COERR and Volunteer for Social and Environmental Development (VSED) organized the Youth Camp for Knowledge and Capacity Strengthening which was also co-funded by Children’s Fund, Social Development Department of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and “The Foundation For The Needy People And School Children in Remote Areas (FNP)”. The youth camp aimed at promoting youth to realize their own value and dignity, as well as strength in living with voluntary spirit and caring for environment.

   This activity was organized during Friday, 16th – Sunday, 18th August, 2019, at Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. On Friday morning, Mr. Opas Srisomboon, Deputy Chief of the National Park greeted and provided a lecture about Ecosystem of the National Park to the group of 12 VISED School Network, consisting of the following schools: Sacred Heart Convent School, Phraharuthai Nonthaburi School, Phraharuthai Donmuang School, Sacred Heart Pattanawes School, Assumption College, Assumption Suksa School, Assumption Convent School, Saint Gabriel’s School, Saint Theresa School, Phravisuthiwong School, Joseph Krungthep School and Saint Peter School, with the total of 24 teachers, 81 students and 7 COERR staff, totaling 112. In the afternoon, youth gathered to learn from the trainer to make artificial salt lick to add sufficient essential minerals for elephants and other animals in Khao Yai. After that, children and youth attended three learning bases: knowing principles of five important religions that teach people including youth how to live well; understanding how to post and share social media information properly; and making correct decision in accepting or refusing others’ demand.

   The next day, children and youth joined the nature and ecosystem trekking with the guidance of the National Park Staff. In the afternoon, they attended another three learning bases: impact of using social media; value of being female and male; and value of good citizenship without involving in narcotics.

   In the evening, youth performed a creative drama, then they celebrated lighting ceremony, an event of thankfulness and support between teachers and students, between the older and younger students. The last day was about meeting and planning for the activities in schools in the next year, a certificate giving ceremony for participants and closing ceremony with impression in what youth have gained from this camping activity.