It’s a big, wide, beautiful world out there and sometimes we get so bogged down in school, work, and screens that we forget to take a moment and reflect on the natural wonders of which we are a part. And what better way to appreciate the vastness of this planet we call home, than to step out of the comforts of our modern day conveniences and rough it for a couple nights in the great outdoors?

Imagine trekking out into the wilderness, using nothing but your wits and a few primitive tools to survive for five days, all while learning more about yourself, building your character, and making new friends along the way.

As part of their Survival Camp for Level 2 explorers, Imagine China will be leading a group of truly intrepid youngsters on two day-long trips through the forests of Huairou, followed by a three-night camping adventure complete with rivers and cave exploration in the mountains of Miyun.

From Sep 30 to Oct 4, the group will learn invaluable lessons in trap making, advanced fire making, hiding and tracking, raft building, navigation techniques, and advanced shelter building. The excursions are open to kids aged 7-14, and cost RMB 950 per day, with a three day minimum. The price includes activities and instruction from English-speaking outdoor sports instructors, equipment for all the activities, an outdoor sports insurance package, transport fees, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on select days. There are three daily drop-off and pick-up points located throughout the city.

According to Adina Mahalli, a mental health expert and family care professional, “Camping is generally used to help children build up their self-worth. Learning survival and life skills like pitching a tent, starting a fire, and cooking a meal are all activities to help increase one’s self-confidence. Confident children are more likely to be successful in the future.”

So while many of us would be hard-pressed to find ourselves stuck in the middle of nowhere anytime soon, Imagine China’s Survival Camp will provide kids with a unique opportunity to learn skills that push them out of their comfort zones and promote creative problem solving with limited resources, all of which will come in handy whether they’re in a city or the remote back country.

More information, including registration, can be found here.

Photos: Imagine China, Simpleasthatblog.com

Summer camp is a great opportunity for children and young people to develop their independence and self-confidence, but sometimes they can just seem like an extension of school. Here are a few camps that promise a taste of real adventure, offering experiences your kids will never forget.

Wilderness Survival

Imagine China’s Adventure camps let kids loose in the wild, learning important survival skills under expert supervision: making fires, building shelters, rafting, and using bows and arrows. And for those who have built up their skills, there are level 2 courses, where you can build on your learning and actually sleep in the shelter you’ve constructed!

Summer Adventure Camp, Jun 17 to Aug 16

Age 7-14. RMB 890 per child per day, minimum 3 days, discounts available. Imagine China (5739-4933) https://imagine-china.com/adventure-camp/.

Horse Riding

Is your kid pony mad? Or do they dream of galloping away to adventure? They can learn the basics of riding at this camp, run by Oriental Equestrian Club. Instruction is in Chinese, English, or French, and focuses on the proper care of horses; as they say, “learn to become a complete rider by loving, respecting and understanding your horse!”

Summer Horse Riding Camp, Jun 18 to Aug 23

Age 7+. RMB 5460 (English or French instructor), RMB 4460 (Chinese instructor) for four half days. 8.30am-1pm. Oriental Equestrian Club. Xiwanglu Village 500m to the West, Gaoliying, Shunyi District. (13811233647, WeChat: 13811233647) http://www.horseschool.cn/. 顺义区高丽影镇西王路村西500米东方马汇马术俱乐部.

Action Movie Stunts

Even in these days of CGI, there’s nothing like a good stunt to ramp up the excitement in an action movie. Now kids can learn parkour skills in the safety of a Beijing trampoline park: vaulting, climbing, balancing, and flipping.

Summer Action Camp, Jun 24 to Aug 23

Age 7-16. RMB 790 per day including transport. Imagine China (5739-4933) https://imagine-china.com/adventure-camp/.

The Great Outdoors

Camp Greenwoods promises to bring all the adventure of a traditional US summer camp to China, with purpose-built camp sites. Kids can look forward to sports, arts, and perhaps most importantly, making new friends.

Camp Greenwoods, Jun 24 to Aug 31

Age 7+. RMB 8800 per week. Camp Greenwoods. (6417 3809, WeChat: lufang0105) www.greenwoodschina.com/.

Giving Back to China

This is an opportunity for teenagers to give something back to their host country, working alongside people from the Miao minority in rural China and leaving a permanent legacy in the form of a recycle receptor and a trash incinerator. The tour starts in Beijing, before moving onto Xi’an, and then deep into Guangdong and Guangxi, ending up in Shanghai. It’s an experience that could change a young person’s life.

