More than 30 local and expatriate children, aged 6 to 12, gathered at the Shekou Subdistrict Public Service Center for a day of cultural immersion during the inaugural session of the "HELLO APEC" Shekou Summer Camp, which officially opened on July 13.

Children and staff pose for a group photo during the first day of the Shekou Summer Camp. Photos courtesy of Shekou MSCE

Hosted by the Shekou Subdistrict Office and organized by the Nanshan Southwind Social Work Service Center and the Shekou Management and Service Center for Expats (Shekou MSCE), the camp aims to foster cross-cultural connections among young residents of one of Shenzhen’s most diverse international communities. The program also celebrates the spirit of international cooperation ahead of the APEC summit later this year.

The event kicked off with a vibrant exploration of Filipino folk music, led by musician Mark Buenviaje. Participating children were introduced to various percussion instruments and traditional rhythms central to Filipino daily life. The workshop culminated in a "body percussion" performance, where the children used snaps, stomps, and claps to create music — proving that rhythm serves as a universal language that transcends cultural barriers.

Children attending a summer camp in Shekou on July 13.

In the afternoon, participants attended a Chinese intangible cultural heritage workshop, where they learned to make lacquer fans. Guided by Master Guo Meng, the children practiced the 2,000-year-old Chu-style "floating lacquer" technique. By dripping mineral pigments into water and carefully submerging bamboo fans, each child created a one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Many expatriate children were amazed by the craft. Ana Paula Gonzalez Patton from Mexico said the workshop was great fun. “Look, this is the fan I made, and I’ve written my name on it,” said the 7-year-old.

The summer camp’s first session runs from July 13 to 16, with a second session scheduled for July 20–23. The program features instructors from eight APEC member economies. Over the two weeks, participants will enjoy a diverse curriculum including Russian dance, American games, Korean taekwondo, Mexican culture, Australian cuisine, and New Zealand volunteerism. This variety allows children from all backgrounds to bond through shared learning and play.

Emma Chan (L) and Antonina Buenviaje pose for a photo with the lacquer fans they made.

Young participants have shown great enthusiasm for the program. Antonina Buenviaje,  aged 11, enjoyed learning new crafts alongside her father’s music session. By bridging cultures through music, art, and sport, these young "ambassadors" are building mutual understanding and friendship.