We just wrapped up four days with Si Ri Panya International School from the island of Koh Phangan. From the very beginning, these students brought curiosity and a willingness to dive into new experiences, even if they were uncomfortable.
On the first night, rather than beginning with information, we began with a simple game. Each student introduced themselves and shared a favorite hobby, passing a ball of yarn across the circle to the next person as they spoke. Slowly, a web formed between us.
At first, it was just a fun way to learn names and get to know each other. But as the web grew more complex, we began to shift our focus. The first test was when students were asked to gently tug on their section of string. Then, a few students were asked to drop their sections of yarn. Immediately, the group could see and feel the difference.
The web sagged in places where connections were lost. When one person pulled, everyone felt the movement ripple through the entire web. Without needing much explanation, students began to share and understand the essential idea that we are all connected, and our actions affect one another.
This became the foundation for our camp.
The next day, we posed the question: “What do you think of when you hear the word insects?”
For many students, the first reaction was immediate: gross.
And honestly, that’s where a lot of us begin.
But through storytelling and hands on exploration, that perspective began to change. Students learned about the essential roles insects play on the farm and within larger ecosystems as pollinators, decomposers, and critical links in the food web. We saw how our world would not be the same without the insects that we deem are gross.
That curiosity students found in our amazing insects activity carried into eco-printing. Students used leaves and flowers to create natural designs on fabric, experimenting with patterns, shapes, and colors. Without the insects, we would not have the beautiful flowers to use in our eco printing designs. Students were creative with the designs they chose. Many made faces out of the flowers, and their creativity led to fun conversations and beautiful artwork.
That evening, the learning came full circle during our farm-to-table cooking competition.
Working in teams, students prepared dishes like Tom Kha, Bua Loy, grilled chicken, and stir-fried vegetables.
This wasn’t just about cooking, it was about connection. As they prepared their meals, students were given the opportunity to think more deeply about what it takes to make each dish. At the same time, they experienced firsthand how teamwork is essential, realizing that every dish came together not just through individual effort, but through collaboration.
During our visit to the Phang Nga Sea Turtle Conservation Center, students had the opportunity to take on an active role by helping clean the turtles’ enclosures. This gave them a more direct sense of responsibility. They were able to care for animals that rely on human support due to injury, habitat loss, or threats in the wild. Students experienced what we had been exploring all along: that our actions matter, and we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.
At the “Little Amazon,” students experienced biodiversity up close, noticing the relationships between plants, water, and wildlife. While kayaking, they moved through mangrove forests, where the long, intertwined root systems reinforced the idea that ecosystems depend on connection. Mangroves provide habitat for fish, crabs, birds, and other species, serving as both shelter and nursery grounds. We talked about how mangroves stabilize coastlines, filter water, and support the larger ecosystem. Mangroves are essential players in the health of our ecosystems, and students got to experience them up close.
Our final day was spent relaxing and reflecting. We took a day trip to Cheow Lan Lake, where students swam in the sparkling blue water and were thrilled to spot a wild elephant. This is a rare and unforgettable encounter that added an extra spark of excitement to the day.
If students were to gain anything from this experience at Jungle Life Camp, we hope that students can see the world as interconnected. Through each activity, from exploring our farm ecosystem to working alongside one another, they begin to see how every action has an impact beyond themselves. With this awareness, we hope students leave not only with new knowledge but with a renewed sense of responsibility. To care for the environment, to remain curious about the world around them, and to recognize their role within a larger, shared system.
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