In my family, celebrating milestones is very important. I just completed fourth grade at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB).

Our family loves to explore the world! When my dad asked, “Where would you like to go when school’s out?” I wasn’t sure at the moment, but a few days later, I had the perfect answer: camping.

I enjoy living in the city, but just like how many children like candy, if they have too much candy, then they get sick of it. It was the same with city life. So I decided it would be nice to explore the countryside. But there was only one problem . . . MOM.

My mom can’t go a single night without the following objects: bathroom, hair dryer, skin care, and other stuff that she insists are essential, while I find myself questioning, “But are they really?” There is nothing wrong with this; it is the way of the world. But believe me when I say that it is the toughest thing in the world to convince the lady in my family to go camping. So instead of dragging my mom kicking and screaming, we came up with a compromise. Dad booked a glamping (glamorous camping) site for us, fully furnished with our own bathroom and toilet. Perfect to convince my mother to come along.

Beijing Toye Glamping is only a 1.5-hour car ride from Beijing. There are many glamping choices to choose from, ranging from basic tents, deluxe recreational vehicles, space capsule starships, to large tents.

Our campsite was a large tent on a wooden plank. It looked over the treetops and mountain ranges, giving the perfect view of the horizon. Beautiful sunsets could be clearly seen over the rustic balcony. We had a nice private bathroom and conveniently provided chairs and a table. The campsite also had a playground, a lake and many other things that would make visitors have an enjoyable time.

The campsite also had a cute little garden cafe that sold nice coffee and drinks. The garden made me feel like it was straight out of Alice in Wonderland. With cute tea tables, lovely benches, and water features, it was perfect for enjoying a nice summer day. Overall, the campsite was a lovely place to enjoy a break from the chaos of Beijing.

My Dad had reserved this glampsite because it was near many historical places, making it easy to go sightseeing. But let’s rewind: Before we even got to the camp, we visited the Ming Tombs.

The Ming Tombs, the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming dynasty, are a collection of mausoleums built by the Ming emperors. It is a UNESCO heritage site and the ticket price is RMB 98 per adult and RMB 22 per child. This gets you access to everything there. At the Ming Tombs, there was a long walkway with marble statues of different animals along each side of the path. This is the Sacred Path. If you are not a history person, as I am, skip this one.

We also visited the Longqing Gorge, roughly 25 minutes away. This gorge includes a boat ride, toboggan sledding, and gondolas. If you are visiting in winter, there will Ice Lantern Festival similar to one in Harbin. To get to the top of the dam, there is an escalator in the shape of a dragon. The top of the dam is where you can begin your boat ride adventure. The entrance fee was RMB 140 per adult and RMB 100 per kid, which included the boat ride, but not the gondola. That was another RMB 68 per person for both kids and adults.

At the end of the gondola ride, you will be near the highest peak of the gorge. There is a nice hike up the mountain. Along the hike, you will encounter a temple, a convenience store and a piece of Chinese history. There is a magic basin on the side of the temple. This basin is special because it is said that the water was provided by the gods, and that is why, even in the worst droughts, the water never drains or evaporates. In all, nature lovers are recommended to come here.

But my favorite sightseeing place was the Guyaju cave dwellings. These caves had been hand-carved out of the mountains! The Guyaju cave dwellers are a bit of a mystery because nobody knows who lived in the caves. Though the Guyaju caves were grand and magnificent, beware the hike. The hike took approximately 30 minutes! My piece of advice: Bring an umbrella and lots of water. Luckily, there are many little tables along the mountain for a rest stop. Also, the cave dwellings are the perfect place for little story makers. I tried making a short story based on the mystery of the cave dwellers. These caves are a perfect way to explore the history of China.

So, there you have it! Our memorable trip through isolated China. And in case you’re wondering, my city-loving mom actually enjoyed the glamping!

Find it: 
Get in touch with Toye Clamping on WeChat at WeChat ID: ty15652031788. As is the case with anything travel-related, prices may vary depending on the time of year.

Images: Clark Yap

Deep in the forests of Miyun, tents dotted a hillside campsite as exactly 100 campers came together for a first-of-its-kind citywide Girl Scout camping weekend held to mark the 100th anniversary of USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO).

The special campout united girls across all Beijing troops, from the youngest Daisies (age 4) to the eldest Ambassadors (age 18), to celebrate the spirit of sisterhood and the values that have guided Scouts for generations. With their families, they spent the weekend immersed in outdoor adventures, cross-age activities, and of course, the time-honored tradition of roasting s’mores!

USAGSO traces its roots to 1925, when the first overseas troop was established in Shanghai with just 18 girls. A century later, USAGSO counts more than 12,500 members across 90 countries, fostering a global scouting community and opportunities for intercultural exchange.

Leading the Beijing council is Chiara Gensini, a longtime China resident and passionate volunteer. We caught up with Chiara just after the centennial campout to hear more about her leadership journey, what it means to raise three Scouts of her own, and how USAGSO Beijing continues to grow as a vibrant, girl-led community.

Chiara, you convened Scouts of all ages and their families to commemorate this milestone. What were the stand-out moments for you?

We had 100 participants for the USAGSO Centennial – an impressive turnout, especially since it was the first event of its kind organized by the Beijing council. A highlight for me was watching our eldest Ambassador, 18 years old, chatting and exchanging keepsakes with two of our youngest Daisies, just 4 years old. It was also a joy to plan age-appropriate activities for our youngest campers. I loved the dinner where each troop helped prepare the meal – washing tomatoes, chopping cucumbers, and barbecuing. Another favorite was the “Night Market” organized by Cadette Troop 11. One Cadette even came solo without her troop and jumped right in to help like a pro. All great motivation to make next year’s council camp even better!

