Summer School, Jul 26-Aug 5
Ages 13-15. Harrow Beijing’s inaugural summer program last two weeks at a time, providing outside students an opportunity to experience international school education.  The program is designed to improve students’ language proficiency, understand Harrow Beijing’s expectations and provide project-based learning experiences to students.

• RMB 14,000 (lunch included). Assessment required (RMB 50). Contact: harrowsaturdays@harrowbeijing.cn (6444 8900 6851)

Global P.R.E.P Boarding School Transition, Jul 10-16
Grades 6-9. Global P.R.E.P. is run by Metta Dael, international Admissions Director from Northfield Mount Hermon, and Martha Neubert, a Northfield Mount Hermon humanities teacher. This programme is designed to help new international students prepare for their boarding school experience through cross-cultural understanding and special academy programmes. It is open to students who have already received acceptances to boarding schools and who are focused on preparing as well as possible, socially and academically.

• Registration deadline May 15.  RMB 10,500 with 50% deposit.  Contact registration@hyde-education.com (8046 3886).

Enrichment

Chinese Cultural Summer Camps, Jun 20-24, Jun 27-Jul 1, Jul 4-8
Ages 6-14, China Culture Center hosts a five day bilingual summer camp with both indoor hands-on activities and outdoor tours exploring Beijing and its authentic Chinese culture.

• RMB 3,200 per child (5 days).  For more information, contact info@chinaculturecenter.org (6432 9341).

That’s Mandarin! Chinese Summer Camp, Jun 13-26, Jun 27-Jul 10, Jul 11-24, Jul 25-Aug 7, Aug 8-21
Ages 5-17. That’s Mandarin offers several different camp options to suit any family!  There are morning camps, day camps, and full day camps.  For older children, there are also homestay camps, and if you’d like in on the fun—family camps! Camps can be two week long or four week long. The full-length program includes intensive Chinese classes with cartoon class, reading and writing, and topic based oral lessons.  Each week has three days of cultural activities, including traditional Chinese calligraphy, opera mask painting, cooking classes, Chinese knot making, and mahjong. Fieldtrips and excursions are also available for Beijing, such as the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Confucius Temple, and Beihai Park.

• For Beijing camps, contact: info@thatsmandarin.com (5218 6432). For the Shanghai camps, contact: info.shanghai@thatsmandarin.com (6452 0017).

Keystone Academy’s Marine Science STEAM Program, Jul 18-29
Grades 3-7. The Marine Science STEAM Program for summer students is a small step that combines the school’s missions of promoting environmental stewardship and thoughtful bilingual immersion education. Students’ learning in the program will be inquiry-based: they will work with our teachers to observe closely, ask good questions, investigate actively, and find answers to their own questions–all in the context of studying ocean life in both Chinese and English. Students will be challenged to examine the connections between human life and millions of lives in the ocean. In doing so, they will achieve an understanding of the importance of environmental conservation.

• Registration deadline May 1. RMB 10,900. Contact: complete application at keystoneacademy.cn

Harrow Beijing’s English and Drama Summer Camp, Jun 26-Aug 5
Ages 13-15. Harrow Beijing’s two week summer camp will give children a taste of the international school experience with the aim of improving students’ language proficiency. The aim of this program is to encourage students to improve their language competency and take part in a drama performance. All teachers in this program are experienced Harrow International School Beijing teachers. They will use the Cambridge University English framework to help improve each student’s English level as they participate in drama activities.

• Registration deadline April 30.  RMB 14,000. Contact: harrowsaturdays@harrowbeijing.cn (6444 8900 6851).

DDC Talented Youth Program – MIT STEM, Jun 27-Aug 5
Grades 4-7. DDC Education Centre offers a tailored educational program dedicated to the development of highly talented children. With award-winning teams of instructors from the United States, it offers systematic STEAM courses to students aged between 7 and 14. Courses include web design, 3D printing and computer programming. They give priority to the development of students’ science spirit and comprehensive ability, and emphasize the mixture of social value, humanities and the arts, Information Technology & STEAM.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week. Contact: contact@dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

DDC Talented Youth Program – US STEAM Summer Camp, Jun 27-Aug 5
Grades 5-8.
DDC Education Centre invites you to have a touch of the prestigious US STEAM summer camp at British School of Beijing Shunyi! Whether you want to know how to become a doctor, how to create water on Mars… you’ll learn how through the various projects in this camp.

