As part of our Philippines 8-day service school tour, Wayne, The Learning Adventure’s Product Officer, had the chance to guide a group of students through an unforgettable day with the River Reboot Program in Bohol, alongside our partners from Kayakasia Philippines. Situated along the Abatan River, the day was filled with hands-on learning, conservation efforts, and exciting adventures, all highlighting the vital role that mangroves play in the ecosystem. In this blog, Wayne shares his experience and insights from the day.
We arrived early at the banks of the Abatan River, where the Kayakasia team warmly welcomed us. After a brief introduction, they outlined the day’s activities and shared why mangroves are vital to the planet’s health. These remarkable trees serve as nurseries for marine life, shield coastlines from erosion, and absorb carbon dioxide, playing a critical role in combating climate change. For our students, this was an incredible opportunity to learn about conservation in the most impactful way – by rolling up their sleeves and getting up-close with the mangrove forests themselves.
The morning began with a focus on giving back to the environment. Students made their way through shallow waters to the planting site, each carrying a small mangrove sapling. Guided by the Kayakasia team, they dug holes in the soft riverbank and gently planted each seedling. As they began planting, students recognized the significance of their efforts, knowing the saplings they planted would one day grow into towering mangroves, essential to the riverbank’s health and resilience.
Following the planting session, students prepared for their next adventure – kayaking through the mangrove forest! As they glided through the serene waterways, they learned all about how mangroves serve as the backbone of this delicate ecosystem. The guides explained the vital role these trees play as natural buffers, protecting the river from storms and tidal surges. These meaningful conversations reinforced the idea that small actions, like planting a few saplings, can create a lasting and positive impact on the planet.
After a jam-packed day, the students reflected and shared their thoughts, some marvelling at how much life thrived in the mangrove forest, others talking about how peaceful it felt to be so close to nature. The River Reboot Program is more than just kayaking and planting trees – it’s about building a deeper connection with nature and understanding our role in preserving it. It’s a chance for students to see that they can be part of the solution to climate change, one small action at a time. Through this program, they become stewards of the environment, carrying the lessons they’ve learned back home and sharing them with others.
Future students who join us on this adventure will have the opportunity to continue the work we started on this day. Each new group will plant their own mangroves and add to the growing forest along the Abatan River. They’ll paddle through the same serene waters, learn from the same passionate guides, and become a part of this ongoing story of conservation.
The day with the River Reboot Program in Bohol was a perfect blend of learning, adventure, and making a positive impact. It’s the kind of experience that stays with you, reminding students of the beauty of nature and the power of small actions.
With The Learning Adventure, your school can take part in programs that not only give back to the community and the environment but also provide a well-rounded learning experience that your students will never forget.
If you’d like to learn more about a service school trip, you can explore our wide range of itineraries, or if you would like to customise an itinerary, enquire here.