How did this centennial camping celebration reflect the traditions and values of Girl Scouting?

During the camp, we definitely touched on Girl Scouting’s core values. For courage, we had a morning adventure of ziplining, a high ropes course and rock climbing, encouraging girls to take risks, try new things, and learn from mistakes. For confidence, older girls led a STEM activity for younger scouts, boosting their curiosity and self-belief. To make the world a better place, they ran a “Leave No Trace” workshop to teach environmental awareness. And of course, we exchanged SWAPS – Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere – which are small, handmade friendship tokens that celebrate Girl Scout tradition.

What inspired you to take on the role of council leader for USAGSO Beijing?

I had been involved in the council team for a couple of years, and after our previous chair, Miao, left the country, I knew I had to step in. I’m more hands-on and not a fan of big speeches, but I do my best to fill her shoes.

How has USAGSO Beijing evolved over the years under your leadership?

I first got involved during Covid, and the changes since then have been significant. Miao was a great recruiter, and the Girl Scout community flourished under her energy. I’ve focused more on building council-wide support for all troops and leaders, organizing as many joint events as possible. We’ve also seen a shift. [There are] more downtown-based troops now, making the movement more girl-centered compared to the previous Shunyi international school hub.

Your three daughters are longtime Girl Scouts. You also serve as their troop leader. How have their experiences influenced your perspective as a leader?

Having in-house (literally!) feedback is a great support. I make sure each of my girls helps decide on troop activities. For example, we tape pictures of patch programs under cupcakes at the start of the year. Each girl picks a cupcake and gets assigned that activity. The older girls are very self-directed. They’ll tell me right away if something’s not working. I do feel a bit sorry for them having to deal with their mom as troop leader, but they seem to handle it well!

What initiatives are in place to foster leadership skills among the Scouts?

This October, Ursula – another USAGSO Overseas Volunteer Partner – and I will co-lead the CSA (Cadette, Senior, Ambassador) Leadership Weekend in Kyoto. These weekends include workshops and hands-on activities to grow leadership skills. Cadettes can earn a Leader in Action (LiA) award by assisting a Brownie troop, and there are specific awards for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador levels. Cadettes (grades 6-8) can become Program Aides (PA), and Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) can qualify as Volunteers in Training (VIT).

Your oldest daughter, aged 17, serves as an Ambassador. What does this role entail, and how does she engage with troops inside or outside of Beijing?

Alice participated in a Holi celebration at the WAGGGS center in Pune last March. She said, “This destination trip was made so memorable not just because of the activities and places visited but also the most amazing and kind people I’ve met.” Her Ambassador troop is deeply involved in council life. Last year, they created “Wizarding World of Scouting” for the Bridging Ceremony, as part of their Mission Sisterhood Take Action Project. The two-hour event included five themed stations: MAGICAL ME with positive affirmations, BUDDY UP FOR WIZARDING with a trust-building game, [and]SISTERHOOD WAND MOTION, FRIENDSHIP POTION and a MAGIC SWAP STATION. The older girls really stepped up to lead and mentor.

Can you highlight success stories of Scouts who have taken on leadership roles?

Girl Scouts alumni include trailblazers like Sylvia Acevedo (former CEO and rocket scientist), Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Madeleine Albright, and Sandra Day O’Connor. At the local level, four of our Cadettes recently collaborated with Beijing Forestry University to plant 60 trees in Huairou – an amazing Silver Award project!

How does the Beijing council engage with the local community and culture?

We collaborate with international schools like International School of Beijing (ISB), Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) and work with organizations such as Roundabout, HOPE and ICVS. We’ve even hosted a STEM night at Xinglong National Astronomical Observatory with Ten Dimensional Nature.

Can you share notable examples of how Beijing Scouts have embraced cultural exchange?

Our troops often incorporate Chinese traditions into their activities. We’ve made dumplings at Black Sesame Kitchen for Chinese New Year, explored Dashilanr with a DIY scavenger hunt, created mooncake-shaped soaps for Mid-Autumn Festival, and even made tiles at the Forbidden City tile factory. My two older troops had a cultural immersion trip to Inner Mongolia.

How does USAGSO collaborate with other international scouting movements?

USAGSO works within WOSM (World Organization of the Scout Movement) via the Consultative Committee, a shared platform for information exchange and global project development. We also offer leadership awards like the Gold Award and Global Action Award that align with WOSM’s mission. And we build partnerships with host-nation organizations, such as Japan Girl Scouts.

How do you collaborate with sister organizations like the UK Girl Guides? Any examples from China or Asia?

Through one of our troop leaders who grew up in Hong Kong, we’re building ties with Girl Guides HK. We’re also exploring partnerships with GS in Shanghai and Canton (Guangzhou). Last year, I served as a camp counselor at the USAGSO camp in Taiwan, and this March, I joined six girls from my troop for an Adventure Camp in Jeju Island, Korea. These international events are always a blend of challenge, reward, and connection.

What are your aspirations for the Beijing USAGSO council in the coming years?

