Around 30 members ventured into the wilderness to learn about and to explore volcanoes. The two-hour bus ride gave them a chance to chat and to play some exciting games. Upon arrival, as they piled off the bus and gazed up to see the volcano, several students probably doubted their decision to join the trip. It was not going to be an easy climb.
However, their fears were soon dispelled as the whole team began using a rope to climb up the mountain safely. Everyone encouraged one another to overcome the challenging obstacle, and even though the hike was tiring for some, it was exhilarating for all. The pristine blue sky provided a beautiful backdrop for the volcanic handiwork before us, and the cool breeze assured all that the air was fresh and crisp. We conquered the volcano!
Before the climb the students listened to a lesson about the formation of volcanoes. They learned that heated magma below the earth becomes lava when it erupts onto the surface of the earth to form a volcano. Furthermore, they learned about the various stages of a volcano—active, dormant, and extinct. They were also relieved to learn that the volcano on which they were hiking was definitely not an active volcano.
The day’s activities also included a picnic lunch and some group games. Overall, the participants had a fantastic time learning about nature, specifically volcanoes. They also learnt teamwork and how to interact with each other.
Volcano lessonDescent, clinging to ropePicnicGroup games
At least that’s the opinion of the 70 or so students who came along on the Lifepegs trip to the Coca-Cola factory in Changchun to learn how this sweet beverage—known and loved around the world—is made and distributed.
Listening to Coca Cola representativeThe inside of a huge watch?
On arrival the students immediately started snapping pictures of the outside of the factory and then of the factory lobby. The Coca-Cola representative taught us about the history of the company and answered a few questions, and then we walked up the stairs onto the observatory platform to see the machines at work. It was simply amazing! The sophisticated and speedy machinery, with huge wheels spinning in perfect synchronization, looked like the inside of a huge watch. Except instead of ticking away the seconds it was filling and capping hundreds of bottles—around 720 per minute! And in no time at all these bottles of beverage were going to be shipped around China and enjoyed by working citizens and weary travellers eager to satisfy their thirst.
It was a very cool experience. The factory tour definitely provided a great opportunity for the students to learn in a non-academic and fascinating environment something about how a multinational corporation works. And throughout the trip they were able to build relationships with fellow Lifepegs members, so many of whom are weary travelers along life’s road, still searching for the “real” solution to satisfy their thirst in life!
Lifepegs is privileged to be part of their learning process in a fun and innovative way.
I spent four years in Northeast China getting my bachelor’s degree. It was where I learnt of LifePegs (LP). The first time I joined a LP activity was in June 2009 and at that time, I was close to graduation. It was a pity indeed, I wish I could spend more time with LP during my college days.
My first trip with LP was to travel to Da Qing Gou, a small town in Inner Mongolia which took us 3 hours by bus to arrive from the city centre. Being far away from the hassle and bustle of the city, it was a great place to relax. It was not only about traveling, but a good chance to make friends. The most impressive part was having lectures on life skills on the trip. Strange, you must be thinking, as in China, learning and relaxation don’t seem to go hand-in-hand. Well, that was the biggest difference from a travel agency or an institution. LP trips are about having fun, relaxation and at the same time learning life skills that are beneficial. I could vividly remember the topic of that lecture was about dating. We learnt about what love is and how to show your love. I was impressed with the knowledge that was transmitted to us. You know what? When I was in the college years, I always had romantic feelings which could be dangerous at times. Thankfully I was protected well by my parents and I didn’t do anything wrong which would make me regret my whole life. But I made my parents worry a lot for four years. I am thankful that I finally learnt on that LP trip that love is sacrifice rather than romantic feelings.
With friends in Scotland
One year later, I got a chance to go to Scotland for a year’s further study. I was blessed by the LP lessons, including cross-cultural issues, that I learned which were applicable in real-life situations. I still remember a LP seminar that I joined, the topic was about friendship. What kind of friends do you prefer? Diverse answers were given. “I want to make friends who can help me out when I am in trouble” and “I prefer those who shared the same dreams with me”… well, not bad answers. But I was impressed by the following part. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. You know what? I realized that we had always focused on what we wanted and what would benefit us but seldom consider others’ needs. I have learned lots of valuable principles about making friends, but “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is a concept that I heard for the first time then! I decided to change from my selfish attitude and apply the principle into my own life, I have since benefited a lot! I am glad that my growth and maturity in life is part of the fun and valuable times spent at LP.
LP is a great blessing to many Chinese college students like me. LP has helped us, the young generation, to see hope and the need to grow. We have been given much guidance through learning lifeskills in activities. Most of us LP members no longer hang out aimlessly on the streets/campuses or immerse ourselves in the internet game bar. Moreover LP is a place full of love and encouragement and positive spirit! Thank you LP for giving me precious experiences that last a long time!
