Feb.12, 2012 is the first day of winter vacation for primary schools in Poland, when it was still freezingly cold with ground shrouded with snow everywhere. But the classrooms in Confucius Institute at Mickiewicz University became noisy, full of laughter by naive and lovely Polish children, and the entire teaching building became more vital and alive. The winter camp particularly for primary schools students this year began again. As usual, the students were divided into two groups: lower grades students of 6 to 8 years old, and higher grades students aged of 9 to 12.

Lower grades students are painting pictures on fan paper.

Higher grades students are painting pictures on fan paper.

Confucius Institute at Mickiewicz University holds the winter camps aiming at spreading out Chinese language and Chinese culture into students of primary schools during winter vacation, so as to make Confucius Institute known by more, and to lay a long-term and solid foundation in primary schools for more bilingual experts between Chinese and Polish.

Confucius Institute at Mickiewicz University had made full preparations for the winter camp about venues, materials, staff, etc.. Instructive teacher was Miss Joanna Hiler, experienced and skillful Polish teacher of Confucius Institute at Mickiewicz University, supported by Miss Monika and other teachers of Confucius Institute.

Chinese fan making was the main topic this year, which needs some art and skill, as one of traditional Chinese craft skills. Students participated in the winter camp this year would paint their favorite pictures on the fan paper and then finished the making of Chinese fans. The student from primary schools made full use of their imagination, some painting all kinds of vivid and alive Chinese dragon, some painting different kinds lovely pets, some painting plum blossoms proudly standing in the cold weather, some painting many icons for love, and some Chinese national flag. The Polish kids never imitated model pictures when painting. They painted completely out of their own imagination or memory in their minds. They painted with water color or wax pencils, on their power of imagination and personalities.

Deep affection also occurred between children and teachers. Some of them have become active participants of events by Confucius Institute, and naturally they have become old friends with teachers of Confucius Institute. They felt very close to the old friends when they met again since last winter camp.

The winter camps by Confucius Institute at Mickiewicz University this year is a great success, and children have spent a wonderful unforgettable unusual winter holidays in winter camp.