Day 1 -- Leadership

Group 1 Eva Cheung 3S (5)

It was the first day of our Canada trip. We had a campus tour and a nature walk. We were fascinated by the vast area of land planted with all sorts of trees. We also spotted some wild rabbits. At night, we played different games with our counsellors and got the chance to play with sparklers which are so beautiful. After this eventful day, all of us know more about each other and get to know more about leadership.  We look forward to the upcoming events in these two weeks.

Group 2 Gigi Cheng 3S (2)

With the complexity and symbolic meanings embedded in the carvings, totem poles are part of the Canadian culture worthy to be admired and treasured. Therefore, we were really excited that we could design our very own totem pole, with each of us choosing an animal that represents the qualities we possess. This helped us to discover our personalities and talents and gradually develop our leadership skills. Moreover, the counselors took us on a relaxing nature walk which deeply impressed us as living in Hong Kong, we are always surrounded by numerous high-rise buildings and there are little chances for us to get close to nature. It was such a memorable experience!

Group 3 Janice Hung 3T(18)

The most impressive part of today’s program was the nature walk. We went for a 30-minute walk around the campus which is filled with trees and a huge variety of plants. At first, we thought that the journey would be exhausting due to the uneven landscape and tremendous heat. To our surprise, everything was great, especially the breathtaking scenery. We were stunned because we don’t often have the chance to get close to nature. Through this activity, we discovered the beauty of the nature and the importance of protecting our environment. In so doing, we do not only enhance environmental sustainability but also allow our next generation to relish the magnificent scenery of the nature.

Group 4 Gabriel Lee 3T (26)

It was the official first day of our leadership course. It was packed with a lot of activities. The most impressive ones were the Nature Walk and the Campfire. We had a walk in the forest where the path was quite narrow and steep, and I had no idea where we were going to but the guides kept encouraging us and led us to explore the trail. This reminded me that all of us has the responsibility to look out for each other as well as the potential of taking up a leadership role in daily situations. We had great fun in the evening as we played a variety of campfire games together. All these precious memories reminded me of the importance of promoting harmony and cooperation among companions.

Group 5 Hayman Leung 3P (13)

Our first day in Canada was fun, exciting and rewarding. We started off our day with a game called Icebreaker, which through I familiarised myself with my group members and the counsellors of the tour.

After the game, there was a lesson on leadership. As the lesson progressed, I began to realise the importance of leadership. Leadership is not innate in us but rather, it is a quality developed gradually. Leadership is bringing about a positive influence to others.

The last highlight of the day was having fun with sparklers and glow sticks at night. It was definitely a rare and unforgettable experience. The scene of lights gleaming against the dark was truly impeccable.

Group 6 Ella Lau 3U (18)

On our first full day in Canada, the most memorable event to our group was the nature walk. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, Canada is a place brimming with opportunities for people to be in contact with nature.

The lessons about leadership aided us in understanding what leadership truly is. Through the lessons and activities such as the making of a totem pole, we explored more about ourselves and our inner qualities. We took a lot of pictures with sparklers and glow sticks after playing games with each other, which allowed us to form a bond with classmates we are not familiar with. It was quite a tiresome day on the whole, but a day to remember.

Group 7 Ariel So 3S (27)

It was the first day we spent in Brescia. There was an opening ceremony in the morning followed by a lesson on leadership. I have known more about leadership and become more familiar with those in my home group. Then, we had a tour around the campus of Brescia and I thought the environment was rather relaxing. The experience of strolling in the woods, filling our lungs with fresh air was extraordinary, as we seldom go to the countryside in Hong Kong. We are looking forward to the events ahead!

Group 8 Rachel Lee 3L (6)

The diversity of activities on the first day of Girls Lead was incredible. Not only did we learn about leadership and tour around the campus, but we also had a relaxing nature walk in the nearby forest and played lawn games.

We also had the opportunity to get to know our counsellors, who assist us when necessary. Participating in group activities and games with them strengthens the mutual bond between us, and we enjoyed our time with them immensely.

The highlight of the day to us was indubitably the lighting of sparkles in the evening - with this being our first experience of lighting sparkles, having the chance to experience it with our friends had made the event all the more memorable. Overall, it was a great start to our 2 week tour in Brescia, and we cannot wait to see what’s next!