West bridge exlporation english camp

1. “Exploration USA”
REAL WORLD LEARNING FOR TEENS
Seattle and Bellingham, Washington 2014

2. Bellingham, Washington USA
A great place to live.
A great place to learn.

3. Located on the clear sea waters of the
Puget Sound, 140km north of Seattle.
Seattle
Bellingham
WASHINGTON STATE

4. • On many USA “Best Places to Live” lists.
• Clean air and water.
• Surrounded by ocean and mountains.
• Safe “small-city” environment.

5. Exploration USA campers will live,
learn, and play on the campus of
historic and scenic Western
Washington University. Also called
“WWU”

6. American Culture and Customs
Religions in America
College and University Life
Local and National History
Biology
Geography
Environmental Science
American Politics
Agriculture
Industry
13 Full Days of “13 Full Days of “Real-World"Real-World" ExplorationsExplorations
Covering 10 Areas of Learning!Covering 10 Areas of Learning!

7.  Morning ESL class introducing concepts and vocabulary
for the daily Exploration.
 Exploration activity conducted in Chinese and English.
 Sports and Arts activities conducted in English.
 Nightly conversation exchange with American teens.

5 Methods of English Language Learning5 Methods of English Language Learning

8. Beautiful campus location between miles
of forest and seashore trails.

9. Exploration camper housing provided in
Western Washington University student
dormitories.

10. Explorations Camper
Recreation Center

11. Explorations Camper
Social Lounge

12. Explorations Camper Sports Center

13. Healthy Eastern and Western hot
meals provided, “all you can eat”.

14. Staff Ratios are Low to Provide the Best Experience
o Chaperones: 1: 10
(Same-Gender Chinese-speaking Americans)
o ESL Teachers: 1:20
(Professional Instructors)
o Conversation Exchange Partners: 1:2
(Local High School Students)

15. Each day will be full of learning opportunities, with a little
classroom time and a lot of real-world experiences.
o Fun Classroom English – 1.5 hours
o Daily Exploration – 6 hours
o Sports or Arts – 1.5 hours
o English Exchange – 1.5 hours

16. Tour one of America’s top public universities.
o Tour the beautiful campus with over 150 years history.
o Learn the academic requirements for admittance.
o See the housing options for students, including the newly
built student dormitories and apartments.
Exploration #1:
University of Washington, Seattle

17. Visit the Global Aid organization created and managed by
Microsoft’s Bill Gates.
o Learn about how American private charities are improving the
world.
o Understand which global problems Bill Gates is trying to solve, how,
and where.
Exploration #2A:
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

18. Visit to the cultural heart of Seattle, the Seattle Center, home of
the Space Needle.
o Take elevator to the 184m tall observation deck.
o Watch children play in the “International Fountain”
o Explore the large green space and public art.
Exploration #2B&C:
Space Needle & Pacific Science Center

19. Visit to the famous Seattle landmark Pike Place Market.
o See local fruits, vegetables, and seafood for sale by
Washington farmers and fisherman.
o Enjoy a hot drink at the world’s first Starbucks.
o Walk around Seattle’s beautiful oceanfront shopping street.
Exploration #2D:
Seattle Pike Place Market

20. Visit to the famous Seattle landmark Pike Place Market.
o See local fruits, vegetables, and seafood for sale by
Washington farmers and fisherman.
o Enjoy a hot drink at the world’s first Starbucks.
o Walk around Seattle’s beautiful oceanfront shopping street.
Exploration #2E:
Seattle Art Museum

21. Visit to the famous Seattle landmark Pike Place Market.
o See local fruits, vegetables, and seafood for sale by
Washington farmers and fisherman.
o Enjoy a hot drink at the world’s first Starbucks.
o Walk around Seattle’s beautiful oceanfront shopping street.
Exploration #3A:
History Museum

22. Visit the place where the famous Boeing 747’s and other planes
are made.
o Learn the history of Boeing, one of the most important aerospace
companies in the world, and the history of flight.
o Watch the assembly line as planes are made before your eyes.
o Get inspired for a career in aeronautics.
Exploration #3B:
Boeing Airplane Factory Tour

23. Afternoon picnic at Bellingham’s beautiful seafront
“Boulevard Park”
o Meet the American teen tutors who will be helping each night.
o Enjoy active outdoor games to get to know the tutors and the other
campers.
o Walk the famous “Taylor Dock” pathway along the waterfront.
Exploration #3C:
American-style picnic and games

24. Bike or hike the famous “Interurban Trail” through protected
forests to the ocean.
o Exploration led by expert naturalists.
o Learn about the local forest ecosystem: native plants, and animals.
o Identify animal tracks. See wild salmon spawning areas.
o Study unique sandstone formations along the seacoast.
Exploration #4:
Interurban Trail and Larrabee State Park

25. Visit an early settler’s original farm and museum. Tour the
adjacent natural wetland preserve.
o Expert naturalist led tour of the wetland ecosystem.
o Observe the interconnected web of insects, fish, amphibians, birds,
and mammals
o See how the first European settlers lived more than 150 years ago.
Exploration #5A:
Hovander Homestead Park & Tennant Lake

