After another busy week of classes and activities, students and staff headed to Mok Fah Waterfall, part of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park for a weekend retreat.

There was plenty of time for students to get to know each other and staff in a laid-back setting, but the weekend also provided ample learning time in a setting outside of the classroom–something students will become accustomed to during their time as students at ISDSI.

We kicked off the weekend with a swim assessment at the Huay Tong Tao Reservoir on the edge of the city. After the swim and a delicious lunch, it was off to Mok Fah. The students were excited to arrive and have a little rest time before delving into activities. With a mixture of  group discussions and hands on activities, students covered everything from leadership and working styles to risk management and decision-making to basic first aid and healthcare in Thailand and out in the field.

After learning or re-learning some basic first-aid, students had the opportunity to “rescue” one of their fellow classmates, who acted as the patient (including some very convincing actors). Don’t worry, no students were harmed in the creation of the scenario!

Throughout the “rescue,” students had the opportunity to learn what it feels like to work with a group in a stressful situation and were impressively composed and communicative. Not only did they have to work with a group in challenging circumstances, but also realized first-hand the challenges and exhausting nature of a wilderness rescue and evacuation.

Instuctors, Pi Pui and Pi Rashauna, wait in the kayaks for the first group of swimmers.

Mark is excited to start his swim assessment.

Monika prepared to conquer the swim assessment.

Pi Am goes over the Mok Fah policies with all of the students before they settle into their cabins.

A veiw of the Mok Fah Waterfall.

Pi Pui leads the students in some morning yoga.

Pi Toto, Pi Am, Pi Tik, and Pi Bo prepare some delicious Thai food for more than 40 people.

The result of the hard work in the kitchen. It tasted as delicious as it looks!

A group of students works on their "patient" during the rescue scenario.

Peter displays his beautiful self-portrait for the final activity of the weekend.

Students write comments about each other for the final, wrap-up activity of the weekend.