Service Learning Summer Camp, Jul 25 to Aug 8

Age 14-18. USD 2,790 (approx RMB 20,000). WildChina. (6465 6602) www.wildchina.com/tours/wildchina-summer-camp-2019.

Photos: courtesy of organizers

If you’ve been outside at all in the last 24-hours, then it is quite apparent that winter is in full force right now and shows no sign of letting up. What better way to take advantage of these frigid temperatures than by hitting the powder hard. That’s precisely what Imagine China is offering with their quickly approaching International Schools Snowsports Championship China 2018.

In its sixth year, this fun event will give skiing obsessed kids the opportunity to ride the slopes in friendly competition with their peers. Featuring various competitive skiing and snowboarding categories as the Dual Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Freestyle events, it’s a great way to check out your child’s skills and how they fare against others in their respective age groups.

As the Beijing Winter Olympics are still a number of years away we couldn’t think of a better way to spur your child’s interest in these great winter sports. It’s not very often when they have the opportunity to take part in a timed race. The best part just might be that when your kids are launching themselves down the slopes at furious speeds, parents are free to watch or enjoy the slopes themselves. Parents or a designated adult must, however, be present during the event for the child to participate.

The festivities are going down on March 2-4 at Wanlong Ski Resort in Chongli. While we know that there are probably plenty of youngsters out there who have mad skills on skis, this competitive event is limited to those between the ages of 7-18. Also, there is an RMB 1000 registration fee for all competitors.

To learn more about the International Schools Snowsports Championship China 2018, check out the event listing here for all of the crucial details.

Photos: Courtesy of Imagine

Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to webeditor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat ID or add KippWhittaker or anp3rd on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

What to Do This Week…

Beijing Cub Scouts Pack 3944 Registration Event, Sep 5
Boys in Grade 1-5 and adults. It’s back to school season again and scouting is one of the activities that brings out the best in young people. On Sep 5, Beijing Cub Scouts Pack 3944 will open their doors for foreign boys in Grades 1 to 5. There will be two locations for the registration events at 3e International School at 6.30pm and at International School of Beijing (ISB) at 7pm. For more information, contact Steve Hubbard via WeChat (sthubbar) or email Pack3944@gmail.com.

Children’s Theatre: The Tiger Who Came to Tea, Sep 6-9
All ages. This English-language play for kids is based on the picture book by Judith Kerr and was nominated for 2012 Olivier Award for Best Family Entertainment. The action kicks off when the doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don’t expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! RMB 180-300. Click/tap here for more information or to buy tickets. 7.30-9.30pm (There will be an additional 2.30pm matinee performance on Sep 9). National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA)

Beijing Youth Literary Review’s Writers’ Retreat, Sep 8-10
Kids 10+. Join Beijing Youth Literary Review editors Simon, Jennifer, and Chen Bo for a wild weekend of writing, creative activities, hikes, BBQ, and bonding at the Great Wall Mountain House. RMB 2,800. Sign up online via www.beijingyouthlit.com/writers-retreat/ Beijing Youth Literary Review. #13 Building 6 Section C, Xiangjiang Beian, Xiangjiang Beilu北京市朝阳区香江北路香江北岸C座6单元底商13号 (185 1979 1662, info@beijingyouthlit.com, simon@beijingyouthlit.com)

Roundabout’s Days of Giving, Sep 7-9
All ages. In the three-day event, Roundabout will be accepting donations to support more children in need of medical care and “education initiatives that will give so many children the chance of a bright future.” Last year, for example, Roundabout raised a whopping RMB 5.73 million and had been able to provide medical treatment and other services for 141 children. For more information on how to donate, click/tap here or contact Wendy of Roundabout at 138 1111 7756, or scan the QR code below. To see the list of who Roundabout supports this year, click/tap here (Chinese website) Meanwhile, you can drop by any of the Roundabout offices to inquire about their Days of Giving or donate items.

Smart Air DIY Workshop (DIY Your Own Air Purifier and Make Your Dirty Hepa Art!), Sep 9
Adults. Say goodbye to your dirty HEPA filter! Smart Air invites everyone to a special workshop where you can unleash your creativity and create an artwork with your old HEPA. You might just win a new HEPA filter for the coming winter! Free entry but you need to pay RMB 200 if you wish to join the DIY workshop. 2-4.30pm. Registration is 2pm and event promptly begins at 2.30pm. Smart Air. 3ESPACE, 5th Floor, Xin Hua Culture Mansion, Jiaodaokou, Dongcheng District.

