5月20至24日，10位曹光彪書院戶外領袖冒險計劃學員在書院導師鄭智明博士的帶領下，在寧夏銀川首次展開沙漠徒步的探索之旅。每兩至三位學生輪流擔任每日領隊並領導團隊完成當天各項任務。各隊員過程中有了更深度交流及團隊合作，應對大自然的各種挑戰為本次沙漠之旅帶來獨特的氛圍。
在出發當天，一位牧民贈予天藍色的哈達，祈願團隊隊員平安順利。行進中，經驗豐富的當地領隊講解並教授沙漠中的行走技巧，沙漠中的天氣狀況不穩定，短短幾天大家經歷太陽暴曬、五級沙塵暴、強風與強降雨、晚間的溫度驟降，對學生們的適應力帶來考驗。除了徒步，隊員們還體驗了在沙漠湖泊中划皮划艇、騎駱駝、夜空觀星，也學習沙漠尋找水源與水過濾技術及沙漠植樹技巧。除此之外，大家還重點學習及實踐中國所發明且目前世界最有效的沙漠治沙與控沙技巧 ‘麥草方格’。‘麥草方格’的製作是將曬乾的麥草以方形對半插入沙土中，需以合理數量均匀穩固的插入沙中才算有效，此過程考驗團隊内的溝通及配合。同學們最終製作的麥草方格形成一列，為防風治沙貢獻出小小一份力量。離開沙漠後，同學們進行寧夏化文學習並參觀寧夏博物館瞭解寧夏獨特歷史文明，墻上的岩畫和石刻史書給同學們帶來震撼。最後一日，同學們徒步‘寧夏人的父親山’賀蘭山，賀蘭山具刀劈斧削般冷峻的岩石山體，在酷暑為寧夏人帶來涼意，是寧夏人心中最重要的大山。
本次戶外探索之旅為同學們帶來深刻的寧夏文化體驗，從自然風貌再到語言、服飾、美食及人文熱情，提高學生對少數民族文化瞭解及關注。植樹及麥草方格中增强了學生的自然環境保護意識，使他們明白防風治沙對於全國的重要意義。面臨荒蕪的沙漠及多變的天氣狀況，同學們深刻體會到了行前準備及多層考慮的重要性，鍛煉了學生彈性適應力及規劃統籌能力。戶外領隊的經歷也教會同學們如何在戶外多變的環境中，安全的帶領大家開展不同之戶外活動，這旨在提升大家的應變與領導決策力。導師鄭智明博士為這次旅程的設置使團隊間關係更緊密，在各位同學心裡， 戶外領袖冒險計劃團隊各成員都有不同的特質，但卻帶著相同的MTW精神，敏銳別人所需，適時伸出援手，在這次曹光彪書院戶外領袖冒險計劃2025寧夏文化與騰格里沙漠探索之旅後讓大家更凝聚，夥伴好友同行共學，各自從大家身上學習及增進彼此連結與友誼。
From May 20 to 24, 10 students from CKPC Me to We Leadership Adventure Program (Me to We) embarked on their first desert trekking expedition in Yinchuan, Ningxia, under the guidance of RF Dr. Cheang Chi Meng. Each day, two or three students took turns leading the group and completing assigned tasks. Throughout the journey, the Me to We members deepened their communication and teamwork while overcoming nature’s challenges, making this desert adventure a uniquely rewarding experience.
On the day of departure, a local herder presented a sky blue Khata to the team members, praying for their safety. During the journey, experienced local leaders explain and teach trekking techniques in the desert. The weather conditions in the desert were unstable, and the team members experienced exposure to sun exposure, a level 5 sandstorm, strong winds and heavy rainfall in just few days. The sudden drop in temperature at night also tested the students’ adaptability. In addition to hiking, the team members also experienced kayaking in desert lakes, riding camels, stargazing in the night sky, learning desert water source search and filtration techniques, and desert tree planting techniques. In addition, every student learned and practiced the ‘Straw Checkerboard Barriers’ technique, which was invented in China and is currently the most effective method of desertification control and sand fixation in the world. The production of ‘ Straw Checkerboard Barriers ‘ involves inserting dried straw in squares into sand. Straw must be inserted into the sand in a suitable quantity, evenly and securely, to be effective. This process tests communication and cooperation within the team. The straw squares finally made by the students formed a barry, contributing a small amount of strength to sand control and fixation. After leaving the desert, the students visited the Ningxia Museum to learn about the unique historical civilization of Ningxia. The rock paintings and stone historical books on the walls impressed the students. On the last day, students climbed Helan Mountain, known as the ‘Father Mountain of Ningxia People’. Helan Mountain has rocky terrain bringing coolness to Ningxia people in the scorching heat. It is the most important mountain in the hearts of Ningxia people.
This adventure brings students a profound experience of Ningxia culture, from natural scenery to language, clothing, cuisine, and local people, enhancing students’ understanding and attention to minority cultures. Planting trees and making straw squares have enhanced students’ awareness of natural environmental protection, making them understand the importance of wind and sand prevention for the whole country. Faced with barren deserts and changing weather conditions, students deeply realized the importance of pre departure preparation and multi-level consideration, which enhanced their flexibility, adaptability, and planning and coordination abilities. The experience of outdoor leadership has also taught students how to safely lead others in various outdoor activities in the ever-changing outdoor environment. Taking turns as leaders aims to enhance everyone’s ability to respond to changing situations and make leadership decisions. In the hearts of all the students, each member of the CKPC MTW team has unique qualities, but they all share the same MTW spirit—being attuned to others’ needs and offering support when needed. After this CKPC MTW 2025 Ningxia Culture and Tengger Desert Exploration Tour, everyone became more cohesive. Students travelled together and learned from each other, strengthening their connections and friendships.
