ACTAsia Summer Camp brings hope to a region

12 September 2025

School’s out for summer in August in China – but this didn’t stop ACTAsia’s hugely popular Summer Camp taking place at the rural Haiyuan County No. 2 Primary School. Run over four days, the Summer Camp invited students to get involved with immersive project-based learning, teamwork projects and practical activities. Over 100 youths took part with the goal of gaining a better understanding and relationship with nature, respecting all living things and how to cultivate empathy. 

Why was the Summer Camp held in Haiyuan County?

Haiyuan County, Western China, is an area that has been affected by extreme poverty due to its harsh environment. Recent studies revealed that children from such regions are more likely to suffer as a result. This is evident in a higher risk of depression, difficulties with academic performance and higher rates of psychological trauma. However, significant progress in poverty reduction through government initiatives and development projects has recently helped. Key strategies have included improving infrastructure like roads and water systems, promoting local industries like beef cattle breeding and embroidery and focusing on education and women’s empowerment.

In order to try and reverse these worrying trends and support these initiatives, ACTAsia’s Summer Camps provide a wide range of activities to encourage students to be respectful, to learn and help each other and to form strong bonds. The goal of the Summer Camp was to inspire children to take part in fun and engaging activities in order to enhance their social responsibilities and promote positive attitudes, thereby encouraging well-rounded development.

What happened at the Summer Camp?

ACTAsia formulated a fantastic range of activities for the duration of the camp as part of its award-winning Caring for Life (CFL) education for children. The CFL programme aims to help Asian children, aged between 6 and 12 years old, to develop a sense of compassion and responsibility for animals, people and the environment. Taught over six years and based on UNESCO’s Four Pillars of Education, the curriculum encompasses social welfare and citizenship, animal welfare and environmental issues. 

Volunteer instructors from Ningxia Normal University’s College of Resources Environment and Life Sciences were instrumental in leading groups of children in activities including the creation of ecological posters and studying “Amazing Animal Abilities.” The hands-on approach provided an intuitive understanding of ecosystem functioning and offered a fresh perspective on animal behaviour. The activities helped students develop cross-species empathy and gain an initial grasp of the concept that “all things are interconnected.”

“Understanding Emotions” was also a signature component of this summer camp. Over three days, students progressively learned to recognise emotional responses and feelings while developing respectful ways to express themselves toward others.

Looking at Biodiversity in everyday life

Under the themes of “Perceiving Life” and “Harmonious Coexistence,” students explored biodiversity in campus corners and learned the “Five Principles of Animal Well-being.”

This prompted children to reflect on and recognise that harmonious coexistence between humans and other life forms is built upon mutual care and respect. After learning about empathy, students wrote down their commitments and actions to show care for animals, the environment and others.

Ms. Liu Xiaoya, Head of Programmes at ACTAsia China, emphasised: “Our summer camp activities demonstrate that Caring for Life education extends beyond knowledge transfer. It focuses on cultivating the diverse social-emotional competencies children need to solve problems, enabling them to treat others kindly, prevent bullying and violence, and achieve the learning goal of ‘learning to live together.'”

A Closing Ceremony to remember

At the closing ceremony, students and volunteers received team and individual awards. Pioneer Campers and Pioneer Team Leaders won ukuleles provided by Yufeng Musical Instruments, each engraved with the words “Be a Caring Soul for Life.” As the camp flag slowly descended, the children posed for photos holding their Best Team certificates and prizes. 

Over four days, 100 children evolved from strangers to a cohesive group, transitioning from observing nature to reflecting on personal behaviour. ACTAsia believes that when each individual begins making small changes, it will influence their peers and families, which in turn will positively impact society and promote future growth in the region.

If you have been inspired by ACTAsia’s work and want to learn more about the benefits of Caring for Life education, then please do get in touch. Equally please consider donating to ACTAsia to help further our global reach. 

Your contribution directly fuels our efforts, ensuring that the message of sustainable living and education reaches even further. Every donation counts, no matter the size. Help us further our cause and ensure a kinder future for animals, people and the environment.