In early April, during the spring break, a group of children from Dongbang Town, Changshu, embarked on a three-day study camp titled "Ethics Engagement: Conversations with Local Role Models." The activity deeply integrated the "small group" practice of the "Golden Baby Corn Agri-Cultural Tourism Promotion Volunteer Service Project" with role model education. From experiencing traditional Qingming customs to visiting new farmer bases, and from exploring red memorial halls to sharing insights and putting them into practice, the children completed a vivid lesson in growth through their journey.
The day at the study camp began with children sitting together, reading an electronic picture book themed around the Qingming Festival. Through the volunteers' storytelling, the origins of Qingming, the legend of Jie Zitui, and customs like spring outings and willow planting became relatable and tangible. This was followed by a session on making Qingtuan, or green rice balls. The children kneaded dough, wrapped fillings, and rolled the balls while reciting rhymes like "Qingming arrives, Qingtuan fragrance fills the air." The scene was filled with the aroma of glutinous rice and continuous laughter. For many, it was their first time making Qingtuan by hand, and their faces beamed with pride as they saw their round creations neatly arranged in steamers.
A more creative activity was the "Dongbang Golden Baby Corn Themed Sand Art Candle" creation. Inspired by pastoral scenes from the picture book, the children layered colored sand in glass cups to form various shapes—some mimicking the golden waves of cornfields, others depicting farmland under blue skies. They then slowly poured in wax to seal their designs. These playful sand art candles captured the distinctive charm of their hometown's golden baby corn, allowing the children to connect with local culture through fingertip art. One child excitedly remarked that they had "planted" the golden baby corn into the candle, adding a warm, childlike touch to the volunteer project.
Next, the children embarked on a journey linking the land to history, connecting the new farmer resources of the Golden Baby Corn project with the stories of red army veterans. Their first stop was the golden baby corn processing base at Nongyun Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative. There, they met Li Zhongqi, a master's graduate from Nanjing Agricultural University and a key member of the project's "small group." He guided the children through the digital processing facility, explaining corn cultivation techniques and modern workflows while sharing his motivation for returning to the countryside. The children listened intently and later hands-on experienced tray seeding, attaching cards to gift boxes, and packaging. The highlight was tasting freshly steamed golden baby corn, whose soft, sweet flavor embodied the taste of spring.
The second stop was the Memorial Hall of the Changshu County People's Anti-Japanese Self-Defense Association. The children met Ding Huiliang, a veteran recognized for his bravery, and other retired soldiers. Dressed in old uniforms, their medals glinted softly in the sunlight. The veterans shared simple, heartfelt stories of their youth—some had fought in battles, others had stepped forward to save lives in times of peace. There were no grand speeches, only humble words: "What needs to be done, someone must do it." The children sat quietly around them, and one whispered, "Grandpa, were you scared?" The veteran smiled and replied, "Yes, but we couldn't retreat." In that moment, the air in the memorial hall seemed to stand still, planting seeds of patriotism and sacrifice in the children's hearts.
From modern agriculture to red history, from fields to revolutionary sites, the day's visits wove together national pride, the spirit of labor, and local identity. The power of role models extended beyond the three-day camp, which also included an opening forum titled "Outstanding People of Dongbang," where silver-haired pioneers, intangible cultural heritage artisans, and public welfare advocates shared decades of dedication. The children took notes and asked bold questions, genuinely realizing that role models were all around them.
On the final day, the children documented their reflections through writing, drawings, and short videos. Some expressed aspirations to follow Uncle Li's example in using knowledge to transform their hometowns; others sketched the veterans sharing stories. Outstanding entries were compiled into a "Seeking Light Handbook," with follow-up visits planned to extend the spring break inspiration into daily life.
From March's farm aid livestreams and spring ploughing to partnering with "Yixue Little Farmers" for labor education and hosting cultural创意 design contests, the Golden Baby Corn project has been deeply rooted in continuous effort. This study camp added a new dimension of role model education to the "full-chain" initiative, pairing corn-themed learning with veteran visits, where the energy of youth intertwined with red legacy. Moving forward, the project will continue to use seasonal festivals as a bridge and volunteerism as a link, promoting Dongbang and its golden baby corn while infusing rural revitalization with youthful vitality.
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