Beyond the Walls: A Summer Camp in Beijing

Beijing has a way of making a childhood a little bigger. That was true for Chen Xiaobao, a child living at the Zhuzhou Children’s Welfare Institute, who recently traveled to the capital for a summer camp made possible through Fulfill a Wish.

Fulfill-A-Wish gives children living in welfare institutes the chance to step beyond the walls of daily life and experience new places, new history, and new possibilities, often for the first time. This trip brought a group of children from Zhuzhou to Beijing, where they explored the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, and Universal Beijing Resort, guided every step of the way by their director and teachers.

Chen Xiao Bao wrote the following letter about the experience.

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I was fortunate to participate in this summer camp in Beijing, and it was a warm and unforgettable experience.

We were able to travel to our nation’s capital thanks entirely to generous support. Through financial assistance and resources, we, a group of children from the welfare institute, were given the opportunity to step beyond our everyday surroundings and experience the beauty and history of Beijing firsthand. I am deeply grateful for this kindness.

Throughout the journey, our director and teachers accompanied us every step of the way, taking wonderful care of us. Even before our departure, they had carefully prepared every detail of the trip. They thoughtfully arranged our meals and ensured that everything was well organized. Their excellent planning and attentive care allowed us to travel without any worries, and we could feel their kindness in every little detail.

During this study tour, we visited the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, and the beautiful Summer Palace. We reflected on history while exploring the Great Wall, and enjoyed a completely different kind of experience at Universal Beijing Resort. Every ancient building carried the weight of centuries of history, and every brick and tile seemed to tell a story. Having previously spent most of my life within the small world of the welfare institute, this journey greatly broadened my horizons and deeply touched my heart.

This camp was much more than sightseeing. It was a meaningful experience that helped me grow. I will always remember the kindness shown by everyone who made this possible. Their generosity has inspired me to study hard, improve myself, and never let it go to waste.

If I have the opportunity to participate in another camp like this one in the future, I hope to visit more historical sites, learn more about the people who shaped our country’s story, and appreciate more of our nation’s cultural treasures. I have also made a quiet promise to myself: when I grow up and achieve success, I want to help other children just as others have helped me. I hope to give them the opportunity to step beyond the walls of the welfare institute, experience the beauty of our country, and pass on this spirit of kindness and generosity.

No words can fully express the gratitude in my heart. It is through this selfless compassion and generous support that children like us were able to leave the welfare institute and travel to Beijing for this unforgettable summer camp. This generosity has not only broadened our horizons, it has planted in my heart the seeds of hope, determination, and a brighter future.

Chen Xiao Bao

To donate to CCAI’s Fulfill-A-Wish Summer Camps in China, please click here.