EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. — August 9, 2026 — For the 53 members who participated in the 2026 FASCA Princeton Training Camp, the two-day experience was much more than a training program. It was a journey of cultural discovery, friendship, leadership, service, and belonging.

Held August 8–9 at the Best Western Rutgers University Hotel in East Brunswick, New Jersey, 31 new members joined 22 returning members for two days of cultural learning, teamwork, leadership development, and fun.

The camp's mission is to strengthen overseas Taiwanese youth's connection with Taiwan by training young volunteers, encouraging community participation, and cultivating future leaders and international talents for overseas communities.

Culture, Teamwork and Leadership

The camp began with introductions, icebreakers, and the formation of four teams: Taipei 101, Formosan Tree Frog, Formosan Black Bear, and Formosan Blue Magpie. Through creative slogans, team flags, chants, and performances, the teams demonstrated their unique identities, youthful energy, and growing sense of unity.

Taiwanese culture was woven throughout the camp. Dance teachers Chen-Yu Tsuei and Kevin Chen taught the Hakka “YuanXiao Joy Dance,” Lion Dance, FASCA's signature “Perfect World,” and “Team Taiwan.” Art teachers Ms. Shu Chang and Ms. Jeannie Tuan introduced traditional Taiwanese crafts through tote bags decorated with Hakka flower patterns and double-coin knots.

New member Daniel Hare described the two-day training as “intensive and fulfilling,” while returning member Skyler Chen said the camp helped members build strong team bonds through chants and performances, making it a truly unforgettable learning experience.

Encouragement From Community Leaders

Approximately 150 students, parents, families, counselors, teachers, and guests attended the closing ceremony.

Director Wang Yi-ru of the Cultural and Educational Center encouraged the students and recognized the important role FASCA plays in cultivating future leaders and international talents for overseas communities. She emphasized that completing the training is not the end for the trainees, but the beginning of another journey of service. She also thanked the counselors for spending several months planning and organizing the training camp.

The ceremony also welcomed Deputy Director Liao Shuhuì; James Chuang, co-founder of the Asian Future Foundation; Nelson Tai, President of the New Jersey Chinese School Association, Gene Wang, President of the New Jersey Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce; Kiwi Haile Kalpanaha, President of the Taiwanese Association of America Northern New Jersey, FASCA

New York Counselor Flora Chen, and Jennifer Sun, the first FASCA Princeton counselor from 2012–2014. The distinguished guests presented awards to outstanding individuals and winning teams.

A flag-giving ceremony and graduation certificates officially recognized the trainees as FASCA Cultural Ambassadors, marking their transition from training participants to young volunteers ready to serve their communities.

A Farewell—and a New Beginning

The ceremony was especially emotional as longtime counselors Tina Liu, Vincent Yang, and Bright Lin prepare to conclude their formal service as FASCA Princeton counselors.

With Chris Lee, Maggie Lin, and Chiao-Wei Lee continuing as mentors, the next generation of FASCA Princeton leaders is ready to carry the journey forward.

One parent said, “My daughter is a second-generation Taiwanese American. She came to FASCA hoping to better understand her roots and leave with the belief that she can pass on, share, serve, and promote her Taiwanese cultural heritage.”

FASCA is a family, a bridge to our culture, a place to serve, and a community where one generation inspires the next. Although some chapters change, the journey—and the friendships—continue.

Reported by FASCA Princeton — Skyler Chen and Daniel Hare