International Affairs Division of Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, abbreviated as RMUTP, organized the 8th English Camp from May 18th – June 2nd, 2016 at Thewet campus and Botany Beach Resort, Pattaya. RMUTP English Camp was held annually and consecutively since 2008 with the objective of increasing English proficiency of RMUTP students in both speaking and listening skills. For this 8th year, the camp was joined by 80 students from all faculties which are not only Thai students, but also 12 Bhutanese students from Faculty of Business Administration who received the scholarship from RMUTP.
However, without 10 camp leaders from across United States of America, the camp wouldn’t be successful and completed. All 10 camp leaders were led by Ms. Shelby Arms, Mr. Luke Bodine, Mr. Warren J. Dugas, Mr Tyson Dunn, Ms. Karlee Mawhorter, Ms Kortney Mcatee, Ms.Kassidee McHale, Mr. Adam Miller, Dr. Robert Pinger, and Mrs. Harriet Pinger. For each year, Dr. Kris Rugsaken, Thai lecturer from Ball State University, are responsible for the recruitment of English native speakers from America. During these 8 years, more than 90 American volunteers joined the program.
This year, the opening ceremony of the 8th English Camp was held on May 19, 2016 at Klommaluang hall, Faculty of Industrial Education, Thewet Campus. It was honored by the presence of Assoc. Prof. Supatra Kosaiyakanont, President of Rajamangala University of Technology, as the chairman of the ceremony.
After the opening ceremony of the camp, both camp leaders and campers had a chance to have an ice breaker session with the purpose of to get to know each other before going to the camp in Pattaya.
During the 5 days of English Camp in Pattaya, class session began from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. of every day. For more enjoyable atmosphere in learning English, the camp was not only included the daily class session, but also the outside classroom activities: bag painting and outdoor activities. These activities allowed to students to speak English more naturally and fluently.
On the last day of the camp in Pattaya, the staff organized the party by the beach for both camp leaders and campers. The party was included dinner, fashion costume contest of the campers and games in which camp leaders and campers enjoyed playing and having fun together.
The closing ceremony took place at the Faculty of Industrial Education, Thewet campus. President Supatra Kosaiyakanont shared the memorable speech to both camp leaders and campers, and extended the appreciation to Dr. Kris Rugsaken of the recruitment of the American volunteers and the betterment to the university for 8 consecutive years; and also to the staff who organized the program.
After the camp finished, all 10 camp leaders had a chance to have a two-day sightseeing in Bangkok and Ayutthaya province. The first day program included the tourist attractions in Bangkok: Temple of Emerald Buddha, Temple of Reclining Buddha and Temple of Dawn.
For second day, all camp leaders had a chance to visit Ayutthaya province which is Thailand’s former capital in Ayutthaya era. The first tourist attraction that they visited is Wat Yai Chai Mongkol. It is a ruined temple once was destroyed by Burmese army in Ayutthaya period. The temple was built in 13th century by King U-Thong. The last attraction of the trip was Ayutthaya Elephant Camp where all camp leaders were excited with riding elephants for the very first time.
At last, we, International Affairs Division, as the organizer of the camp, would like to thank you every sectors of RMUTP, and everyone who are involved with making this English camp possible and successful.
Written by Atthaphon Kongphisutkun