Looking ahead, I hope USAGSO Beijing continues to empower young women through leadership development, foster global citizenship, and promote a culture of service and inclusivity. I want to leave a legacy of openness, where every girl feels welcome regardless of background, beliefs or abilities. Building strong partnerships with schools, organizations and individuals will keep the Girl Scout mission thriving in our community.

Fall registration opens in August! Interested families can join upcoming info sessions. Scan the QR code to get in touch with Chiara.

Images: Tara Fegelein and Chiara Gensini

Summer has come, bringing with it various traveling conundrums. The warmth of the summer is a blessing upon the soil—it clears the skies, makes flowers bloom, and plumps the fruits—but it is also a headache for tourists. Have you ever wanted to go out and appreciate the scenery, just to be slapped in the face by the heat waves? This summer, things could be different.

山家 Shan Jia is a new, local bed-and-breakfast in Beijing. Its campus is located in the 门头沟 Men Tou Gou region and is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Though it was once a traditional elementary school that had been abandoned for years, last year, construction finally began, turning the land into a modern tourist site.

Currently, 山家 has 19 guest rooms (14 normal rooms and 5 lofts) and its services include a gym, a meeting hall, a cafe, and a breakfast area; the guest rooms circle around a field where activities such as campfires, barbecues, and performances can be hosted. Most notably, the campus provides visitors with an excellent view of the mountain scenery. Additionally, tourists could explore the surrounding area where there are sites for picking fruit, dining, and other forms of entertainment.

Upon the onset of the summer, 山家 has launched a series of activities with the theme of “interacting in nature”, as the owner of the B&B Mr. Wang explains.

Recently, 山家 brought 35 visitors into the surrounding hills in an innovative summer event. The 15 kids in the group were taekwondo trainees seeking a team bonding experience, which their time in the mountains ultimately proved to be. Throughout the day, 山家 provided a camping area for the kids to set up tents, barbecue for lunch, and many bonding activities. The kids showed off their taekwondo training, played frisbee on the field, picked fruit from a nearby orchard, and started a water fight in an inflatable pool; at night, they camped out in the tents and were able to witness a night sky filled with stars, far away from the city.

Mr. Wang states that there will be many more events to come this summer at 山家.

山家 is a great option for accommodation this season, especially for families with kids. Though it dwells in a highly localized and traditional environment, the campus has incorporated modernized, as well as westernized aspects into a fundamentally Chinese space; just as its mission statement suggests—”Where heart meets nature”, this is a place to bring families together and to balance the needs of all family members.

Find it:
Mentougou Dongmagezhuang Cun Dongmashanjia B&B
门头沟区东马各庄村东马山家民宿
Tel: 13301220229

Images: 王利 Li Wang

Beijing’s an urban jungle, and in any jungle, we need tools to survive and thrive. As urban jungle dwellers, we’ve managed to blend practicality with style, resulting in the modern bag. Here, form meets function, and what looks stylish and fashionable on the outside contains all our essential survival tools on the inside. Inspired by this, we ask expats each week, “What’s in your bag?” and get insights into which essentials they keep on hand when out and about in the capital city.

My name is Calvin Trent. I’ve been teaching for over seven years in various locations around the world. I’ve left and returned to Beijing three times with different jobs and still haven’t gotten tired of it. I currently work as an educator for a company called Pingo Space.

Unlike the other teaching jobs I’ve had, this one actually requires me to go outside once in a while to lead summer camps for children. When I’m not teaching, I usually stick to indoor activities such as drawing comics and training in martial arts, so I don’t really consider myself much of an outdoors person. The last time I lived outdoors for a week was in 2015 when I visited a temple in the mountains of Yunnan Province to train in kung fu. Although I enjoyed the experience immensely, I don’t know if I could’ve endured it longer than a couple of weeks.

On that journey, as well as on most of my other outdoor adventures, I usually use the same bag. It’s a black, military-style travel backpack that was given to me by my younger brother. He is an avid outdoorsman who does everything from hiking to rock climbing. This is one of the few gifts I’ve received that has lasted through years of continued use, and it shows no signs of wearing out anytime soon.

Now that I need to take groups of children to survive in the wild for days on end, the contents of my bag have been adjusted accordingly. Here are some of the essentials:

• Survival Liquids:

Aside from the obvious bottle of water, there are many substances that can be used to survive a camping trip in nature. Mosquito attack? Bust out the bug spray. Scorching heat? Time for some suntan lotion. Other possibilities could include mouthwash, rubbing alcohol, or even sports drinks.

• Survival Keychain:

My keychain is specifically designed for wilderness survival. It includes a flashlight, a thermometer, a compass, and a whistle.

• Cap:

Suntan lotion can only do so much against the intensity of solar rays. For added protection, I always bring a baseball cap. Not only does it protect my face from getting sunburned, but it also keeps the sunlight out of my eyes.

• Deck of Cards:

What’s the point of surviving if you never have any fun? A standard deck of 54 playing cards (including jokers) is a highly versatile entertainment tool that allows for thousands of different games. They can also be used for practical purposes, such as random selection or dividing people into groups.

• Survival Skills Journal:

Last but not least is what I might consider my most important survival tool. My Survival Camp Skills Journal serves as a reference guide to many important survival skills, including knot-tying, shelter-building, navigation, and more!

Want to share your Beijing survival tools with us? Shoot us an email at editor@beijing-kids.com, message our official Jingkids WeChat account (ID: beijing-kids), or leave a comment below!

