What a year it’s been! As we look back on 2024, it’s hard not to feel amazed at everything we’ve accomplished together. This year was all about growth, new opportunities, and making an even bigger impact on the students we work with.
The Numbers Say It All
This year, we ran 110 programs for 5,200 students—our busiest and most exciting year yet! Each program was unique, but they all had one thing in common: hands-on learning and unforgettable experiences.
New Places, New Adventures
We were thrilled to add several new locations to our roster this year, giving students even more chances to explore, learn, and grow:
- Dujiangyan, Sichuan: Where students got up close with panda conservation and environmental education.
- Shanxi (Yuncheng): Outdoor education and cultural learning, off-the-beaten-path
- Ningxia: Blending desert adventures with cultural exploration.
- Jingdezhen, Jiangxi: Hands-on creativity in the porcelain capital of China.
- Tongren, Guizhou: Combining the beauty of nature with fun outdoor adventures.
- Shandong (Taishan): Exploring Confucian traditions and the majestic Mount Taishan.
Each new program brought fresh challenges and opportunities, and it was exciting to see students dive in and make the most of these experiences.
Stepping Up Our Game
We also took big steps to raise the bar this year. First, we welcomed new managers to the Keystone team. Their fresh perspectives and energy have already made a difference, helping us deliver an even higher level of service to our clients.
We also revamped our semi-annual staff training program, extending it to a full week. This gave us more time to dive into important topics like facilitation and reflection, safety protocols, and mastering how to lead specific activities. It’s all part of making sure our programs are not just fun, but also safe and impactful.
Connecting the Dots
One of the things we’re most proud of this year is how much progress we made in tying our programs to school curricula. By working closely with educators, we’ve been able to create experiences that don’t just complement classroom learning but take it to a whole new level. It’s been inspiring to see students making connections between what they’re learning in the classroom and what they’re experiencing in the field.
We’re also always on the lookout for new and meaningful ways to give back to the communities and environments we work in. This year, our service activities expanded to include home renovations for families in need, tree planting to combat deforestation, trail-building to improve access to natural spaces, and wetlands conservation projects to protect fragile ecosystems. These activities not only make a tangible difference but also give students the chance to engage with real-world challenges and see the impact of their efforts firsthand.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As we wrap up 2024, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who made this year possible. To our incredible team—your passion and dedication never fail to inspire. And to all the schools and students who joined us this year—thank you for trusting us to be part of your learning journey.
Here’s to an even bigger, better, and more adventurous 2025. We can’t wait to see what’s next!