<p class="ql-block">I spent a long time thinking about which image should open this report. Should it be the beautifully designed sci-fi-themed poster from last summer camp? A collage of our high-quality courses? Or perhaps a lively group photo from the grand Carnival, where students and volunteers celebrated together?</p><p class="ql-block">In the end, I decided to go back to our WeChat group chat, scroll to a particular moment, and take a screen shot to share with you what a moment of simple joy given to me by the parents in the group that day.</p> <p class="ql-block">That moment happened to coincide with my family sitting in a restaurant celebrating my younger girl’s birthday. It was also the exact time when an extremely rare thunderstorm hit Minnesota, causing a massive power outage.</p> <p class="ql-block">A parent used their precious phone battery to take a photo of their child holding a camp-made craft as a light source. Another parent, in the darkness, chatted with their child about every little detail of summer camp, using the many photos shared in the group. Some parents jumped in with direct praise and compliments.</p><p class="ql-block">At that moment, Fine Dining lost to My Fine Moment </p> <p class="ql-block">Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the classic sci-fi film Interstellar, and it was also the year when Netflix released the American adaptation of The Three-Body Problem. So, we dedicated our eight-week summer camp to paying tribute to these two legendary IPs with a sci-fi-themed program.</p> <p class="ql-block">Normally, a report like this would start by walking you through our morning sports class, then continue with a photo-rich tour of all subjects and activities. But after the camp ended, I saw an artwork created by one of our volunteers, based on a photo taken during last year photography class. I loved it so much that I couldn’t help but break the usual sequence, I have to start with this captured moment.</p> <p class="ql-block">Sharon grew up in our camp. From first grade until now, every summer vacation was spent at MinnSea Academy summer camp. Last year, she finally met the age requirement to become a volunteer. What touches me most about her artwork is the deep emotional connection she has with the camp.</p> <p class="ql-block">The two girls in the artwork were students from last year senior class. We offered photography as an advanced course for senior and high school students, and the students were beyond excited about having access to high-end cameras an extravagant experience where each participant had their own device to use.</p> <p class="ql-block">That being said, this was also the course that made our teaching team the most anxious. The equipment was just too valuable, and handing it over to fourth-to-eighth graders, who were still far from being calm and reliable, was both bold and nerve-wracking.</p> <p class="ql-block">A Day at Summer Camp: Fun, Learning, and Excitement</p><p class="ql-block">Our full-day camp schedule typically follows this structure:</p><p class="ql-block">8:30 AM: The first class is sports.</p><p class="ql-block">Late Morning: Two academic classes, including Chinese, math, and science experiments.</p><p class="ql-block">12:00 PM: Lunch, followed by outdoor activities, audiovisual sessions, and rest.</p><p class="ql-block">Afternoon: Two special interest, talent, and craft classes.</p><p class="ql-block">Now, let’s take a look back at last summer’s incredible courses and activities!</p> <p class="ql-block">A Fusion of Knowledge and Fun</p><p class="ql-block">Chinese Language Courses</p><p class="ql-block">Our highly popular Chinese teacher—Storytelling Master Jin, Sci-Fi Enthusiast Liu, and Teacher Zhao worked together to create a rich and engaging curriculum.</p> <p class="ql-block">One of my personal favorites was “Singing and Learning”, a course where students memorized Chinese poems and popular lyrics through catchy melodies and modern rhythms. Singing made certain phrases easier to remember. Parents even “complained” to me that their kids wouldn’t stop playing the songs at home, to the point that the whole family involuntarily memorized them!</p> <p class="ql-block">Advanced MBA & Science Courses</p><p class="ql-block">MBA Course (6 weeks): Taught online by Professor Jingwei Meng from Indiana University. Unfortunately, we don’t have pictures from this virtual class.</p><p class="ql-block">”Everything Makes Sense” Science Course: An in-person course taught by Professor Mo Li from the University of Washington, offered to both Big and High group students.