KEEP READING: Taylor O’Brien is Off Track, and His Mom is OK with That

Images: Calvin Trent

With the spread of the pandemic within the capital city forcing schools to go online and events to be cancelled, we are all left wondering how best to safely spend the upcoming May holiday. Lucky for us, we still have one thing in our favor and that is the weather. With the lovely springtime flowers in bloom and beautiful weather to enjoy it (*fingers crossed), why not take the opportunity to head outdoors and camp in some of Beijing’s natural surroundings?

My family recently had the privilege to camp in the Longyun mountains in the Miyun district. This was our second camping trip in Beijing and first one in spring time, which I must say is an improvement over our last camping trip in near-winter when we woke to frost covering our tent. Right now is the perfect time to enjoy the milder weather that Beijing offers for the precious few months every year.

We’ve rounded up a list of camp grounds that are within Beijing for your convenience!

If camping overnight sounds too daunting for you, you could always head to the neighborhood parks and outdoor spaces that allow tents, and just set up shop there for the day. It will still let your family take a break from the concrete jungle to enjoy the day together in the fresh air. Alternatively, there’s always glamping.

If you’ve decided you’re up for the challenge of camping out in the Beijing “wilderness”, brava! Here’s a list of our top ten tried and tested camping equipment that have done the job on our local camping trips.

1. North Face VE25 Expedition Tent With Fly Cover: Secondhand from Xianyu 闲鱼
2. Ground sheet for tent: From TaoBao store HIKEMAN 户外
3. Steel stakes: From Taobao store campingmoon 户外旗舰店
4. Petzl Quark ice tools: Secondhand from Xianyu 闲鱼
5. Air Mattress + pump + bedsheet
6. Expandable sleeping bag
7. Folding chairs: Sanfo Outdoor Store 三夫户外
8. Ice chest (a rolling one is usable for most camp grounds in Beijing)
9. Headlamps
10. Water bladder: Sanfo Outdoor Store 三夫户外

Most of this equipment is available at the local Sanfo Outdoor 三夫户外 store right at the entrance of Chaoyang Park, though we opted to buy most of our equipment online or secondhand.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, here are some things we’ve learned about camping in Beijing which make it a rather different experience from other countries and places we’ve camped in before.

The terrain is mostly rock, sand and dirt

Let us not forget that Beijing lies less than 300 kilometers south of the Gobi Desert, the world’s 6th largest desert. This explains why we are so often hit with those sand and dust storms that darken out the sky. When camping, this means you really need a cover (such as a rain fly) over your tent to help keep the dirt from blowing in. Also, in both the places we have camped, we have found ourselves needing to use steel tent stakes (like the ones below) to hammer into the ground, which is often ridden with rocks or just a rock bed itself. Aluminum ones simply will not do the job, nor will they hold against Beijing’s tenacious winds.

PRO TIP: These super lightweight Petzl Quark ice tools came in super useful as a hammer (the black knobby part of the one on the right). We bought them secondhand on Xianyu through searching “Petzl Quark”.

Also related to the point about the rocky terrain, we have discovered that where possible, carrying an air mattress can eradicate the usual pains and aches of sleeping on the hard ground. After much debate, my husband and I conclude that it weighs about the same as three sleeping bags, and is way more comfortable.

The temperatures vary quite a lot, even in spring

I spent almost 3 decades living in a tropical climate, so I’m still unused to the idea of how a standard spring day in Beijing can see temperatures as high as 30 degrees celsius at midday and then drop to below 10 degrees at night. This is especially true in the mountains, so remember to give some leeway when checking the weather based on your location within the city and prepare for it to get cold at night, no matter how hot it gets in the day.

PRO TIP: Don’t forget the repellent: We used sprays as well as patches all over ourselves and our tent.

At the end of the day, camping favors the prepared, and only experience will tell you what essentials you truly need for your family’s comfort level. However you choose to do it, spending time outdoors in spring is a quintessential Beijing experience, especially while we still can.

KEEP READING: Tapas for Toddlers: How Domestically-Challenged Moms Pack for Picnics

Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush

Spring is creeping up on us and like bunnies who’ve been living deep in their burrows all winter long, we can’t wait to peek our heads out from the apartments we’ve been holed up in for a breath of warm, fresh air.

Of course, you don’t have to travel outside Beijing and risk triggering your Health Kit for a weekend of outdoor family fun. In fact, there are plenty of camping grounds in and around the capital where you can pitch a tent, break out the frisbee, and while away the long spring days.

North of Beijing

Yudu Mountain Scenic Area
Elephant and Heron Nature Park
Saint-Louis Manor
WOOTA Camping Ground
Tent Home Camp One

South of Beijing

Eagle Camp
Nature Camp

Yudu Mountain Scenic Area

Here you’ll be able to enjoy a few days of scenic natural beauty. Take in the sights of the nearby mountains and the views of the alpine meadows. Visitors are able to stay in Japanese style white tents and enjoy BBQ, picnicking, strawberry picking, kite flying, and whatever other camping activities your family might enjoy.

Find it:
玉渡山风景区（延庆区）
Tel: 69190280, 69195118

Elephant and Heron Nature Park

Located five kilometers southwest of Pinggu District, between Zhoucun Bridge and Qingyantun Bridge, and just southwest of CuiXing Road. This area covers 1,600mu of camping and RV grounds. From the Wangfujing area, it’ll take you about one and a half hours to get there.

Once there, visitors can pitch their tents or spend a few days living it up in their RV, all while enjoying the peaceful lake and lush green grass.

