Kang Chiao Bilingual School is renowned for its diverse education. To help students step out of their comfort zones and create challenging learning environments, 285 eighth-grade students, under the guidance of professional mountaineering leaders and teachers, tackled the Hehuan Mountain Range for the first time. Over a 4-day, 3-night journey, they climbed five high mountains. At the summit, the students shouted out their self-declarations of “transformation.”
Kang Chiao Bilingual School students had previously summited Snow Mountain to receive graduation certificates in elementary school. This year, the school planned for eighth-grade students to climb Shimen Mountain, Hehuan North Peak, West Peak, East Peak, and Wufanaiwei Mountain within the Hehuan Mountain Range—routes that were more challenging in both distance and difficulty. Since May last year, the students have been preparing for the climb, training their mountaineering skills and physical endurance.
“I hope I can become braver in facing challenges!” student Liang Yunjia shouted loudly upon successfully reaching Hehuan West Peak. “The scariest part of the climb was the descent because I was afraid of falling, but I kept going—and I made it!”
Student Huang Fei said, “Keep going and you will succeed. Through this climbing experience, I’ve learned that when facing difficulties in the future, I will keep pushing forward and bravely face and solve them. I hope I can become more independent and not worry my parents.”
“If it were just me alone, I might not have made it!” said student Ku Jielun. The most valuable experience from this activity was perseverance and teamwork. The groups encouraged one another and worked together toward a common goal. Amidst their mutual encouragement, not even the thought of giving up crossed their minds. When they summited Snow Mountain in elementary school, the weather was poor and it was raining. This time, he’s grateful to have achieved his dream under clear skies.
Deputy team leader Cao Simin stated that the most difficult part of the journey was the third day, when they had to hike for over ten hours in a single day to climb both North Peak and West Peak. Especially challenging was West Peak, which involved a long trek and high difficulty level, requiring the crossing of several mountain ridges—truly testing the children’s stamina and endurance. After completing the summit mission, the school awards a summit badge, symbolizing the successful realization of dreams and the triumph over oneself. The school hopes students learn greater perseverance and the spirit of mutual support through teamwork.
Kang Chiao Bilingual School pointed out that besides building a strong physique, the mountain climbing activity also fosters fearless courage, allowing children to reflect inwardly and truly transform their lives. These rare experiences and beautiful memories are things that cannot be learned in classrooms and are abilities that can accompany the children for life.