The philosophy of Discover Camp China is to provide summer camp programs that are fun, educational, fulfilling and unforgettable. We want our campers to utilize this unique opportunity to see China, learn Chinese, gain an understanding of the Chinese culture and arts, as well as have the opportunity to know the people.

With 60 years of experience in education, SISU currently has an enrollment of over 25,000 full time and part time students. Among them, over 1,000 are international students. Throughout the years, SISU has established and maintained collaborative relationships with more than 100 universities in over 30 countries and regions. With collaborative efforts, Discover Camp China and SISU developed a unique and balanced curriculum to fit the needs of US teenagers.

 

Pictures from Previous Camps

Camp Location

Our summer camp campus is located at Shanghai Songjiang University City, an 8,000-acre-area where seven universities have their main campuses. The combination of the scenic setting and its state of art facilities makes SISU an ideal environment for our summer camp. The openness allows children to enjoy nature and experience its beauty first-hand. Yet, one subway ride can take you to the center of the exciting metropolitan city of Shanghai. In addition to the gated community and close counselor supervisions, our facility also features

• Double or single occupancy dorm rooms with private bathrooms
• International student cafeteria
• Student information center and library
• Athletic tracks and fields
• Basketball courts and soccer field
• Onsite medical facility and medical staff
• Convenient stores
• Currency exchanges
• And much more

 

Sample Weekday Camp Schedule

•            7am-9am:    Breakfast / Morning Exercise
•         9am-11:am:    Elementary Chinese
•        11:am-1:pm:    Lunch / Midday Rest Time
•       1pm-2:30pm:    Various Programs
• 2:30pm-5:00pm:    Various Programs
• 5:00pm-6:00pm:    Dinner
•       6pm-7:30pm:    Various Programs
•        7:30-9:00pm:    Free Time

 

Our Facility

Our Program

Descriptions of courses offered during the summer camp are as follows:

Elementary Mandarin Chinese 中文

At Discover Camp China, campers will enroll in either a beginner or advanced level Mandarin Chinese course. The Chinese lessons are scheduled every morning from Mondays through Fridays. Instructors who are experienced in teaching Chinese as a second language class will engage student in both spoken and written language learning. Chinese phonics system Pinyin (拼音), fundamentals of Chinese characters including basic strokes and stroke orders are introduced. On the first day of camp, a language placement assessment will take place for all campers to ensure the maximum benefit of the Mandarin Chinese courses. No prior Chinese language knowledge is required for class enrollment.

Chinese Calligraphy 书法

Chinese Calligraphy is not only a practical technique for writing and practicing Chinese characters, it's an art form that expresses one's unique understanding of the writing styles and inner discipline. Understanding Chinese calligraphy is an important key to understanding and appreciates Chinese art, history and culture. At Discover Camp China, you will have the great opportunity to be introduced to this highly respected Chinese system of writing. Course materials such as rice paper, Chinese ink, Chinese ink tone, Chinese brush etc will be provided to the campers.

Chinese Instruments 中国乐器

Instrument such as the “Chinese flute” (笛子) will be introduced.

Chinese Kung Fu 武术 & Tai Chi 太极拳

Campers are introduced to the basic forms of postures and the philosophy behind this ancient martial art. Tai Chi Chuan is known to improve health and reduce stress through slow, gentle movements. Kung Fu is known to improve proper body mechanics and muscle flexibility. The management of the concept of "Chi" 气， known as the breath, or energy, is introduced in both classes。

Chinese Chess 中国象棋

Chinese Chess, or Xiang Qi, is a two-player Chinese board game in the same family as Western chess. We're delighted to introduce to you the rules and strategies of the game. Students will learn to recognize the Chinese character on each piece in order to play the game.

Paper-Cutting 剪纸

Chinese paper cutting is another unique art form that has existed for thousands of years in China. Chinese culture uses paper cutting arts to reflects many aspects of life such as prosperity, health, harvest, and festivity.

Chinese Cooking 中国烹饪

Many of you are familiar with Chinese cuisines. In our Chinese cooking classes, campers will be introduced to basic Chinese cooking ingredient, cooking techniques and taste the result of a few basic but classic Chinese food recipes. Safety is ensured to prevent any injuries.

Chinese Films 电影欣赏

Age appropriate award winning Chinese films will be introduced to the campers. This relaxed method will help campers brush up on their language skills and at the same time learn more about the Chinese culture and art.

Oral Language Practice 汉语角

Each week, campers will have the opportunity to practice their spoken language skills with other Chinese students on campus.

Weekend Excursions

Weekend excursions let you see cities of Shanghai 上海, Suzhou 苏州, Hangzhou 杭州, Zhouzhuang 周庄, meet local Chinese teenagers, and greet world famous pandas in the Shanghai Zoo. Famous scenic and historical sites include but not limited to:

• Shanghai City Temple of Shanghai 城隍庙
• The Bund in Shanghai 浦江游览
• Suzhou Humble Administrator's Garden 拙政园
• Suzhou Lion Grove Garden 狮子林
• Suzhou Cold Mountain Temple 寒山寺
• Suzhou North Temple Pagoda 北寺塔
• Suzhou Tiger Hill 虎丘
• Hangzhou West Lake 西湖
• Hangzhou Leifeng Pagoda 雷锋塔
• Hangzhou Liuhe Pagoda 六和塔
• Hangzhou Lingyinn Temple 灵隐寺
• Zhouzhuang Twin Bridges 双桥
• Zhouzhuang Fuan Bridge 富安桥
• Zhouzhuang Shen House 沈厅