Nature gives pupils endless opportunities to learn, especially in a world where many children rarely get the chance to experience it first-hand. At Hiba Academy Nantong, our carefully designed outdoor adventure programmes offer pupils invaluable growth opportunities.
Through these trips, pupils not only gain new knowledge but also develop character and broaden their horizons. They learn to adapt and see the world with fresh eyes. Working together with friends and classmates, they discover the importance of teamwork and trust. These are lessons that simply can’t be taught within the classroom.
Sherry Ni
Extracurricular Activities Officer
Adventure trips aren’t just journeys beyond the school gates—they’re experiences that build confidence, encourage collaboration and help pupils discover what they’re capable of. They step outside their daily routines, learn to work as a team and tackle challenges in the real world.
This year, our pupils explored seven fascinating places around China. Here is a snapshot of their adventures.
Grade 1: Nantong
Our Grade 1 pupils set off for Nantong Urban Agricultural Park, where they explored nature with wide-eyed curiosity. At the research centre, they listened to fascinating talks about insects and then created their own colourful butterfly patterns with rice. Lunchtime gave them the chance to make qingtuan and dumplings, which they happily ate afterwards. In the afternoon, a visit to the honeybee garden let them see bees up close and learn about their vital role in nature. They watched beekeepers at work and saw how people and bees can live in harmony.
"I learned that some bees can sting while others cannot. The queen bee and worker bees can sting, but drones cannot."
——Snowy, Grade 1
Grade 2: Dianshan Lake
Grade 2 pupils headed to Dianshan Lake in Shanghai for a nature-themed treasure hunt. In the forest, they collected unique leaves, insects and minerals, filling their nature treasure boxes and sharing their discoveries with friends. The afternoon brought a mix of fun challenges—blindfolded games, a Gaga Ball match and an Olympic-style contest—all designed to encourage teamwork and communication.
"This activity brought me closer to nature, and the games were really fun, like playing gaga ball."
——Eason, Grade 2
Grade 3: Taicang
Grade 3 enjoyed a magical day at Alps Snow World in Taicang. In this winter wonderland, they carried out experiments with melting ice, watching how water changes from solid to liquid. Then, with help from instructors, they tried skiing—moving from their first wobbly attempts to confident S-shaped turns down the slopes. Every run was a lesson in persistence and progress.
"This activity was great! Skiing was so much fun—it let me experience the feeling of lying on the snow firsthand. The food was also delicious. I really enjoyed this trip!"
——Mike, Grade 3
Grade 4 & 5: Kunshan
Pupils in Grade 4 and 5 spent two days on an adventure in Kunshan. Under the guidance of expert instructors, they learned survival skills such as identifying edible plants and building emergency shelters. A paper boat challenge on the lake put their teamwork and physics knowledge to the test. At night, laughter carried from tent to tent as they camped under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature. The next day, they explored the watery lanes of Zhujiajiao, a classic Jiangnan village, learning about its rich history and culture through a scavenger hunt.
"Through teamwork, I learned skills like setting up tents and making paper boats, experienced a lively bonfire party, and even bravely spent a night sleeping in the forest. It felt truly meaningful."
——Lexie, Grade 4
Grade 6: Anji
Set among the green hills and clear waters of Anji in Zhejiang, Grade 6 pupils tackled a series of outdoor challenges. Orienteering through bamboo forests, kayaking and high ropes courses tested their courage and determination. As evening fell, they competed in archery tag before gathering around the campfire, sharing stories and laughter under the stars—a perfect end to a trip that brought out their bravery, teamwork and spirit.
Grade 7: Deqing
Our Grade 7 pupils travelled to Moganshan in Deqing for a true outdoor expedition. They worked together in orienteering challenges, put up tents and cooked dinner outdoors, enjoying the satisfaction of self-sufficiency. The trip also included high ropes courses and a creative homemade ‘weapons’ contest for a Jugger Match, blending physical activity with teamwork and problem-solving.
Grade 8: Yixing
In Yixing, a city famous for its teapots and tea culture, Grade 8 pupils cycled through tea plantations, picked tea leaves and made their own pottery in a ceramics workshop. They also completed an orienteering challenge in the surrounding mountains, practising their teamwork and navigation skills. As evening fell, they wandered the lantern-lit streets of the ancient town, tracing history along its old stone paths—a fitting end to a journey that combined nature with cultural discovery.
At Hiba, we believe nature is more than just a backdrop—it’s a living classroom that builds resilience and encourages reflection. Whether hiking up a mountain, camping under the stars or working together to solve problems, these experiences leave a lasting mark. The lessons learned off campus help shape our pupils’ characters, giving them the confidence and wisdom they’ll carry with them for years to come.
