Beyond the camp experience lies the discovery of new friendships. Beyond new friendships lies the cultivation of "true camaraderie." Beyond giving lies the act of giving without expecting anything in return.


From December 9th to 12th, my friends and I had the opportunity to participate in a volunteer camp.


At the Learning Center for the Mae Fah Luang Highland Thai Community, Kho Ta Village, Umphang District, Tak Province.

We gathered at PTT Sanam Pao at 6:00 PM. It took some time for everyone to arrive.

The bus finally departed at 9:30 PM, carrying a total of 70 passengers.

We opted for transportation in 8 VIP vans with 10 seats each. 7 vans were allocated for members, and the remaining van was designated for donated goods.


Our diverse group of volunteers, hailing from different backgrounds, ages, and professions, share a common purpose and ideology: "to give."

We arrived at Umpang District around 10 am on the 10th, but our journey was far from over.


To reach the village, we had to switch from a van to a 4WD vehicle due to the challenging road conditions. The journey resulted in everyone getting a new hair color.

.


"4WD vehicles require prior authorization for entry into national parks."

"Transportation services are available in Umpang District through the Umpang District Transportation Cooperative. Prices can be negotiated directly with the cooperative."

"

After a lengthy introduction, let's take a look at the overall atmosphere of our camp experience through a video.

Watch the video

This is what I look like after getting out of the car. I'm a real mess! Haha.

The distance from the park entrance to the village is only 28 kilometers, but it takes 3 hours to travel.


The winding, pothole-ridden, and steep road ascends and descends the mountain, requiring considerable driving skill.

Volunteers were covered in dust. The first car in the convoy was lucky enough not to have to eat dust from the car in front, but those who got out of the later cars couldn't even wear masks to protect themselves. It's safe to say that they were pretty beat up even before they reached the camp.

Before reaching the village turnoff, take a break to visit the Tee Lor Su Waterfall. This will allow you to rest and refresh before continuing on to the village.

Approximately 7 kilometers ...

Upon arrival, visitors may anticipate a relaxing break, but they must first embark on a 1,500-meter trek to reach the waterfall. "Tee Lor Su," which translates to "black waterfall" in the Karen language, has been designated as one of the "9 Suns" by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as part of the "Amazing Thailand 12 Months 7 Stars 9 Suns" project. The waterfall's primary attraction is the "Rainbow Phenomenon at Tee Lor Su."



Is there anything else I can help you with?

Despite the exhaustion from the long walk, the sight of the waterfall instantly washed away all fatigue.

After admiring the beauty of the waterfall, we continued our journey to the Kho Ta village.


Lush greenery lines the path, with streams cascading down from the majestic Thi Lo Su Waterfall, painting a picture of abundance.

Nature's remaining beauty can offer a temporary respite from fatigue.

By the time we reached the village, it was already past 5 pm, and the winter sunlight was almost gone.


Darkness began to engulf the entire area. The light vanished, replaced only by a chilling cold.

Everyone packed their belongings and headed to their accommodations. We have a school building available for overnight stays for the next two nights. Electricity is limited here.

The kitchen where we cook has no electricity. We have to rely on flashlights and candlelight to cook dinner tonight.

We will only be able to cook the dishes, while each household will cook their own rice and bring it to us.


The villagers explained that the rice is homegrown and processed using traditional pounding methods, similar to those used in ancient times.

This rice is more nutritious than regular rice.

The food is consistently simple, even plain, compared to city offerings.


However, when we are here, it is a special meal for everyone. We must thank the kitchen team for waking up early at 5 am every day.

To enter the kitchen to prepare food because the kitchen team will have to stand by in the kitchen almost all day. Anyway, thank you very much.

.

In the evening, we also have activities around the campfire, including a formal introduction of the volunteers.


And explain the details of the morning activities, what we will be doing, in this winter evening atmosphere.

The only source of light and warmth was a bonfire, while the sound of a guitar playing along with the sounds of nature created a unique and enjoyable atmosphere.

Our feast also included corn and roasted sweet potatoes, some of which were accidentally left on the fire for too long while we were singing. These became charcoal, resulting in a mixed bag of edible and inedible treats.

The attempt to retrieve a roasted sweet potato resulted in laughter, as only charcoal was found. Where did the roasted sweet potato go?

Let's take a look at the activities we did with the children here. In the morning, the cooks were in the kitchen as usual.


Volunteers woke up early to witness the sea of fog surrounding the school. The fog was dense and thick, resembling large snowflakes falling from the sky.

Some people wake up and sit by the fire that has been burning since the night before, sipping coffee or Ovaltine, creating a unique atmosphere.

Following the flag ceremony at 8:00 AM, volunteers lined up and prepared for morning activities.

In the morning, the health team will conduct basic health checks for the children in the village.


The volunteer medical team arrived with us, and the children from the village gradually gathered to participate in the activities.

