Join us at the 2025 ACA (American Camp Association) National Conference in Dallas for four days of learning and professional development from February 18 to 21. It is a wonderful opportunity to promote new connections with fellow camp professionals through social and issues-based networking.

Conference Location

Hilton Anatole hotel in the heart of Dallas was selected as the conference location for a good reason. It is close to all the city has to offer including beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and exciting entertainment centers. When you’re ready to explore, Hilton Anatole is just minutes’ walk from these fantastic spots. It is also a short drive to Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field Airport.

Hotel Reservations

ACA’s contracted discounted rates will be available up to three days before and after our conference dates, on a first-come, first-served basis through January 22, 2025.

Conference Rates for Standard Rooms:

• Single/Double: $279

• Triple: $299

• Quadruple: $319

You will receive free basic wireless guestroom Internet and access to Verandah Health Club at the ACA’s contracted room rate, without adding the optional Resort Package. The reservation site may offer optional upgrades at additional cost based on availability. If making a reservation via phone, be sure to mention that you will participate in the ACA conference to access the correct room rate.

【小题1】What makes Hilton Anatole the chosen site for the conference?

A．Convenient location.	B．Great popularity.
C．Advanced facilities.	D．Fascinating scenery.

【小题2】What’s the deadline of booking rooms at a contracted discounted price?

A．February 18.

B．February 21.

C．January 22.

D．January 19.

【小题3】What does the ACA’s contracted room rate include?

A．Full-coverage network.	B．VIP membership.
C．Free room upgrades.	D．Access to a fitness club.

HEARING HAS CHANGED

Record number of long-time hearing aid wearers are astonished to find new direct-to-you hearing aids priced between $549 and $629, outperform their “thousands-of-dollars” devices. Delivered directly to you, with no appointments or hearing tests required, they are ready to use right away with the simple press of a button.

“Having trialled four different sets of hearing aids from two audiology centres without complete satisfaction, I ordered two Jaspa 3 hearing aids. I could hardly believe how much more natural sounding the Jaspa aids were in comparison to the very expensive aids I had trialled. It is so small that people around me don’t even notice I’m wearing a hearing aid. I’m now wearing them each day as required and find them very good.” — Aaron

“Received this afternoon. Couldn’t believe the speed of delivery, well done guys. These aids are so simple yet effective. From first trying, I am sitting here with a smile all over my face. The TV is on, and I can actually hear it very clearly. As a user, until now, of the free government supplied hearing aids and of having put up with them for four years there is just no comparison, yours leave them for dead.” — Peter

“My mother was about to spend $5000+ on a hearing aid so I got a Jaspa 3 after reading some reviews. My mother is delighted with the device and we can now have a decent conversation without having to constantly apologise or guessing whether to say yes or no.” —— Zoran

(Read more reviews at www.PocketAid.co.nz)

【小题1】What can we know about the new hearing aids?

A．They are the cheapest ever.	B．They are complicated to operate.
C．They are little and function well.	D．They need to be reserved in advance.

【小题2】Why does Peter like the new hearing aids?

A．Their designs are very fashionable.

B．The government offers them for free.

C．He can see things more clearly with them.

D．They are expressed fast and have good effects.

【小题3】What can we infer from the reviews?

A．The reviewers are part of many consumers.

B．The reviewers are people with hearing loss.

C．The consumers can get bonus from the company.

D．The consumers are asked to advertise the equipment.

2025 Harbin Asian Winter Games Guide
Dates: February 7 – February 14, 2025
Theme: Dream of Winter, Love among Asia
Highlights of the Games
◆ Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Location: Harbin International Exhibition Center Stadium (main venue); Harbin Ice and Snow World (branch venue)

Time: Opening Ceremony (20:00,February 7), Closing Ceremony (20:00, February 14)

Features: A fusion of ice and snow art with technology, showcasing Asian multiculturalism

◆ Core Competition Events

On-ice Events: Short Track Speed Skating & Figure Skating (Heilongjiang Ice Training Center), Ice Hockey (Harbin Ice Hockey Arena)

