Students always want to play during their holidays but parents prefer them to be doing something constructive. The University of British Columbias Environmental and Leadership Development Camp will satisfy both. During the two-week camp in the university campus in Vancouver, students will learn leadership skills and go on field trips to Vancouvers extensive eco-friendly projects such as the citys green-designed convention center, which has beehives on the roof to provide honey for the cafe in the building.
This is the first time the university is opening up its popular summer camp to international students.
The camp, which is targeted at secondary school students, is being promoted in Hong Kong by Canada- China Culture and Education Association, a nonprofit organization aimed at strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.
Association director Irene Tam Yuet-ping said: There are leadership camps everywhere but one combined with the environment? I havent heard of anything similar elsewhere.
Such a program doesnt come cheap, though. The cost is HK$36,000, inclusive of flights on Air Canada, field trips as well as full board and lodging.
But Tam pointed out that it is value for money. As a former investment banker, I set high standards. Im confident of UBC, thats why were working with them.
There will be only 15 students per counselor and the classes will be run by university professors. Camp participants will also be supervised round the clock. >Almost every day, there will be field trips to museums or theme parks plus tours and activities. The weekends are dedicated to outdoor activities such as mini golfing at Seymour Creek and zip- lining at Whistler. It is definitely a different quality as its got the UBC logo. If it is done badly, it will reflect on the universitys overall standing. Thats why they wont compromise on quality, Tam said.
I conveyed to UBC that their camp was very expensive. They pointed out that the camp has very long hours, from 8am to 9pm every day, plus overnight supervision in the dormitory. Theyve cut the costs down to the bare bones.
The deadline for applications is April 30. Already, about 30 of the 50 places available for Hong Kong students have been reserved for the two sessions starting July 13 and 27.
Website: www.cccea.org.hk