26. See archival photos and exhibits from the settlement of the
Western USA, visit a local Indian Reservation
o Learn about the rise and fall of the local fish and timber industries.
o Find out about the contributions and challenges of Chinese laborers
in the area.
o Learn about Native American history from a local tribe.
Exploration #5B:
Whatcom Museum of History, Lummi Nation

27. Visit Bellingham’s city council, courthouse, and police station.
o Learn about elections, and voting.
o Understand the American legal system.
o Meet some local elected officials.
Exploration #6:
Visit to the city government

28. Visit a Jewish Temple, Christian Church, and Islamic Mosque.
o Learn the basic principles of America’s major religions.
o Experience the different methods of worship.
o Learn an important lesson on the diversity in American culture,
and America’s anti-discrimination laws.
Exploration #7A:
Visit to Houses of Worship, Tolerance Lesson

29. Exploration #7B:
Attend Two Community Concerts
Each Thursday evening, attend a live concert with local
musicians.
o Meet a variety of Bellingham local residents.
o Understand how free community events are an important part
of American Culture.
o Learn more English vocabulary through music.

30. Exploration #8:
Whatcom County Agriculture
o Learn about the huge Organic Agriculture industry in the West
o Study the difference between normal and sustainable agriculture.
o See a modern dairy in operation. Pick and eat organic raspberries
and blueberries.
o Harvest organic vegetables and BBQ them on the farm.
Visit 3 types of Organic Farms in Whatcom County

31. Exploration #9A:
Visit the Bellingham Farmer’s Market
Experience the sight, sounds, and smells of Bellingham’s famous
Saturday community farmer’s market..
o See the local agricultural products and arts & crafts.
o Have a chance to buy unique locally produced items.
o Experience to the many free street musician performances.
o Meet more members of the Bellingham community.

32. Exploration #9B:
Whale and Marine Mammal Cruise
Cruise the famous San Juan Islands by boat to study the local
marine mammal wildlife.
o Learn about the whales and other marine mammals.
o Understand their diets, their habitat, and their life-cycle.
o Study the US laws that protect these wild creatures.
o See them up close in their wild environment.

33. Exploration #9C:
Attend a Professional Baseball Game
o Learn the history and rules of the game.
o Study new “recreational” English vocabulary while having fun.
o Root for Bellingham’s home-town team!
Experience first-hand one of America’s traditional sports.

34. Exploration #10:
Mt. Baker, Nooksak Falls, Old Growth Grove
o Study the difference between natural forests and tree farms.
o Learn the laws protecting the American National Parks.
o See the last remaining “Old Growth” trees, some 1000 years old!
o Hike the snow below 3300M tall Mt. Baker and learn about Pacific
Coast dormant volcanoes.
Visit the protected National Forest, and local Commercial Forests

35. Exploration #11A:
Visit the Canadian Border
o Study the history of US and Canada relations.
o Experience an “International Park”: no passport needed to visit the
Canadian side of the park. Symbolizes the friendship of US/Canada.
Enter Canada by foot at Peace Arch Park.

36. Exploration #11B:
Beach combing at Birch Bay State Park
o Explore the natural habitat at this protected park.
o Find wild seaweed, beach crabs and clams.
o Interested students can dig for clams for all to eat for lunch.
Enjoy the natural environment and views of Canada.

37. Exploration #12:
Explore WWU, a major American University
o Learn what grades and coursework is needed to enter US
Universities.
o See Western’s famous Vehicle Research Institute, Huxley School of
Environmental Science, Music Department, Teacher’s College, etc.
Meet the faculty and see the facilities for several Western
Washington University departments.

38. Exploration #13A:
Intro to the Community College system
o Learn about the Intensive English, High School Completion, and
University Transfer programs which community colleges offer.
o Understand how community colleges can save students time and
money when working towards a US 4 year university degree.
Tour Whatcom Community College – find out why 2 year colleges
are an important starting place for many Chinese students.

39. Exploration #13B:
Shopping time at Bellis Fair Mall.
o Bellis Fair has 5 department stores and 150 specialty shops.
o Campers can see the latest American fashions and purchase items
for themselves, friends and family back home.
The mall is a major part of most American kids life, not only for
shopping, but for spending time with friends.

40. Exploration #14A:
Sightseeing along world-famous Chuckanut Dr.
o See views of the pristine San Juan Islands along this historic
seaside 2 lane highway.
o Pass the well-preserved cowboy era buildings of Edison, now a
full of art galleries and specialized restaurants for local cuisine.
Drive the “Highway 1” of Washington State, and past the “Old
West” town of Edison, Washington.

41. Exploration #14A:
Sightseeing along world-famous Chuckanut Dr.
o See views of the pristine San Juan Islands along this historic
seaside 2 lane highway.
o Pass the well-preserved cowboy era buildings of Edison, now a
full of art galleries and specialized restaurants for local cuisine.
Drive the “Highway 1” of Washington State, and past the “Old
West” town of Edison, Washington.

