Article

As working as an assistant editor form the JSR reporter program this cycle, this is my first article in my JSR program:

Camping and Hiking in the Woods

As a student living in the largest city, I was always busy with schoolwork and extracurricular activities. I participated in many activities, including sports, performing arts, publications, and honor societies. These activities offered opportunities for me to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, physical strength and endurance, and leadership skills. However, competition for these activities was fierce, and newcomers to the area were likely to move to the city to participate in them. I wanted to step away from the busy city life and relax. I decided to go on a trip as far as I can to feel what country life looks like.

On my first day in the woods, my group members and I worked on building tents. I have never built a tent before, so it was very difficult for me to fold and unfold the poles. Additionally, I felt the intense heat inside the tent during the afternoon, which bothered me a lot. Furthermore, it was very interesting that in the woods, evenings are very cold. Sleeping two nights from the tent was a memorable experience for me. I could hear the sounds of animals and insects that I had never heard before.

During the second day of the trip, our group went hiking. I woke up at 5:30 a.m, shivering with extreme cold. I immediately grabbed my windbreaker and daypack to prepare to go on a hike. Although the mountain was not that high, everyone was very tired during the hike. However, tiredness washed away when I climbed to the apex; I could see the whole region. The view was breathtaking, and I could see the beauty of nature that I had never seen before.

When I was enjoying my country life, I encountered many animals who were endangered. Those animals are impossible to see in city life, but there were tons of animal plants that looked like completely new species. I saw many animals such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels that I had never seen before. Additionally, I saw many plants that I had never seen before. The plants were very different from the plants in the city, and they were very beautiful.

In conclusion, it was a very interesting experience for me to step aside from the busy city life and enjoy breathing the fresh air and relaxing calmly. Although I occasionally missed some hot showers and a cozy bed, I was satisfied and surprised to learn that country life and nature could bring a lot of relaxation to me. The trip was a memorable experience for me, and I hope I can go on another trip someday. The trip was a reminder that nature is beautiful and that we should take care of it.

Hajoon Song, Grade 9, International School of Beijing

Building a tent is way harder than you think:inner parts of the tent.

[Source: Hajoon Song, Author]

The great landscape of the mountain can be seen after reaching the top.

[Source: Hajoon song, Author]