Highland Academy of Canada 2023 Summer Camp Chronicle In the peak of July, our school welcomed campers from across the Pacific. For the next two weeks, they will learn English while experiencing the local culture and customs of Canada, exploring a diverse cultural environment. DAY 01 At 9:00 AM, following a brief but lively opening ceremony, the first day of English lessons began. Teacher Mary engaged everyone with fun games that quickly helped the participants become acquainted with each other. In the afternoon, everyone visited Fisherman's Village, a very famous town in Toronto. During the summer, the main street is lined with blooming flowers, complemented by quaint buildings and a leisurely crowd, showcasing a European charm. The campers strolled through the town's unique dessert shops and interacted closely with nature and Canadian geese. Later, everyone visited a pottery studio to try their hand at making ceramics. The process of making pottery was a lot of fun, involving designing, molding, firing, and painting their own unique creations. DAY 02 In the morning, Teacher Mary introduced English vocabulary related to science. The students discussed various scientific disciplines and used the new vocabulary to describe how science helps our lives. They also learned about the significance of recycling for environmental protection. The afternoon destination was the Ontario Science Centre. The exhibits cover a wide range, from mechanical models to models of natural flora and fauna, all available for viewing. While gaining knowledge, the campers also deeply felt the endless wonders of science. DAY 03 After an English lesson themed around "Dreams," the campers visited the renowned University of Toronto with great anticipation. Next, they visited the Art Gallery of Ontario, located in downtown Toronto. As the eighth largest art museum in North America, it houses collections from the Renaissance to the Baroque period, covering European art, African art, Oceanic art, and contemporary art. The campers roamed among the artworks, touched by the timeless nature of art and the greatness of the artists. DAY 04 Today, the campers took a two-hour drive to the famous Niagara Falls, which means "Thunder of Waters" in the Native American language. It is one of the three major transnational waterfalls in the world, known for its beautiful scenery, massive hydroelectric power, and challenging environmental conservation projects. First, they viewed the falls from a distance on the Ferris wheel, then experienced the waterfall up close on a cruise. The roar of the falls left everyone awestruck by nature's immense power. DAY 05 After an English lesson titled "Our City," the campers visited the CN Tower and the aquarium. The CN Tower, an iconic landmark of Toronto located in Ontario, provided a thrilling experience as the campers walked on its glass floor, looking down at the city from above. Ripley's Aquarium, Toronto's largest aquarium, houses over 13,500 marine species, including sharks and rays. The camp features a 97-meter-long glass tunnel and moving walkway where campers could watch sharks swim overhead. DAY 06 After a lively English lesson, the campers enthusiastically toured the Toronto Zoo, Canada's largest zoo with over 460 species and 5,000 animals, many of which are rarely seen in China. The zoo trip emphasized the importance of biodiversity and the commitment to protecting nature and living harmoniously with animals. DAY 07 Today, the campers visited the famous Ontario Museum, which holds over six million items and 40 galleries. The museum's collections include dinosaurs, minerals and meteorites, African and East Asian art, and valuable information on European and Canadian history and culture. The artifacts and exhibitions, meticulously arranged by historical periods, showcased various cultural and epochal features. Campers learned about the stories behind the artifacts and the significance of studying history. DAY 08 This afternoon, the destination was the Royal Botanical Gardens of Ontario, a living plant museum and a key resource for gardening, education, environmental conservation, and science. The dazzling array of plants and beautiful gardens, along with the faint scent of flora in the air, built an invisible bridge between the campers and nature, fostering closeness, understanding, appreciation, and protection of our precious natural environment. DAY 09 Today, the campers visited the historic Casa Loma Castle, a castle with a strong medieval style. Built in 1914 with 98 rooms, it was Canada's largest private residence at the time. The imposing exterior and the intricately carved luxurious interior amazed everyone, especially a room filled with Chinese elements, including antique-style beds and decorations, embroidery, and ceramics. Walking through the vast castle, luxurious gardens, and dimly lit tunnels felt like stepping into the past, experiencing the rise and fall of Casa Loma firsthand. DAY 10 After morning English lessons, the afternoon was spent cruising from Ontario Lake through downtown Toronto for a new perspective of the city. The cruise passed by various landmarks, and campers captured these beautiful moments with their cameras. Some lucky campers even got to experience piloting the cruise. DAY 11 Today's English lesson focused on public speaking skills. Teacher Mary gave detailed instructions on how to organize a speech and important considerations for presenting. Campers then wrote their own speeches and confidently used the vocabulary they had learned recently to deliver them. Over just ten days, everyone overcame initial shyness to confidently present themselves. Afterwards, Teacher Mary awarded certificates to the campers and congratulated them on their excellent performances. DAY 12 Today, the campers visited a beautiful town an hour and a half's drive from Toronto, named Paris Town, filled with European charm. Here, they participated in long-awaited kayaking adventures, with two people per kayak, covering a 13-kilometer route. While enjoying the sport, they also took in the town's beautiful scenery. DAY 13 With reluctance to leave, the campers embarked on their journey home. This summer camp made a lasting impression, and deep friendships were formed over the two weeks. We congratulate everyone on their excellent performances over the past two weeks and look forward to welcoming the campers back to Canada in the near future.