When we developed the China Immersion Program it was done with school kids in mind. The idea was to totally immerse kids in all things Chinese for a few hours. They would have a tour of
Gum San including writing in Chinese character, learning a little bit of language from our computers, panning for gold and playing traditional Chinese games as well as learning of our Chinese history. This is followed by a Chinese meal [eaten with chopsticks of course] and then participate in Chinese craft. We have made all sorts of things in the craft sessions including scrolls, sometimes with the child's name translated into Chinese - the pinyin, phonetic version, fans, lanterns, Chinese conical hats and many more craft ideas. We had never really thought of this as an adult program but we have been forced to change our minds.
Last year we had a group of "Nashos" who wanted some fun so offered them the program. Their craft consisted of making jumping frogs and then kites.
It is a very funny site to see 70+ year old men running around flying their kites! They had fun but we thought that this would be a one-off occasion until we were contacted by the Stawell Ladies Probus Club. The ladies wanted to have a full day's outing so we offered them China Immersion.
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| Stawell Ladies Probus arriving at Gum San |
The ladies started with a tour of Gum San.
Then on to lunch in the Great Hall.
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| Chopsticks were a challenge |
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| Sharing a traditional Chinese meal |
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Craft followed with the ladies attempting to write their names in Chinese amidst much laughter followed by making jumping frogs, lucky stars [not so lucky for some who found them a little too small for arthritic fingers] and lotus flowers.
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| Paper folding needs intense concentration - and sometimes some help |
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| I think it has been a long time since these ladies had put up their hand for help from the teacher |
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| The pleasure of getting a result ! |
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| Showing off a "perfect" lotus flower ! |
Of course everyone was able to take home their efforts to show off to their family and friends
The ladies [and one gentleman] commented that they had lots of fun and thoroughly enjoyed their day. Many want to come back to have more time to look at some of the magnificent artefacts, particularly the embroideries.
If you think this kind of thing would suit your group contact Heather
