Get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Beijing over the next two weeks! With the summer heat rising, what better way to beat the warmth than by exploring the exciting family-friendly spots in the city. While the city may have fewer events during this season, why not cool off at one of the pools with your little ones and spend a day soaking up summer?

YCIS’s Summer School Open Day

Don’t miss out this summer! YCIS is now warmly recruiting for their Summer School Open Day! The principal will stay on campus during the summer and share the curriculum system, helping you dispel the confusion of school selection and clearly plan your child’s growth path. You’ll also get to take an in-depth campus tour, experiencing the international education atmosphere from all angles by visiting advanced teaching buildings and specialized functional rooms. This is a rare opportunity. Apply now and embark on this campus exploration journey!

When: Jul 26, 9.30-noon
Where: 29 Liangshuihe Erjie, BDA, Daxing District
Price: Free

AlSB-Hope International School Open Day

Join us on AISB-Hope on July 29 to explore their campus, meet their dedicated team, and discover how they nurture children’s growth through character development.

It’s a sunny Sunday in the CBD, in the cool, high-ceilinged gallery space of Espace Louis Vuitton Beijing – an outpost of the Louis Vuitton Foundation art museum in Paris. The “LV” could stand for little-visited, compared to its better-known retail sibling at Guomao (China World Mall). Find this outdoor storefront and next door you’ll step into the gallery, which hosts changing, thoughtfully curated exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Currently, “Painting from Nature” is on display until October, showcasing works by abstract expressionists Joan Mitchell and Megan Rooney.

But today, a group of children are enjoying Espace LV not only as museumgoers but as budding artists. They are under the tutelage of Jennifer Chung, known to her young clientele as “Ms. Jen,” the founder and director of JEN Art Academy. She begins with a tour of the artworks, drawing out children’s interpretations: “The yellow looks happy,” says one child about a vibrant triptych by Mitchell, while another sees “a magical forest” in Rooney’s echo of Monet’s Waterlilies.

Next, the children settle at their workstations to create: silk paintings layered with gold foil and mounted on canvas. Drawing from the exhibition’s expressive vision of nature, their silk-and-gold creations echo the exhibit’s themes while reflecting something entirely their own. It’s this kind of intentional, layered learning that Jen imbues into every program she leads.

Jen’s own journey took her from high school in Hong Kong to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – often dubbed the “Harvard of art schools” – for a degree in textiles. “RISD was life-changing,” she reflects. “I found a community of passionate, like-minded creatives who pushed me to grow and consistently develop original ideas. Anticipating today’s AI-driven world, RISD gave me the tools to lead with creativity.”

After graduating, Jen entered the fast-paced world of luxury fashion, working with brands like Dior, Versace, and Van Cleef & Arpels in Hong Kong. “Understanding the business side of global luxury was eye-opening,” she says. “I was fortunate to gain that firsthand.”

After moving to Beijing in 2017, Jen deepened her experience in educational leadership – first as principal of a local arts high school, and later as art education director at Dulwich College Group, where she designed a specialized arts track. “The pathway allowed students to spend three out of five school days fully immersed in art and design,” she explains. “I developed a comprehensive curriculum that combined concept and theory classes with foundational skills training. Most importantly, they completed their entire university portfolio during class time – giving them the preparation to get into their dream schools and thrive once they got there.”

In 2023, JEN Art Academy was born from a gap Jen encountered over and over in her work with students and families: Many young people dream of entering creative fields – architecture, fashion, animation, game design – but lack the structured support to get there.

“There’s a real gap,” Jen says. “So many talented students don’t know how to build the kind of portfolio top-tier universities are looking for. That’s where we come in.”

Located in Beijing’s Chaoyang District near the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), JEN Art Academy offers a clear, age-based progression to support students from the earliest stages to competitive college applications:

• Grades 1-4: early exposure programs that spark curiosity and build foundational skills through weekend classes and summer camps
• Grades 5-8: pre-portfolio foundations with a focus on drawing, design thinking, and visual storytelling
• Grades 9-12: intensive portfolio preparation for students applying to leading global art and design universities

The Academy’s curriculum is built on the RISD approach, leveraging creativity as a tool for original problem-solving. “It’s never just about technique,” Jen emphasizes. “We teach students to think like designers, starting with observation and exploration then moving into self-expression, innovation and confidence.”

