A rope is tied into single knots, figure-eight knots, clove hitches, double overhand knots, and more. Each student holds the same rope, their fingers dancing to the rhythm of the instructor’s guidance. On August 24, the first China Youth Science and Technology Innovation Camp held a one-day outdoor project experience learning session at the Beijing International Youth Camp site and nearby enterprises. Students learned techniques such as camping knots and rock climbing.
At 10 a.m. on the 24th, the Beijing International Youth Camp site in Gelaoyu Village, Mujiaoyu Town, Miyun County, welcomed more than 230 members of the China Youth Science and Technology Innovation Camp. They were primary, middle, and high school students from all over the country. After a brief opening ceremony, the morning activities focused on outdoor project skill training.
Staff at the International Youth Camp grouped participants by age group. Elementary school students were placed in one group to learn basic outdoor camping knot techniques; middle school students formed another group to learn basic camp construction; high school students were grouped to learn basic rock climbing; undergraduate and college students were divided into three groups to study single-rope ascent, outdoor mountaineering knot techniques, and rock climbing; graduate students were split into three groups to receive training in topography, intermediate camp construction techniques, and intermediate outdoor camping knot skills.
A girl in the rock climbing group seemed a bit scared when facing the towering artificial climbing wall, but amid the waves of encouragement from her peers, she overcame her initial nervousness and successfully climbed to the middle section of the wall. The other students in her group cheered loudly for her.
The reporter then visited the tree-climbing training site, just in time to see a girl from Heilongjiang climbing. She performed exceptionally well, calm and composed without any signs of panic. “This girl is great,” the instructor couldn’t help but give her a thumbs-up. “I felt very safe,” the girl told the reporter. She said the equipment provided by the International Youth Camp was excellent and gave her a strong sense of security, which quickly calmed her nerves. Many girls demonstrated “girls are no less capable than boys” spirit during the camp activities.
At the elementary group’s campsite, the instructor demonstrated outdoor camping knot techniques. With swift finger movements, a rope was transformed into single knots, figure-eight knots, clove hitches, and double overhand knots. Each student held a similar rope, their fingers moving in rhythm with the instructor.
Tie, spread, hang, pull… several actions completed in one smooth motion. A few middle school students easily set up a camping tent. One student moved with skilled ease, showing no signs of unfamiliarity. “I’ve been setting up this kind of tent for ages,” the student said. He had participated in his hometown’s biology exploration team and had set up this type of tent several times before. In this group, the instructor also taught them how to use moisture-proof mats and sleeping bags.
The Beijing International Youth Camp is an open, professional, comprehensive, and environmentally conscious outdoor camp established and managed as a social enterprise by the Municipal Youth League Committee. It is located in Gelaoyu Village, Mujiaoyu Town, Miyun County. To date, thousands of young people from organizations such as Shouqi Group, Beijing Tobacco, the China-Germany Youth Exchange Delegation, and the Henan Beijing Youth Working Committee have come here for training. They have responded positively to the customized training programs offered by the Beijing International Youth Camp. Further construction of the camp is ongoing, with the ultimate goal of creating a distinctive, international-level venue for professional outdoor sports and leisure tourism tailored for youth.