This camping ground allows bicycles and off-roading vehicles but doesn’t specify whether you’ll be able to rent them on site.

Find it:
北京大象鹭岛自然乐园（平谷区）
Tel: 18519224091

Saint-Louis Manor

Located relatively close to the Red Brick Art Museum is a little piece of paradise, away from the hustle and bustle of Beijing city life.

The estate covers 540mu of land and has been a favorite for local urban residents – who affectionately refer to it as the “back garden of family life” – for ages. Visitors are welcome to pitch their own tent for outdoor fun with the family.

Find it:
圣露庄园（崔各庄）
Tel: 18611726707

WOOTA Glamping

A few months ago Jingkids editor Vivienne Tseng-Rush wrote about her glamping experience at WOOTA. What’s glamping you ask? It’s camping on a whole ‘nother level!

They’ve got staff led activities for kids and huge luxury tents to stay in. Check out Vivienne’s experience here.

Find it:
WOOTA Glamping (七棵树创意园附近)
Tel: 69131458

Tent Home Camp

This camping ground has tents that are already pitched available for rental, whether it be a small one for a quick break in the afternoon or a big one for an outdoor kids’ party.

Find it:
帐篷家一号营地(朝阳公园内)
Tel: 16600074522

Eagle Camp

Located in Fangshang District, this spot is perfect for those who love camping and golfing. It’s relatively close to Dongfang Shuangying Golf Course, and just half an hour’s drive from the city center.

The campground itself has all the basic necessities and the facilities are kept in decent shape. There’s a commissary for food and drinks, and cars are allowed on-site for easy loading and unloading. It’s worth noting that no open flames are allowed here.

Find it:
EAGLE CAMP 双鹰露营公园
Tel: 18600076112

Nature Camp

Surrounded by green hills and pink flowers, this is a place where you can camp, cook up a BBQ, and host a bonfire party.

Every spring they host a Fuga Farm Spring Garden Party, where vendors sell everything from jewelry to antiques and plants to food. It’s a community of people who love nature, coming together to celebrate the season.

Find it:
天开自然营地
Tel: 61368009

*Please note that Covid restrictions can change at any time. We highly recommend calling the campsites before making any weekend plans.

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Images: 官方图、网络、大众点评, Pexels

“Girl Scouts is no longer just arts and crafts activities; it’s a program that builds girls of courage, confidence, and character,” says Amy Kennedy, leader of Girl Scouts in Beijing. The current foundation of the program is built on four pillars: entrepreneurship, STEM, outdoor skills, and life skills. Girls can pursue their passions in a supportive, girl-led environment, and complete “take action” projects to give back to their community.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon-Low, the program has evolved a lot over the past 108 years. Girls have the opportunity to learn new skills by earning badges, primarily at frequent troop meetings or larger events that happen a few times a year. Any girl aged 5 to 18 who is enrolled at an international school or holds a foreign passport is welcome to join.

I’ve been a Girl Scout for nearly ten years, and it’s given me a lot of opportunities I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. I’ve moved between four different countries since joining, and I’ve found a sense of community in the program no matter where I was in the world.

Want to know more about what Girl Scouts do? Keep reading to learn about a few of the badges Girl Scouts offer. Likewise, we’ll present a few facts about the activities required to earn a badge from each pillar of the program.

One of the outdoor skills badges, dubbed “Primitive Camping,” teaches girls how to prepare for a camping trip, as well as essential outdoor skills once they’re in the wild. For the last activity needed to fulfill the requirements of the badge, girls get to apply their new knowledge by going on a camping trip.

“Financing my Dreams” is an entrepreneurship badge where girls explore dream jobs and philanthropy, as well as financial literacy and life skills such as budgeting practical expenses.

Younger Girl Scouts earning a STEM badge

“Programming Robots” is a STEM badge where girls learn about the inner-workings of robots, and how to program them. They then get to put their programming skills to the test by creating a simple code for their robot at the end.

These are just four of the many badges offered by the Girl Scout program in Beijing. Besides earning badges at troop meetings, they also organize a few large events that are a lot of fun. Last year, my favorite was a day trip to the Silver Pagodas, where we went on a guided hike with every Girl Scout troop. It was a great experience, where all age levels of girl scout troops got to meet together for a fun day.

If you are interested in getting involved as a Girl Scout or as a leader, contact beijinggirlscouts@usa.gso.org. Don’t pass up this opportunity to make new friends and discover new skills.

KEEP READING: Crash Course: The Online Tool That Could Save Your Child’s (and Your) Summer

Images: Courtesy of Amy Kennedy

I found it. Paradise. Right here in Beijing, within the 5th Ring Road.

Of course, my idea of paradise may differ just a little from yours. But if yours has anything to do with kids having fun in a safe outdoor space while you sip *insert beverage of choice* and eat barbecue fresh off the grill before retiring to a warm bed in the middle of the woods, then we’re in business. The WOOTA glamping business, to be precise!

WOOTA, which loosely translates to ”tall house,” is the site of Beijing’s premier glamping grounds. Situated just ten kilometers (or an under-45 minute drive) from the city center in a private park, WOOTA has everything you could need for spending a night in the outdoors, all set up and ready for your enjoyment. The glamping grounds feature twenty roomy, waterproof canvas tents furnished in rustic natural decor that comfortably sleep up to four, maybe five, people. Facilities include clean toilets, warm showers, a playground with sand, a giant outdoor trampoline, a sheltered stage, and a movie projector plus screen. There are a number of activities to keep the kids occupied, including: Ride-an-ATV, archery (for older kids), wood-chopping, a campfire, an outdoor foam party, movie screenings… The list goes on and on! Though, honestly, my kid spent 90% of his time just bouncing on the giant outdoor trampoline, which is well worth its weight in gold.