This summer, JEN Art Academy invites young creators ages 6-13 to explore three immersive camp themes that spark imagination and build hands-on design skills. In Super Mario Game Design, kids reimagine their favorite game universe by designing characters, power-ups and fantastical worlds. Primitive Pioneers takes campers back in time to invent tools, build shelters and experiment with tribal-inspired fashion. And in Historical Horizons, students journey through ancient civilizations, bringing history to life through architecture, jewelry-making, animation and more. Each five-day camp is led by Jen’s team of educators and taught in English, with bilingual support available.

 For high school students aiming for top global art and design universities, JEN Art Academy offers a rigorous College Prep Program. Drawing from her experience as a former RISD admissions officer, Jen has crafted a curriculum that mirrors the creative rigor and originality elite schools expect. Students develop concept-driven portfolios tailored to institutions like RISD, Parsons, and UAL, while receiving one-on-one mentorship throughout the entire application process, from idea generation to personal statements and interview prep. With a blend of real studio practice and design thinking, the program equips aspiring creatives to apply to top schools – and it currently boasts a 100 percent acceptance rate.

“I am super proud of our students and of our team who nurture their talents,” Jen says. “We’re growing fearless, original thinkers for the future.”

Find it:
JEN Art Academy
B02, Cathy Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District (next to Rivera/Roundabout)

 Images: Tara Fegelein, JEN Art Academy

Xiaozhen Library, a beacon of community learning and empowerment founded by high school students, is once again opening its doors to the youth of Beijing for an enriching summer camp experience. They’re calling for teen volunteers to join in and make a difference by teaching English to eager young learners. This unique opportunity not only fosters a love for learning but also cultivates a sense of social responsibility and leadership among high school students.

Founded on the principle of youth empowerment, Xiaozhen Library has been a hub for community engagement and learning since its inception. Now, they are extending their reach by inviting high school students between grades 9 and 12 to volunteer and contribute to their summer camp program. Fluent in English and passionate about community service, these volunteers will play a pivotal role in shaping the educational journey of young children in Beijing.

Volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a platform to make a meaningful impact while honing their leadership and communication skills. By sharing their knowledge and passion for English, volunteers will not only inspire a love for the language but also foster cross-cultural understanding and communication.

The requirements for volunteering are simple yet impactful: Students must be in grades 9-12, have a commitment to community service, be fluent in English, and have a desire to make a difference.

Whether it’s leading interactive language sessions, organizing creative activities, or simply lending a listening ear to young learners, volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to the holistic development of children in the community.

As the summer camp unfolds, volunteers will not only enrich the lives of young learners but also gain valuable insights and experiences that will shape their own personal and academic journeys. From building confidence and empathy to developing leadership and teamwork skills, volunteering at Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp offers high school students a chance to make a difference while growing personally and professionally.

In a world where youth empowerment and community engagement are more important than ever, Xiaozhen Library’s summer camp provides a platform for high school students to step up, make a difference, and inspire positive change in their community. By volunteering their time and skills, teens can become catalysts for transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of others while shaping their own futures.

Xiaozhen Library is now accepting applications to be part of this year’s summer camp volunteers.

Available weeks:
Jun 30-Jul 4 (week 1)
Jul 7-11 (week 2)
Jul 12-16 (week 3)
Jul 17-21 (week 4)
Aug 4-8 (week 5)
Aug 9-13 (week 6)
Aug 18-22 (week 7)

For more information, please contact info@ourtownlibrary.com or fill out the 2025 Summer Volunteer Program forum at https://www.ourtownlibrary.com/summer-camp-volunteer/

Images: Xiaozhen Library, Pexels

Summer is a time for adventure, growth, and endless fun. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors with the family with the help of our #Kidventures series or discovering new hobbies, there’s probably a summer camp that will offer your child a great experience beyond the classroom.

AISB Hope International Summer English Camp

Join AISB Hope International’s Summer Camp for middle and high school students! Through intensive English classes, students will build reading, writing, and speaking skills in a fully immersive environment. Ideal for preparing for the next academic year.

When: Jul 7-11, Jul 14-18
Price: From RMB 5,850/week

Global Village School Summer Camp

As in previous years, we have carefully designed Chinese courses, cultural experience courses, and travel activities for everyone! We believe that our summer camp can help children improve their Chinese proficiency and gain a deeper understanding of the vast and profound Chinese culture. It will definitely leave children with a wonderful memory!

