National Parks of Taiwan

High school students were invited to join a 3-day, 2-night intensive adventure during their summer break, visiting the Guanwu Salamander Ecological Center in Shei-Pa National Park and stepping into the mist at 2,000 meters above sea level.

A typical day in Guanwu (meaning “observing the mist” in Chinese) starts with a bright, sunny morning, followed by mist forming in the afternoon. That’s when instructors led students to the Yunwu (“clouds and mist”) Trail, helping them observe the weather changes and explaining the difference between rain and mist.

The camp activities were designed to immerse students in the forest in small groups. During the day, participants explored the natural environment near the Guanwu Recreational Area, using paper maps and GPS on their phones to locate unique flora and fauna while also engaging in tree-climbing training and canopy foliage investigations. Along the way, students were encouraged to photograph the flora and fauna they encountered and post their photos on iNaturalist, a documentation app that connects users with specialists for feedback and deepens their understanding of wildlife.

At night, instructors made use of research equipment available in Guanwu, including bat houses, harp traps, and Sherman traps, to teach students about the bat ecosystem in the Shei-Pa region by observation. Students were also introduced to the Lepidoptera insects native to Guanwu and participated in moth-watching sessions, learning to identify phototactic insects by using bright light sources.

After the activities, participants shared they experiences through various media, such as GPS-recorded route maps or collage-style maps depicting their impressions of Guanwu’s ecosystems.

The Sen’s Things Nature Education team, which designed the camp activities, explained that the idea for the Youth Camp came about when the company’s founder visited Guanwu during his military service. Captivated by the region, he gradually formed a team dedicated to developing environmental education activities. In this way, the team has built a strong relationship with the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters. Ultimately, the camp took shape with volunteer guides from the headquarters acting as group leaders, while the Sen’s Things Nature Education team served as event planners and instructors.

The purpose of the event was to enable participants to learn as much as possible about Guanwu’s diversity in a limited time, by participating in mystery hunts and learning scientific investigation methods, fostering a deeper connection to Guanwu.

Shei-Pa volunteers accompanying the participants throughout the activities were senior volunteer guides who are well-versed in Guanwu’s natural environment. They have long supported environmental education activities organized by the Shei-Pa National Park Headquarters, contributing their expertise in various fields, such as assisting in canopy investigations.

All young students seeking a summer camp experience are welcome to join the Shei-Pa National Park Youth Camp. In addition to witnessing the beauty of the mountains firsthand, participants will have the chance to make like-minded friends and learn various mental techniques. The camp enables participants to explore the seemingly mundane daily environment, continuously uncovering new conservation knowledge alongside their companions, and gradually accumulating valuable insights with each step they take.