A-Ming is a student from the Taiwan Police College and was also the best photographer during the camp. Quietly taking on many responsibilities, he contributed greatly behind the scenes. Let’s take a look at what A-Ming gained from his volunteer experience this time!
Volunteer's Insight_A-Ming
This summer vacation, I had the honor of joining the 2025 ADLINK Chengdu Children’s Summer Camp as a volunteer. For me, it was not only a journey of accompanying the children but also a process of self-learning and reflection. Within just a few days, I witnessed the children’s innocence, curiosity, and courage — and also realized the sense of responsibility and patience needed to be a true companion.
At the beginning, many children felt uneasy and shy in the new environment. As volunteers, our first task was to help them open their hearts and encourage them to interact with others. I found that as long as you’re willing to kneel down, listen, and accompany them from their perspective, they quickly begin to smile. From the initial silence to later sharing snacks, chatting, and helping each other with face painting — those transformations were truly touching.
During our days in Chengdu, the Land of Abundance, I saw a city with many faces — skyscrapers standing alongside historical sites, modern technology blending with deep cultural roots. Through ADLINK’s well-designed activities, the children learned that “education” doesn’t only happen in classrooms. Whether at Du Fu Thatched Cottage, Wuhou Shrine, or during our visit to Taoping Qiang Village to interact with locals, the stories and experiences left vivid, heartfelt impressions.
At the Shenshuping Giant Panda Base, the children saw pandas up close for the first time. Watching these lazy yet adorable creatures, they learned the importance of caring for and protecting animals — and developed an initial understanding of ecological conservation. Seeing their eyes light up and hearing their amazed exclamations at every panda movement made me realize how deeply “exploring nature” can spark children’s curiosity.
Aside from accompanying the kids, I also learned a lot myself. Being a volunteer isn’t just about guiding or managing — it’s about observing the children’s needs and offering the right support at the right time. Sometimes, it means patiently comforting them; other times, stepping back and letting them find their own solutions. These moments taught me how to better connect with children and helped me grow in communication and guidance.
What impressed me the most was the children’s sincerity — it often carries unexpected power. During the final activity, one child wrote in their learning journal:
“Thank you to the teachers, brothers, and sisters for accompanying us these past few days. I wish you all a safe and successful Exploration Camp next week!”
That simple yet heartfelt message instantly made me and my teammates feel that all our care and effort were truly worthwhile.
Through this camp, I’ve come to understand the true meaning of “companionship.” The children may forget the specific activities, but they will always remember that someone was there — supporting them and believing in them. This sense of trust and connection is the most precious thing I’ve gained from this journey.
From preparation to on-site execution, everyone gave their best. Whether leading the children, taking care of daily needs, or handling unexpected situations, we could all feel the teamwork and mutual understanding among us. Our nightly reflection meetings were especially wonderful — sharing ideas and experiences in such a warm, supportive atmosphere.
This journey wasn’t just an exploration for the children; it was also a growth experience for all of us. I believe the children will remember our companionship, and I will always cherish the days we worked hard together. Thank you, everyone — because of you, this Exploration Camp became so complete and meaningful. I hope we can stand side by side again in the future and create even more heartfelt memories!
Finally, I sincerely thank the ADLINK Education Foundation for organizing such an event, allowing me not only to serve but also to be a witness to the children’s growth. In the future, I hope to continue participating in camps like this — to accompany more children as they learn through exploration and grow through challenges.
