Welcome to the “7 Days Survival in Hoi An” camp, an intensive and immersive experience designed to equip you with essential survival skills in one of Vietnam’s most picturesque settings. Over the course of a week, you will learn to navigate, forage, and thrive in the wilderness, using the natural resources of Hoi An’s diverse landscape. From mastering basic survival techniques to handling emergency scenarios with confidence, this camp is structured to build not only survival skills but also resilience, teamwork, and self-sufficiency. Prepare to embark on a journey that challenges your limits and expands your capabilities, all while surrounded by the stunning beauty of Hoi An.

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

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

Itinerary:

Day 1: Survival Skills

• Survival Gear Orientation and UtilizationKick off your survival training by getting acquainted with essential survival gear. In this interactive session, learn the ins and outs of each piece of equipment you’ll carry, including multi-tools, fire starters, emergency shelters, and water purification systems. Expert instructors will demonstrate practical uses for these tools in various scenarios, ensuring that you understand how to maintain and effectively utilize your gear in the wilderness. This foundational knowledge is crucial for building confidence and competence in survival techniques.
• Fundamental Shelter BuildingMaster the vital skill of shelter construction using materials from the natural surroundings. This hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of building basic shelters that are critical for protection against elements such as wind, rain, and sun. Learn different techniques to create shelters that maximize warmth, dryness, and safety. By the end of this session, you’ll have the practical skills to construct a reliable shelter, an essential component of wilderness survival.
• Emergency Procedures and Safety ProtocolsEnhance your survival preparedness with comprehensive training in emergency response and safety protocols. This crucial session covers how to effectively manage common emergencies in the wilderness, including injuries, adverse weather conditions, and unexpected natural hazards. You will practice emergency drills, learn signaling techniques for attracting help, and apply basic first aid measures. Preparing for the unexpected is key to maintaining safety and ensuring a positive outcome in any survival situation.

Day 2: Food and Water

• Water Sourcing and Purification TechniquesBegin your day with a critical survival skill—finding and purifying water. This activity teaches you various methods to locate sources of water in the wilderness, from streams to collection of rainwater. You’ll learn how to use purification tablets, boiling techniques, and solar water disinfection to make water safe for drinking. Understanding these techniques ensures that you can stay hydrated without compromising your health, a fundamental aspect of survival.
• Foraging for Edible Plants and InsectsExplore the rich biodiversity of Hoi An with a guided foraging tour. Learn to identify and safely gather edible plants, roots, and insects that are native to the region. This activity not only teaches you how to distinguish between safe and harmful species but also includes practical tips on preparing foraged items for consumption. Foraging skills are invaluable for supplementing your diet and staying nourished when traditional food sources are not available.
• Introduction to Fishing and SnaringDive deeper into food procurement by learning the basics of fishing and snaring. Participants will construct simple fishing lines and snares using minimal tools and natural materials. You’ll practice these techniques at a nearby water source, applying principles of patience and precision to catch fish. Additionally, learn to set up snares in optimal locations to capture small game. These skills are essential for securing a steady food supply in survival situations.

Day 3: Shelter and Clothing

• Advanced Shelter Building TechniquesElevate your shelter-building skills with a session dedicated to constructing more complex and durable structures. You’ll learn how to choose the best location and materials for long-term shelters, such as wattle and daub or lean-to shelters that can withstand various weather conditions. This workshop includes hands-on practice in enhancing structural integrity and insulation, which are crucial for comfort and safety during extended stays in the wilderness.
• Advanced Shelter Building TechniquesElevate your shelter-building skills with a session dedicated to constructing more complex and durable structures. You’ll learn how to choose the best location and materials for long-term shelters, such as wattle and daub or lean-to shelters that can withstand various weather conditions. This workshop includes hands-on practice in enhancing structural integrity and insulation, which are crucial for comfort and safety during extended stays in the wilderness.
• Creating Survival Clothing from Natural MaterialsLearn the basics of creating and maintaining clothing suitable for survival situations, using materials sourced from the environment. This session teaches you how to utilize animal hides, plant fibers, and other natural materials to make protective clothing. Activities include basic weaving, sewing, and the treatment of materials to enhance durability and weather resistance. By understanding how to manage your clothing needs, you can better regulate your body temperature and protect yourself from the elements.

