Welcome to Camp Tasker; Visiting Chinese students enjoy an American summer
By Mike LaBella Staff Writer
Any language barrier that existed between a group of Chinese cultural exchange students and Harverhill children in a summer camp program disappeared when they got together to play games.
Camp Tasker, located on the shores of Country Pond in Newton and run by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Haverhill, became a cultural melting pot this summer when eight students from various provinces in China came here to learn about our culture, share their culture and improve their English language skills.
All but one of the students are here for four weeks, and their adventure is about to come to an end. One of them is staying an additional four weeks.
“Bill and Watson play volleyball and football with me and they are pretty nice guys,” said camper Christopher, who is entering the third grade this fall. “I’ve never been to China.”
Last year was the first time Camp Tasker hosted Chinese cultural exchange students through a short-term enrichment program run by Cultural Homestay International. The students stay with host families in the area and on weekdays are at the summer camp under the tutelage of staff members.