</p> <p class="ql-block">Hardcore STEM: LEGO Engineering</p><p class="ql-block">Years ago, we pioneered a LEGO engineering course using LEGO Education kits. Unlike regular classes, we ensured every student had their own kit, creating a hardware setup comparable to elite private schools.</p> <p class="ql-block">Teacher Gu has been leading this course for years, incorporating not only official LEGO materials but also additional robotics kits. Advanced high school physics concepts were subtly integrated, making this a truly rigorous program.</p><p class="ql-block">We used to call this class the “Hardcore Advanced Class”, but recently changed it back to just for easier translation. But don’t be fooled, it’s still just as challenging!</p> <p class="ql-block">Math, Logic, and Culture</p><p class="ql-block">Last year, we introduced an Abacus course, celebrating this 2,600-year-old Chinese invention.</p><p class="ql-block">Mastering this tool was both brain-intensive and exhilarating. The moment a child successfully solved a complex problem, their excitement and confidence were contagious! This class was such a hit that we’ll be continuing it this year.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block"><br></p> <p class="ql-block">Gourmet Breaks: The Legendary Camp Lunch</p><p class="ql-block">After intense morning classes, we reward students with a high-quality lunch program, one of the largest subsidy projects in our budget.</p><p class="ql-block">Students eager faces while waiting in line, the joy of eating delicious meals, and even the little ones coming to request specific favorite dishes for next time…, these moments make us forget about the rising food costs completely.</p> <p class="ql-block">The funniest moment? Since the best-behaved table got to line up first, one table clearly made an extra effort to behave exceptionally well.</p> <p class="ql-block">Top-Tier Extracurriculars</p> <p class="ql-block">We collaborated with Twin City Chess Club, bringing in renowned chess coaches. Many of our students were already their club trainees.</p> <p class="ql-block">The baking class was a huge hit. Some kids couldn’t wait and ate their treats as afternoon snacks, while others saved a bite for their parents. In our WeChat parent group, discussions split into two camps: one bragging about getting a small bite, the other jealously complaining they didn’t get a single crumb.</p> <p class="ql-block">Sugar painting created sweet memories</p> <p class="ql-block">All the students in the summer camp took turns, under the guidance of volunteers, to DIY Chinese-style soaps. Using different molds, they could create four shapes: lotus flower, lotus leaf, lotus seed pod, and lotus root. To enhance the experience, we specially ordered four delightful essential oils.</p> <p class="ql-block">Music classes like Hulusi (gourd flute) and Ukulele offered a unique cultural experience.</p> <p class="ql-block">Seal Engraving became a surprise hit, with students receiving customized Qing Tian stone name seals, paired with delicate tassels and ink pads. </p><p class="ql-block"></p> <p class="ql-block">At the same time, we have also introduced this traditional craftsmanship course to our students, which is rarely found in the U.S. To ensure the best learning experience, we specially ordered a professional-grade all-copper rotating engraving bed and high-quality carving knives. Even the instructor was envious, saying that our tools were better than his own.</p> <p class="ql-block">For our NASA collaboration lecture, we underwent a six-month approval process. Although we could only secure a video call, the NASA scientist was incredibly engaged, and our students asked high-level questions. What an absolute proud moment for us!</p> <p class="ql-block">Immediately after the lecture, our Space-Themed party started </p> <p class="ql-block">We also had 3M scientists come to camp, thanks to local environmental advocates.</p> <p class="ql-block">The Grand Finale: MinnSea Night</p><p class="ql-block">At 4 PM on the last day, we wrapped up with MinnSea Night, our annual Carnival & Talent Show, open to all past campers, regardless of their current enrollment.</p> <p class="ql-block">Because of photo limits, I can’t include everything, but just from the stage setup, it is clear our performance could be called a “Mini Spring Festival Gala”.</p> <p class="ql-block">Thank you to all the parents and friends who have read all the way to the end. This year marks the 10th anniversary of our summer camp a milestone worth celebrating! With such a special occasion ahead, what exciting surprises and unforgettable experiences will we bring to our students? Let’s look forward to it together!</p>