“60th EGCO Forest Youth Camp” takes Gen Z eco-champions on adventure into “Doi Inthanon’s biodiversity”

“The saying “a youth camp makes a man” is not an overstatement. … I believe that many people, myself included, who participated in this youth camp will adopt a new perspective and a more eco-friendly lifestyle,” said Mr. Naphat Saengrat (First), a student from Triam Udom Suksa School, Bangkok, after joining seven-day-six-night “60th EGCO Forest Youth Camp” held in Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai.

The EGCO Forest Youth Camp was first initiated with a strong belief that “a good start will lead to a successful outcome.” Guided by this belief, Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group has been operating power and energy-related businesses while simultaneously instilling awareness of natural resources and environmental conservation among young people — who are in the early stage of learning and are the future drivers of the nation. Since 1997, EGCO Group has partnered with the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation (TCOF or Thairakpa Foundation), a non-profit organization established and supported by EGCO Group, and Doi Inthanon National Park to organize this annual EGCO Forest Youth Camp, now totaling 59 camps.

This year, the 60th EGCO Forest Youth Camp was held under the captivating theme, “Discovering Biodiversity in Doi Inthanon.” The camp encouraged participating senior high school students to explore and uncover the connections among living organisms and biodiversity within the watershed forests of Doi Inthanon National Park. The rich and unspoiled watershed forest in this area is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plant species. It serves as a source of life and energy, where everything is closely interconnected.

Participants had the opportunity to uncover nature’s secrets through a range of conservation-focused activities — such as exploring life along the Kew Mae Pan, Angka, and Yod Doi Nature Trails, learning about the ecosystems in the natural classroom of the “6 Men’s Embrace Forest,” acting as wind and water detectors, and taking part in the “Young Fawns” and “Best Friend Tree” activities, among others. At the same time, all attendees had the chance to build new friendships with 69 fellow participants from across the country.

“The awareness of the importance and value of nature will be deeply instilled in the minds of the young participants,” said Dr. Jiraporn Sirikum, President of EGCO Group and Chairperson of TCOF, at the camp’s opening ceremony. “We hope this awareness will spark a spirit of cooperation in the conservation and restoration of watershed forests and Doi Inthanon, preserving their beauty, value, and rich biodiversity. Our hope is that, as these young participants grow up—no matter where they are or what careers they pursue—a responsible lifestyle and care for the environment will remain at the heart of their way of life.”

Participants in the 60th EGCO Forest Youth Camp have taken back home from the camp a lot of knowledge, experience, valuable memories, and new perspectives.

Miss Wirunphat Duangrat (Pizza), a student from Sadao “Khanchai Kamphalanon Anusorn” School, Songkhla province, reflected, “It’s biodiversity that keeps our planet alive. There must be producers, consumers, and decomposers to complete the ecosystem. Everyone has a role to play, and each one is equally important. We cannot survive without any part of this system. My perspective has changed after joining this camp. I’ve learned more about the forests — I now understand how soil supports trees, and how trees produce oxygen for us to breathe. Everything is interconnected and affects one another. That’s why I truly want our forests to be preserved.”

"The experience at this camp exceeded my expectations" said Miss Orasa Sawangsok (Benz) from Nongkham Wittaya School, Chaiyaphum province. She added, “Young people like us can do a lot to protect and promote biodiversity. For example, we can help save water. When washing our faces or brushing our teeth, we shouldn’t let the water run — only turn on the tap when needed. We can even reuse dishwashing water for other purposes. We should also avoid littering or throwing trash into the sea, as it can harm marine animals or even lead some species to extinction.”

For Mr. Krittin Wenten (Coco) from Traimit Wittayalai School, Bangkok, who was inspired to apply to the camp by the topic of biodiversity, also found the answers to many of his questions by himself. “Biodiversity is the harmonious coexistence of the environment, plants, insects, water — everything is interconnected, like links in a chain. If one link is missing, the entire chain breaks. We, too, are a part of this biodiversity. I want to share the experiences and knowledge I’ve gained from this camp with my family and with the Children’s Council, of which I’m a member. More importantly, real action is needed to create clear, concrete guidelines that others can follow — and to inspire even more people to do the same.”

Mr. Chatchawan Chanthaha (Sky), who earlier participated in the 56th EGCO Forest Youth Camp and returned to the 60th camp as a facilitator and mentor, expressed his confidence in continuing to inspire others to care for nature. “Camp participants are like family to us. We share our knowledge, experiences, and perspectives about the environment and conservation. Nature is deteriorating, and it’s impossible for any individual or group to restore it alone due to limited resources. By joining this camp and instilling a commitment to conservation in more and more young people, it's as if we’re building a larger, stronger army of environmental stewards. The youth who join this camp begin to notice the small things they once overlooked — or never even saw before — and realize how vital they are to the ecosystem. Once they understand the importance of nature, they will grow to love it and feel responsible for protecting it.”

The 60th EGCO Forest Youth Camp may have come to an end, but a generation of environmentally conscious Gen Z youth has begun to take root — and they will soon become a core force in safeguarding natural resources and the planet.