The Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools (WMACS) hosted its annual summer camp at Notre Dame of Maryland University from July 20th to July 27th. The camp offered all enrolled campers a combination of learning, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. This year, 90 campers signed up for the camp, the highest enrollment number since the organization resumed the summer camp program after the pandemic.
WMACS Summer Camp is more than just fun; it’s a cultural event. Campers aged 8 to 18 gathered to explore their Chinese heritage, deepen their understanding of traditions, and build lasting connections with other campers. Beyond the picturesque campus, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery.
The daily camp activities consisted of morning classes, afternoon adventures, and evening events. Morning classes included topics like folk sports, where ancient games such as Chinese yo-yo, top-spinning, and jump rope were brought to life. In chorus, campers harmonized in both English and Chinese, bridging cultures through singing. Folk dance featured movements with ribbons, silk fans, iron fans, flags, and wushu, echoing tradition. Modern dance offered a fusion of creativity and expression. Chinese calligraphy allowed campers to shape meaning with their strokes, while Arts & Crafts kept hands busy and hearts connected with paper cutting, origami, beaded crafts, and knot tying. Discussion Seminars provided thought-provoking dialogues on identity and heritage.
Afternoon adventures were equally engaging. Water games included relay races and water balloon fights, with laughter splashing across the lawn. The Awesomely Awesome Amazing Race (TAAAR) had teams solving riddles, conquering obstacles, and honing leadership skills. Sports tournaments featured friendly matches with cheers echoing through the fields.
Evenings were filled with fun activities. The Night Market offered a taste of Taiwan’s food, where campers played various games, relished bubble tea, and earned tickets for wins. The Talent Show allowed hidden talents to take center stage, from singing to magic tricks. Game Night was filled with board games, laughter, and memories etched in hearts. The Friday Evening Dance had feet tapping and hearts celebrating unity.
The camp concluded with a closing ceremony on July 27th, along with a showcase that demonstrated what campers had learned during the week-long camp. Parents were happy to be reunited with their children and enjoyed the showcase. This camp was truly unforgettable for all the campers. The experiences and the bonds will continue to strengthen our community for years to come.
