Our day began bright and early on a crisp fall morning.  Students were eager to start the day and were ready to go without having to be woken up.  We began with an abundant breakfast filled with Asian and Western delights.

After breakfast, the students were divided into their groups for their day of activities. Each group over the course of the trip will have the opportunity to participate in all three. Traditional paper making started with a discussion about different materials that can be used to paper, and the different processes involved. It was made more challenging, by not allowing students to use appliances or modern equipment. To begin the process, groups ripped up paper into small pieces, added water and let it soak to create a paste. While this went on, we traveled to the bamboo paper making factory to see the traditional way of paper making.  When we returned, students pressed their paste into presses and ironed them flat

Zhaoqing

.  All of the materials used were from recycled products to demonstrate the importance of reusing for environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile, another group went down by the lake to learn about raft building.  The lesson began with learning how to tie various knots and how they help in the raft building process.  This was a great team building activity, which encouraged students to teach each other, once they had learned the knot. They then had come together to make decisions about the design and construction of their large scale raft. They then had the opportunity to test the raft on the lake.

Finally, the third team took to the skies and cable hiked. They first had a safety lesson and gear check before beginning their climb.  They locked themselves in and began the ascent.  During their climb, students commented on the beautiful and pristine environment: waterfalls and pools of water.  Reaching the top was a physical and emotional challenge that all students accomplished together.

Tomorrow promises to be the best day yet. TIS prides itself on developing and promoting global citizenship and instills these values in its students. Community outreach is an important part of this initiative and our students will experience it firsthand Wednesday. Its off to bed for a good nights sleep and wonderful dreams about today.