When: Jun 30 – Aug 8
Ages: 9-17

Eight-Week English Comedy Camp

Learn the art of stand-up comedy. Find your voice and perform your first graduation open mic.

When: May 7-Jun 27
Register: CHENGBAOXIJU (WeChat)

Fun, Language & Culture Camp in Beijing

Looking for a summer experience that’s both educational and exciting? That’s Mandarin’s Summer Chinese Camp in Beijing is back for 2025, offering international kids and teens a unique opportunity to learn Chinese, explore Chinese culture, and make new friends in one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

When: Starts from Jun 16
Ages: 10-17 years old
Price: From RMB 4,250/week
Register: info@thatsmandarin.com (email), thatsmandarin006 (WeChat)

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Don’t worry – there’s still plenty of time. Check out more options on the Beijinger.

Images: Courtesy of organizers

Summer is here, bringing with it endless days of sunshine and play. You’re either traveling around and doing some well-deserved exploring, attending summer camps, or spending some time relaxing at home. To add a bit of structure and a lot of fun to your child’s vacation, we’re excited to share this completely free reading challenge initiated by professional reading tutor Katie Hamons, who specializes in helping children aged 4-12 years old with reading. Hamons has over five years of experience teaching reading to this age group in Beijing and loves to share her wealth of knowledge with others. “My primary goal is to transform early reading experiences into engaging and enjoyable journeys using Koala Go, an online teaching platform that makes learning to read fun for young learners,” Hamons tells us.

Hamons’ Month-Long Reading Challenge on WeChat is designed to keep kids engaged and excited about reading during the break. If you’d like to join, you can enter by sending in a video of your child reading a book they choose, or Hamons can help select an appropriate book for them based on their reading level.

This challenge is perfect for any child who loves reading or wants to develop a love for reading. Parents looking to maintain their children’s reading skills over the summer will find this challenge beneficial. Also, it’s a fun way to spend time together with your kids doing something educational.

Throughout the month, students can submit their videos for feedback and Hamons will provide tips on how they can improve their reading and they can resubmit their video before the deadline of Jul 26 at midnight. At the end of the month, parents can invite friends into the reading challenge WeChat group to vote.

To make this challenge even more enticing, Hamons has even prepared prizes for the participants to win.

Challenge Details and Prizes
– 1st Place: A free 30-minute 1:1 reading lesson with Hamons.
– 2nd Place: A free PDF of a book of their choice.
– 3rd Place: A fun bookmark to print and color.
– Participation: All challenge participants will receive a certificate of participation.

You can reach Hamons through WeChat. Here’s her WeChat ID: [katiehamons]. You can also scan the QR code below to join the reading challenge group.

For parents who are currently teaching their kids how to read, it can be a long and frustrating journey at the beginning. But once children grasp the concept and discover their capabilities on their own, a whole new world opens up to them. Hamons shares five tips from her years of experience as a reading tutor to help parents help their kids onto their reading journey.

1. Read Aloud Daily:
Make reading a part of your daily routine. Choose books your child enjoys and read together. Discuss the stories and ask questions to engage them.

2. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment:
Surround your child with books and reading materials. Have a cozy reading nook where they can enjoy their books comfortably.

3. Incorporate Fun Activities:
Use games, songs, and hands-on activities to teach reading skills. Koala Go’s* interactive resources can also make learning engaging and enjoyable.

4. Be Patient and Encouraging:
Celebrate small victories and be patient with your child’s progress. Encourage them and avoid pressuring them to read before they’re ready.

5. Lead by Example:
Show your love for reading by reading your own books. Your enthusiasm will inspire your child to develop a similar passion.

*Koala Go is an interactive platform that Hamons uses for her lessons. It’s equipped with an interactive whiteboard, a shared browser, and an immersive playground.

This engaging program is designed to motivate kids to dive into books, explore new worlds, and keep their minds active during the break. Scan the QR code in the article to add Hamons on WeChat to join the group.

Images: Katie Hamons, Pexels

As Beijing begins to breathe again after two months of Covid restrictions, we are pleased to announce that many camp providers are now taking registrations for their summer camp programs! Over the next few weeks, jingkids will profile summer camps that will keep the kids’ minds and bodies busy during the school holidays in this Beijing heat!

