Military Summer Camp for Hong Kong Youth Concludes; Chief Executive Urges Students to Be Patriotic "Guardians"

2026-08-17 13:18 Last Updated At：23:04

The “2026 Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and Hong Kong Tertiary Military Training Camp” held its closing ceremony on August 16 at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison’s San Wai Barracks. Around 500 students from over 190 secondary schools and tertiary institutions across Hong Kong completed 14 days of training. Chief Executive John Lee encouraged the students to uphold their beliefs, cultivate their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, diligently hone their skills, face challenges head-on, and be courageous in taking responsibility and putting their learning into practice, becoming steadfast guardians who embody patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong, and contributing their youthful strength to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Around 500 students from over 190 secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Hong Kong held a closing ceremony at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison’s San Wai Barracks, reviewing and summarising their 14-day training and learning experience and showcasing the spirited demeanour of Hong Kong’s youth. During the 14-day training, the students were organised into different squads and platoons, following the organisational structure of the PLA, for military training, thematic lectures, visits and study tours, and cultural and sports activities. At the closing ceremony, the students took part in Chinese military-style call-and-response singing exchanges, a flag-raising ceremony, and demonstrations of various military subjects.

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The closing ceremony of the 19th Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and the 13th Hong Kong Tertiary Military Training Camp was held on August 16. Photo by Bastille Post

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The closing ceremony of the 19th Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and the 13th Hong Kong Tertiary Military Training Camp was held on August 16. Photo by Bastille Post

Chief Executive John Lee said that military life experience not only cultivates discipline and a sense of responsibility among the students, but also forges a tenacious and unyielding spirit through strict discipline and teamwork. These Hong Kong students learn military knowledge, strengthen their physical fitness, and personally experience soldiers’ loyalty and dedication to the country, deepening their patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong as well as their sense of belonging to the country.

He also noted that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to patriotic education, having organised a series of activities since July this year to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. The 105th anniversary of the Party’s founding has also been incorporated into the planning for national education activities for the academic year, enhancing students’ national sentiment and building their national confidence.

John Lee expressed three expectations for the students. First, uphold their beliefs and cultivate their affection for and sense of belonging to the country, always keeping the interests of the country and Hong Kong in mind, and being steadfast guardians who embody patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong. Second, diligently hone their skills and dare to face challenges, continuously improving their knowledge and abilities to meet various challenges and become pillars of society. Finally, be courageous in taking responsibility and actively put their learning into practice, contributing their youthful strength to Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability and to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

The Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and the Hong Kong University Students Military Life Experience Camp were first launched in 2005 and 2011 respectively. Through military training, students have deepened their understanding of the nation’s conditions and national defence knowledge, enhanced their understanding of the basic situation and fine traditions of the PLA, and further cultivated their affection for and sense of belonging to the country.

From Boys to Young Men: Parents Applaud Teens’ Transformation After Military Summer Camp for Hong Kong Youth

The "2026 Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp and Hong Kong Tertiary Military Training Camp" concluded on August 16, with approximately 500 students from over 190 secondary schools and tertiary institutions in Hong Kong holding a closing ceremony at the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison's San Wai Barracks.

Wong, aged 12, said he learned a great deal during the military camp training, including folding quilts into neat "tofu-like blocks", marching drills, standing at attention, and proper sitting posture. "Although it was hot these past few days, I overcame it with willpower. I had to sit up straight and not wipe my sweat so the ceremony could proceed smoothly." The training was tough, but he gradually adapted. Even without a mobile phone, there was still plenty to do, such as writing reflections. "The soldiers were also very kind to us; sometimes they played with us."

Mrs Wong was very pleased with her son's transformation. "He's like a grown-up now, very sensible." She explained that her son had an interest in military matters, and she wanted to cultivate his willpower and reduce his mobile phone use, which is why she sent him to the camp. "In his letter home, he mentioned military camp life and said he wanted to become someone who enjoys sports when he returned. I'm very moved."

Lee said that although it was tough, he was able to overcome it and felt happy because he made many friends. When asked whether he was accustomed to the food, clothing and accommodation, he smiled and said the food in the military canteen was delicious. "The food in the canteen is made with generous ingredients and tastes great."

Mrs Lee said her son's goal is to join the Disciplined Services, and this military camp experience has been a valuable lesson. What surprised her most was that her son, who used to speak slowly, now speaks more clearly and logically, with significantly improved fluency. "It's truly a 'wow' moment! The ten-plus days felt too short; it should be a month."

Lewis Wong, a participant in the 19th Hong Kong Youth Military Summer Camp, is attending the military camp for the second time. As he loves military life, he wanted to experience it again. Lewis served as the flag raiser this time, saying he mainly wanted to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself. He believes the most practical skill he learned in the military was first aid. "In daily life, if I see a passerby feeling unwell, I can offer help."

He recalled an incident during a lunch break when the air conditioning was too cold and he forgot to cover himself with a quilt. His squad leader thoughtfully gave him his own quilt, which left a deep impression. "The military is the people‘s army, with its roots in the people."

Wilson Hui, a participant in the 13th Hong Kong Tertiary Military Training Camp, said that everything in the camp requires hands-on effort, but going from "getting it done" to "doing it well" requires dedication. Therefore, he constantly reminds himself to do everything with care.

Wilson said the most important thing he learned in the camp was how to lead a team, one aspect of which is establishing clear standards. Using standing at attention as an example, he explained, "Your head should be slightly raised, shoulders pulled back, hands relaxed and then pressed firmly against your thighs, chest out, abdomen in, and legs together. These standards are what allow you to hone yourself and quickly achieve your goals."

Wilson, a student majoring in psychology and mental health, also found his skills useful in the camp. Due to the harsh training environment, many students felt tired, and Wilson used what he had learned to talk them through it. "I understand why they came here. If they have negative thoughts or want to give up, I counsel them. We support each other and make progress together."

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Military Summer Camp for Hong Kong Youth Concludes; Chief Executive Urges Students to Be Patriotic "Guardians"