On June 20, the opening ceremony of the "Youth Messenger Exchange and Study Program"—the American Youth Dezhou Summer Camp, hosted by China Education Association for International Exchange and jointly organized by Dezhou University and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Dezhou Municipal People's Government, was successfully held. Nineteen overseas Chinese adolescents from 16 schools in the United States were invited to participate.Liu Yin Fang, member of the Party Committee and vice president of Dezhou University, and Xia Lian Hong, deputy minister in charge of the daily work of Dezhou Municipal Committee of the United Front Work Department, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches respectively.
Liu Yin Fang extended a warm welcome to the American adolescents on behalf of the university. He briefly introduced the basic situation of Dezhou University to the campers. He said that this American Youth Dezhou Summer Camp is an important part of the "5 years, 50,000" plan. He hopes that through this activity, more American young people will have the opportunity to come to Dezhou, gain a deep understanding of China, personally experience the vigorous development of China, appreciate the profoundness of Chinese culture, and build a solid bridge for cultural exchange between Chinese and American young people.
Xia Lian Hong expressed her earnest expectations for the campers in her speech. She encouraged the students to explore the long history and unique folk culture of Dezhou during the 12-day summer camp, to study intangible cultural heritage skills in depth, to experience the infinite charm of modern technology, and to immerse themselves in this cultural exchange feast that spans the past and the future. She hopes that the students will inherit and promote the affection of their ancestors for their hometown and their concern for their hometown, and become active promoters of cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign cultures, and strive to be civilian messengers of friendly exchanges between the American and Chinese people.
Ms. Luo Jia, the leader of the American summer camp, delivered a speech at the ceremony. She hopes that everyone will cherish this valuable experience, actively participate in the camp activities with an open mind, actively learn, communicate sincerely, respect each other, and strive to become bridges of friendship between Chinese and American teenagers and little messengers of cultural exchanges.
The teacher representative introduced the course arrangement in detail and hoped that the students would not only gain knowledge but also make sincere friends and have a lot of fun during this summer camp. He looks forward to the students bringing back what they have seen, heard and felt in China to the United States and becoming friendly messengers of cultural exchanges between the two countries, bringing the hearts of the two peoples closer and making their feelings stronger.
The camper representative expressed his excitement and expectation for the trip to Dezhou. They hope to learn and experience traditional Chinese skills and feel the vibrancy of Chinese cities through this activity.
At the end of the opening ceremony, the students from the American youth delegation and the teachers and students from the School of Music and the School of Physical Education of Dezhou University jointly presented a wonderful cultural performance, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to the event.
It is reported that this summer camp lasts for 12 days. Combining the characteristics of teenagers, it sets up a diversified and three-dimensional teaching course, covering folk culture, intangible cultural heritage skills, modern technology and other teaching contents. Through the mode of teaching and fun, and combining teaching with tourism, the campers can explore and appreciate the profound historical and cultural connotations and vigorous modern development vitality of Dezhou, effectively enhance their understanding and recognition of Chinese culture, and build a warm and dynamic bridge of friendship for cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States.
