Confucius Institute Spring Break Program Introduces Kids to Chinese Language, Culture

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 20, 2017) — Spring break is right around the corner and parents will be looking for activities to keep their children engaged throughout the week. The University of Kentucky Confucius Institute (UKCI) has the perfect solution to ensure children have a fun and educational break — a Chinese Language and Culture Spring Break Camp.

The camp will run from April 3-7, with activities beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. each day, on the UK campus at Blazer Dining Hall. 

The program, designed for children ages 6-12, will provide opportunities for students to learn about Chinese culture, games and language. Under the guidance of experienced UKCI specialists, all camp participants will learn simple Chinese martial arts, including tai chi and kung fu; calligraphy and painting; and crafts such as lantern-making and paper cutting. Students will also learn Chinese music by singing Chinese songs and learning how to play traditional Chinese instruments, such as the guzheng and yanqin. Students will also learn Chinese phrases for beginners. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for area students to experience Chinese language and culture,” said Carrie Wheeler, K-12 teacher coordinator at UKCI. “Students will gain knowledge that they can share with family, friends and classmates.”

The cost of the camp is $100 and students will be provided with snacks. Registration is available until March 17, and half-day registration is also an option. Those wishing to register students can visit http://bit.ly/UKCISpringCamp17. For more information on the camp, please contact Carrie Wheeler at carrie.wheeler@uky.edu.

A gateway for Chinese language, culture and art to the people of Kentucky, UKCI provides leadership, support and coordination for Chinese language and programs in K-12 schools as well as on UK's campus; assists and facilitates establishing and maintaining faculty and student exchanges between UK colleges and Chinese universities; conducts Chinese language and cultural exchange; and promotes education about China on campus, across the Bluegrass region, and throughout the Commonwealth. To keep up with UK Confucius Institute and future events, join the institute's listserv and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat (@UKConfucius).