How ‘Heepwah’ Bridged Cultures: My Journey Teaching in China and the Lasting Impact of Camp Ondessonk
By William “Bill” Gain
A long while back (7-10 years ago), I submitted a story to this page about my teaching in China (2013-2022) and my summer and winter breaks teaching at camps. I introduced the word “Heepwah” at all the camps I participated in. I would sporadically yell out, “Camp! Heepwah!” to illicit a response. At the beginning of the camp, only my campers would respond. As the days and weeks progressed, more and more of the campers would respond. During meals, events, walking to and fro, you could hear me make the call out. My Chinese directors and fellow teachers would always give me that eye of somewhat disapproval, but I did not care. It made camp real for me. And, eventually, the Chinese just accepted it.
Much like at Camp Ondessonk, where you might have the campers for a few weeks, the same held true for me at my Chinese camps. You wonder what kind of impact you might have had on them. The great thing about being a teacher or a camp counselor is that we get surprised from time to time of a student/camper remembering us and what we taught them. With thousands upon thousands of students and campers I had the privilege of knowing, there are always these surprises.
A few weeks ago, I got an email from one of my first campers back in 2014. The email opened with “Heepwah.” This boy I had at camp was named “telephone,” so how could I not remember him? He has since grown up into a handsome young man, graduated university, and is now working in an investment company in Hong Kong. He is looking to spend a family-oriented Chinese holiday to come visit me in Chiang Mai, Thailand where I am living currently.
The word “Heepwah” has much power to those who have been blessed by the word. It transcends many obstacles and boundaries, including the expanse of oceans. More than that, the power of the word “Heepwah” has the power to connect people and bind them for life. I’d like to think that my introduction of “Heepwah” to my former campers will spring into their consciousness from time to time and a flood of youthful memories invade their hearts and minds. For one young boy and one fairly inexperienced teacher, that connection was rekindled. Heepwah and many of God’s blessings be provided to all those who have served Camp Ondessonk. Thanks for reading.
Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’s Mission and History.