Snow Events: Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding (Yabuli Ski Resort)

New Events: Ski Mountaineering (Yabuli Ski Resort), Mixed Doubles Curling (Harbin Pingfang District Curling Arena)

◆ Cultural Experience Activities

Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition on Ice and Snow: the exhibition hall of Harbin Asian Winter Games Athletes’ Village

Mascot Interaction: “Binbin” & “Nini” (little amur tiger image) available for photos outside the main stadium

Ticket Purchase and Spectator Policy
◆ Ticket Channels

Online: the official ticketing website https://tickets.harbin2025. com or the official WeChat Ticketing Mini Program (both open at 15:00, February 1, 2025)

Offline: On-Site Ticket Booths (open 2 days before the competition, where all remaining tickets in the inventory will be available to purchasers in parallel with the online sources)

◆ Purchase Limitations

Up to 3 tickets can be purchased for each competition session by one person; the total number of tickets purchased in all sales stages by one person cannot exceed 6. Any registered user can only have one unique account, multiple registration not allowed.

◆ Prohibited Items: Drones, professional photography equipment, liquid beverages
Transportation

There are many high-speed trains between Harbin and Yabuli each day. After arriving, you can take buses to various ski resorts and hotels.

【小题1】In which venue can we watch a newly added competition event?

A．Harbin Ice and Snow World.	B．Harbin Ice Hockey Arena.
C．Heilongjiang Ice Training Center.	D．Yabuli Ski Resort.

【小题2】How can we buy tickets if we want to watch the Figure Skating?

A．Log into https://tickets.harbin2025. com on January 14, 2025.

B．Enter WeChat Ticketing Mini Program on February 2, 2025.

C．Go to one On-Site Ticket Booth anytime we like.

D．Register a second account online to guarantee our purchase.

【小题3】Which of the following is correct according to the guide?

A．The closing ceremony is held at Yabuli Ski Resort.

B．Cultural Heritage Exhibition can be appreciated in competition venues.

C．Professional photography equipment can be brought into ice hockey venues.

D．It’s convenient to travel from Harbin to Yabuli by high-speed train.

International Environmental Volunteer Programs for Teens

Engaging in environmental protection as a teenager can be both meaningful and educational, offering transformative experiences that shape future leaders with eco-awareness. Here are several international volunteer programs designed specifically for youths aged 13-19:

WWF Global Youth Volunteer Program

Organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), this program invites teens to join projects like tree planting, beach cleanups, and wildlife conservation in countries such as Kenya and Indonesia. Participants aged 14-18 can apply for 2-4-week summer sessions, gaining hands-on experience in sustainability.

UNICEF’s Climate Action Warriors

This online-offline hybrid initiative focuses on raising awareness about climate change. Teens aged 15-19 design local campaigns, organize workshops, and share eco-friendly solutions on social media. Flexible schedules make it ideal for students balancing schoolwork.

Greenpeace Youth for the Planet

Teens aged 16-20 cooperate with Greenpeace teams worldwide to tackle issues like plastic pollution. Activities include coastal cleanups, data collection for marine research, and creating environmental art. Short-term projects (1-3 weeks) are available during school breaks.

Roots & Shoots Eco-Leadership

Founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, this program authorizes teens aged 13-18 to lead local projects, such as building community gardens or recycling drives. Annual competitions recognize outstanding contributions, strengthening teamwork and leadership skills

These programs not only benefit the planet but also help teens develop global perspectives and practical skills. Interested applicants should review requirements on official websites 3-6 months before program dates.

【小题1】Which program can a volunteer aged 13 participate in?

A．WWF Global Youth Volunteer Program.

B．UNICEF’s Climate Action Warriors.

C．Greenpeace & Youth for the Planet.

D．Roots & Shoots Eco-Leadership.

【小题2】What can be known about the Greenpeace Youth for the Planet program?

A．It is designed for those with prior research experience.

B．It encourages creative approaches to environmental issues.