Fun for the Family

Fun-Filled Mom and Child Playgroup, every Sat
Kids 1.5-5, mommies. Join the fun-filled mom and child playgroup at Happy Family Kindergarten every Saturday morning. This playgroup is aimed for 1.5-5 years old kids and moms to meet new people while spending time together.  The kids will engage in storytelling, art and crafts activities as well as music and movement. Free. 9-11am. Happy Family Kindergarten. Xiang Xin Xili 22, Dongcheng (near Fangzhuang subway station) (WeChat ID: fangyuebi, 136 9573 7808)

St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet: Anna Karenina, Sep 13-14
All ages. The St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet works under the direction of master choreographer Boris Eifman. They appear in Beijing to dance his interpretation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Eifman set aside the secondary storylines and focuses solely on the love triangle between Anna, Karenin and Vronsky, bringing the timeless emotional content of the novel to the stage of the NCPA. Tickets from RMB 160 to RMB 880. Shows start from 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000) www.chncpa.org

Sydney Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music Concert, Sep 15
All ages. East meets West during this performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Robertson. The ensemble plays a selection of chamber pieces including two by Zhou Juan created for the NCPA’s Young Composer’s Programme, Gnarly Buttons by John Adams and Spirit of the Wild by Nigel Westlake. Tickets from RMB 80 to RMB 480 (click/tap here to buy tickets). 7.30-9.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA). 2 Chang’an Jie Xicheng District 西城区西长安街2号 (6655 0000) www.chncpa.org

WABX to the MAX, Sep 15-16
All ages. A celebration of sports and arts, Western Academy of Beijing will host a multi-sport tournament and arts festival with high school students from international schools all over Asia. Free. Visit wabx.wab.edu for details. 8am-7pm. Western Academy of Beijing. No. 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) 来广营东路10号

Charity Readers Theatre Presents “Grapes of Wrath,” Sep 16
All ages. John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning epic captures the horrors of the Great Depression and probes into the very nature of equality and justice in America. 100 percent of all ticket sales are donated to Social Work Development Center 北京市协作者社会工作发展中心. RMB 80. Email the box office at artsforagoodcause@charityreaderstheatre.org. 7.30pm. Charity Readers Theatre. 10 Anhua Street, Shunyi District 北京市 顺义区安华街10号 (Contact person: Chris Verrill at 134 6638 8333) www.charityreaderstheatre.org

Next Week’s Best

The Beijinger 2017 Pizza Cup Launch Festival, Sep 16-17
All ages. Our sister publication, the Beijinger, brings back its annual Pizza Festival at Wangjing Soho for what will be the fourth celebration of all things cheesy, saucy, doughy, not necessarily triangular, but certainly squarely one of our favorite foods ever to exist. Following the success of last year’s event, at this year’s two-day carnival-themed festival we’ll have entertainment fit for all the family in the form of some of the city’s best live performers, as well as carnival games, magic shows, and carnival dancers, and of course, unlimited amounts of the city’s best pizza, snacks, and drinks. We’ve even invited the Guinness Book of World Records to witness what will hopefully be the biggest dough toss of all time. RMB 25 at the door (food and drink not included), RMB 20 presale (free picnic blanket included). The Beijinger.

The Fifth Annual China Women’s Film Festival, Sep 16-24
Adults. See dozens of films and a Q&A with acclaimed Dutch filmmaker Sunny Bergman at this socially conscious film festival that tackles misogyny in the tech industry, gender conformity in the Middle East, ageism in the beauty industry and more. For a full schedule and list of venues, click here. CWFF.

Beijing Health Week Opening Ceremony, Sep 17
All ages. Beijing Health Week kicks off at the Paradise Lounge in the Park Hyatt Hotel. The ceremony will be every yogi’s dream with an exclusive yoga flow experience from yoga teacher Theresa Taozi and a JBM fueled energy lunch including deliciously nutritious food, nourishing juices, and guilt-free snacks. RMB 120 (click here to purchase tickets). The opening ceremony takes place on Sep 17 at 11am-2pm. Juice By Melissa. Paradise Lounge, 6F Park Hyatt 柏悦酒店6层 天堂书屋 (130 4112 1556, quality@juicebymelissa.com, www.juicebymelissa.com)

WAB Distinguished Speaker Series: National Hockey League Alumni, Sep 19
All ages. As the NHL China Games in Beijing approaches, hear from an alumni player who has achieved greatness in “the coolest game on Earth.” Free. Visit www.wab.edu/dss for details. 6-7.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. No. 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu (WeChat ID: WAB_Chat, 5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) 来广营东路10号

Featured Events This Month

Work Your Body Out

Soul: A Journey to the Real You, Sep 9
Adults. Unresolved emotional pain can cause you to lose your true identity. Join Soul, a mini-retreat where yoga and a workshop will help you reconnect with the real you! Certified yoga instructor Hannah Northcott leads the yoga session; certified life coach Carnisa Berry leads the workshop. RMB 350 (before Sep 2), RMB 400 after. Cost includes a light breakfast. 9am-12.30pm. For more information or to register contact Carnisa at carnisa@berrythoughtfullife.com. International School of Beijing.