• Registration deadline August 1.  RMB 5,800 per week. Contact: contact@dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

DDC Ocean Exploration Camp, Jun 20-Aug 26
Grades 2-7. DDC Ocean Exploration Camp is led by ocean experts from New England Aquarium USA.

• RMB 5,800.  Hosted at the Beijing Aquarium. Contact: dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

DDC Integrated Art Summer Camp, Jun 20-Jul 1, Jul 11-Jul 22
Grades 2-7. A joint effort between DDC and educational experts from the US, Integrated Art summer camp is an organic and evolving approach to teaching by integrating music, language, and visual arts.  It builds communication, problem solving, collaboration, shared experiences, and allows the student to actively ponder and experiment to display comprehension employing a variety of art forms.  Students will awaken their critical eye and develop ownership of thought and creativity with evidential reasoning via hands on and minds on learning.

• RMB 5,800. Contact: contact@dd-learning.com (8049 0079).

Beijing Playhouse Summer Theater Camps, Jun 27-Aug 6
Ages 6-14. At Beijing Playhouse’s two-week long summer camps, children will get to perform Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Rapunzel with acting, song, and dance. Aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and musicians are all welcome. Some English proficiency is required. All who audition will be cast. Parents are invited to the final performance.

• Audition dates May 7, May 21, June 4. RMB 8,000. Contact: broadway@beijingplayhouse.com.

Hyde Education Summer Enrichment Program, Jul 11-Aug 12
Grades 1-9. Hyde Academy has scheduled a series of fun, hands on, academic summer enrichment programs in math, science, language arts, and humanities for students in grades 1- 9. Take a tour of the universe from the inside out with our exciting introductory physics course.  Use math to explore the world around us through a variety of inquiry-based problems and projects. Fancy yourself as the next Sherlock Holmes? Sign up for our Crime Scene Investigation program.  Other course titles include: Public Speaking, Archaeology, Geography: Mapping our World, and Vocabulary and the Art of Writing.

• RMB 2,250 (half day), RMB 4,275 (full day) per week. Contact registration@hyde-education.com (8046-3886).

Sports

BSC Sailing Camps, Jun 12-Aug 26
Ages 8-16. Beijing Sailing Center will be hosting single and double week sailing classes.  The program provides an adventurous, intellectual and educational experience, while honing your child’s leadership and communication skills.  Last summer they hosted over 500 children and their parents coming. The center is both convenient to Beijing (a 2 hour train ride trip) and all the accommodation, transportation, a meal, activities, chaperones, and entertainments are covered.

• RMB 13,400 (2 weeks), RMB 6,700 (1 week). Contact: sailing@beijingsailing.com (400 180 0107).

DCB Sports and Fun Summer Camps, Jun 20-Aug 5
Ages 4-15 Dulwich Community Programs (DCP) will host football, tennis, swimming and non-sports camps throughout the summer in collaboration with Rising Stars Tennis Academy, Firepower Swimming Club, and Beijing Kickers.

• Registration deadline June 15. RMB 1,500-3,000 per week. Contact DCP: dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn (6454 9150, 6454 9019).

O’le Climbing Summer Camp, Jun 20-24, Jul 4-8, Aug 1-5, 8-12, 15-18
Ages 15-19. O’le Climbing will be offering indoor and outdoor adventure summer camps for students during the summer holiday. Various activities are ready for this summer from indoor rock climbing to outdoor camping trip, all activities lead by professional and qualified instructors.

• RMB 4,500 (includes equipment and admission, transportation, food for two camp days). Contact: oleclimbing@gmail.com (150 0137 1016).

Sports Beijing ISB Dome Summer Camp, Jun 13-Jul 22Ages 5-16. Sports Beijing will be offering a wide variety of full-day activities and half-day activities both in the morning and afternoon!  The morning sports will include basketball, soccer, gymnastics, and tennis, and the afternoon activities will include a multi-sport program and tennis. The multisport afternoon will offer many fun activities for the kids, like kickball, dodge ball, juggling, and much more. This is a time to let loose, compete, and learn new things.

