TCS recently welcomed 21 international students along with two chaperones during its annual Winter Camp. The campers, aged nine to twelve years old, were all from China and chose to spend their winter break in America at TCS.
The Timothy International Program (TIP), which welcomes international students for the full academic year, tailors the winter camp for Asian students during their time off from school during the month of January. The camp runs from one to three weeks.
During their time at TCS, students observe classes and activities alongside our TCS students. Younger children attend fun after school activities led by TCS teachers such as robotics, art, American etiquette, culture, and games.
They also experience what it is like to live in a home with an American host family while attending Timothy Christian School. For many winter camp students, it’s the first time they’ll visit an American Christian church and youth group.
“My host family was a lot help and lunch was good. Also, the TIP kids were great help,” said visiting student Linda Zixuan Zhao.
Student, David Duo Wong said one of his favorite parts of vacation was the food.
Winter Camp students enjoying some down time at their host home.
“My American classmates are friendly, and I made good friends. My host family was very friendly. I also liked the variety of the school lunch, especially the hamburgers,” added Wong.
Chaperone, Hua Meng says the experience is starkly different for students from what they experience in China.
“The school paid closed attention to details, the teachers are patient and loving and show the love of a Christian school,” said Meng who was also impressed with how polite students were with opening doors and helping campers to their classes.
“We love welcoming these students and seeing the joy that comes to them in experiencing something that is so unique and different from what they’re used to,” says Brenda Avila, TCS TIP Coordinator. “Most importantly we get the chance to introduce many of them to Jesus.”
While students come for the unique American experience, TCS hopes and prays that their experience with us will make a difference for eternity.