Zen Workshop for Healing & Mindfulness, Sep 9
Adults. This is a one or half-day immersion in Zen combined with tea in the room set up in a traditional way like in temple. Students will follow the routine exactly like the Zen monks. This class offers students an opportunity to experience the meditative state, as well as a new way of looking at yourself. The techniques learnt can also be incorporated into daily life after the class. Lunch and lunch break/noon nap are provided. Meditation level requirement: This class requires no previous experience. An open mind is always good for getting the best out of the course. RMB 200. 2-4pm. China Culture Center (CCC)

Yoga Yard Workshop: Know and Flow Your Energy, Sep 15-19
Adults. TCM Doctor Cameron Tukapa and yoga teacher Sean Ren lead this bilingual workshop that connects you to your qi through a fusion of Chinese and Indian medicine and yoga systems. Go home with a clear of how energy is produced, circulated, regulated and maintained in your body and learn to understand how your mental and emotional processes impact your body’s energy. 9.30-11am and 1.30-4.30pm. RMB 3,500. Click here to sign up. Yoga Yard.

Mental Health Peer Support Group, bi-weekly
Adults. CandleX is hosting an international community-based support group where people can go and share openly in a confidential setting. It is for anyone who has a mental health condition, is stressed and/or is having a hard time in both personal and professional settings. This is a project provided by CandleX, an NGO in Beijing that focuses on the mental health by awareness raising on depression and bipolar disorder. This is a continuing effort to provide more support to our Beijing English speaking community. Free (click/tap here to register). 7.30-9pm. CandleX. U-Town Shopping Center. (WeChat ID: candlex2015, info@candlex.cn) www.candlex.cn

Workshops and Seminars

2017 China Summit of the Association of Leading Independent Schools, Sep 15
Adults. If you are considering boarding school for your kids, this event is for you. Learn about creating a study abroad plan, preparing for entrance examinations and the application process for British boarding schools, and meet representatives from a long list of visiting schools in the UK during this educational summit. Free. 9am-5pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. Beijing Imperial Academy, Imperial College Street, Andingmen, Dongcheng District. (Kitty Chen 137 6497 1435, kitty.chen@be.co)

UK-China Education Development Forum –British-Style Early Years Education, Sep 19
Adults. The UK Department for International Trade, the British Embassy Beijing, and the China-Britain Business Council invite everyone to the “UK-China Education Development Forum – British-Style Early Years Education” to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore collaboration opportunities in Early Years Education between the UK and China. Free but needs RSVP before Sep 12. 8.30am-1.30pm. British Chamber of Commerce in China. The St. Regis Beijing (contact Holm Jiang, Events Manager, CBBC: 8525 1111 ext. 366, Holm.Jiang@cbbc.org.cn)

3e TEA TALK: A Parent’s Guide to Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Development of Young Children, Sep 22
For adults. 3e International School’s Tea Talk for September helps parents learn what to expect, and deepen their understanding of social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children.  The workshop will also examine some red flags of behavioral issues and basic principles of positive behavior management.  Presented by Dr. Lynn Turner, Lead Psychologist and Educational Psychologist, LIH Olivia’s Place. Free, but parents need to email community@3einternationalschool.org to register. 9-10.30am. 3e International School. No. 9-1 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang (6437 3344)朝阳区将台西路9-1号

Cool Culture

Royal Canal Boat Tour of the Summer Palace, Sep 9
All ages. This is a very well-received boat cruise and walking tour, providing an opportunity to see a bit of everything in the capital, from Beijing Zoo, Beijing Aquarium, and the Purple Bamboo Garden to the Summer Palace and Kunming Lake. RMB 480. 9am-4.30pm. China Culture Center. The Victoria Gardens D4, Chaoyang Park West Road, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝阳公园西路维多利亚花园D4 (WeChat ID: china-culture-center, 6432 9341 for weekdays 9am-6pm, 8420 0671 for after hours and weekends, info@chinaculturecenter.org) www.chinaculturecenter.org

