Message from Associate Executive Director
你有否想像過，與20個素未謀⾯的⼈ 起露營，會是 種
怎樣的體驗？
在這次露營中，我們的參加者從經驗豐富的籌委，到只露
營過幾次，甚⾄從未在加拿⼤露營過的新朋友，組成了⼀ 個多元的群體。然⽽，這並沒有妨礙我們的融洽相處。僅 在營前的聚會中，我們就迅速建⽴了深厚的連結，陌⽣感 在無形中消失，取⽽代之的是無⾔的默契。我們共同⾯對 的第 個挑戰便是檢查裝備。這些⼤多數都是義⼯們慷慨 借出的器材，其中⼀些已多年未⽤，需要逐⼀測試。這項 艱⾟的任務讓我們流了不少汗，但也讓我們更深刻地體會 到彼此⽀持的重要，並且更加珍惜這次共同完成⽬標的寶 貴機會。
最讓我感動的是⼤家在困難⾯前的互相守望。許多⼈可能 因為露營的繁瑣⽽卻步，但來到AcrossU-hub，我們深切 地感受到，⾟苦之後的收穫是無可⽐擬的喜悅。當我們 同克服挑戰，親眼⾒證營地⼀步步成形，並且愈加穩固， 那種內⼼的滿⾜感是難以⾔喻的。起初，我們對野外飲⾷ 並無太多期待，回想年輕時在香港露營時，吃的都是些半 ⽣不熟的“東西”，但這次卻被籌委義⼯們的⾼超露營技 藝深深震撼 從計劃、準備到執⾏，每 個細節都無⽐ 精⼼，無論是煮⾷爐具、餐具，還是清洗⽤具，甚⾄連⽜ 油⼑都⼀應俱全，這樣的細緻與周到，簡直達到了六星級 酒店的標準！有這麼多⼈無私的付出與細⼼的安排，讓我 們所有參加者都被深深感染，無論遇到什麼挑戰，⼤家都 更加積極地幫助和⽀持彼此。這不僅讓我們懂得了互相⽀ 持的珍貴，也讓我們深刻體會到，這次共同努⼒帶來的成 就感，遠遠超越了露營的⾟勞。
Dickson Yip
最後，最讓⼈難以忘懷的便是我們與⼤⾃然的親密接觸。在Campfire 篝⽕晚會上，當⽕光映照著每 位參加者的臉龐，周圍的喧囂瞬間歸 於寧靜。其中⼀位參加者為我們彈奏的unplug吉他，在這⽚靜謐的⼤ ⾃然中顯得格外動⼈，我們在⾳樂的旋律中沉浸，靜靜分享彼此的感 受。除此之外，沙灘上的⽇落也是無⽐美麗的畫⾯，晚霞染紅了天 際，⼣陽緩緩沉⼊海平線，海浪輕輕拍打著沙灘。那 刻，世界彷彿 只剩下溫柔的⼣陽與無邊的寧靜。這些珍貴的瞬間，不僅讓我們感受 到⼤⾃然的無限美麗，也讓我們更加珍惜彼此之間那份純粹⽽深厚的 情感。
這次露營的每⼀刻，都成為我們⼼中最難以忘懷的記憶。無論是共同 奮⾾的汗⽔，還是⼤⾃然的禮物，這些都將永遠陪伴著我們，成為彼 此⽣命中最珍貴的 部分。
Message from Associate Executive Director
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to go camping with 20 strangers?
During this camping trip, our group was a diverse mix of people, from experienced organizing committee team to those who had only camped a few times, and even some who had never camped in Canada before But that didn’t stop us from getting along well. Even during the pre-camp gathering, we quickly formed strong connections, and the initial awkwardness faded away, replaced by an unspoken bond Our first challenge was checking the equipment, most of which had been generously loaned by volunteers. Some of it hadn’t been used in years and needed to be tested one by one. This tough task made us sweat a lot, but it also taught us the importance of supporting each other and made us value the opportunity to achieve our goals together.