Even the WOOTA mascot can jump on the giant trampoline – it’s THAT big!

As for activities to keep parents occupied? Well, so long as our kids have something to do, we are likely content to just sit, chat, and enjoy the fresh air in a natural setting. During our visit, the parents around me seemed completely worry-free as their kids roamed and played freely. Alright, perhaps the near-endless supply of alcoholic beverages helped a bit, but one cannot deny that the magic of simply being outdoors was a huge factor in taking the edge off. But as laissez-faire as we were, parents always have the option to take part in activities with their offspring. Many of us rode ATVs with our younger children, while the bigger kids had the option to ride a smaller ATV on their own.

But the real magic of camping, and even glamping, was watching the sun go down and everything change color as the night was lit up by the romantic hue of firelight. And after all, what screams summer more than roasting s’mores and marshmallows over a campfire?

Well, how about a movie under the stars?

Renting a tent at WOOTA will set you back RMB 2,380 for the night, which includes dinner and breakfast, as well as access to all the aforementioned activities. It’s basically the cost and experience of a night’s stay in a 5-star hotel in Beijing, with one major difference: At WOOTA you’re right in the peaceful embrace of Mother Nature!

Tents are furnished with double mattresses, basic amenities and decorated in a rustic wood theme

Have I mentioned the personalized and excellent service the family that runs WOOTA provides? The husband and wife team were available almost 24/7 throughout our stay of two days and one night, despite having just had their first baby six months ago. Hunter, the husband, and manager spoke excellent English, and grilled our barbecue dinner himself. He also took some of the younger kids on ATV rides around the grounds. You can tell when someone enjoys and takes pride in his work, and it shows in every aspect of WOOTA’s glamping experience.

As a little parting souvenir to commemorate their stay, families are invited to build their own canvas folding chair with their name laser-cut into the wood frame. Assembling the chair turned out to be more of a challenge than most of us were prepared for, and the staff graciously allowed us to take the pieces home to assemble at our leisure. My tip would be to set aside at least two hours for this activity, which usually takes place on the second day.

As an added bonus, dogs are more than welcome at the WOOTA glamping grounds! The owners have their own rescue dogs on-site, which is just another reason to like them. After all, is said and done, WOOTA certainly lives up to the glamping hype. Whenever you need a quick getaway from the urban jungle, this glossy little slice of nature will be right here for you to recharge your batteries and refresh yourself.

To book one of these super cool glamping trips for your friends and family, add WeChat ID WOOTA01 from Woota for more info! Have fun!

KEEP READING: Summer Camp Previews: Survival Camp and UK University Prep

Images: Andrew Eitingon, Joas Fritz, Jenny Williams, Vivienne Tseng-Rush, Dazhongdianping

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids’ social platforms!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Celebrate Nyerere Day, Oct 14

For the first time Nyerere Day will be commemorated in China through a symposium held at Peking University’s Sunshine Hall. Nyerere Day commemorates the death of Julius Kambarage Nyerere, the first president of Tanzania, known at the father of the nation. The symposium will reflect on South-South Cooperation (SSC), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), National Liberation movements across Africa, and Sino-African relationships. Space is limited so please register in advance.

Free. 9am – 5.30pm. Peking University Yingjie Exchange Center Sunshine Hall

House of Knowledge Open Day at Chaoyang Campus, Oct 15

House of Knowledge (HoK) is holding Open Day events this month. This is the first Reggio Emilia kindergarten school in Beijing. Come to the event to learn about the Reggio Emilia approach through interactive activities, a teacher exhibition, student portfolios, classroom observations and more. Understand about how House of Knowledge’s Core Values are incorporated into daily teaching practices.

Free. 9.30–11.30am. House of Knowledge International School Chaoyang Park Campus.

Drama Club Workshop, Oct 15

Actors of all levels. Beijing Playhouse Drama Club presents an English play reading and workshop. Come and meet other actors in Beijing who want to improve their talents and meet new people. The evening will start with socializing and warm-ups, and then everyone will be assigned to one of two scripts. Read century-old short farcical comedies with another actor in front of the group to improve your performance. Gain feedback and confidence at this fun workshop!

Free. 7pm to 9.30pm. Caravan.

British Chamber International Schools Charity Quiz, Oct 16

If you work for an international school, it’s time to get your co-workers together and form a team to win this charity event. Last year’s winning team sent RMB 12,000 to their school’s charity. Have fun bonding with your coworkers while competing for the coveted prize. To sweeten the deal, there are prizes available for competitors to take home as well as happy hour specials and food. Each school can enter two teams with six people each.

Members RMB 120, non-members RMB 180. 6.30–8.30pm. Fella’s.

PAW Patrol Live The Great Pirate Adventure, Oct 17 – 20

Ages 2+. It’s Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup … Tracker!

RMB 162 – 522. Times vary. Beijing Exhibition Center Theater. 

