Support Gong Fu Panda Camp at UT Dallas

Gong Fu Panda (GFP) seeks donations to establish a scholarship for the GFP Chinese language and cultural program! With your support, we aim to support children whose parents are UTD students or who belong to in-need families. A scholarship will provide them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese language and culture, building stronger friendship and enhance their leadership skills.

Your generous contributions to the GFP scholarship fund will help cover the costs for these children to attend camp, ensuring they have access to enriching educational experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. We believe that learning about different cultures and languages is a vital part of a well-rounded education, and with your support, we can make this opportunity available to more children in our community.

Testimonials

Camp Experience

• “My daughter is 11, turning 12 soon. She started camp last year but could only attend the last week of the three-week program. She loved it!”
• “This year, when I showed her the list of summer camps, she said, ‘I definitely want to do this camp again, and I want to do all three weeks!’”
• “After her first week last year, she came home and told me she wanted to prioritize this camp. She was so excited to sign up again.”
• “What sold her on the camp was the combination of learning Chinese and the artistic activities like painting and calligraphy. That’s why she wanted to do the full three weeks this year.”

Artistic Aspects of the Camp

• “What she loves most about the camp is the artistic aspect. She does calligraphy, painting and dance throughout the day.”
• “My daughter is very into art, and this camp gives her a way to express herself and enjoy her passion.”
• “The quality of the art she’s bringing home is impressive, from calligraphy to writing. It’s amazing to see her growth.”

Language Learning

• “She’s really into languages and uses a language app on her phone a lot. At camp, she’s enjoyed learning Chinese and trying it out on us — it’s fun!”
• “When she first heard about the camp, she was excited because she’d just started using a language app and wanted to learn Chinese.”

Parent Impressions and Outcomes

• “I showed my daughter’s calligraphy and a poem she wrote at camp to a coworker with a Chinese background. She said, ‘This is excellent writing!’”
• “My daughter brought home a poem from the first week and explained what it was about. She was so proud, and it was amazing to see her connect with it.”
• “The camp weaves art and culture together in such a unique way. It’s not just about learning — it’s about creativity and expression.”

About Camp

Gong Fu Panda Chinese Language and Cultural Camp focuses on Chinese language and culture immersion, as well as friendship and leadership building.

In Chinese, Gong Fu (功夫) doesn’t only mean Kung Fu, it also means SKILLS and TALENTS.

This three-week camp for children ages 5-15 not only builds Chinese language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing, but also develops specific talents in: kung fu, calligraphy, ink and water painting, tai chi fan, folk dances, Chinese crafts and jumping ropes.

Daily immersion language classes that include reading Chinese classics such as Three Character Classic and Tang Poems, telling stories, singing songs and tongue twisters enable campers to master the language quickly. Inspiring and hands-on classes bring authentic cultural experiences and enable participants to develop talents while having fun!

Learn more and register your child to attend here: https://asianstudies.utdallas.edu/camp/

About Center for Asian Studies (CAS)

The Center for Asian Studies was founded in 2019 by The University of Texas at Dallas. Its purpose is to promote knowledge of and engagement with the diverse cultures of Asia and Asian America. The center’s mission includes:

• Sponsoring education, research and public outreach programs.
• Serving as a catalyst for collaboration across disciplines, areas of study, academic approaches and modes of creative practice.
• Increasing the resources and opportunities for faculty members and students engaged in Asian Studies.

Learn more about CAS and it’s programs here: https://asianstudies.utdallas.edu/

Get more involved

GFP is also seeking nominations and volunteers for a to-be-created scholarship committee. Please reach out to sharon.gou@utdallas.edu.

Suggested Members:

• Faculty Members: Professors or instructors from the Chinese language and cultural studies department.
• Community Leaders: Individuals who are actively involved in community service and have a strong understanding of the needs of disadvantaged families.
• School Administrators: Principals or counselors from local high schools who can provide insights into students’ academic and extracurricular activities.
• Parents of UTD Students: Representatives who can offer perspectives on the needs and challenges faced by UTD student families.
• Previous Scholarship Recipients: Alumni who have benefited from similar programs and can share their experiences and insights.

Thank you for considering a donation to the GFP scholarship fund. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of these children.