This past month has been one of the most difficult, but also one of the most rewarding, of my whole time in China. This summer camp was the most amazing experience I've had here in China. I thoroughly enjoyed being a head teacher and helping the new teachers adapt to life and teaching here in China. As I said before, I was teaching in the second class from the bottom. 
My greatest request going into camp was that their English level would be adequate for me the other teachers and I to share with them as well wanted. While their English level was pretty low, I was at times able to really connect with them. I was so thankful for the eight Chinese friends in my class who really reached out to their classmates. So, even when I couldn't communicate with them, the others were able to pick up.
Basically, every day we had classes from 8:30-4:10 with a 1 1/2 hour break for lunch. After the last class we had a group game (such as dodge ball with teachers as targets, human foosball, volleyball with the big ball, etc ~ the game times were very amusing because Chinese students are so inactive and don't know how to even kick a ball) followed by dinner and another rest time. In the evenings the students could choose a variety of activities to take part in such as English corners, skills, lecture, movie, etc. Needless to say, we were very, very busy and didn't have much time to rest. All of my "free" time was spent planning lessons or getting ready for my next class.
On Saturday, we went to a park nearby for a giant relay race and picnic with our students. Perhaps that was my favorite part of camp when our whole class went out on boats. We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed the warm sunshine.
After camp finished, I packed up and moved across town to my new school. I've spent the last few days cleaning and unpacking. Thankfully, I'm almost finished!! I am leaving for a five-day trip tomorrow. I'm hoping it will be a great time to spend with other teachers and relax before the busyness of school starts up again. Once I get back, I might only have four days until school starts up again (then again, I might have 2 1/2 weeks ~ we haven't gotten our schedules yet!)
~Lisa