Even the teachers get into the deck jumping!
Day four was an amazing culmination of our trip! We took advantage of the high tides and started the morning with a fun deck jumping activity before departing on our kayak trip. Students did a great job paddling through the mangroves, even against a slight current during the first half of the journey.
After finishing the kayak route and returning to the resort, students enjoyed lunch, and then tested their skills on the Telunas low ropes course. While no new JIS records were set, everyone had a fantastic time challenging themselves. We spent the afternoon immersed in cultural activities with a local dance and drumming group, and a friendly (coconut pancake) cooking competition, followed by free time on the beach.
The day concluded with a memorable make-your-own pizza dinner on the beach, accompanied by a beautiful sunset, a bonfire, marshmallow roasting, and a final group reflection. The students are certainly looking forward to getting home tomorrow, but many remarked how fast the week has gone and how much they've enjoyed the trip.
All in all, it was an incredible day to end our trip!
Our day three itinerary required some adjustments due to rain this morning. Instead of our original morning plans, students participated in a fishing simulation game to learn about the local economy. The game was not only fun but also provided the students with a deeper and more nuanced perspective of the local economic system. The morning also included team-building activities. In the afternoon, we proceeded with kayak training, starting on land to cover basic stroke techniques and safety procedures, including how to re-enter a kayak from the water. Following the training, students practiced these skills on the water. The afternoon concluded with a visit to the Telunas mangrove nursery, where students learned about the re-foresting initiative and contributed by planting mangroves in the nursery. We hope to see these mangroves ready for planting in the local villages in three months or so. Students also enjoyed free time on the beach, which included an impromptu beach football match, badminton, table tennis, and some creative hole-digging. Although we are all feeling a little tired, spirits are high, and students are looking forward to the kayak trip and deck jumping activities tomorrow!
Day two was focused on cultural immersion as we visited a local village. We started the day with breakfast, and then headed to the village where students participated in a local crafts workshop, learned about the local culture, and engaged with the community. We shared a packed lunch before engaging in (very muddy) mangrove planting and teaching English where we spent time playing sports and doing coloring activities with the local children. We held a closing ceremony where we donated supplies and sports equipment to the local community, which was a meaningful experience for all. After returning to Telunas, there was time for students to enjoy the beach. The day concluded with dinner, followed by an exciting night shrimping activity.
Our adventure began as we flew to Batam. Upon arrival, we took a bus to the Sekupang Ferry Terminal and then a boat to the beautiful Telunas Beach Resort. After settling in and a welcome briefing, students began participating in team-building activities on the beach. Unfortunately, the team-building activities were cut short due to rain, and the students enjoyed some free time in the resort's common areas. The group has been very positive about the resort and beach, commenting that they are much nicer than expected. The day concluded with dinner and an engaging briefing about the local village we will visit tomorrow, and a reflective journalling activity. Despite the weather, the group ended the day in high spirits and is looking forward to the week to come.