The Springfield Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek and Community Project 2008

The Springfield Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek & Community Service Project
4th to 21st December 2008
(A) Introduction - Trek & Community Project Information
The ABC Trek is a world-famous trek and one of the most popular in the Nepal Himalaya. It is a moderately strenuous 16-day journey passing through some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world. Participants will ascend gradually to an altitude of 4200M in early winter when the weather is usually stable and cool. The gradual ascent will minimize risks of Acute Mountain Sickness. Along the way, we will go off the beaten trail to render 3 days of community service at the village of Bukha. Here they will participate in a homestay programme, interact with students from the village primary and secondary schools and help to set up a library of English books
Springfield's knowledge and long experience in outdoor adventure and community service programmes will enable the participants to work and create a unique project which offers opportunities to develop personal and social skills, and culminates in an adventurous expedition of a lifetime.


(B) Projected Outcomes
Students develop practical and interpersonal skills that will prove a major asset in higher education and in future employment. Participants will gain experience in the following:
• Leadership, teamwork and communication skills are applied from the earliest stages of preparation and even after the final flight home.
• Planning & Organisational experience during the preparation phase will give the group confidence from the outset and inspire them to great achievements during the expedition
• Practical outdoor skills that encourage self-reliance, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility.
• Witnessing life in a foreign country is the first step in understanding its culture and opening minds to diverse ideas..
• Participation in Project Programme involving cultural and social exchange that leads to increased global awareness.
• Satisfying and complementing specific areas of the School Curriculum and its broader aims. Students to "learn across the curriculum" in areas such as entrepreneurship, financial budgeting, cultural and sustainable development, thinking

(C) Safety & Insurance

Participants must be certified medically fit by a doctor and attend regular training to prepare for the trek. The project will be led by teachers who have vast experience in outdoor expeditions and community service. The teacher:student ratio is at 1:3. Comprehensive insurance cover will be obtained for all participants for the duration of the expedition.A meeting with parents/guardians will be held prior to the trip to present details of the expedition, explain safety precautions and procedures, preparations and to address any other concerns.