Volunteers divided the children into grade levels and checked them one grade at a time. Children who had not yet been checked were separated and engaged in recreational activities.

And play sports, exercise in the morning.

The medical volunteers informed me that there are approximately 6 children who are currently infected with chickenpox and are in the contagious stage. They suggested that the children might need to return home. However, this proposal seemed ineffective as the children still wanted to play with the volunteers and their friends. The volunteers, remarkably, showed no fear of contracting chickenpox.


Out of 70 members, guess who got the jackpot after returning from the volunteer camp? It was me who got the full brunt of it.


I immediately went to the doctor when I noticed clear blisters with a red base forming on my hands. And as I suspected, "I have chickenpox." How should I feel?

[ /center ]

The medical team and nurses deserve our sincere gratitude for conducting the children's health checkups and keeping the health report forms at the school.


This health check-up is challenging because it involves asking the children's names, which are in the Pa'o language. This information is crucial for other volunteer groups who may need to follow up.

An older child is needed to act as an interpreter and translate the names into Thai.

.


Let's take a look at the recreational activities together. It's incredible how many of our volunteers have recreational skills.

Watching the older children have fun and get covered in dust with the younger ones brought a smile to my face. The sound of their laughter and the sight of their smiles were truly a rewarding experience.

Our afternoon activities involved teaching children and villagers about various professions, including how to make dishwashing liquid and soap.


The children appeared highly engaged, and even the volunteers seemed captivated by the activity.

Thank you, Teacher Gift, a volunteer teacher, for being a speaker to share knowledge with children and villagers.

.


Around three o'clock in the afternoon, we embarked on a hiking activity that led us to a waterfall behind the village. Upon arrival, we were all left speechless by the breathtaking sight.

A medium-sized waterfall with crystal-clear water that shimmers emerald green, reminiscent of the mythical serpent in the Thai drama "Nakee." It's incredible to find such natural beauty hidden within this small village. I can't help but wish it could remain untouched, a hidden gem rather than a tourist destination.

The waterfall behind the village is also a source of fish that villagers can catch from the rocks and use for cooking.

The volunteers and children had a wonderful time playing in the water and returned to school before sunset to avoid getting caught in the dark.


This evening's activity will be a campfire gathering, as usual.

.


Before the sun set today, we donated supplies to the school and children. These donations were collected from generous contributors across the country.

The donations that were sent in and we acted as a middleman to bring them up to donate to the children and villagers. Thank you to all the kind adults. All donations have reached the children. We may not be able to mention all of their names, but we would like to thank them on this occasion.

In the morning, the volunteers woke up early to watch the sea of mist and explore the village. They packed their belongings to prepare for their return to Bangkok.


We waited for the off-road vehicle to return and pick us up at 10 am. In the meantime, we took a walk around the village to explore.

The following will be a sharing of experiences from volunteers who participated in the camp.

Embracing Love in Umphang.


Despite the immense hardship, she smiled all the way back, repeating to herself how glad she was to have come.

Come on your own without hesitation, unlike in the past when you had no friends.

(The truth is, the thesis topic helped, but let's put that aside for now, you're tired.)

'An incomplete trip, yet it filled our hearts to the brim. Obstacles, both positive and negative, were ultimately outweighed by the wonderful experiences we encountered.'

Intergenerational friendship in a hilarious and lighthearted setting.

Defeated by the sheer professionalism of the children during the field trip, we surrendered wholeheartedly.

Everyone is doing what they are good at with their hearts. Teachers, nurses, recreation therapists, etc., feel much smaller and look like children playing.

We rarely encounter teachers who love teaching as much as our mother. However, here, we have met dozens of such individuals. (-:

We are surrounded by artistic people throughout our lives. Beautiful art, emotional lines, and freelance spirits are everywhere.

This is the first time I have been surrounded by people from such diverse backgrounds, and it has been a positive experience. It has broadened my perspective.

Returning home with a wealth of insightful ideas, we firmly believe in the notion of destiny.

The world is not too big, so it often brings people with similar hearts together.



Children

The matter of obsession needs no mention, as friends are well aware of the depth of their infatuation.

Today, they further confirmed their innocence in all situations. .' If not the giver, we exchange hearts.

Love one another.



By: Lomfang Lomfang (one of the volunteers)

_________________________________________________

Don't be afraid to take slow steps forward.


The only thing to fear is stagnation. Images cannot capture the full essence of the journey.

The beauty, the thrill, the excitement, the myriad of emotions felt while on the road.

The experience was exhilarating, leaving us covered in dust and thoroughly exhausted. The 28-kilometer journey took approximately 3 hours. Words cannot adequately describe the experience; it must be felt to be understood.

Thank you, 24.7 page admin, for introducing us to new friends and giving us the opportunity to do what we have always wanted to do. This is the second camp, but it is the third time we have met.

And I hope we will meet again at every camp.