Performance 1000

Led by Dimitrije Jovanovic, FIBA-approved coach and trainer for CBA E-class coaches with more than 25 years of coaching experience. The camp will focus on one of the most important skills – shooting. From footwork to form, and close distance to far range, thousands of repetitions will forge you to become a better shooter. We will hold the camp at Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake which has unbeatable sports facilities for the kids to utilize their full potential. Besides basketball, other activities will include surfing, frisbee, football, and BBQ.

Ages: 9-16 years (8 years is ok if the kid can shoot on a big basket)
Organizer: FIBA licensed coach Dimitrije Jovanovic with Tsinglan Sports and Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake
Where: Tsinghua International School Daoxiang Lake
When: Jul 29 – Aug 3
Teacher to Child Ratio: 6-8 kids per coach
Languages:  English with Chinese assistance
Prices:
RMB 7,800 all-inclusive
RMB 6,800 without accommodation
Topic: Hip-hop dance class
About: Tsinglan Sports is a team dedicated to providing a well-rounded solution to school sports curriculum, offering a “PE + ASA (after school activities)” system. Its curriculum and coaching covers a wide range of sports including basketball, swimming, baseball, soccer, badminton, table tennis, flowriding, snowboarding, taekwondo, sport dance, and more. Moreover, Tsinglan Sports designs and operates various sports camps and adult sports activities, spreading a healthy way of life that is backed by sports.

Images: Performance 1000, Greenwood

As Beijing begins to breathe again after two months of Covid restrictions, we are pleased to announce that many camp providers are now taking registrations for their summer camp programs! Over the next few weeks, jingkids will profile summer camps that will keep the kids’ minds and bodies busy during the school holidays in this Beijing heat!

Street Dance Summer Camp for Kids 2022

If your kids love to dance, this is the camp for them! This fun-filled, high energy camp has it all:

• Learn cool dance moves
• Fun and healthy
• Meet other kids
• Build confidence
• End-of-the-week show for families

Ages: 6-12
Organizer: W Plus Dance
Where: Jiulongshan, Dawanglu area in Chaoyang District
When:
July 18-22, Jul 25-29, August dates to be confirmed
(Trial classes on Jul 2, 3, 9,10 at 10.30am)
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:10
Languages:  Chinese and English (customer service)
Prices:
1-week camp RMB 2,380 (early bird price: RMB 2,180)
2-week camp RMB 4,380 (early bird price: RMB 3,980)
Topic: Hip-hop dance class
About: W Plus Dance is run by a few close friends (American, Chinese, and Canadian) that have a strong and qualified background in street dance and choreography.

More Info:
Contact Ticky for more details
Tel: 137 1779 3131
WeChat: 137 1779 3131

Minecraft Education Summer Camp

Young Coders Academy (YCA) focuses on delivering courses that interweave coding with video games, robots, and apps that kids already love, in the most hands-on ways that captivate their whole attention! During this summer camp, we will engage in interactive sessions of four hours and lead our students through a super fun process of creation, critical thinking and problem solving, with the end goal of mastering computational skills according to their age level. By joining this year’s summer coding camp, students will have the opportunity to express their creativity and have fun while learning how to create computer games, apps and more!

Ages: 6-17
Organizer: Young Coders Academy
Where: Liangmaqiao and Laiguangying.
When: Jul 4-29 and Aug 1-12
Teacher to Child Ratio: 1:8
Languages:  English
Prices: Starting from RMB 3,300 (early bird discount: RMB 200 off price)
Curriculum: Python, Minecraft, Arduino

About: The curriculum is developed and designed by a team of engineers, focusing on the latest innovations in the EdTech industry, while making sure to include elements of interest for young coders. Being in class over the summer camp with the students, explaining to them how programming devices and apps work, tackling complex problems, and making mistakes along the way that need correction and persistence is just awesome!  The team is determined to inspire the love for coding in all of our students and teach them the valuable skill of persistence in the face of such challenges. During the camp, the students are able to immerse in coding alongside other students from different nationalities and schools, all joined by a common curiosity or interest in technology. Our coding summer camp brings kids together, and is supportive of collaboration and teamwork of all peers on projects that are in motion. 

Images: Courtesy of camps

As Beijing begins to breathe again after a month of Covid restrictions, we are pleased to also announce that many camp providers are now taking registrations for their summer camp programs! Over the next few weeks, jingkids will profile summer camps that will keep the kids’ minds and bodies busy during the school holidays in this Beijing heat!

