National Day LOHAS Trip: Orange Orchard Team Building, Retracing the Long March, and Co-creating Red Memories

On August 20, 2024, at 16:01, I had the privilege of stepping into the LOHAS Outdoor Base Camp (Oran[...]

On August 20, 2024, at 16:01, I had the privilege of stepping into the LOHAS Outdoor Base Camp (Orange Orchard Store) during the golden autumn season and the National Day celebration, a time when the whole nation rejoices. I was fortunate to participate in a unique National Day-themed team building activity titled ‘Retracing the Long March and Co-creating Red Memories’. This was not just a simple outing; it was a spiritual baptism that allowed me to deeply understand the tenacity and unyielding spirit of that eventful era.

Upon entering the camp, a strong atmosphere greeted us. The first thing that caught our eye at the Orange Orchard Store was the red decorations and slogans everywhere, filling the air with a solemn and enthusiastic atmosphere. The staff had meticulously arranged the venue to be both full of National Day characteristics and not lacking in the fun of outdoor adventures. Every detail revealed the careful preparation for this activity.

We put on specially made Red Army uniforms, and it seemed as if we were instantly transported back to that era of continuous warfare. An inexplicable excitement and admiration welled up in our hearts. The activity kicked off with a loud assembly call, and our first task was to ‘retrace the Long March’. A carefully designed simulated route was set up with various obstacles and challenges along the way, such as simulated scenes of climbing snow-capped mountains, crossing grasslands, and crossing the Chishui River.

This experience was not only a physical journey but also a profound lesson in history and perseverance. It was an opportunity to honor the past while building camaraderie and teamwork for the future.Although it was only a symbolic experience, every step was extremely difficult. Sweat and mud intertwined, allowing us to deeply understand the hardships and difficulties of the Red Army’s Long March back then. Whenever someone wanted to give up, the encouragement and help from comrades around us always made us pick ourselves up and continue moving forward.

Making trolleys, teamwork. During lunchtime, instead of directly enjoying ready-made delicacies, we formed groups to make ‘trolleys’ to transport ‘grain’ (i.e., lunch ingredients). This segment tested not only our hands-on ability but also the teamwork and tacit understanding of the group. Everyone pooled their ideas. Some were responsible for designing the structure, some looked for materials, and others were responsible for assembling and debugging. After some efforts, trolleys of various styles but sturdy and durable were born. They carried our lunch and also witnessed the wisdom and strength of the team.

In the afternoon, we welcomed the most awe-inspiring activity – drawing a red Nascar giant painting. This is a collective creation. Everyone holds a paintbrush and jointly draws pictures reflecting historical events such as the Red Army’s Long March and the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression on a huge canvas. As the colors are layered one after another, vivid historical scenes gradually emerge. We seem to be able to hear the sound of guns and see the smoke of gunpowder, feeling that heavy sense of historical responsibility.Lehuo Outdoor Base Camp (Tangerine Orchard Store) offered us such a unique way to spend an unforgettable and meaningful holiday during the National Day. As night fell, a bonfire was lit in the center of the camp, and a unique “remembering past hardships and savoring present happiness, red song concert” slowly kicked off. Everyone sat in a circle and took turns sharing their insights and experiences about red history. Those deeply moving stories touched everyone present. Subsequently, classic red songs resounded through the sky. From “March of the Volunteers” to “The Long March”, each song expressed love and blessings for the motherland and also sang out the responsibility and mission of our generation. As the concert came to an end, this National Day-themed team building activity also drew a successful conclusion. Looking back on this day, we not only relived history but also harvested friendship and growth through teamwork. In the future, no matter where we go, this experience will become one of the most precious memories in our hearts.