Held from 11th to 13th October at the Monggis Sub-Station within the stunning Kinabalu Geopark, the SK Kundasang Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark Camp 2024 brought together students from five distinct youth organisations for a unique experience focused on environmental education, leadership development, and team-building activities.

Organised by SK Kundasang with the generous sponsorship of Amazing Borneo, participants from the Malaysian Scouts Association, Red Crescent Society, Girls Guide Association Malaysia, Pergerakan Puteri Islam Malaysia, and Junior Cadets had access to seamless transport and logistical support throughout the event, ensuring that the camp ran smoothly.

Discovering the Beauty of Kinabalu Geopark

Thanks to the logistical support from Amazing Borneo, students arrived at Monggis Sub-Station and immediately immersed themselves in nature. The adventure kicked off with activities like jungle trekking and workshops on nickel-absorbing plants. These hands-on experiences allowed participants to explore the unique biodiversity of Borneo and understand the importance of environmental conservation.

A memorable highlight of the camp was the Night Quest for Fireflies, where students witnessed the enchanting display of fireflies in their natural habitat. This experience helped them appreciate the fragility of nocturnal ecosystems and underscored the need to protect these natural wonders. By connecting with nature, students from the five groups were able to reflect on the critical role they can play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Learning Leadership Through Adventure and Real-Life Journeys

The camp placed a strong emphasis on leadership development. One of the key sessions, the Junior to Senior sharing session, featured a military representative who shared their personal journey of rising through the ranks. This session gave students valuable insights into leadership and resilience, emphasising the importance of perseverance and decision-making.

In addition, team-building exercises played a crucial role in enhancing collaboration and problem solving among participants. Ice-breaking activities and marching drills allowed participants to bond with peers from other organisations, further developing leadership skills that they can apply in their daily lives.

Mastering Essential Survival Skills

Another key aspect of the camp was survival skills training. Participants learned how to set up tents, manage outdoor logistics, and solve challenges in nature. These sessions encouraged self reliance, adaptability, and resourcefulness – skills that are essential for both outdoor environments and real-life situations.

The experience was particularly valuable for the participants from the Malaysian Scouts Association and the Junior Cadets, who were able to apply and refine their existing knowledge of outdoor survival. Meanwhile, those from the Red Crescent Society, Girls Guide Association, and Pergerakan Puteri Islam gained new insights into managing outdoor activities and working as a team in the wilderness.

Celebrating Sabah’s Rich Cultural Heritage

A key highlight of the camp was Cultural Night, where students from all five groups came together to showcase Sabah’s diverse cultural heritage through traditional performances, music, and storytelling. This event gave participants a chance to celebrate their cultural backgrounds and express their creativity, while learning about the importance of preserving local traditions.

The camp also included an Art of Stone activity, where participants used natural stones to create artwork. This hands-on project allowed students to engage with their environment creatively, using stones from the surrounding area to craft designs that reflected both their artistic expression and appreciation for nature.

A Grand Finale: Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead

The camp culminated in a celebratory closing ceremony, where participants from each youth organisation were recognised for their contributions and achievements. The ceremony ended with the handover of responsibilities to the next year’s organisers, ensuring that the Kinabalu Geopark Camp remains a tradition that nurtures future leaders.

The combination of environmental education, leadership training, and cultural activities made this camp a transformative experience for all involved. As the students packed up their tents at the Monggis Sub-Station, they left not just with memories, but with valuable skills and a renewed sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Key Takeaways from the Kinabalu Leadership Camp

• A deeper understanding of environmental conservation, with a focus on protecting ecosystems like those in Kinabalu Geopark
• Enhanced leadership and teamwork skills, developed through collaborative activities across five youth organisations and a sharing session with a military representative
• Cultural appreciation through participation in Cultural Night and the Art of Stone activity
• Practical survival skills, fostering self-reliance and adaptability in outdoor environments

A Lasting Impact: Inspiring Future Leaders and Environmental Stewards

The SK Kundasang Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark Camp 2024 left a lasting mark on its participants, equipping them with skills that go far beyond the classroom. With support from both Sabah Parks and Amazing Borneo, the camp provided an enriching experience, leaving participants inspired to become future leaders and protectors of the environment.

As these students returned home, they carried with them a newfound respect for nature and a commitment to championing harmony with nature in their communities and beyond.