Students to camp out in Hatta as extra-curricular option

554

KHDA says new Wellbeing Campus turns landscape and local community into extension of the classroom.

Dubai: Dubai’s private school students can now enjoy a new two-day camp in the mountainous Hatta area of the emirate of Dubai as an extra-curricular option.



‘Discover The Treasures of Hatta’ programme transforms Hatta’s “beautiful landscape and its community into an extension of the classroom”, said Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which launched the programme.

 

 




As part of the Hatta Wellbeing Campus, which is a part of the Hatta Development Plan, students aged 13 to 15 can experience activities that take them on “a journey of discovery and learning”.

Dr Abdullah Al Karam, director-general of KHDA, said: “The Hatta Wellbeing Campus really gives students an opportunity to push themselves while learning something new. It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that allows students to explore, connect and be active. It’s about discovering something new and enjoying the natural beauty of Hatta to reconnect with well-being and happiness.”

Participating schools will be given an opportunity to host students at the Hatta Wellbeing Campus, which takes students to the Hatta Hill Park, Hatta Dam and JA Hatta Fort Hotel.

The development follows last year’s KHDA-led trip to Hatta for school students.

Dr Al Karam added: “The well-being campus has a lot of activities that encourage students to share new experiences and discover the place at their own pace. By introducing overnight camping this year, we are giving students a chance to experience more activities in Hatta.”

This year students will experience additional camping activities — tent assembly, hiking, cooking, farming and “mindfulness” sessions.

Designed to develop mindfulness as a tool towards well-being, the programme will provide opportunities for students to be challenged physically, emotionally and socially.

The ‘Discover The Treasures of Hatta’ programme is designed and delivered by Ground-Up Initiative (GUI), Ecoventure and JA Hatta Fort Hotel, part of JA Resorts & Hotels.



Lai Hock, founder of Ground-Up Initiative, said: “We witnessed once again the positive impact of Hatta’s mountains and water on students and young adults. Everyone feels happy and rejuvenated as they hike through the mountains and get reminded to be mindful of not just their personal well-being but also the well-being of nature.”

Simon Cook, commercial director of Ecoventure, said: “It is a fantastic opportunity to help students reconnect with nature and develop an understanding of how important it is to both nurture and be nurtured by the environment. Making strides to achieve this will help us to develop towards escaping urban living and being more sustainable. All this is intrinsically linked to our inter and intrapersonal relationships and our respect for one another and the environment as a whole.”

Source: Gulf News