• RMB 2,600 half day per week (includes lunch for full day and t-shirt for half day). Discounts for siblings and additional weeks.

CK Martial Hearts Shaolin Temple Experience, Jul 10-24, Aug 7-Aug 21 Ages 14+ (14-17 when training together with a parent). CK Martial Hearts, in association with Shaolin Temple International Liaisons Office, offers 7 and 14-day programs at Henan’s Shaolin Temple to learn martial arts with genuine Shaolin warrior monks.  The program includes daily taichi and qigong classes, kung fu classes inside the temple, a guided tour of the temple, as well as an optional sightseeing excursion.

• RMB 5,188 (7 days), RMB 8,888 (14 days). Includes transportation to the Shaolin Temple from Beijing, three Chinese meals per day, hostel accommodation, total of 7 hrs of instruction per day, Chinese speaking expat guide, optional sightseeing tour, and a complimentary training outfit.  Contact: train@theshaolintemple.cn

ClubFootball, Jul 5-Aug 24Ages 4.5-16. ClubFootball has been around since 2001, hosting football classes and camps that promote coordination and teamwork. This summer, their coaches will have week long summer classes for players of all skill levels, or minimal three-day intensive workshops, depending on your child’s schedule.

• RMB 800-1,500/week. Camps will be held in Chaoyang Park, Olympic Forest Park, Zhongguancun, Wangjing, Lido and Shunyi (contact coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, 5130 6893)

Photo: Pixabay, and courtesy of Beijing Playhouse, BSC Sailing Camps, CISB, China Culture Center, DCB, DDC, Harrow Beijing, Hyde Education, ISB, Keystone, O’le Climbing Summer Camp, CK Martial Hearts, and That’s Mandarin!

Summer camps are said to play an important part in a child’s growth, altering their behavior for the next six months. Even if children engage in enrichment courses, they are outside their usual classroom setting and shed their fear of failure when they realize they’re not being graded for their performance, yet have a variety of opportunities to excel.

An overseas camp will result in a completely different summer experience for your child as they travel to a foreign country, live with a multitude of children, both local and international, and learn to cross international boundaries via the common English language.  Children will return from their foreign excursions with renewed confidence, rich tales to share, and new friends across borders.  An overseas summer camp is a safe way to let children step into the world.

Switzerland

Champittet Summer Leadership Course, Jun 27-Jul 10
A brand new, two week leadership camp for 12-17 year olds organized in partnership with Swiss Leadership Academy. Students will develop leadership skills via challenges and outdoor activities.  They will have the opportunity to develop communication skills, goal setting, time and stress management techniques. Students will also learn about “savoir vivre” and have the opportunity to participate in first aid workshops while learning effectively in teams.

CHF 4,000 including boarding, or CHF 2,000 for day camp. For more information, email challengecamp@champittet.ch

BSB/Juilliard’s Summer Performing Arts, July 9-22
British Schools of Beijing cooperates with Juilliard to present a two-week intensive arts programme in Geneva, Switzerland. Students will explore the world of music, drama, and dance.
Day and boarding programs available for students aged 10-18. Discounts for BSB students. Fee includes accommodation, lessons, three meals a day, transportation and admission fees, health insurance. For more information, contact summerarts@cdl.ch.

US

BCA International Summer Camp, Jul 2-19

Beijing Collegiate Academy takes Beijing families to Camp Speers-Eljabar has been running YMCA camps in the Philadelphia Freedom Valley since 1948.  Children can join a day camp (ages 4-8) while their parents have their own program (including broad exposures to the camp and nearby area). The sleep away camp (ages 7-15, parents don’t need to accompany) participants can select up to six activities.

Registration deadline May 15. Contact for more information: cherry.cai@bj.ccaschools.cn (6681 2563).

