Ray shares his personal journey during the camp, highlighting the lessons he learned, the connections he made with the children, and the memorable experiences that shaped his understanding of leadership, responsibility, and human connection.
Volunteer's Reflection—Ray
This past week at the Chengdu Summer Camp has truly been an unforgettable experience for me. It is not simply because I had fun, but more importantly because of the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned throughout the process. Every day presented us with new and unpredictable situations, and as a team that was still fairly new to one another, we were suddenly tasked with operating a full summer camp for kids. That responsibility required us to constantly think, adapt, and act quickly. Our brains were always active, balancing the need to make responsible decisions while staying flexible enough to respond to unexpected situations. What I took away from this camp was not something that could be learned in a classroom or through reading—it was the kind of knowledge and growth that only comes from direct experience.
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was connecting with a few of the boys in the camp. After the long and physically demanding daily activities, I tried to create moments of fun and relaxation for them. Whether it was playing music, video games, or treating them to snacks and bubble tea, I wanted to give them a sense of freedom that they rarely experience during their regular school routines. At the same time, I encouraged them to wake up on time, stay organized, and follow instructions. In this way, I hoped to teach them a simple philosophy: work hard, play hard. It was rewarding to see that balance between discipline and joy gradually make sense to them.
A particularly memorable moment for me was the visit to the panda reservation. On that day, we took photos with the kids, and I realized how much our short time together had meant to both them and myself. Even though our connection lasted only a week, it felt meaningful and valuable. Knowing that we would soon part ways made me reflect on how fleeting yet impactful such experiences can be. It was a reminder that human connections do not need to be long lasting to be deeply significant.
Perhaps the most fun and lighthearted activity was the face-painting session. Usually, as volunteers, we had to maintain a degree of authority and structure for the kids. But during this activity, we were able to let go of that seriousness and allow the kids to draw freely on our faces. This playful exchange broke down barriers and brought us closer together. It was a perfect example of how small, lighthearted moments can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.
Overall, the Chengdu Summer Camp was an experience that taught me much more than I could have anticipated. It challenged me to lead, to adapt, and to connect with others on a meaningful level. Most importantly, it reinforced my belief in learning through experience. The lessons I gained here—about responsibility, flexibility, and human connection—are things I will carry with me long into the future
