“With the belief that “Good origins will create good end results.” Therefore, awareness of the conservation of natural resources and the environment should be raised. Therefore, we start with “youth” mainly because youth are the source of learning and will grow up to be the future of the nation. We focus on forest conservation. Especially the watershed forest Because it is the origin of water It is the source of energy. and is a center of biodiversity that is important to all life. Where youth from every region across the country will travel to learn and gain direct experience from the upstream forests themselves. and can be applied in daily life,” Mr. Amornrat Thephasadin Na Ayutthaya, Executive Vice President, Accounting, EGCO Group, and Director and Treasurer Thai Forest Conservation Foundation Telling about the origins of organizing the EGCO Thai Rak Pa youth camp continuously for more than 20 years. This year, Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group joined with the Thai Rak Pa Foundation. and Doi Inthanon National Park continue the spirit of instilling awareness of natural resources and the environment among youth by organizing the “58th EGCO Thai Rak Pa Youth Camp” under the concept “Inspired by Nature” at the end of March 2024 at It was attended by 64 high school youth from every region of the country who came to learn and take inspiration from nature to develop creative ideas to jointly conserve and care for natural resources and the environment in their daily lives. As well as building good friendships together at Doi Inthanon National Park for 7 days and 6 nights, many stories are told in the camp. This has occurred through activities and processes to communicate the meaning of nature that help youth understand the importance of watershed forests and the meaning of conserving and taking care of natural resources on their own, such as group relations activities and camp living. From cooking food to eat by yourself every meal Setting up a tent and tying up a hammock Trekking activities to learn about nature through signs interpreting nature in the Kiew Mae Pan nature trail. Activity to learn about the ecosystem and biodiversity in the forest, 6 people embrace, from soil, water, insects, animals, and various ecosystems. that all have to depend on each other to support each other “Come to join the EGCO Thai Rak Pa youth camp. Because I want to learn about watershed forests This is something that has never been heard before. After doing various activities, it made me understand more about the importance of watershed forests and taking care of natural resources. I would like to pass on the knowledge gained from this camp to the children in school to encourage them to take care of nature and solve environmental problems in the school. In addition, they also received inspiration about the use of herbs to treat disease. This is another way to help people in remote areas. Have more access to medical care I want to be a little pharmacist. who knows about herbs and want to help people in the village who do not have the opportunity to access hospital treatment.” Ms. Onpreeya Phimsri (Baimint), Maha Sarakham Rajabhat University Demonstration School, Maha Sarakham Province, talks about the impression she received from coming to visit. This time at the camp, while Ms. Kulaporn Rattancharatroj (China), Suankularb Wittayalai School, Rangsit, Bangkok, said, “The best friend tree activity is the activity that I like the most. Because it makes me open up a lot. It is difficult for us to love and understand someone. Especially with nature Many people probably wonder if he can’t speak. How can we be friends with him? But this activity makes us understand and experience friends who are sincere and always give everything to us. This camp has given me a lot. Whether it’s a matter of ideas, perspectives, especially sharing. That’s easy to say but difficult to do. Because as humans we see ourselves first. Few people think about the collective. But I want you to know that nature has shared everything with us. But when will we share that back with nature?” Mr. Itthichai Chosanab (Klao), Kanchanaburi Rajabhat University Demonstration School, Kanchanaburi Province, said, “Before, forests were not given much importance. But when I came to the camp and learned about the importance of watershed forests and the environment. including impacts caused by humans It creates a consciousness that wants to preserve and change nature for the better than before. I want to disseminate information to everyone about the importance of watershed forests and the creatures that live together. I believe that modern children have broad ideas. But they may not know the channels for taking action. If there are adults who are ready to understand, listen, and support, I believe that the ideas and power of the youth will create positive changes in nature.” Finally, Mr. Muhamad Rafad Hengdada (Obo) R.R. Thamwittaya Foundation, Yala Province said, “Thank you to the EGCO Thai Rak Pa Youth Camp. who gave me environmental knowledge And thank you friends who gave us friendship while staying together in this camp When returning from the camp Go to your own village I would like to form a team to work together to take care of nature and the streams around the village. To show that nature is important. If we don’t take good care of it will have an impact I believe that actually doing it. It will help pass on inspiration to others. and can create positive impacts on a large scale.” “At the end of nearly one week of camp activities, the youth clearly have increased knowledge, understanding, and awareness of the importance of watershed forests and natural resources. as well as being inspired to make positive behavioral changes Including being ready to pass on the heart of a conservationist to families, communities and schools, which are nearby society,” said Ms. Manee Patayajiva, secretary-general of the Thai Rak Pa Foundation. Concluding remarks after sending the youths back home to their families safely
