Beijing Summer Camp 2007
First Report: The Campers Arrive
by Gongzhan Wu, August 13
Everyone has arrived in Beijing safe and sound.
The east coast group's departure was delayed about an hour, but we arrived in Beijing at 2:30 pm. One of the girls arrived from Hawaii at 8:21 pm. We picked her up from the escort staff that was arranged by Korea Airlines. The west coast group arrived in Beijing nearly one hour earlier then scheduled.
With everyone present and accounted for, we were met by a CCAA welcoming group, include Mr. Ji Gang, who will be the camp director. Also meeting us at the airport was a group of CCAA staff, including camp tutors, a tour guide, a videographer, and a photographer. We took a bus to the Radisson Hotel. It was very hot in Beijing, but it only took us about a half hour to get to this four star hotel.
Mr. Lu Ying, Director General, and three of his associates met the east coast group at the hotel. They then met Chuck and I in a hotel conference room, updating us on their pre-camp preparation. After the short meeting, they went to visit the campers in their rooms.
CCAA has designated three English-speaking staff to be tutors, each leading a camp group of ten. They have also arranged three tour guides to take care of all travel necessities, including rooms, meals, transportations, and the like. They have even arranged a pediatrician from New Century International Children's Hospital to stay in the hotel. The doctor will be available to us 24 hours a day. This arrangement was quite a surprise to us, and a very welcome one.
Upon their arrival, each group held a meeting to discuss the details of the arrangements tomorrow. In the morning, there will be an opening ceremony. Guests will include officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Officers from the U.S. Embassy, and others.
At the opening ceremony, Chuck Johnson from the National Council for Adoption (NCFA) as well as two campers will deliver a speech. CCAA staff will give a performance, and the campers will sing "America the Beautiful."
I will report again as soon as possible.
The China Initiative is a bold endeavor to benefit children in Chinese orphanages, children who have been adopted from China, and adoptive families. It is also an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen the bond families and children feel to China.
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