Welcome to the enchanting town of Hoi An, Vietnam, where our “From Up to the Forest, Down to the Sea” camp awaits you! Over the next four days, you will embark on an unforgettable journey that blends cultural immersion with environmental exploration. This unique experience is designed to deepen your appreciation for the rich heritage and natural beauty of Vietnam.From the historical streets of Hoi An Ancient Town to the verdant peaks of the Marble Mountains, and the serene waters of An Bang Beach, each day offers a new adventure. Engage with the local community, learn about sustainable practices, and participate in conservation efforts that make a real difference.Whether you’re navigating the forested landscapes, savoring the flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, or soaking up the coastal ambiance, this camp is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and culture in profound and meaningful ways. Prepare yourself for a journey of discovery, learning, and personal growth in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque settings. Let’s make memories that will last a lifetime, as we go from the forest peaks to the sea shores, together!

OPEN FOR: 7 – 18 years old, maximum per group of 40 pax.

DEPARTURE DATE: Monday, July 29, 2024

OBJECTS

Historical and Cultural Analysis: Learning to appreciate and analyze the historical and cultural significance of traditional practices and heritage sites.

Environmental Conservation: Understanding the importance of ecosystems, biodiversity, and conservation efforts, alongside practical skills in maintaining and protecting natural habitats.

Community Engagement: Developing skills in community interaction and cultural exchange, fostering respect and empathy for diverse lifestyles and traditions.

Sustainable Practices: Gaining hands-on experience with sustainable agriculture and eco-friendly practices that can be applied in everyday life to promote environmental sustainability.

Practical Crafts: Engaging in traditional crafting, providing a hands-on approach to understanding and preserving cultural crafts.

Scientific Observation: Learning to observe and document flora and fauna in different environments, enhancing research skills and environmental awareness.

Teamwork and Leadership: Participating in group activities that build teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a multicultural setting.

Mindfulness and Reflection: Practicing mindfulness and reflective thinking to deepen personal growth and understanding of one’s impact on the environment and community.

DAILY SCHEDULE

• 6:00 Wake up, morning exercise

• 7:00 Have a breakfast, get ready

• 8:00 Sun circle

Prepare a positive mindset and energy for a new day by taking part in activities of gathering in a circle.

• 8:30 – 11:00 Learning and experience (Morning Activity)

• 11:00 Caring time

Self-care services and space care activities such as: prepare lunch table, clean accomodations,…

• 11:30 Have a lunch

• 12:15 Have a break or take a nap

• 13:30 Warm-up/ Have a snack

• 14:00 – 16:15 Learning and experience (Afternoon Activity)

• 16:15 Caring time

Students work together to clean and decorate common spaces at summer camp

• 16:30 Afternoon will – sports activities

Students optionally choose: football, rope jumping, folk games, etc.

• 17:15 Personal hygiene

• 18:00 Dinner, rest

• 19:00 Team connection activities

*Parents call students every other day

• 20:00 Moon circle

Circle activity at the end of the day: acknowledging experiences and taking care of emotions

• 20:30 Personal hygiene

• 21:00 Turn off the power and go to sleep

DAY 01: ANCIENT ECHOES 

LOCATION: Tay Giang – Dinh Que Peak

Activity 1: Forest Exploration and Hiking at Dinh Que Peak

Start the camp with a guided hike through the dense forest trails leading to Dinh Que Peak. This activity can focus on the rich biodiversity of the region, offering participants a chance to learn about local flora and fauna, with stops for bird watching and perhaps even some basic survival skill lessons. Include a session on the importance of conservation and the ecosystem’s role.

Activity 2: Cultural Workshop with Local Tribes

After descending from the hike, transition to a cultural workshop around midday with one of the local tribes. This can include an interactive session where participants learn about traditional crafts or participate in a cooking demonstration to make a local dish. This activity would also be a good opportunity for the tribe to share stories about their history and customs.

Activity 3: Nature Conservation Activity

Conclude the day with a hands-on conservation activity that could involve planting native trees or a ‘leave no trace’ workshop highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats. This not only educates the campers but also gives them an active role in environmental stewardship.

DAY 02: MOUNTAIN MYSTERIES

LOCATION:  Trekking Pomu Forest – Lang Cong Dong

Activity 1: Guided Trekking Adventure in Pomu Forest

Start the day with a guided trek through the lush Pomu Forest. This adventure can focus on the unique ecosystem and the ancient Pomu trees that dominate this landscape. Educate the campers on the ecological importance of these trees and the conservation efforts in place to protect them. Incorporate a wildlife spotting challenge, where campers can look for and identify various bird species and other wildlife native to the area.

Activity 2: Forest Canopy Observation

Set up a canopy walk or use an existing one if available. This activity allows campers to experience the forest from a different perspective, exploring the upper level of the forest canopy. It’s an excellent opportunity for discussing biodiversity at different forest layers and observing life forms that thrive above the forest floor.

Activity 3: Cultural Interaction and Folklore Evening

Conclude the day with an interaction session with the local community of Lang Cong Dong. This can include a visit to the village where campers can learn about the local way of life, traditional farming techniques, and cultural practices. End the day with a campfire storytelling session, where local elders share folklore and stories about the forest and its significance to their culture.

DAY 03: CAPTURE THE JOURNEY

LOCATION:  Tay Giang – Dong Giang – Tam Thanh Beach

Activity 1: Scenic Drive and Photo Hunt

Begin the day with a scenic drive from Tay Giang to Dong Giang. Provide campers with a list of photo hunt items to capture along the way, such as specific types of landscapes, local wildlife, or cultural landmarks. This activity encourages observation and engagement with the surroundings while capturing memories.

Activity 2: Visit to a Local Tea Plantation in Dong Giang

At the tea plantation, offer a comprehensive tour where campers can learn about tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing. This can include a walk through the tea fields, an explanation of different tea varieties, and a demonstration of traditional tea processing techniques. Conclude with a tea tasting session where participants can savor different types of freshly brewed tea, learning about flavor notes and brewing methods.

Activity 3: Beachside Cooking Challenge

Organize a beachside cooking competition where campers are divided into teams to prepare dishes using local seafood and produce. Provide each team with basic cooking equipment like portable stoves, pans, and utensils, along with a selection of ingredients common to the local cuisine.

DAY 04: SEASIDE RHYTHMS

LOCATION: Tam Thanh Beach – Hoi An

Activity 1: Morning Yoga and Meditation on Tam Thanh Beach 

Start the day with a relaxing yoga and meditation session on the beach. This provides a peaceful moment for campers to absorb the tranquility of the oceanfront setting, fostering mindfulness and connection with nature before the busier itinerary begins. A local yoga instructor can guide the session, focusing on poses and practices that enhance relaxation and reflection.

Activity 2: Beach Games and Sandcastle Competition at Tam Thanh

Start the morning with some fun beach games tailored for kids, such as tug-of-war, frisbee, or a scavenger hunt along the shore. Follow this up with a sandcastle building competition, where kids can get creative with their designs, encouraging teamwork and creativity.

Activity 3: Lantern-Lit Boat Ride on the Thu Bon River

As evening sets in, organize a lantern-lit boat ride on the Thu Bon River. Each child can light a small lantern and set it afloat on the river, a practice reminiscent of the local Lantern Festival. This serene activity is not only visually stunning but also imbued with cultural significance, symbolizing good luck and happiness.