Course provides taste of army life

As you relax and enjoy the bounty of the Lunar New Year, why not plan for something completely different for the Easter holidays?

A five-day course in Guangdong province promises to provide the chance to experience army life and learn about nuclear, chemical and biological weapons - apart from how to make them, of course.

The Bio-Chemical Defence cum Army Training Camp includes in-depth information on the development and use of these weapons, how they inflict harm, and what protective measures are available.

There are also drills conducted by retired People's Liberation Army officers. You can take part in shooting practice, war games, cross-country marches and night sentry duty.

See the surrounding areas of the Daya Bay nuclear plant; tour the Minsk, an aircraft carrier from the former Soviet Union; or take an amphibious vehicle ride - all are part of the programme.

Participants aged between 12 and 18 will spend the first three days in an activity camp in Shenzhen, and the remaining time at Huangpu Military Academy in Guangzhou.

Certificates and assessment reports will be distributed in a post-course seminar so that you will know how the supervisor and your teammates rated you.

You will need to fill out a form about your physical well-being and be interviewed by the organiser, Global Education Development (GED), if you want to participate in the camp.

'All these activities should be suitable for most young people,' said GED executive director Tong Sze-wan. 'But those who are weak may not be able to handle it. We interview applicants to make sure all participants are fit enough for the camp.'

Two courses are available over the Easter period. The first begins on March 24 and the second on March 31. All courses will be conducted in English and Putonghua.

Call Ms Tong or Irene Yip on 2868 1998 for further details.