NORMAL - The world's focus turns to China next month, but some Twin City children have taken an early peak at the country hosting this summer's Olympic Games. The summer camp at Unity Community Center, 632 Orlando Ave., is focusing on Asia. In addition to China, children will learn about symbols, history, games and crafts of Vietnam, India, Korea and Japan. | Olympics matter to Doug Collins' family | BHS graduate Wurth-Thomas headed to Olympics

The camp gives 24 students ages 5-12 a chance to get an in-depth look at other cultures. "We want students to be more culturally aware," said Tabitha Major, the center's site coordinator. Unity is funded by the University of Illinois Extension and Town of Normal. African and Hispanic cultures were studied in previous years.

In a community like the Twin Cities, whose residents represent a variety of cultures, it's good for children to have a broader understanding of the world and its people. The lessons will help them relate to people they meet, she said.

Tre'anna Williams, 10, of Normal, has attended Unity since she was 5. She said part of the fun comes from learning new things. "Learning about different games" was one of her favorite parts of the current camp.

"They are a bundle of energy," said Stacey Rosenbaum, an Illinois State University intern who researched and taught craft-making. "They are so happy …"

As she taught the ancient art of origami, Rosenbaum told the children the paper-folding technique started in China but was made "famous" in Japan.

Students transformed colored paper into origami cups and leaping frogs. "I've got a cup," said DeHarra Jones, 8, of Normal, as she proudly held her creation.

Skye Collier, 11, of Normal, is a "table leader" who helped others in her group including DeHarra and was pleased with their accomplishments. "It's awesome to be a leader," she said.

Other students 13 to 17 years old, aren't considered campers, but leaders in training gaining further leadership skills helping the younger children.

Each camp-goer gets a passport to record the countries they "visit." The booklet includes the child's name, a self-portrait, and lots of room to write about the countries.

For their section on China, the youngsters wrote symbols. The markings came up when they played a blindfold game outdoors with chalk markings on the ground. Several quickly recognized and identified the symbols.

Unity was founded in 2003 to provide activities for children 5 to 18 who otherwise might not have the opportunity to take part.

The five-week summer camp, which costs $25 per person and includes lunch, runs until July 31. The current program is full but spaces are available for the fall after-school program.

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Test your knowledge

As part of the Asian-themed camp at Unity Community Center, children learned some facts about the Great Wall of China.

1. Who called the Great Wall, the "Long Wall," and why?

2. Where do most tourists visit the Great Wall today?

3. How long did it take to build?

4. How many people built it?

5. Why was the Great Wall built?

Answers

1. The Chinese; the Great Wall is 4,785 miles long.

2. Near Beijing, the capital city. Beijing is the main site for this summer's Olympic Games.

3. Several dynasties, or more than 2,000 years.

4. About 3 million.

5. To defend the country from barbarians.

SOURCE: University of Illinois Extension