TAS Middle School Camp Inspires Belonging, Adventure, and Growth

Each September, Middle School students step beyond the classroom for one of TAS’s most anticipated traditions: Middle School Camp. Held this year from September 24 to 26, the program gave every student in Grades 6 to 8 the chance to explore a different corner of Taiwan, strengthen friendships, and grow in confidence and independence. 

“Camp is about more than getting away from campus,” shared Middle School Associate Principal Dr. Lori Richardson Garcia. “It’s about getting out, doing something different, and finding connection between students, and between students and teachers.” 

Grade-Level Adventures 

For Grade 6, the camp at the Kenting Youth Activity Center marked a significant first step toward independence. Many students had never been that far from home or without their devices for several days. Between trivia competitions, amazing races, art activities, and a visit to the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, students practiced curiosity and courage in equal measure. By the time they returned, teachers noted a familiar transformation: students came back more mature, more connected, and more ready to engage as Middle Schoolers. 

At Grade 7 Camp in Tainan’s Tsou Ma Lai Farm, collaboration took center stage. Through activities such as archery, obstacle courses, crafts, and a student-run carnival night where homerooms designed and operated their own games, students discovered the joy of teamwork. Dr. Richardson Garcia highlighted, “They build trust, solve problems, and see how much more they can do when they rely on one another.” 

For Grade 8, adventure met leadership at Fulong’s Longmen Campground. Rock climbing, paddleboarding, and long hikes tested both strength and resilience. Students also took on extra responsibility, helping with meal service on the rustic campsite and ensuring everyone was served with a smile. After more than 30 years at the same site, the Grade 8 camp remains a rite of passage, challenging students to push themselves higher, literally and figuratively, before heading into Upper School. 

Learning Through Play 

Beyond the structured challenges, downtime was an essential part of the learning experience. In these moments, playing cards in the shade, juggling Diabolos, or teaching a classmate a yo-yo trick, students connected in ways that cannot be scripted. The faculty intentionally built this time into the schedule. Recognizing that play is not a pause for learning but a vital part of it. 

“Learning happens when there is play,” said Dr. Richardson Garcia. “It’s how students learn to navigate friendships, express creativity, and handle small challenges in low-stakes ways.” These unstructured moments nurture social-emotional growth, helping students develop empathy, patience, and perspective. They also reflect TAS’s mission to cultivate an enduring commitment to learning, personal well-being, and service. 

Planning, Safety, and Shared Effort 

Each camp is planned for nearly a year in advance, with two faculty camp leaders per grade and one coordinator overseeing all programs. Faculty run most activities themselves, ensuring they are developmentally appropriate, safe, and aligned with TAS values. On-site, two nurses, trained specialists, and 24-hour faculty supervision provide support and care. 

Although a late-season typhoon shortened this year’s trip by a day, students and staff made every moment count.  Families expressed gratitude that the program went ahead, even in a condensed format. 

Lasting Impact 

By the end of the week, laughter had turned into stories that students couldn't stop sharing, stories now rippling through hallways and classrooms. Teachers observed newfound confidence in students’ voices, stronger collaboration in group work, and an openness to trying new things. 

The impact of camp continues well beyond the bus ride home. Teachers weave references to camp experiences into lessons and reflections, using shared memories to anchor discussions about teamwork, courage, and belonging. For many students, it marks the first time they have lived away from home, taken responsibility for themselves, and learned that growth often comes from stepping outside one’s comfort zone. 

As Dr. Richardson Garcia reflected, “The years we couldn’t go to camp left a gap you could feel. It’s a lot of work to organize, but it’s worth every minute when you see what students bring back: resilience, belonging, and stories they’ll remember for years.”