Skip To Main Content

Middle Years Programme Outdoor Camps and Expeditions

Middle Years Programme Outdoor Camps and Expeditions
Robert (Rob) Carmichael, UWC Thailand Director of Outdoor Experiential Education

The annual Middle Years Programme (MYP) camp and expedition programmes are designed to provide students with a unique and enriching experience beyond the classroom. These expeditions are carefully planned to offer opportunities for all students to learn new skills, challenge themselves, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. From exploring Khao Sok National Park to sailing around the Andaman Sea, each expedition was tailored to the grade level and offered unique opportunities for learning and growth. Read more about each trip below.

Grade 6 Expedition - Khao Sok Jungle Adventure

The Grade 6 students had an unforgettable experience during their stay at the stunning "Our Jungle Camp" in Khao Sok National Park. The students slept in basic cabins, offering a rustic and authentic experience in the heart of nature.
Throughout their stay, the students participated in a range of outdoor activities that allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty. Highlights included hiking through the lush jungle, where they admired the stunning scenery and observed the abundant wildlife surrounding them.
Additionally, the students learned valuable jungle survival skills, enjoyed swimming in the cool waters of the river, and kayaked along the meandering waterways.
Overall, the Grade 6 students had an incredible time at Our Jungle Camp, developing a deeper connection to nature and an appreciation for the world around them. The trip offered a valuable opportunity for students to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and build lasting memories and friendships.

[See more photos here.]

Grade 7 Expedition - Koh Lon Island Life

The Grade 7 students had an exciting and enriching experience camping on Koh Lon Island, just off the south of Phuket. The camp was facilitated by Java Sailing, a provider with extensive experience in sailing.
The students spent several days learning the essential skills needed to both helm and crew a small dinghy. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, they gained confidence and proficiency in handling the boats, enhancing their teamwork and communication skills.
After several days of training, the students participated in a regatta, putting their newfound skills into practice as they navigated the open waters. This was a thrilling and rewarding experience as they worked together to overcome challenges and raced against their peers.
Throughout the camp, the students also explored the island’s natural beauty and engaged in fun activities such as swimming and beach games.
Overall, the Grade 7 students had a fantastic time at the sailing camp, developing valuable skills and creating cherished memories. The camp provided a unique opportunity for the students to step out of their comfort zones and gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and power of the sea.

[See more photos here.]

Grade 8 Expedition - Climbing Spirit Mountain

The Grade 8 students had an unforgettable experience at Nature Mind:ED, located at Spirit Mountain in Krabi. The camp offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and explore the stunning landscapes of the region.
The students participated in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, coral restoration, swimming, mountain biking, and kayaking. However, the main focus of the camp was climbing, building on the outdoor education unit they had completed earlier in the year. The students developed their skills and techniques in a safe and supportive environment and challenged themselves with new and exciting climbing routes.
In addition to physical activities, students learned about the importance of eco-friendly practices and the environmental impact of modern life. They engaged in discussions and activities that helped them understand the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world.
Throughout the camp, the students worked together as a team, supporting and encouraging each other in their endeavours. They built lasting friendships and created cherished memories as they pushed beyond their limits and discovered new depths of strength and resilience.
The setting of the camp, nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of Spirit Mountain, added to the overall experience, deepening the students' appreciation for the natural world.
Grade 8 students had an enriching and transformative experience, developing skills, building friendships, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime.

[See more photos here.]

Grade 9 Expedition - Phuket Coastal Kayak

The Grade 9 students had an incredible 9-day camping experience, where they worked together in teams to navigate a significant portion of Phuket's coastline. The journey was designed to have the students paddle a distance cumulatively from Boat Lagoon to South Kamala Beach, covering approximately 90 km with various stops along the way. The students crafted their own paddles during their Technology and Design class, adding another dimension to the trip.
This journey was the culmination of preparation from the past semester, where students trained in camping, kayaking, and leadership skills in their Experiential Learning class. They were able to put these skills to the test on this incredible expedition.
Throughout the journey, Grade 9 students further developed their personal responsibility skills.
Through this experience, they learned to take ownership of their actions, make responsible choices, and be accountable for their decisions. They also adhered to safety guidelines, respected their peers, and worked collaboratively as a team. By practising personal responsibility, the students developed important life skills that will serve them well beyond their expedition. Furthermore, this experience helped create a positive and supportive environment where everyone felt valued and respected.

 

Grade 10 Expedition - Phuket and Phang Nga Sailing

During their 10-day camp, the Grade 10 students had an unforgettable experience developing their sailing and maritime skills. The camp aimed to help the students successfully complete a 5-day sailing expedition on 25-foot keelboats called Platus, with five students per boat.
In preparation for the journey, the students spent several days training at the PlayYard to learn the necessary sailing techniques and safety procedures.
Overall, the experience was enriching for the Grade 10 students, allowing them to develop both their sailing skills and ability to work as a team.
The expedition began in the north of the island, and the students sailed to Lawa Island National Park and then onto Koh Lon Island. Along the way, they encountered various obstacles but worked together efficiently to overcome them. The students had the opportunity to put their sailing knowledge into practice while enjoying the stunning scenery of the surrounding islands.
The students relished the experience of roughing it in the great outdoors, helping them appreciate the natural beauty of their surroundings. The experience was truly epic, and the students returned home with a newfound appreciation for sailing and life in the outdoors.

[See more photos here.]

GO BACK     HOME