42. Exploration #14B:
Padilla Bay Estuarine Research Reserve
o Learn about the rich web of wild-life dependent on estuaries for
habitat.
o Study how human society can protect or destroy this ecosystem.
Learn the importance of marine estuaries to humans and to
animals.

43. Exploration #14C:
Visit WWII Former Naval Base, Fort Casey
o Learn about Washington’s role in WWII and how Fort Casey
Protected Seattle.
o Explore the tunnels and lookouts of this historic ruin.
o Visit the nearby Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
Visit this former WWII Naval Base, now a State Park open to the
public.

44. Exploration #14C:
Goodbye seafood BBQ and bonfire!
o Eat fresh-caught local salmon, and learn to make the favorite food
of all American children, the “S’more”
o Spend the last evening of the camp singing traditional American
folk songs around the campfire.
Experience an essential part of summertime with a campfire BBQ,
and group songs.

45. Friday
4:20pm Depart Beijing
12:00pm (same day) Arrive Seattle
12:00pm to 1:00pm Claim Bags and Clear Customs
1:00pm to 2:00pm Welcome Lunch Near Airport
2:00pm to 4:00pm Hotel Check-in and Rest
4:00pm to 6:00pm University of Washington Tour
6:00pm to 7:00pm Dinner
7:00pm to 9:00pm Seattle Tour
Day 1, FridayDay 1, Friday

46. Saturday
8:30am-9:30am Breakfast
9:30am-10:00am Travel to Seattle Center
10:00am-11:30pm Bill Gates Foundation Tour
11:30pm-12:30pm Space Needle Tour
12:30pm to 1:30pm Lunch at Seattle Center
1:30pm to 3:30pm Pacific Science Center
3:30pm to 4:30pm Pike Place Market
4:30 to 6:30 Seattle Art Museum
6:30 to 7:30 Dinner
7:30 to 9:00 Rest Time
Arrival Weekend ScheduleArrival Weekend Schedule
Day 2, SaturdayDay 2, Saturday

47. Sunday
7:30am-8:30am Breakfast and Pack Bags
8:30am-11:30am History Museum
11:30am-12:00pm Travel to Boeing
12:00pm-1:00pm Lunch
1:00pm to 2:30pm Boeing Factory Tour
2:30pm to 4:30pm Travel to Bellingham
4:30pm to 5:00pm Check-in to Rooms
5:00 to 7:30
Dinner Party at the Ocean Park
with High School Friends
7:30 to 9:00 Movie
Arrival Weekend ScheduleArrival Weekend Schedule
Day 3, SundayDay 3, Sunday

48. Week 1 (Day 3-7)
Mon, Tues, Wed,
Friday Thursday
Week 2 (Day 10-14) Mon, Tues, Wed Thursday
7:00am to 8:30am Breakfast ” ”
8:30am to 10:00am ESL Class ” ”
10:00am to 12:00pm Exploration Activity “ “
12:00am to 1:00pm Picnic Lunch ” ”
1:00pm to 5:00pm Exploration Activity ” ”
5:00pm to 6:00pm
Dinner on Campus “
Seaside Goodbye
Dinner
6:00pm to 7:30pm
Sports or Arts Class
Outdoor Community
Concert at Elizabeth
Park Goodbye Music and
Bonfire Party
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Recreation Activities
with American
Students on Campus
“
Monday to Friday ScheduleMonday to Friday Schedule
Day 4-7, Day 10-14Day 4-7, Day 10-14

49. Saturday
7:00am to 8:30am Breakfast
8:30am to 10:30am Bellingham Farmer’s Market Tour
10:30am to 4:30pm
Whale and Marine Mammal Boat
Cruise
4:30pm to 6:00pm
Free Time at Campus Sports
Center
6:00pm to 7:00pm Dinner on WWU Campus
7:00pm to 9:00pm Professional Baseball Game
Weekend ScheduleWeekend Schedule
Day 8, SaturdayDay 8, Saturday

50. Sunday
7:00am to 8:30am Breakfast
8:30am to 5:30pm
Mt. Baker, Nooksack Falls, Ancient
Forest Tour
5:30pm to 7:00pm
Pizza Dinner at Famous North Fork
Pizzeria
7:00pm to 7:30pm Return to Campus
7:30pm to 9:00pm Movie with ESL Activities
Arrival Weekend ScheduleArrival Weekend Schedule
Day 9, SundayDay 9, Sunday

51. Sunday
7:00am to 8:00am Breakfast
8:00am to 10:00am Olympic Peninsula Tour
10:00am-11:00am Closing Ceremony at Airport
11:00am to 12:30pm
Airline Check In and Lunch at
Airport
2:00pm Depart for Beijing
Arrival Weekend ScheduleArrival Weekend Schedule
Day 15, FridayDay 15, Friday

52. Emergency Contact
Emergency wristband, t-shirts, and cell phone
service provided in case of separation from group.

53. TRANSPORTATION
• Licensed and insured school bus
• Government inspected and approved
• Trained & experienced professional drivers.

54. “Exploration USA”
Thank you and see you soon!