Mindful Positive Discipline Parenting Workshop, Oct 17

Parents. Have you ever felt lost when dealing with your child? You are not alone. Every parent feels like this sometimes. This workshop focuses on mindfulness practices to help manage your anger while learning better techniques for managing your child’s behavior. Learn to respond positively rather than react in anger. Help yourself develop a daily meditation practice that you can use for the rest of your life. This is is a six-week workshop held on: September 12 and 19, October 17 and 31,  November 7 and 14.

Free. 9am-noon. Beijing Riviera Club House. 

Magic Drama: One Starry Night & Out of the Blue, Oct 18 – 20

In this theater production, explore famous artworks and beautiful music while a young girl falls in love with art. During summer vacation a little girl named Lena goes to visit her grandpa. Grandpa is an artist who frequently gets lost in his paintings; he is so involved in his painting that he sometimes forgets Lena. Lena has no interest in painting and doesn’t use the painting set her grandpa got her. One night, while grandpa is sleeping, Lena gets lost in her own set of classical paintings. Guided by fireflies she gets on a boat and sails through the Starry Night created by Van Gogh and enters the magic gallery, where the paintings are brought to life.

RMB 280 – 480. Time varies. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center Studio Theater.

Lev Terskov on Piano, Oct 18

La Plantation Theater invites you for a wondrous night of music with Lev Terskov on piano. Enjoy the works of Haydn, Chopin, and Rachmaninov in this special performance. Contact laplantation@sina.com (5166 1201) WeChat: chineseliving.

RMB 80 (children) – 180 for students, RMB 200 at the door. 7.30pm. La Plantation Theater. 

2019 Beijing Pizza Festival, Oct 19 – 20

All ages. Over 1,500 years ago, there ruled one of the largest empires in the world: the mighty Roman Empire. As a civilization, the Romans proved themselves to be untouchable, accomplishing feats in almost every facet of society – language, religion, technology, art, literature, architecture, and engineering – and irrevocably altering the path of mankind. Then came the pizza. As Julius Caesar famously uttered upon emerging victorious from the Battle of Zela in 47 BC, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” – I came, I saw, I conquered. Our motto? Veni, Vidi, Edi – I came, I saw, I ate. Because the 2019 Beijing Pizza Festival will be one to go down in history. Head to our sister site thebeijinger.com for more information and to buy tickets!

RMB 20 – 60. 11am – 8pm. Galaxy SOHO. 

2019 BIBA Teacher Recruitment Fair, Oct 19

Adults. Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) is offering a wide spectrum of employment opportunities school-wide. Come to their recruitment fair to explore all the many job opportunities. BIBA is looking for passionate educators interested in playing a role in the fundamental success of their students. There are many positions available and many people expected to attend, so RSVP.

Free. 9.30am–12.30pm. Beijing International Bilingual Academy.

Bake Sale for Miracle Baby Camila, Oct 19 – 20

All ages. Pingo Space and Moka Bros is helping support a bake sale to raise funds for baby Camila’s medical bills. Pingo Space’s chefs are baking up all sorts of yummy treats to raise funds for a local family that is in need. Mom, Coro, suffered from severe preeclampsia and her baby Camila needed to be delivered at 25 weeks. Camila has been hospitalized with around the clock care since her birth over six weeks ago and the family is looking at another three to five months at the hospital. The family’s insurance will not cover the baby’s healthcare needs. The Beijing community is coming together to raise the RMB 600,000 to cover the costs. Follow this link to learn more about Camila and the bake sale.

Free. 11.30am – noon. Moka Bros Sunlitun.

Bilingual Kids Arts and Crafts at Moka Bros, Oct 19

Ages 2-12. Calling all mini artists! Moka Bros is holding its first Bilingual Arts and Crafts event just in time for Halloween. Come and make Halloween-themed crafts including spooky spiderwebs, festive pumpkins and more!  Moka Xiao Vincis will be a monthly workshop taught by Blanca Rosa Rasmussen, a Spanish/Danish artist and visual designer based in Beijing. Rasmussen studied art at Barcelona School of Design and Edinburgh College of Art where she worked and taught for a number of years. Currently she is studying at the Central Academy of Fine Arts where she established her own art studio and is preparing her first exhibition on modern China and feminism.

Free, registration required. Noon–3pm. Moka Bros Shuangjing. 

Keystone Academy Secondary School Open House, Oct 19

Students in Grades 6–12 and parents. Keystone Academy invites parents and students to tour their secondary education campus. This is for students going into grades 6–12. The open house will give visitors a chance to see the campus, classrooms, and facilities. The Keystone leadership team, teachers, and students will be there to answer questions and talk about the school. Please RSVP with Amelie Wan at admission@keystoneacademy.cn (8049-6008 ext. 2028) or visit the website.

Free. 1pm – 3.30pm. Keystone Academy Secondary School.

Great Wall Camping | See Sunset and Sunrise from China Wall, every weekend through Oct 20.

Ages depends on ability. Spend two days on the Great Wall, experience the Great Wall at sunset and sunrise, and camp overnight at a Great Wall tower. This camping experience is organized by Cultural Exchange Trips (CET) who will provide camping equipment, transportation, and guides (an English speaking guide and local guide). The hiking portion is relatively easy but there are some steep sections. Please contact CET for more information, and to find out if this trip is right for you and your family.

RMB 365 (Discounts are available for groups). Needs registration. Cultural Exchange Trips. (Jon 185 1420 3469 / Jane: 155 1030 7192).

