ResilientSEED - Summer Program on Nature, Climate, and Art in Qinghai

What You Will Learn:

To inspire students through an immersive program that combines environmental education, conservation efforts, and artistic creativity. Participants will learn about the desert ecosystem and climate change impacts while expressing their experiences through art, creating a unique connection between nature and creativity.

Program Duration: 7 Days

Target Age Range: Middle School to HighSchool Students

  • Explore the unique desert landscapes of Qinghai, understanding the local ecosystem, climate challenges, and conservation methods.

  • Discover sustainable practices, such as water conservation and desert reforestation, and learn how to contribute to environmental protection.

  • Express their experiences and knowledge through art, using painting, sculpture, photography, and creative installations.

  • Engage in interactive activities, including eco-games, field excursions, and cultural exchanges that blend learning with fun.

Program Overview

This 7-day experience merges environmental education with artistic workshops, allowing students to explore the desert while using their creativity to communicate what they’ve learned. The program is designed to be both educational and inspiring, with a strong focus on conservation and artistic expression.

Unique Activities

  • Art and Nature Workshops

     Engage in watercolor painting, land art, and photography that reflect the beauty of the desert.

  • Creative Art Jam Sessions

    Time to freely explore personal creative projects with guidance from professional artists.

  • Mongolian Yurt Stay

    Live in traditional yurts, combining cultural immersion with eco-friendly living.

  • Campfire Nights

    Enjoy storytelling, BBQs, and discussions around the fire, enhancing the community spirit.

  • Cultural Craft Workshops

    Learn traditional Qinghai crafts and skills directly from local artisans.

  • Experience Local Community

    Ride ATV with local herders, learn their lifestyle and ways of transportation.

UPCOMING EVENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

DAY 1

Arrival, Orientation, and Art Inspiration

DAY 2

Desert Ecology and Nature-Inspired Art

DAY 3

Conservation Activities and Creative Expression

DAY 4

Culture, Art, and Eco-Design

DAY 5

Field Trips and Art Installations

DAY 6

Final Projects and Community Art Exhibiton

DAY 7

Reflection, Art Auction, and Departure

Morning: Welcome, Orientation, and Art Introduction

  • Registration at the program base and settling into Mongolian yurts.

  • Icebreaker activities to build a sense of community.

  • Introduction to the week's objectives: conservation, creativity, and culture.

Afternoon: Desert Landscape Sketching Session

  • A guided walk around the camp to observe the desert’s natural beauty.

  • Introduction to sketching techniques, with a focus on capturing the unique textures and shapes of the desert.

  • Students begin their sketchbooks, documenting their first impressions of Qinghai.

Evening: BBQ Under the Stars and Art Talk

  • Traditional Mongolian-style barbecue dinner.

  • Campfire discussion about how art can reflect and inspire environmental change.

  • Star-gazing session with a focus on night photography.

Morning: Desert Hike and Observation Drawing

  • Guided hike focusing on desert flora and fauna, learning how they adapt to harsh environments.

  • Observation drawing activity: Students sketch native plants and animals in their natural habitats.

Afternoon: Environmental Art Workshop - Sand and Soil Art

  • Workshop on using natural materials like sand, soil, and rocks to create temporary desert installations.

  • Students make collaborative land art pieces that integrate with the desert environment.

Evening: Nature Journal and Art Critique

  • Students share their drawings and installations in small groups.

  • Art critique session with feedback from mentors and peers.

Morning: Hands-On Conservation and Photography

  • Planting session with native species like Haloxylon and White Thorn.

  • Introduction to nature photography: Capture the planting process, the desert landscape, and ecological details.

Afternoon: Watercolor Workshop - Desert Colors

  • Water conservation challenge and educational games.

  • Watercolor painting session inspired by the desert’s colors, from golden sands to blue skies.

Evening: Art Jam and Desert Night Walk

  • Open Art Jam: Students work on their personal projects—painting, drawing, or sculpture—under the guidance of mentors.

  • Desert night walk to observe nocturnal animals and use flashlights for creative shadow art.

Morning: Cultural Exploration and Craft Workshop

  • Visit a local village and learn traditional crafts, such as weaving and pottery.

  • Hands-on workshop creating crafts inspired by desert landscapes, using natural and recycled materials.

Afternoon: Creative Eco-Design Challenge

  • Students work in teams to design small-scale eco-friendly structures using local materials.

  • Each team creates a unique design that addresses local environmental needs, with a focus on sustainability and aesthetics.

Evening: Desert Music and Dance

  • Traditional music and dance performance by local artists.

  • Students have the opportunity to perform their own skits or showcase their art pieces.

Morning: Field Trip to Desert Art Locations

  • Visit a local conservation site known for its natural beauty.

  • Students are given time to create plein air paintings or sketches, focusing on the landscape.

Afternoon: Large-Scale Art Installation Project

  • Work in teams to create a large-scale environmental art installation using collected materials.

  • Focus on temporary installations that respect the natural environment and communicate conservation messages.

Evening: Documentary Night - Environmental Art

  • Screening of a documentary on famous environmental artists and how art can inspire action.

  • Group discussion on how their projects can contribute to environmental awareness.

Morning: Project Finalization and Presentation Prep

  • Students complete their final art projects, whether they are installations, paintings, sculptures, or photo series.

  • Rehearsal for presentations with guidance from art mentors.

Afternoon: Community Art Exhibit and Presentation

  • Art exhibition open to the local community, featuring student works.

  • Each student presents their project, explaining the inspiration and message behind their piece.

Evening: Farewell Party with Art Awards

  • Award ceremony recognizing outstanding art projects.

  • Farewell dinner featuring traditional Qinghai dishes, and a closing celebration with music.

Morning: Reflection Circle and Debrief

  • Group reflection on the week’s experiences, key takeaways, and highlights.

  • Final group discussion on how art can continue to play a role in environmental advocacy.

Afternoon: Art Auction and Departure

  • Optional mini-art auction of student works, with proceeds going to local conservation projects.

  • Departure and farewell to participants, with small mementos and thank-you gifts.

Program Highlights

  • Art and Conservation Synergy

    Use artistic expression to raise awareness about environmental issues and communicate the importance of conservation.

  • Hands-On Conservation

    Participate in practical conservation projects, such as planting and water-saving.

  • Outdoor Exploration

    Explore the desert through hikes, field trips, and nature observation.

  • Creative Showcase

    Display artistic work in a community exhibition, allowing students to share their perspectives and inspire others.