Longacre Summer Camps, Jun 26-Jul 16
Offering two programs, a leadership camp for ambitious teens (age 12-18) and a mini camp for younger children (age 8-12), Longacre has been running summer camps for 42 years.  The camps are all hosted on a 200-acre farm in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania, USA (four hours from NYC). Onsite activities are divided into play, work, build, explore, create, care and rest. Visit their website for more information (longacre.com/inquire).

UK

TSL Young Learners, Jul 24-Aug 7 Students aged 8-13 will mix with young people from all around the world on the beautiful school campus in St. Albans in the UK. The purpose of the course is to improve their English skills and encourage the ability to free talk. For more information, email info@tslbritain.com.(UK)  TSL Cambridge University Summer Course, Jul 31-Aug 14Students aged 14-18, accompanied by a group of eight Cambridge students, will complete a series of workshops related to university, careers, and successful living at Cambridge University (UK).  Students will also make trips to Oxford University, London School of Economics, and University College London. For more information, email info@tslbritain.com.

Photo: Pixabay, Courtesy of Champittet Pully, TSL, College du Leman
, Longacre

Today is World Earth Day! I debated as to what I should post today–do we care that it’s Earth Day? Shouldn’t we care about our earth every day?  Perhaps your child has a project or charity for Earth Day arranged by the school–that takes care of this! No need to hammer the message in any deeper…right?

I’ve been wondering, where did World Earth Day come from? What are organizations doing that we can also participate in? Let’s not dump the responsibility of teaching environmental awareness on our children’s schools.  If you haven’t had “the talk”, and you didn’t make Pintrest-level craft projects with your child yet, it’s not too late to do something!  Here are six Beijing events (starting today) you can participate in to prove that you also care about our Planet Earth!

And if you can’t make any of these events, insist your kids watch Captain Planet and the Planeteers or send out a few cute Earth Day greetings cards–hey, at least you tried!

1. The 1st Beijing Earth Day Festival, Apr 22
One Percent for the Planet, Patagonia, Gung Ho! Pizza and C Nature are presenting the first annual Beijing Earth Day Festival, featuring a Green Market loaded with lots of handmade, environmentally friendly items. The festival will also host stands for all of Green Project partners, giving them a chance to spotlight their efforts in Beijing and China, as well as help raise donations for the signature charity partner.

Free. 4-10pm.  Sanlitun SOHO Patagonia.

2. BIBA Roundabout Book Fair, Apr 23
Beijing International Bilingual Academy hosts a Roundabout Book Fair this Saturday. Head on over for bargain books for the whole family! Paperbacks start at RMB10, hardbacks at RMB20, kids’ books vary. Books are in English, Chinese and other languages. All proceeds support a child in need.

Free. 10am-3pm. Beijing International Bilingual Academy (8041 0390).

3. Yongli Flower Charity Trip to a Rural School, Apr 23
Yongli Travel organizes a regular Yongli Flower project trip to attract supporters and donors for school materials in large need but low supply. Piandaozi Primary needs books, stationary, school uniforms, quilts, ball-point pens, erasers, exercise books, rope skipping, rice, oil, gloves, pencils, rice, and cooking oil.  Piandaozi Primary School, in Zhaogezhuang education district, is located in the remote mountain area of Piandaozi village, Longmen Township, Laishui County, Hebei. The trip takes three hours (200km).

RMB 120 (travel cost). 6:30am-9pm. Contact dlat9664@uni.sydney.edu.au (4000-887-365) for more information.

4. 3e Community Charity Day, Apr 23

3e International School hosts a flea market supporting Roundabout, accompanied by games and activities for the whole family. Roundabout Charity Store will also be selling books on campus.

Free. 10am-Noon. Contact community@3einternationalschool.org (6437 3344).

5. Beijing Hikers: Great Wall Clean Up, Apr 23
In the spirit of Earth Day, Beijing Hikers are going to head out to Jiankou and clean up as much as they can, followed by a pizza lunch at the Gung Ho Bros Jiankou traditional Chinese courtyard residence!

RMB 150-200 (travel cost). Free Gungho pizza and beer.  8:30am-6pm or later. (6432-2786 )

6. British Club Beijing Spring Bazaar, Apr 23
The British Club Beijing has teamed up with Roundabout Charity Store to support the Migrant Children’s Foundation. Thirty five vendors will be present.