Yoga in the Park, every Sunday now through Oct 

Moka Bros and Taozi Tree Yoga brings Yoga in the Park 2019. For six years running people have been gathering in Chaoyang Park for a 1.5 hour long class. Advanced yogis and beginners are all welcome to this class; just bring a yoga mat and water. After the yoga class, hang out with the crew at Moka Bros and enjoy 15 percent off your lunch.

RMB 50. 9.30 – 11am. Chaoyang Park.

Intensive Photography Workshops, Now – October 30

National Geographic is offering intensive workshops for photography. These courses are offered at variety of dates and locations; please check the website for more details. Each class focuses on different techniques including Travel and Street, Product Shots, Light and Portrait, and Basic for Beginners.

RMB 750. 10am – 1pm. 131 2470 7430. prissbaxter. www.prisscilabaxter.com.

Seasonal Hairy Crab at Park Hyatt Beijing, now – Oct 31

Crowned as the “King of Crabs”, hairy crabs are celebrated for their decadent roe and juicy meat. This autumn, at the peak of its harvest, savor the prized crustaceans prepared in the classic steamed way or in creative presentations. From 23 September 2019 for a limited time only.

From RMB 128. Reservations & Hotel WeChat Shop: parkhyattbeijing. China Grill (8567 1098). Dining Room (8567 1795).

Kayaking on the Most Beautiful River, every Sunday till Nov 18

Talk to the trip adviser to see if this trip is right for your family. Kayak down a beautiful river at Kayak Scenic Area on a Cultural Exchange Trip (CET). Spend the morning kayaking (don’t worry, lessons are included), have lunch, then an afternoon raft swimming and racing! Have an hour of free time to enjoy the scenic area however you want. Price includes round-trip bus, English-speaking guide, and the insurance fee. It does not include a Kayak fee (RMB 130) or raft swimming fee (RMB 30).

RMB 75. 7am. Fangshan district. Trip adviser Sunny 1030 7172 (English & Mandarin).

Children’s Gymnastics at WAB, now to Dec 8

Ages 4+. Flips and Kicks Plus is offering classes for the international community in Beijing. This company provides gymnastics at a variety of locations. Give your child a chance to have fun and learn new skills while developing physical strength, coordination, and building self-esteem. These classes are taught in English.

RMB 1,540 for 11 beginner classes, RMB 1,760 for 11 advanced classes. Classes are offered on Fridays after school and Sunday mornings. Registration needed. Western Academy of Beijing.

New Street Dance Term at WAB, Sept 1 to Dec 12

All ages. Sunshine Studios provides street dance classes where children and adults can learn from one of the biggest dance studios in Europe. Classes are available for a wide range of ages and skill level, including adults, and are led by professionals who have danced with stars like Justin Bieber, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga.

Classes are every Wednesday, Thursday, and weekends at a variety of times. Western Academy of Beijing. 

Karate and Martial Arts Class with Adventure Zone, every Tuesday and Thursday, now through Dec

Ages 4+. Adventure Zone is offering Goju-ryu classes, a traditional Okinawan style of karate that uses techniques executed at close range. Your child can enjoy learning martial arts while strengthening and conditioning their body, gaining confidence, and learning discipline.

RMB 3500 – 3700. Registration needed. 4pm. Kerry Sports Center L3.

Electric Bicycle Tour of Old Beijing, every Wednesday and Sunday

All ages. Interested in seeing Beijing from a different point of view? Join Belectric on a tour of Old Beijing on an ebike. Tour through Old Beijing hutongs while stopping at famous landmarks like the Lama Temple, Drum Tower, Confucius Temple, Houhai Lake, and the Forbidden City. At each stop your guide will share stories about the history and lore behind each famous place.

RMB 400. 1-4pm. Culture Yard. www.belectricbeijing.com. 

Safari Time Songs at The Bookworm, every Saturday

Children 3 months to 4 years. Does your tot love to sing and dance? Does your baby get excited when she hears music? Bring them to the Bookworm for Safari Time Songs! These classes will give your child a chance to learn simple songs from all around the world, have fun, and socialize.

There are two classes available, one for toddlers up to 4 years old from 9.30am–10.30am and one for babies 3-18 months old from 10.30–11.30am. RMB 80. 9.30am. The Bookworm.

Mental Health Peer Support Group, second and fourth Tuesday of every month

Adults. There are many things that can be challenging in life: moving to a new country, going through a breakup, job loss, living with mental illness, or just the difficulties of this fast-paced modern life. Allow this bi-weekly mental health peer group to help you out. CandleX established an English speaking mental health peer support group in Oct 2015. It provides a safe environment for people living in Beijing to share personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings, through small, confidential gatherings.

50 RMB, free to people with incomes lower than RMB 6,000, needs registration. 7.30pm. U-Town Shopping Center. 

Calligraphy Workshop with Cultural Keys, first Saturday of every month. 

Want to explore traditional Chinese culture? Learn something new? Get better at your characters? Then join Cultural Keys for its monthly calligraphy workshop. Learn about the history and culture of this beautiful art form and then try it for yourself. This is a two hour calligraphy class with an experienced calligrapher. You will practice a design and then choose a character to write on decorative paper to bring home. This class includes a dumpling lunch. After lunch walk around and explore the unique Xiaopu Artist Village.

RMB 388. 9am–6.30pm. Meeting point: Tuanjiehu subway station. (Wechat: AJDonnelly, events@culturalkeys.cn)

Photos: courtesy of event holders, The Beijinger, Pixabay