Transition, setting goals, developing leaders, thinking about the larger community and fostering growth are the essential components of CWC's Orientation Camp Programme.
Even before the O'Camp began, a comprehensive College website provided new students with the information and support they might need at particular stages of their transition to the University. A Pre-O'Camp Workshop set the expectations and provided background knowledge for students prior to the O'Camp itself.
To achieve the purpose of creating a convivial environment that would cultivate a sense of community among the incoming students, the OC had also scheduled many engaging and entertaining activities such as Meeting All Colleges in CUHK, Ice-Breaking Games, a Museum Visit and a Barbeque Night at Pak Shek Recreation Park. A highlight was the High Table Dinner where students had the opportunity to get acquainted with teachers, staff, fellow students, as well as friends as supporters of the College. It was a joyful evening of learning from each other across time and space.
Fostering growth of students is essential in developing a successful university student. Together with the OC, the College offered an opportunity for growth and goal setting as regards to the transition into university life through participating in a community outreach excursion (COE). The dedicated theme of the COE was Active Citizenship and Reciprocity in Community Work and the excursion was organized around three aspects of learning concepts and activities: creativity, leadership, and service. The one-day outing provided exposure and the opportunity to engage in the community and as a result, prompted students to reflect on the values, challenges and rewards of service and engagement work. The O'Camp concluded with student group presentations based on their COE activities and at the closing ceremony the Vice-Chancellor presented awards to those who were voted by their fellow students as the most outstanding examples of demonstrating creativity as a team, leadership and service on an individual basis.
The inaugural Orientation Camp of CW Chu College builds upon the model common among many other colleges in CUHK. The OC, in planning and implementing the programme, was able to strike a balance between educational and pleasurable activities. The OC has taken a very small and initial step to offer something a little different, in the hope that it will create a lasting impression, and set the tone and direction for the future, even as further improvements and advancements are made in subsequent years.
