“My Big Backyard”
Summer Holiday Program
August 14 - 18, 2023
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
OR
2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Session Overview
This week is a tribute to Hong Kong’s amazing and diverse collection of country parks and the importance and fun of connecting with nature. We get a look at the magnificent sights and open up our imagination to see everything that nature has to offer. The more we discover together, the more we realize how much there is to love about the outdoors - whether we are in a country park or right in our own neighbourhood parks.
Being Prepared
Arriving early and prepared, allows your child the best opportunity to make the most of their session with us. Please share the packing responsibilities with children and let them take ownership of their possessions and at the same time be a helpful reminder to you!
Sometimes running late is unavoidable and we will always be waiting at, or nearby our meeting point before moving on. However, if you know you are going to be late, please inform the lead mentor ASAP. If it looks like you are going to be more than 30mins than the start time, alternative arrangements may need to be made and this will be considered on a case by case scenario.
Each child should come prepared and have their own backpack with the following:
Small, healthy snack
Lunch
Full water bottle
Well-fitted hat
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Spare mask
Well fitted closed-toe shoes
Rain jacket/coat
For wet sessions, days we are in or nearby streams, water or at the beach, please be prepared with:
A spare t-shirt
Small Towel
We understand that there is a lot of information above and we will use the WhatsApp chat to remind you of all these details on a day by day basis.
Drop off, Pick up & Running late
Please be reminded that each Morning session begins at 9:00 am and finishes at 12:30 pm.
If you are joining us for the Afternoon session, it begins at 2:30 pm and finishes at 6:00 pm.
Sometimes running late is unavoidable and we will always be waiting at, or near by our meeting point before moving on. However if you know you are going to be late, please inform the lead mentor ASAP. If it looks like you are going to be more than 30mins than the start time, alternative arrangements may need to be made and this will be considered on a case by case scenario.
Session 1: Monday, August 14
We learn about climbing safety, techniques, and safety at Home Base.
Drop Off
Home Base
Pick Up
Home Base
Session 2: Tuesday, August 16
We start at The Peak and hike down to the Pinewood Battery.
Drop Off
Peak Gardens
Pick Up
Kotewall Road
Session 3: Wednesday, August 15 - Wet Session
We will head to Pok Fu Lam for a stream scramble!
Drop Off
Pok Fu Lam
Pick Up
Pok Fu Lam
Session 4: Thursday, August 17
We are back at Home Base to have another go at the indoor climbing playground!
Drop Off
Home Base
Pick Up
Home Base
Session 5: Friday, August 18 - Beach Session
Beach Day and BBQ
Drop Off
Chung Hom Kok Beach
Pick Up
Chung Hom Kok Beach
The Mentors
In the lead up to your child’s week with us, please take the time to have an upbeat chat with them about what is ahead. This will allow them some time to prepare for meeting the new mentors, the other children, and the new routines they are about to be involved in. Undoubtedly, there will be some nerves but they will be greeted with friendly faces and some running around should help to quickly get them relaxed and into the right frame of mind.
Tim
A husband, father, and teacher, who calls Hong Kong home. After graduating with a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Personal Development, Health, and Physical Education, he taught in Hong Kong for 5 years before setting his sights on the outdoor wonderland of Niseko, Japan. There he worked on building EdVenture Niseko, an outdoor summer and winter program for children and youth. After 8 years in Japan he decided it was time to put his energy back into his home of Hong Kong and create a “space” where he can share the lessons he has learnt from his life’s adventure with young people here in Hong Kong.
Sammi
Samantha is born and raised in Canada and has been working in Education since graduating with a Bachelor's of Education, majoring in Special Needs. Working with students with exceptional needs has fuelled her passion for education and learning. With experience as a classroom teacher, tutor, mentor, and vice principal, Samantha is ready to bring learning outside of the traditional classroom. Samantha hopes to instill lifelong learning by creating unique experiences at The Shed that allows participants to engage in themselves, their community, and our world.
Marty
Marty is open-minded and a life-long learner. He graduated with a Bachelor in Urban Geography and Environment. He believes in the importance of protecting our natural environment. Martin also has experience in supporting students with diverse learning needs, particularly through greening activities to develop a more meaningful relationship with the outdoors. In his free time, he likes to skateboard and cook for his friends and family. By being part of The Shed, Martin hopes to continue promoting nature-positivity through awesome outdoor experiences.