That’s Mandarin’s Chinese Summer Camp

Let the kids brush up on their Chinese while having fun and making new friends this summer. That’s Mandarin will be holding their summer camp in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, and virtually for those who can’t make it to any of these cities. The kids will spend their time learning the language, sports, and cultural activities, while taking in the sights at the local tourist attractions.

Ages: 6-17
Organizer: That’s Mandarin
Where: Beijing, Suzhou, Shanghai, virtually
When: June 6 – Aug 15
Instructor-to-child ratio: 1:3
Language: English & Chinese
Price: Starting from RMB 600
Topics: Language & Culture
About: Founded in 2005, That’s Mandarin is the number one choice for Chinese learners and one of China’s longest-established Chinese language and learning technology schools with 16 years of experience and 50 000+ students in total and more joining us every year. Located in Beijing, Shanghai and Suzhou, That’s Mandarin now has three campuses featuring excellent communal areas for events and study zones to aid education between classes. They also provide online classes to students worldwide via their own Chinese learning platform NihaoCafe. That’s Mandarin focus on providing an excellent learning experience to all its students by hiring the best teachers and guiding them through a detailed training process to meet the school’s high standards. They also take pride in providing superb customer service with experienced supporting staff ready to assist students in both coming to China and adapting to life in China.

More info: Click here for more information on their camp

Bilingual French Chinese Summer Camp

LMMP & Zero Distance partner up once more to offer a great bilingual environment and activities to young children this summer. The camps will be divided into groups for kids ages 3-6 and 6-9 with activities specifically designed for kids in these age groups. This year’s summer camp will cover sensory discovery, art, cooking, and filmmaking.

Ages: 3-6 and 6-9
Organizer: LMMP & Zero Distance
Where: Beijing
When: Jul 4 – 29
Language: Chinese & French
Price: See below
Topics: five senses, art, ocean, little professional, film animation art, Harry Potter
About: Conveniently located in downtown Beijing, La Maison Montessori de Pékin kindergarten was created in 2013 originally to answer the needs of French-speaking families in Beijing to have more options for their children’s education. The school is committed to providing an alternative educational method that adapts to each individual student and is inclusive for each individual family. Their Montessori-certified teachers provide a fully bilingual French-Chinese environment for now more than 17 nationalities of children.

Images: Courtesy of That’s Mandarin and LMMP

So you’re being a really cooperative parent and not traveling out of Beijing during Golden Week, good for you! But now, you’re faced with the imminent scenario of kids at home for ten days! After 30 minutes of hide-n-seek while you’re trying to poop in the bathroom, walking around the park down the street, and watching Coco for the fifth time, you’re in desperate need of something else to do, before they start fighting over the iPad again.

Well, how about a five-day-long camp that’ll get them mentally and physically tired enough to stay out of trouble until bedtime?

Flips & Kicks will be reprising their successful Jackie Chan Stunt Team (JCST) Action Movie Camp during the October holiday and they have kindly extended their 10-percent early bird discount until Friday, Oct 1, for jingkids International readers! In case you missed it, the JCST camp teaches little ones various martial arts like karate, wushu, Taekwondo, gymnastics, and stunt training. Kids are even given the chance to handle stage weapons and discover how movie magic works in the context of fight scenes.

Date: Oct 4-8
Time: 9am-2.30pm
Location: JCST Training Center in Shunyi
Transportation: Available from BSB Sanlitun and Lido for an additional fee
Fee: RMB 4,500 including food

If stunts aren’t your kid’s thing, there’s also Flips & Kicks’ Golden Week Swimming Camp that follows the English swimming curriculum levels 1-7. The camp is taught by bilingual certified coaches.

Date: Oct 4-8
Time: 9am-noon
Location: Close to Western Academy of Beijing (WAB)
Transportation: Available from BSB Sanlitun and Lido for an additional fee
Fee: RMB 3,500

The camps have limited capacity so sign up as soon as possible to secure your spot and also to enjoy your early bird discount! Besides the camps, Flips & Kicks is also running their regular gymnastics classes as well as karate classes. You can get more details below.

Details and Registration: Contact 137 1846 2044 or email info@flipsandkicksplus.com.

Follow jingkids International for more news and ideas about what to do in Beijing during Golden Week, and beyond!

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Images: Courtesy of Flips & Kicks