LRS Care: Camp Day 4 Learning Their First Instrument!

More than simply providing medical treatment, TFISH believes compassionate patient care is essential to a healthy recovery! Hospitals can be tough for young patients, and TFISH staff provide activities for our patients after their heart surgery.  Read more stories of Summer Camp Day 1; Day 2; Day 3; Day 5

Today was an eventful day at Little Red Scarf Summer Camp. The kids have fully come out of their shells, and the day was filled with laughter and joy. We started again with morning English classes and surprisingly, most kids were able to recognize and read all the letters we had taught them the last few days. Then as a fun activity, Lauren asked everyone to choose their very own English name. They all thought having a new English name was  amusing and were delighted to have a new name. Everyone was given colorful markers to decorate their little name tag as they pleased. 

---

The kids then had their first music lesson from Dr. Gan and Lauren. They learned the song, “Flower of the Field”. Though at first they struggled with the lyrics and the melody, they quickly caught on and sang beautifully. 

The most exciting part of today’s music lesson though was when Lauren opened her bag to reveal her violin. Many of these children have never heard music live outside of a television. For all of them it was their first time seeing a violin. They were intoxicated by the sweet music.

Then, Dr. Gan had another surprise for them; she gave them each a recorder as a gift so that they can make their own music. The kids constantly asked the two volunteers to listen to them play. Dr. Gan and Lauren taught them a few simple songs, such as Mary Had a Little Lamb. 

---

At noon, the teachers began to prepare lunch and Lauren brought out some clay. Our kids couldn't get over the different colors of the clay and were so excited to touch the texture of the material. Truly amazing to see their imagination run wild. Animals and fruits and plants. They were giggling all the way through. 

After lunch, we took the kids on a field trip. This time, we visited the Lanzhou Water Wheel Exposition too see Lanzhou’s main river and its historical irrigation works. We took pictures by the river and the wheel to remember this beautiful moment. From the songs they learned earlier this morning, they performed a couple. They sang, “If You’re Happy and You Know It”, “Singing with a Smile”, and a sign language son, “Grateful Heart”. There are truly many things to be grateful for. . . their upbringing form their parents, the help Little Red Scarf has given them, and much much more!

The children did not forget to take this opportunity to practice the recorder. This truly marks a significant change—the kids went from being absolutely silent to performing music in public. We saw change especially in Hongyan, who has truly shown courage through her shyness. Being away from home and their parents could be a little scary. We loved how they all came out of their shells in just a matter of days. 

Look at how large our group is! From time to time, people passing by will ask us how they can sign their kids up with our camp. As wonderful as the afternoon was, it had to end eventually. By sunset, we had to leave the river to return for dinner. After dinner, all the kids pulled Lauren aside to show her all the work they had made with the clay she brought.

The cute little bear was made by Xiao Zhen, the little duck by Fangyan, the Red bear by Hongyan, and the grapes were a result of Caiman’s work. All the kids have trouble sleeping tonight because they are sad that tomorrow is their last day together. Staff is having trouble saying goodbye as well.

Translated and edited by EV Intern Katie Lan