Under the gentle, intoxicating breeze of May and against a backdrop of lush greenery, students from Grade 9 at Shanghai High School International Division embarked on a journey filled with anticipation. Leaving the city's bustle behind, their bus carried them toward the embrace of nature on Changxing Island for a two-day survival experience.

Riverside Wilderness

In this natural classroom on Changxing Island, young explorers, united by team spirit, embarked on a journey of growth in leadership and survival skills.

Warm-Up Activities

The leader's vibrant instructions served as a clarion call, instantly drawing everyone into the joy of team games. A partner coordination game kicked things off, where mismatched commands and flustered movements sparked waves of laughter. Next, "Command Dash" ignited the field as bodies sprinted, halted abruptly, and pivoted, transforming the grounds into a symphony of motion. The thrilling climax came with "Catch Me If You Can," where the wind carried gasps and pure exhilaration during the chase. These dynamic games were like a magical spring, instantly washing away the dust and fatigue of the long journey. Under the sun, young faces glowed with excitement, their eyes bright, vitality fully restored, as their hearts brimmed with boundless anticipation for the adventure ahead.

Survival Experience in Full Swing

The following activities were brilliantly carried out in small groups. Everyone participated in a "treasure hunt" to survey the terrain and test their familiarity with the area, as well as in handmade raft building and team games aimed at building team cohesion. Additionally, there was a Changxing Island hike that tested endurance and group cooperation.

The hiking group, after listening to the instructor's safety briefing, began traversing a vibrant landscape. They crossed crystal-clear, babbling streams, strolled along wide, shaded paths, explored tranquil ancient villages wreathed in curling smoke, and wove through towering fir forests dappled with sunlight. Each step immersed them deeper in the fragrance of earth, the freshness of foliage, and the rustic charm of the fields.

The treasure hunt team, maps in hand, pursued clues across the vast park. They scrutinized the ground, scanning the horizon, as they searched eagerly for the designated letters and objects. Each discovery ignited cheers of pure elation, a joy so potent it electrified the air. Though feet grew weary, the unadulterated delight of solving a puzzle and unearthing treasure was an unparalleled reward, far outweighing any fatigue.

During the "Raft Making" activity, teams designed their aquatic vessels using bamboo poles and inner tubes. Heated discussions ensued: How should the bamboo be arranged for stability? Where and how many times should the straps be fastened to ensure safety? Every detail showcased collective ingenuity. Finally, their creations came to life! Members donned life jackets and boarded their hard-earned "masterpieces" with cautious excitement. As the rafts bobbed gently on the clear stream, cradled by gentle ripples, waves of triumphant joy spread outward.

Team-building games featured carefully designed challenges to enhance collaboration and reflexes. In "Blindfolded Target Strike," visually impaired members relied entirely on precise verbal guidance to locate and strike target balls. The "Strategic Shuffle" challenge demanded sharp spatial awareness and coordinated movement to achieve specific formations. "Circle Chase" had everyone dodging pursuers within a ring, following frantic commands. Laughter echoed throughout. Under the sun, they ran hard, laughed freely, and discovered pure joy in sweat-soaked teamwork, their collective spirit shining brightly.

Good Fun, Good Food, Good Rest

Beyond the thrilling activities, these two days provided hands-on cooking experiences and the collaborative joy of pitching tents. The first night's dinner was a genuine team effort: groups received pots and ingredients, claimed a spot, and got busy. "More water!" "Wait for it to boil before adding noodles!"... The air hummed with the sounds of washing, chopping, clanging utensils, and eager chatter. Soon, enticing aromas filled the air. Group members happily served themselves, savoring the fruits of their labor. "Teacher, try ours! It's delicious!" students would proudly offer, showcasing their culinary creations. 

Tent pitching was equally engaging. In pairs, armed with clear instructions, they worked in seamless sync. One identified parts and assembled the poles, while the other swiftly unfurled the fabric and positioned it. Few words were needed – "Pass me that pole," "Tighten that corner" – efficiency reigned. One held, the other tied; they adjusted angles together. With the satisfying click of poles locking and the rustle of taut fabric, sturdy little tents sprouted quickly across the campsite, transforming into cozy personal havens.

These brief yet profoundly rich two days and one night were like stepping through a portal into a new world. The students left familiar classrooms behind to breathe, run, and explore under vast skies. This was far more than a simple outing; it was an immersive learning experience and a transformative experience. They touched the fabric of life: cooking over fires, building shelters, and grasping survival wisdom through cooperation. More profoundly, they felt the warmth of camaraderie – the helping hand extended in weariness, the word of encouragement when spirits faltered, the shared glance of triumph after achieving a goal together. This boundless classroom, with the earth as their floor and the starry sky as their canopy, taught them lessons beyond textbooks: resilience, mutual support, and a passion for life – gifts that will endure.

(Written by 9(9) Lola, 9(9) Victor, 9(6) Felicity, 9(6) Xiaoxiao      Pictures by G9 Group

Supervised by Yu Lijia     Reviewed by Hong Miao, Gu Ying, Shen Chenli     Proofread by Cody Allen Turner)