The 12-day Conservation Camp in Cairns, Australia, was an exhilarating adventure for 20 S3-S4 girls, filled with FUN and LEARNING! They dove into hands-on fieldwork, like exciting terrestrial invertebrate surveys, while collaborating with organizations addressing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as “Life on Land” and “Life Below Water.”

The girls explored the stunning Great Barrier Reef through guided snorkeling and glass-bottom boat tours, marveling at the vibrant marine life. Excursions highlighted Australia’s commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly urban designs and wildlife sanctuaries. They even got their hands dirty in revegetation workshops, experiencing the JOY of making a REAL difference!

Here’s what our Adventurers say!

“Stepping into the Daintree rainforest felt like crossing over into another world I had never been to. As I walked along the muddy trails, every canopy reminded me how small I was beneath the world’s oldest rainforest. I’ll never forget our first day in the rainforest when Johan, the observatory manager, showed us how to track a tree kangaroo using his drone. At first, I was amazed, then a little puzzled that someone could spend hours staring at a controller screen, scanning the canopy with such patience. But as he spoke, referring to the kangaroos by name as if they were old friends, I understood that Johan didn’t just view it as a job. As he shared stories of their habits and quirks, I could see the PASSION in his eyes. True passion isn’t just about skill; it’s about connection. Johan didn’t just study the rainforest; he belonged to it, and his dedication made me see conservation not as a duty, but as a relationship. I realized that only by devoting oneself to something one truly loves can one maintain this passion.

This sense of connection was reinforced when, while exploring the rainforest in our small group, we met Mitch. I asked, “Why is it hard for us to see any animals here?” He shared a sobering fact: the population of many endangered species in the forest, including the very tree kangaroos Johan tracked, is gradually decreasing due to habitat loss and disease. Hearing this news while standing in the midst of their vibrant, fragile home struck me deeply. Johan’s passion showed me the “why” – why we should find a job that we truly enjoy – but Mitch’s explanation highlighted the urgent “need” for direct action to help sustain these vulnerable populations. I realized that beyond observation and education, these animals need practical help to survive and thrive.”

For this, I would like to be a VET to provide crucial medical care for endangered wildlife, directly contributing to the conservation of vulnerable species and the overall health of their ecosystems.

S3 Sophie Leung

“During this study tour focused on sustainability and biodiversity, many experiences left a deep impression on me. You might think it was the diving or horseback riding, but unexpectedly, exploring Cairns after returning from the Daintree Rainforest has been etched in my mind. After lunch, we followed our guide, Mitch, to explore the area. Along the way, we saw several tall, luxurious hotels, and my friends and I couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration. However, Mitch pointed out that these hotels were built by a businessman from Dubai who cut down all the trees in the area, causing many bats, birds, and insects to lose their habitats for the sake of development. My friends and I felt a mix of regret and anger at the selfishness of prioritizing the economy over the environment. Later, Mitch showed us flame trees, which shed their leaves in summer to bloom with stunning red flowers. Their beauty was striking, a vivid contrast to the habitat loss we had just learned about. That evening, we watched about 20 bats fly in from the sea, competing with birds for roosting space. Mitch explained that there used to be thousands, but deforestation had killed over 1,000. The irony was stark: hotels for tourists were destroying the very natural appeal that draws people in.”

For this, I would like to be a GUIDE like Mitch – one who gives nature a voice. Hong Kong, the “Pearl of the Orient,” is a forest of skyscrapers where birds are rare and nature feels distant. I want to guide not just to showcase sights, but to advocate for balance. Sustainability isn’t an abstract ideal; it’s a necessity. Through storytelling and firsthand experiences, I hope to inspire environmental responsibility, urging people to respect every species and protect the fragile world we share.

S3 Kwok Bo Kei

 

The Australia Conservation Adventure has profoundly impacted me, and one of the most memorable experiences was my visit to the Daintree Rainforest. Stepping into this magnificent tropical rainforest for the first time was truly unique. My childhood perception of rainforests was simply “forests” filled with trees and animals. However, after this trip, I realized the breathtaking beauty of nature before my eyes. Living in Hong Kong, a city crowded with buildings, I had never imagined there could be such a captivating place in the world. Entering the rainforest felt like stepping into an idyllic retreat, surrounded by towering trees, the melodies of singing birds, and the thrill of searching for wildlife. One plant that captivated me was the Calamus australis, known as the wait-a-while plant. Its long, flexible stem and sharp hooks help it climb over other plants to reach sunlight. Our tour guide wisely reminded us to be cautious, as it could snag our clothing if we walked too closely. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to nature. The beauty surrounding me inspired a strong commitment to protect our Earth. It reminded me of the importance of treasuring what we have and taking action to safeguard the environment, whether by using eco-friendly materials or recycling to reduce carbon emissions.

For this, I would like to be an ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGIST, focusing on the relationship between human behavior and the environment.

S3 Jacey Ngan

With every activity, these young adventurers embraced the spirit of conservation and left inspired to tackle future challenges with PASSION and ENERGY. In fact, their journey has only just begun, and the future of our planet looks brighter with them leading the way!