Emb@rc Week: Adventure Camp, Pak Lap Adventure
By Jaden Lee
On November 4th, a group of teachers and students headed to Pak Lap for a 5-day adventure camp. The students participated in a series of activities, including kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. The event was hosted by the education institution China New Horizons(CNH); and each day offered unique experiences and activities. The campsite boasted a serene shore, beach houses, and a beachfront cafe.
Day 1
On the first day, the students arrived at the remote campsite of Pak Lap. After settling into their dorms, they attended a brief orientation meeting with the staff. The campsite featured an artificial grassfield which was used for meetings and activities. Once the lunch was finished, the students gathered around for some initiative games, as well as some first aid drills. The staff prepared many interactive activities for the students to build new relationships and make new friends. Following the dinner, the group embarked on a night hike up a nearby mountain, where the view of the starry sky provided a perfect end to their first day.
Day 2
After a restful night, the students started off the day with a short morning routine and had breakfast. Divided into two groups, they rotated through a beach cleanup and rock climbing session. During the cleanup, they learned about the "Leave No Trace" principles, and how to preserve nature through conservative practices. In contrast, the students also got to experience natural rock climbing with the staff. Then the students participated in a navigation exercise, developing their map reading, compass, and route planning skills. After an eventful day of activities, the students gathered for dinner. And to end the day off, they played an interactive game of Night Ninja.
Day 3
The third day started off by the students being divided into two groups. One group headed towards the shore for beach olympics, while the other developed their fire-making skills. The students learned to make fire using magnifying glasses, flint, and wooden planks. After the students had lunch, the first group started their kayaking trip from the Pak Lap shore, while the other group went on a four hour hike. Both the groups gained a lot of new experiences, and the hike tested the survival skills of the students. The day concluded with a brief night activity and sharing stories and reflecting on their adventures.
Day 4
On the fourth day, the two groups rotated through their activities, with the first group practicing their fire making skills and the second group engaged in beach olympics. But the real highlight of the day was the bonfire in the afternoon. After both of the groups returned from their journey, everyone gathered around the warm flames, where staff prepared marshmallows and played music. The cozy atmosphere fostered joy, making it a perfect way to celebrate their last night at the Pak Lap campsite.
Day 5
The students had to wake up extra early on the final day, to start off the day, the students went for a run around the campsite to the pier. Upon arrival, they jumped off the dock and swam to the shore–a tiring but refreshing way to start off the day. After a short break, the students participated in the Pak Lap challenge, which is a series of activities around the campsite. After the challenge, the students were given time to pack and clean up the dorms. And soon, the students were heading back to Renaissance College, filled with memories and new experiences.
Ultimately, the Emb@rc Adventure Camp was a valuable experience for the students. The success of the camp was largely thanks to the CNH group and dedicated teachers, whose support made each activity impactful. The camp provided essential time away from academics for mental well-being, allowing students to recharge and create lasting memories.