Young explorers dive into global traditions at Shekou summer camp

“I loved painting the Day of the Dead skulls!”

“I never knew Chinese fans could be so beautiful!”

Children and organizers pose for a group photo during the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp at the Shekou Subdistrict Public Service Center in Shenzhen on Wednesday. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

These enthusiastic voices from young participants captured the heart of the Hello APEC Shekou Summer Camp, which has transformed a local classroom into a vibrant global playground since its official kickoff on July 13.

American instructor Gannet Wystix teaches children creative drawing.

Hosted by the Shekou Subdistrict Office and organized by the Nanshan Southwind Social Work Service Center and the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), the four-day event brought together more than 30 local and expatriate children. Together, they explored the diverse cultures of seven APEC member economies without ever leaving Shenzhen.

(Top) South Korean coach Hyun introduces the group to Taekwondo. Children practice board breaking with Hyun.

The young explorers yesterday embarked on a journey to the Southern Hemisphere guided by New Zealand teacher Stewart John Hansen. Starting with the Māori greeting “Kia Ora,” the children dove into legends of water monsters and the prehistoric tuatara — a creature one child excitedly dubbed a “classmate of the dinosaurs.” The cultural journey concluded with a close-up look at New Zealand coins and a creative coloring session. Adding to the day's significance, prosecutors from the Nanshan District People’s Procuratorate joined the participants to deliver an engaging lecture on personal safety and self-protection.

Children at the summer camp.

This trip to Oceania followed a whirlwind glimpse into Mexican folk art and Russian traditions on Wednesday. Mexican teacher Ivan introduced the mysteries of Maya culture, leading a session where children painted Day of the Dead skulls that were as artistic as they were "cool." The excitement peaked during the Russian cultural segment, which featured lessons on brown bears and nesting dolls, topped off with a taste of famous Russian purple candies. Dancer Valentina Laikova and teacher Olesya led the group in spirited folk dances and thrilling rope games. In a heartwarming surprise, a visiting Russian children's choir performed for the campers, who responded by showcasing their own talents, proving that music is truly a universal language.

Members of the visiting Russian children's choir pose for a selfie at the Shekou summer camp on Wednesday.

A camper performs for the visiting Russian children's choir at the summer camp.

A local camper poses for a photo with a visiting Russian girl.

Earlier in the week, following an opening day that fused Philippine beats with Chinese traditional artistry, the children experienced the contrasts of the American West and East Asia. American instructor Gannet Wystix, dressed in full cowboy attire with a wide-brimmed hat and boots, introduced the kids to frontier culture through creative drawing and challenge games. The energy remained high in the afternoon as Korean Coach Hyun introduced the group to Taekwondo and Korean etiquette. After learning about traditional staples like kimchi and grilled meat, the children practiced board breaking, filling the room with cheers as they successfully split their targets. The day concluded with a high-stakes tug-of-war that saw little faces flush with determination.

The summer camp is structured into two sessions, with the international journey set to continue next week. An upcoming Australian-themed session promises even more food, surprises, and cross-cultural adventures for Shenzhen’s young explorers.

More photos of the summer camp