What touched me the most was how everyone looked out for each other in the face of difficulties. Many people might be put off by the hassles of camping, but at Across U-hub, we truly understood the unmatched joy that comes from hard work. As we overcame challenges together, watching our camp take shape and become more solid, the sense of fulfillment we felt was indescribable. At first, we didn’t expect much from the food, recalling those undercooked meals from our youth camping days in Hong Kong. But this time, we were blown away by the incredible camping skills of the planning committee members from planning to preparation and execution, every detail was meticulously handled The cooking stoves, utensils, and even butter knives were all accounted for, reaching a level of care and thoughtfulness akin to a six-star hotel! The selfless contributions and careful arrangements by so many people inspired all the participants. No matter the challenge, everyone was more eager to help and support one another. This not only taught us the value of mutual support but also made us deeply appreciate that the sense of accomplishment we gained from our joint efforts far outweighed the hardships of camping.
Message from Associate Executive Director (con’t)
Finally, the most unforgettable part was our close connection with nature During the campfire evening, as the firelight illuminated each camper's face, the surrounding noise fell silent. One of the participant’s unplugged guitar playing was especially moving in the quiet of nature, and we were all immersed in the music, quietly sharing our thoughts with each other. Additionally, the sunset on the beach was an incredibly beautiful sight the sky was painted red by the evening glow, the sun slowly dipped into the horizon, and the waves gently lapped the shore In that moment, it felt like the world was reduced to just the gentle sunset and endless tranquillity. These precious moments not only allowed us to experience the boundless beauty of nature but also made us cherish the pure and deep connections we shared with one another.
Every moment of this camping trip has become an unforgettable memory in our hearts. Whether it was the sweat we shared in our efforts or the gift f t th experiences will stay with us fore most treasured parts of our lives
From Hong Kong to Canadian Wilderness: My First Camping Adventure
As a newcomer to Canada, I have always been curious about the camping culture that seems to be an integral part of the Canadian summer experience Despite enjoying hiking in Hong Kong when I was in my early twenties, I had never gone camping before, deterred by the perceived harshness of carrying everything in a backpack and the lack of creature comforts. However, this summer, I participated in the 3-day-2night Learn to Camp 101 program at the campground of Darlington Provincial Park, an experience that shattered my preconceptions and opened up my mind to the outdoor adventure in Canada.
The program began with a pre-camp workshop in mid-July, where I met fellow campers and learned about essential preparations. This introductory session proved invaluable, especially the hands-on experience of setting up a tent – a skill that would soon come in handy
Arriving at Darlington Provincial Park on the first day of Civic holiday, I was immediately struck by how different Canadian campgrounds are from what I had imagined To park cars at our campsite was a welcome convenience, eliminating the need to carry everything on our backs. To my surprise, the campground was well-equipped with nearby water fountains and bathrooms supplied with hot water – a luxury I hadn't expected in the wilderness.
One of the most important lessons I learned was about wildlife safety. We were instructed to lock all food and scented items in our cars to avoid attracting animals. This rule was driven home when, on the second night, a raccoon stole a pack of cookies left out after the campfire It was a vivid reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean campsite.
Ivy Lam
From Hong Kong to Canadian Wilderness: My First Camping Adventure (con’t)
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the evening we spent on the beach watching the sunset over Lake Ontario. As the long weekend crowds in daytime dispersed, we were treated to a serene moment of natural beauty. The gentle breeze from the lake and the pastel colours painting the sky created a magical moment that I will never forget
Throughout the camp, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow campers and volunteers. These interactions allowed me to forge new friendships and deepen existing connections within the community. I am particularly grateful to the Planning Committee for their meticulous arrangements, from providing tents and preparing meals to organizing transportation and designing the activities
While we were blessed with mostly sunny weather, we did experience a thunderstorm on the last morning Initially worried about potential leaks, I was relieved to find our tent sturdy enough to withstand the rain. This experience taught me that even less-than-ideal weather can be part of the camping adventure
As I reflect on my first Canadian camping experience, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Not only did I overcome my initial apprehensions, but I also gained valuable skills and knowledge about outdoor living. From learning how to prepare perishable food for a three-day trip to buying firewood from the Park Store, every aspect of the experience was new and enriching.
I am thankful for this gentle introduction to a cherished Canadian tradition – experience like this make me appreciate the diverse opportunities my new home offers and help me feel more connected to the Canadian way of life.