C．It is inconvenient to balance schoolwork and volunteer activities.

D．It contributes to gaining competition experience in the summer holiday.

【小题3】What is the primary purpose of all the volunteer programs?

A．To provide recreational activities for teenagers.

B．To prepare teens for academic research in ecology.

C．To promote international travel opportunities for students.

D．To develop teens’ environmental awareness and leadership skills.

Use your camera and words to express your understanding of Confucian thought. With your passion and creativity, connect the past and present, bridge China and the world.

Rules

Who Can Participate: This contest is open to teenagers from around the world and is divided into two categories: domestic and international.
Submission Period: Submissions are open until March 31, 2025.
Title and Language: The title should be self-chosen and language can be either Chinese or English.

Submission Guidelines

Writing: The style is open. Submissions must present a clear and well-defined viewpoint, with a maximum word/character count of 4000 .
Video: Videos can be presented in a variety of formats, with a maximum duration of 5 minutes. The resolution should be at least, and the file size should not exceed in MP4 or MOV format. A description of no more than 200 words should accompany the submission.
Photo: Submissions can include photography or illustration. Each set may include up to 10 images, with each photo not going beyond 5MB in JPG or PNG format. A description of no more than 200 words is required.
Submission: Submit online at contest website or via QR code on the poster.
Point to Note: From the date of enrollment (注册), participants must observe the event’s guidelines. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Prizes and Recognition

Each category will feature four awards: Grand Prize (1), Runners-up (10), Most Innovative Creations (20), and Finalists. Winning works will be showcased and recognized with certificates.

Organizations promoting group participation may be awarded the "Best Organization" title. Outstanding works will be displayed at the 2025 China International Confucius Cultural Festival and featured in the 21st Century Cup series of events, offering global cultural exchange opportunities.

【小题1】Which is a qualified submission?

A．A 3-MB photo in PNG format.	B．A 12-image collection.
C．A 5-minute video in AVI format.	D．A 5000-word writing.

【小题2】What is required for participants?

A．Submit after March 31.

B．Hand in works on site.

C．Follow guidelines from registration.

D．Use both Chinese and English in entries.

【小题3】What is the text?

A．A forum invitation.	B．A competition notice.
C．An academic review.	D．An event promotion.

Best London walking tours

Sandemans New London Tours

Gain an attractive insight into London’s history. Visit the City of London, stopping at St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London; explore East London covering Brick lane, Cockney culture and the criminal underworld; learn about Jack the Ripper; or board on a five-venue pub crawl.

Opening Times: Daily at 11:00 and 14:00

City Visitor Trail

The City Visitor Trail takes you on a journey through the heart of London. Take in famous attractions such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildhall, the Bank of England and the Tower of London or try the themed “side-tracks”, each one moving away from the main path to give a more in-depth look at one part of the city.

Opening Times: Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Check with individual attractions for entry requirements.

Brit Movie Tours

Join a unique movie and TV sightseeing walking tour experience in London and go on location to see incredible sets and fascinating landmarks. Local guides provide fascinating insights into the industry and there are multiple tours available, including Doctor Who, Gangster of London and Harry Potter Tour of London locations.

Opening Times: Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm

Royal Tour of London

Visit three royal palaces as you journey from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. Along the way you will discover plots to destroy Parliament, Churchill’s hidden shelter, very expensive clubs for the rich and famous, and more. And if that’s not enough excitement, listen closely for incredible tales of man-eating pelicans (鹈鹕) and crazy lost tourists. This walking tour is run by Strawberry Tours.

Opening Times: The tour starts at 10 am everyday

【小题1】Which tour is not available for tourists working on weekdays?

A．Royal Tour of London	B．Sandemans New London Tours
C．Brit Movie Tours	D．City Visitor Trail

【小题2】What can bring tourists thrill on the Royal Tour of London?

A．Visiting some film-making locations	B．Listening to some unbelievable legends
C．Participating in making films	D．Sampling good wine

【小题3】Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A travel guide	B．An academic magazine
C．A course brochure	D．A business plan