Young Shedders
Spring Camp 2026
The US That Grows - HKU Tree Planting & Forest Carbon Program
The US That Grows is a small-group overnight ecological program at Mong Tung Wan, designed for older children (ages 9-12yo) ready to explore the natural world more deeply.
In this unique program, children will take part in activities developed in collaboration with students in the HKU MSc in Environmental Management Programme. Children will work alongside HKU postgraduate students to learn about forest ecosystems, climate resilience, and the role small forests play in environmental health.
Through guided observation and hands-on exploration, participants study soil, vegetation, shade, and biodiversity before helping to design and plant a mini “young forest” patch. Along the way, children see how ecological research connects to real-world environmental action — contributing to a living project that supports forest growth and climate resilience.
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Program Details
PROGRAM:
• Full-day sessions
• 2-day overnight enrollment is required
• Learn more about The US That Grows Program Journey HERE.
CLASS SIZE:
1:6 mentor to child ratio
NB: A minimum of 6 kids required for class to run
DATE:
• WK1: Mar 30 and 31
• WK2: Apr 9 and 10
TIME:
• Drop off: 8:20AM
• Pick-up: 4:30PM
📍Pick-ups and drop-offs @ at Central Pier No.5 (To Cheung Chau)
LOCATION:
The overnight program takes place at Mong Tung Wan on Lantau Island.Please refer to the daily schedule HERE and select the relevant dates for a detailed outline of activities.
Learn more about The Shed program: Overnight FAQ -
Enrollment Details
COST:
$2,940 for 2-days overnight*
*10% for early bird before Mar 15, 2026
5% discount when signing up with a friend from Mar 16, 2026 onwardsTo enjoy 5% off from signing up with a friend, please select “Pay offline” once signing up via our online platform, and then WhatsApp 6677-5374 the invoice number, we will adjust the invoice accordingly
NB: Promotions cannot be used in conjunction with one another.
SCHEDULE:
Please refer to the daily schedule HERE for details on each day’s activities, pick-up and drop-off times, and packing list.NB: Activities are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
• WK1: Mar 30 and 31 -CLOSED
• WK2: Apr 9 and 10 -ENROLL NOW - Enroll by Apr 6
Enrollment T&Cs -
Learning Outcomes
• Deepen their ecological understanding by studying soil health, biodiversity, forest systems, and environmental conditions• Apply research skills through structured baseline observations and evidence-based analysis.
• Strengthen collaboration and leadership through teamwork and shared responsibility.
• Develop environmental responsibility by recognising how informed, research-driven action can positively shape shared ecosystems
THE SHED VALUES:
Through consistent participation in The Shed programs, we hope children will learn and develop the values we strive to reflect:
• Sustainable
• Caring and Compassion
• Community Orientated
• Courageous
• Connected
Schedule
Week 1
30 - 31 March, 2026
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Location:
The Shed Retreat @ Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island
Key Activities:As part of the overnight program, Young Shedders explore a central question: What small, evidence-based actions can help strengthen this green space?
They begin with an HKU-supported baseline observation study, assessing soil condition, vegetation, shade, and simple biodiversity indicators such as insects and bird activity. Using structured observation methods, students collect and record field data before identifying a genuine environmental challenge within the site.
Overnight Camp
Students set up tents and take part in guided outdoor cooking, building independence, resilience, and collaboration. Spending the night immersed in nature allows them to observe environmental change across day and evening cycles while strengthening responsibility and confidence in an outdoor setting.
Drop Off:
🕐 8:20AM
📍Central Ferry Pier No. 5
NB: Ferry will depart at 8:40AM. Latecomers will not be accommodated.
Packing List:
Overnight Session -
Location:
The Shed Retreat @Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island
Key Activities:
On Day 2, Young Shedders tackle the question: What small, evidence-based actions can our team take to help this green space become healthier?Planting a Mini Forest
Building on their field observations and HKU-supported baseline data, children design and plant a small forest patch, choosing different types of plants to support growth and biodiversity. They care for the soil and monitor progress over time.Through research-informed planning and hands-on restoration, children learn how informed action can strengthen ecosystem resilience.
Pick Up:
🕐 4:30PM
📍Central Ferry Pier No. 5
Week 2
9 - 10 April, 2026
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Location:
Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island
Key Activities:
As part of the overnight program, Young Shedders explore a central question: What small, evidence-based actions can help strengthen this green space?They begin with an HKU-supported baseline observation study, assessing soil condition, vegetation, shade, and simple biodiversity indicators such as insects and bird activity. Using structured observation methods, students collect and record field data before identifying a genuine environmental challenge within the site.
Overnight Camp
Students set up tents and take part in guided outdoor cooking, building independence, resilience, and collaboration. Spending the night immersed in nature allows them to observe environmental change across day and evening cycles while strengthening responsibility and confidence in an outdoor setting.
Drop Off:
🕐 8:20AM
📍Central Ferry Pier No. 5
NB: Ferry will depart at 8:40AM. Latecomers will not be accommodated.
Packing List:
Overnight Session -
Location:
Mong Tung Wan, Lantau Island
Key Activities:
On Day 2, Young Shedders tackle the question: What small, evidence-based actions can our team take to help this green space become healthier?Planting a Mini Forest
Building on their field observations and HKU-supported baseline data, children design and plant a small forest patch, choosing different types of plants to support growth and biodiversity. They care for the soil and monitor progress over time.Through research-informed planning and hands-on restoration, children learn how informed action can strengthen ecosystem resilience.
Pick Up:
🕐 4:30PM
📍Central Ferry Pier No. 5