Chinese parents pay thousands for farm camps that leave children in tears

Chinese parents are paying substantial sums to enrol their children in farm camps across the country. These camps force young city dwellers to work in rural settings, performing tasks like harvesting potatoes, caring for livestock, and other forms of agricultural labour. The camps are marketed as experiences that teach children about the value of hard work and money. A 10-day program typically costs over 4,000 yuan (approximately 600 US dollars), while a month-long program can exceed 10,000 yuan.

The camps are primarily located in the southwest of China, in provinces like Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan, where temperatures are milder during the summer months. Daily schedules at these camps replicate the daily routines of farmers, with children working long hours, often to the point of exhaustion. Organizers emphasize that the camps aim to instill a sense of hardship and the true cost of labor in young participants.

Despite the physical demands placed on the children, the camps have garnered mixed reactions. Some parents report that their children initially protested the work but eventually grew to appreciate the experience. Others, however, express concerns about the potential harm these camps may cause to children who are unfamiliar with manual labor. Critics argue that such heavy workloads could lead to physical and emotional harm in children who lack the necessary experience or resilience.

The trend has sparked debate in Chinese society, with supporters claiming that the camps instill valuable life lessons and prevent children from becoming entitled, while detractors warn of the risks involved, particularly for city children who are unfamiliar with the realities of physical work. The story of Chinese parents paying thousands for farm camps that leave children in tears has been reported by the South China Morning Post.