Free. 10am-2pm. Capital Club Athletic Center (britclubeijing@yahoo.com)

Photo: Pixabay

On April 2, we joined Stars & Rain at their 9th annual charity gala dinner at the Hilton Capital Airport in recognition of World Autism Day.  beijingkids has been a friend to the organization for many years now, and the organization has also been supported by Dulwich in the past.

Stars & Rain (Xin Xin Yu) chose the “Stars” portion of its name from the nickname, “children of stars”, used by Taiwanese to call their autistic children, and the “Rain” from Rainman (1988), the highly popular American movie.  The charity runs one of the most celebrated autism rehabilitation facilities in China at their Beijing Shunyi location, housing over 300 students, but considers its primary cause parent education and public awareness. Stars & Rain also trains teachers at over 300 facilities throughout the Mainland, and now offers vocational training to autistic teens as a means to prepare them for the future.

In order to fully appreciate what Stars & Rain, founded in 1993, (and other charities with similar causes) is doing, it’s important to understand two things: 1) there is very little education on “disabilities” or “disorders” in China,  so the majority of people don’t understand what autism is; and 2) the number of autistic children is growing, and will continue to grow as the new two-child policy was put in place (and children of a disabled child are now allowed to have a third child as a “replacement”).

First, let’s look at the statistics of the prevalence of autism in China:

• Approximately 1 percent of the Chinese population is autistic
• Or 10 million, of which about 2 million are children under 14 years of age (China Education Association)
• 1.1 in every 1,000 children under the age of 6 are autistic, totaling an estimated 111,000
• 77,000 children registered in rehabilitation centers nationwide
• 36,000 autistic children receive rehabilitation aid according to China’s Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF)
• RMB 432 million government investment in the rehabilitation for autistic children
• CDPF expects to establish a public medical aid system as the government prepares to invest more in the education and rehabilitation of autistic children

In February 2016, the Ministry of Education passed new policies pushing for the inclusion of disabled students in public education, where previously parents could only rely on private training centers and boarding schools (which tend to be more clinical, not to mention pricey).  This is in line with the United Nations 2016 goal of “Autism and the 2030 Agenda: Inclusion and Neurodiversity”, with the emphasis on “mainstreaming disability” to ensure equal rights. The Beijing government has invested a substantial amount of money, offering grants of about 500,000, to over 200 schools to build special education resource classrooms, hire or train special education teachers, and train all their staff on how to accommodate students with autism.

However, inclusion hits a wall when it tries to hire trained special education teachers, for special education programs and departments are lacking in the middle kingdom. Even when such programs exist–the College of Special Education at Beijing Union University, the first of its kind in China, has been around since the year 2000–the profession is not popular.  Teaching is already considered a thankless profession, but to navigate through the challenges of special needs students and individual education plans (IEPs) appears too much for most budding teachers.

The social stigma associated with autism is strong in China where the idea of honor, “face”, and shame are paramount to their communal existence.  Parents of autistic children are often blamed for their child’s state, and will abandon or hide their child at home to avoid the public shame of having committed a sin (karma) or made a mistake during their pregnancy (a common belief).  Educating parents on recognizing autism, what it is, and how to deal with it is Stars & Rain’s foremost concern. With such a social stigma, it’s not hard to see why Stars & Rain is also very concerned with public awareness—after all, one can build special education schools and classrooms, provide aid and scholarships, but if the parents won’t accept help out of fear of humiliation, then the children still cannot be helped.

For more information on Stars & Rain, visit their website. If you’d like to learn more about how Stars & Rain was founded, watch the Jet Li movie, Ocean Heaven (2010), which is loosely based on the lives of the founder, Tian Huiping, and her son Yang Tao, but from a father’s perspective (Jet Li).

Resources
10 Years of Progress: What We’ve Learned About Autism
10 Things People with Autism Want You to Know
Sesame Street Resources
Children of the Stars (2007) – Documentary featuring Stars & Rain

Sources: Sen Magazine, Autism Speaks, Cortical Chauvinism, China Daily, Sina.com, Echinacities.com

Photo: Courtesy of Emma Xu