As time went by, the three-week musical summer camp has passed. Like a meteor streaking across the sky at the end of the year, momentarily, yet lightening gloriously and dazzlingly, the summer camp will live in my sweet memory for life.

I. The Zero Breakthrough

Actually I’m timid from childhood. I like doing everything following others because I daren’t to be the first. I’m afraid of unfamiliar environments and afraid of making approaches to strangers. I’m afraid of everything unfamiliar.
This summer, it was a great honor for me to take part in the musical summer camp of “Singing Children’s Choir”. In particular, the summer camp was held in Shanghai Culture Square, a new landmark of Shanghai.
Three excellent American experts on children’s musicals came to “Singing Children’s Choir”, bringing us a Disney musical, “Aladdin”, which gave me great joy and excitement. I fully expected to be Princess Jasmine-the leading actress of the musical as I’m eager to do well in everything. In order to make my dream come true, I prepared an English self-introduction in advance.
As I expected, the casting took place on the first day of the summer camp. In order to get to know us, our teacher taught us a song, letting us learn the melody and recite the lyrics. Then the audition began. Our teacher demonstrated for us to relieve the tense atmosphere, hoping everyone to act confidently. Then, our teacher asked us:” Who’s willing to be the first?” Everything was quiet. No one put up a hand, let alone stepping forward bravely. Suddenly, an unknown force pushed me to put up my hand. Our teacher was extremely excited and quickly invited me to go up, which made me nervous. I was puzzled. Could this be really happening? I wanted to hide myself, but the unknown force was so strong that it pushed me to step forward bravely. I began to introduce myself in English confidently with a smile. The teachers and the students were very moved by my sweet voice. I couldn’t believe it. This was my zero breakthrough! I was so excited!

II. Strange and Interesting Activities

There were many undiscovered talents in “Singing Children’s Choir”. Although I wasn’t cast as Princess Jasmine, the role of a narrator enabled me to enjoy the musical nonetheless. Apart from the wonders of the musical, what remained freshest in my memory during the summer camp were the headwear festival every Wednesday and the sock festival every Friday. These were days of special activities.
For the headwear festival, our teacher put up a notice at the gate, asking us to create our own DIY headwear. We started designing immediately. Some changed their hairstyles into cartoon characters’, such as Shrek, a small pirate, Santa Claus, etc. Some looked like stars wearing wigs or sunglasses. Others wore traditional Chinese headwear. Everything was very interesting! I carefully prepared a cloak of magic lamps, which showed great originality. We held a parade to show our headwear. All of us looked like real stars. The classroom echoed with our laughter.
The sock festival was also very splendid. During the festival, my good friend, Qin, came into the classroom and like a magician, took out dozens of pairs of stockings from her bag. We helped her roll some stockings around and around her body and other stockings on her legs layer by layer as if we were dressing a cute doll. Other students also bravely showed their innovative ideas, not timid or shy any more. We never expected so much unexpected pleasure from such ordinary socks.

III. Reap Friendship and Have Gratitude in Mind

We had a good time in these fifteen days. Finally it’s time for our performance on stage before our parents. When the show was about to begin, I felt as if a naughty butterfly was rampaging in my body and my hands kept trembling. I strived to calm down. I closed my eyes and had a deep breath but it did not help.  My good friend, Chen, saw my look and came quickly to give me a hug. At that moment, warmth flowed through my body and I felt I didn’t need to see, smell and hear any more. All I needed were pure heart and deep friendship.
The enthusiastic applause and cheers were the truest assessment of our performance. We were very happy and our hearts overflowed with the most genuine thanks. Thanks to all the teachers taking part in the summer camp for their whole-hearted hard work, especially to Teacher Lily, the founder of “Singing Children’s Choir”! It was Teacher Lily that helped us receive the miracle! Thank you!