Wandering China’s Trip to Pingyao and Writers’ Competition, Sep 22-25
All ages. Wandering China 观览国际is organizing an exclusive trip to Shanxi province during the Pingyao International Photography Festival, held every September. Join the adventure and automatically participate in their writer’s competition in which participants will get extraordinary gifts, Pingyao tourism bureau diploma, and exceptional opportunities like having your piece published in Wandering China’s magazine and online platforms.  RMB 1,600 per person (fee includes a round trip train ticket, transportation, admissions fee to scenic spots, English-speaking tour guides, hotel accommodation, dining – 3 breakfast and 2 dinners).  Contact Rose Quan at 139 1152 4254 to sign up. Wandering China 观览国际. Rm 2604, Tower A, U-Space, No 8 Guangqu Rd, Chaoyang (WeChat ID: guanlanzhongguo, 2561696019@qq.com) www.wanderingchina.com 北京朝阳区广渠路8号优士阁A座2604

Mooncake Making, Sep 23
All ages. The 16th of 24 solar terms is characterized by the autumn equinox, or qiūfēn (秋分), which also means that Chinese Mid Autumn Festival is approaching. When the day comes, the daytime and the night-time are the same. Moreover, in the ancient times, Chinese worshipped the moon as a god and were preparing many food and sacrifices. But do you know why we eat “moon” cake then? In this activity, you will create a mooncake, which you can fill with plenty of delicious flavors, such as lotus paste, bean paste. RMB 100. 7-9pm.

The Divine Michelangelo at the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre, until Sep 30
All ages. In cooperation with Italy’s Buonarroti Museum, the Bird’s Nest Cultural Centre is displaying over a hundred works by famed Renaissance artist Michelangelo, including sculptures, paintings, sketches and other masterpieces by the sculptor of David and the Sistine Chapel painter. For more information or to buy tickets, click here. RMB 80, RMB 40 for students, RMB 160 for a family pass. 10am-9pm. Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest).

Fun Fairs and Outdoor Activities

The Great Aussie BBQ, Sep 23
All ages. Head over to Dulwich College Beijing for the Great Aussie BBQ – it’s like being back home. Enjoy Beijing’s cool autumn breeze and be captivated by a thrilling game of AFL where the Beijing Bombers will take on the Shanghai Tigers. The fun does not stop there as visitors will also witness big hits in Beijing Ashes’ cricket match. While everyone munches through fantastic Aussie food and beverages, don’t forget to also try your luck at the raffle for two return tickets to Australia and a Nespresso coffee machine. Free but needs RSVP. 11.30am-4.30pm. AustCham Beijing. Dulwich College Beijing 北京德威英国国际学校, 89 Capital Airport Rd, Shunyi (Email events@austcham.org to RSVP)

Fifth Annual Shuangjing Block Party, Sep 23
All ages. The Shuangjing Block Party is back and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Now in its 5th year, the Block Party has grown into one of the premier events in Beijing bringing the Chinese and foreign communities together for a day of great food, drinks, and entertainment. There is something for everyone with live music, a bouncy castle, face painting and clowns, international food and drink booths and other interactive events. The organizers are expecting crowds of over 5,000 people this year, making it the biggest and best event so far. Free. 1-6pm. North Pingod, 22 Art Street, Shuangjing

Expat Connection Family Fair & Picnic, Sep 24
All ages. The Expat Connection team invites everyone to their yearly Family Fair & Picnic at the Canadian International School of Beijing. There will be more than 35 different activities, like pony riding, climbing, art coloring and many other activities while also enjoying food and drinks. The event closes with a huge lottery, sending the lucky winners home with a special memory. Starts 11am. Free entrance. Expat Connection. Canadian International School of Beijing, 38 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang. 中国北京市朝阳区亮马桥路38号(www.china-expat-connection.com)

October Holiday Camp for Kids: Adventure Camp, Sep 30-Oct 8
Kids 7+. This upcoming National Holiday, Imagine brings a new adventure for the little ones of the house (age 7+): Indoor ski (室内滑雪), climbing (室内攀岩), parkour (跑酷), Civilization Game (文明帝国游戏), and Adventure Park (奇妙探险乐园). This camp is the perfect choice for parents who want to stay in Beijing but are looking for outdoor activities that are creative and challenging at the same time to send their kids.RMB 900 per day for indoor ski; RMB 700 per day for climbing or parkour; RMB 750 per day for Civilization Game or Adventure Park. Click here for more information about each activity. 8am-6pm. Imagine. (WeChat ID: Imagine24X7service, 5739 4933)

Photos: sasint via Pixabay; courtesy of organizers

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