Day 4: Navigation and Communication

• Land Navigation TechniquesStart the day with a comprehensive workshop on land navigation techniques, where you’ll learn how to use tools like topographical maps and compasses effectively. This session includes practical exercises in the field, where participants navigate a set course using their newly acquired skills. Understanding how to orient yourself and move purposefully through diverse terrains is essential for any wilderness explorer.
• GPS and Modern Navigation ToolsIn this modern age, understanding how to use technology in survival situations can be a lifesaver. This activity introduces the basics of GPS technology and other electronic navigation tools. Participants will learn how to operate portable GPS devices, utilize smartphone apps in offline mode, and understand the limitations and benefits of technology in wilderness navigation. This session ensures you can blend traditional navigation skills with modern tools to maximize your directional prowess.
• Emergency Communication MethodsLearn vital communication strategies to use in emergencies when conventional methods may not be available. This session covers a variety of signaling techniques, including using mirrors, smoke, and natural materials to create visible signals. Participants will also practice using whistles, flashlights, and even makeshift flags to communicate their location to rescuers or other group members. Being proficient in these methods can significantly increase your chances of a quick rescue in case of an emergency.

Day 5: First Aid and Safety

• Wilderness First Aid CertificationDive into an intensive wilderness first aid course, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address common injuries and health emergencies in remote settings. This comprehensive session covers everything from treating cuts, burns, and fractures to managing potential threats like heatstroke and hypothermia. Participants will engage in hands-on practice with professional first aid kits and learn techniques for emergency triage and evacuation.
• CPR and Life-Saving TechniquesLearn critical cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques along with other life-saving procedures that could make the difference in survival situations. This training includes practicing on dummies to master the correct compression and breathing techniques, ensuring participants feel confident and prepared to handle severe health emergencies that require immediate response.
• Survival Scenario SimulationTransform your newly learned safety protocols into action with a dynamic survival scenario simulation. In this engaging and educational activity, participants will be placed in a controlled environment that mimics a potentially hazardous wilderness situation. You’ll need to identify and navigate various risks such as crossing mock treacherous terrains, avoiding “dangerous wildlife” (set up as part of the simulation), and using your safety gear effectively. This simulation not only tests your quick thinking and risk management skills but also reinforces the importance of teamwork in overcoming obstacles. It’s a fun, adventurous way to apply what you’ve learned and see firsthand how effective safety protocols can save lives in real-world scenarios.

Day 6: Teamwork and Leadership

• Team Obstacle CourseKick off the day with a challenging team obstacle course that requires participants to work together to navigate a series of physical and mental challenges. Each obstacle is designed to test the group’s ability to communicate effectively, strategize, and support each other under pressure. This activity not only strengthens physical fitness but also enhances collaborative skills and leadership, as each member takes turns leading their team through different sections of the course.
• Leadership Reaction CourseEngage in a leadership reaction course where small groups face unexpected scenarios requiring quick decision-making and effective leadership. Each participant will have the opportunity to lead their group through a task that mimics real-life survival situations, such as building a makeshift raft or creating a signal for help. This exercise helps develop critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to motivate and direct others under stress.
• Campfire CouncilConclude the day with a reflective “Campfire Council” session where participants gather around a campfire to discuss the day’s activities and share personal insights into their leadership experiences. This guided discussion encourages participants to articulate their thoughts on leadership and teamwork, discuss different leadership styles they observed or employed, and identify areas for personal growth. This activity not only solidifies the day’s learning but also helps build a strong, supportive community among the campers, fostering deeper connections and mutual respect.

Day 7: Survival Test

• Ultimate Survival ChallengeBegin the day with the “Ultimate Survival Challenge,” a full-day event where participants are placed in a simulated wilderness environment and must use all the skills they’ve learned to survive. This challenge includes tasks such as navigating to multiple checkpoints using a map and compass, locating and purifying water, building a shelter using natural materials, and preparing a meal with foraged items or caught fish. This intensive exercise tests participants’ endurance, survival skills, and ability to apply knowledge under realistic conditions.
• Rescue Mission ScenarioIn this activity, participants are given a scenario where they must execute a rescue mission using their first aid and emergency response skills. Teams will need to locate a “lost” camper (a role played by an instructor), assess and treat their injuries using wilderness first aid techniques, and safely evacuate them to a designated extraction point. This tests not only their medical and safety skills but also their ability to work as a team under pressure.
• Reflection and Survival Skills ShowcaseEnd the camp with a “Reflection and Survival Skills Showcase,” where each participant or team presents a summary of their experience during the Ultimate Survival Challenge and the Rescue Mission Scenario. Participants discuss what strategies worked, what didn’t, and how they overcame challenges. This final activity allows everyone to reflect on their growth throughout the camp and share key takeaways, solidifying their learning and celebrating their accomplishments.