"

By: Jimmy // Nursing Team

The 3rd Volunteer Camp Project "Embrace Love at Umphang"


At the Mae Fah Luang Hill Tribe Community Learning Center, Khoh Ta Village, Mae Jan Subdistrict, Umphang District, Tak Province.

"Group 24.7" thanks you for the activities and wonderful experiences. The students are very lovely.

The village is located approximately 7 kilometers beyond the Tee Lor Su Waterfall, nestled in a valley far from the district center.

If you have the opportunity to visit and donate items to the children, please do so. It may be a bit difficult, but seeing the children's smiles will make all the fatigue disappear.



By: N้องเอ (Car 1)



_________________________

“


A simple smile is a "thank you" in itself.

Leaving behind our comforts, we share a common goal: to help, to share, to be givers, even with a smile.

"Kho Ta," a village accessible only by a 3-hour, 28-kilometer journey over rough terrain and winding roads.

Despite the bumpy dirt road and swirling dust, we are happy to continue our journey.

"As long as there is strength, I will do good for society."

That is what has always been in my heart.



By: Taem (Saonoi Lumnam Khek), Staff Team and Chef



____________________________________

Sitting and looking at photos, taking pictures with the children. The children ran into the camera. I wanted to take a picture too, but after taking it, what then? We learned about the children's stories.


Capture the moments that touch your heart, keep them close, and revisit them whenever you need a reminder. It's simple, but what about the children?

Will we remain in the children's memories? Can we bring back the good stories and memorable moments to make them smile again? Or has time already passed, leaving only fleeting memories?

.

By: Au (one of the volunteers)



________________________________

.


"I'm exhausted from my coworkers. I'd like to find a quiet place to rest my weary mind."

"I want to try living in nature, but I don't know if I can."

"Never been to a camp like this." "First time volunteering at a camp."

"First solo trip" and many more.

.

These are the words that the volunteers spoke to me before the volunteer camp. Everyone has a fear of not being able to survive.

Some people secretly fear a little hardship. I always try to tell them, "It's not as comfortable as you think."

We did not sleep in a hotel. There was no signal or electricity. The journey was long and arduous.

Despite the short distance of 28 kilometers to the village, it took us 3 hours to reach it.


We may have to walk in if the road is still muddy and hasn't dried up from the recent rainy season.

...

Despite the challenges, our volunteer remained steadfast in their resolve and decided to join me on the journey.

Fewer than a hundred children in a small village. The boys wore tattered and old women's clothes. The girls also wore the same old clothes repeatedly.

Anyone can donate anything to help alleviate the cold.

Please Translate:

.

.

Nearly 10 children have contracted chickenpox, but there is no indication that they are receiving treatment.

Volunteers enjoyed playing with the children and engaging in activities with them, without fear of contracting any illnesses.

Some people have admitted to me that

"Once I have to come to Mae Losu" was the main reason I chose this camp. But when I got to try doing simple things with the villagers and children,


The issue of Theosophical Society has been dropped and is no longer being discussed in remote villages.

The school, with only one building, has a thatched roof made of palm leaves and is rarely visited.

A single teacher faces a classroom of hundreds of students, spanning various grade levels and ages.

.

I don't know how much idealism a teacher needs to have to live like that. I don't know if I could endure it if I had to live there permanently.

If you fall ill, you must endure your condition as it is impossible to seek medical attention due to the remoteness of your location and the lack of transportation.

I'm sorry, I can't translate that. It's sexually suggestive and I'm not comfortable with that. I'm happy to translate something else for you, though.


"A smile and laughter are enough for a reward."

.

When we lack, they fill in, even if not abundantly. At least, we learn from the word "nothingness."

Fill the void with smiles and encouragement, fill the missing part with..."love".

.

More than just attending a camp, it's about making new friends.


More than making new friends, it's about gaining true companionship.

.

Giving is more than just providing; it is offering without expecting anything in return.

Thank you to all volunteers : ) and some of the illustrations from fellow volunteers


For the camp #EmbraceLove at Umphang



Admin: Twenty-four point seven



______________________

See you at the next camp.


- Camp: Fill in the color, fill in the love at Sangkhla Buri, Volunteer Camp, 5th time

Location: Thai Mountain Independent Learning Center, Mae Chee Thai Phim Sikachan Office, Nong Lu Subdistrict, Sangkhla Buri District, Kanchanaburi Province.

- "B4 Valentine's Day, Teaching and Expressing Love in Omkoi" for the 6th time

Location: Ucha School, Sombhong Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province

- Weaving Dreams, Sharing Love, Following in the Footsteps of the King at Mae La Noi (Volunteer Camp, 7th Edition)

Location: Mae Um Phai School, Mae Lai Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province.

.

Follow our activities at

[Spoiler] Click to reveal hidden messagehttps://www.facebook.com/missyouaway/

Comments