We’re excited to share that our students are heading into the wilds of Hong Kong for an outdoor learning experience designed to inspire, challenge and bring them closer together.
Although known for its skyline and busy streets, Hong Kong is also a compact treasure trove of natural beauty — rugged hills, peaceful beaches, hidden bays and scenic trails. Our aim is to take students away from the city centre and give them time and space to connect with the outdoors.
This trip is about far more than fresh air and great views. It’s an opportunity for young people to develop important life skills, including:
Teamwork and collaboration — through group tasks, shared responsibilities and activities such as kayaking and cooking together.
Resilience — by facing new challenges and adapting to unfamiliar situations.
Practical skills — including basic outdoor living, navigation, campcraft and service work that helps the local community.
Confidence and independence — as students take responsibility for themselves and each other in a safe, supervised setting.
While it will be hard work and maybe outside of their comfort zone, we hope each student returns not only with great memories, but also with new skills, stronger friendships and a deeper appreciation for the natural side of Hong Kong.
Day 1 Monday
We set off from school at 8:00 am sharp and crossed into Hong Kong. From there we took a private bus to Sai Kung National Park, then a short boat ride to an isolated island where our base camp was waiting.
After meeting the instructors, students went straight to the water to learn essential kayaking skills. Some were natural right away; others took a little longer. By the end of the hour, everyone — working in pairs — had the basics down.
Back at camp we prepared our own dinner, then practised pitching tents inside the shelter building. Tired but excited, we called it a night and rested up for tomorrow’s kayaking adventure.
Day 2: Our Kayaking Adventure
Our big day of kayaking arrived. After a relaxed morning and a hearty breakfast, students teamed up in pairs and set off on a 7 km paddling route. We paused only for lunch — prepared by the students — before continuing.
The sun shone with a gentle breeze that kept things comfortable as we paddled through the stunning scenery of Hong Kong’s national parks. The water was clear beneath us and views all around were breathtaking. Along the way the girls lifted spirits by singing several songs, which kept everyone smiling.
We reached shore tired but happy and made our way to camp for the evening. Dinner was another student-made meal — curry, by popular choice — and everyone helped pitch tents. As students settled down for the night, we had a couple of memorable wildlife encounters: a porcupine was spotted in the bushes and a curious cow wandered onto our campsite.
The day ended quietly after lights-out; next up is our service day.
Day 3: Wednesday
Today was our service day. Under the hot sun, students worked alongside local villagers on small-scale farming tasks. They took regular breaks to stay safe in the heat, then moved into the shade of the mangroves to clear rocks and stones that were blocking the streams that supply water to the village.
Day 4: Thursday
Kayaking back to base today. The original plan was to kayak 10km to a new campsite but with the weather, we decided to head straight back to base for a well deserved shower and rest on the final night. Tomorrow, we plan to watch the sunrise in the kayaks but let's see how they sleep tonight.....
Day 5 Friday
Our final day.....
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