Asian U’s first Summer Camp off to a flying start

“Crazy Ship” children’s playground opened in Sriracha

Asian U’s first Summer Camp off to a flying start

The first of two month–long summer camps was opened last weekend by the university president, Dr. Viphandh Roengpithya, and the camp director, Cate Jenkins.

Over eighty young people from schools and universities around the country have come to Asian U for a month of academic instruction combined with plenty of fun. The participants include school children and undergraduates from ABAC, Chulalongkorn, Mahidol, St. John’s University and elsewhere.

Cate (centre) with some returning campers. The boy on Cate’s right is back for his fifth year!

The campers will have 27 hours of English language, mathematics, IT and project based classes each week. One afternoon per week, there will be special presentations and workshops organised by the various faculties at the university. At the weekends the students will have the chance to visit local attractions, including the Naval Base at Sattahip, to see the base and the turtle farm, and to explore the Vihara Sien Chinese Museum near Wat Yarn.

Everyone is busy registering for the camp.

They will also be able to use the Asian University sports facilities where they will be encouraged to play basketball, soccer, squash, volleyball and other sports. In the evenings there will be activity clubs and movie nights. There is also optional drama or painting, themed parties, barbecues, etc. No student will be able to say that they are bored!

The campers are staying in the university dormitory, and have most of their meals on campus. They will make plenty of friends, and have a chance to meet the undergraduates and learn more about life at Asian U.

A full auditorium of eager campers and their parents.

The teachers have come from a range of English speaking countries, including the US, the UK and Australia. Some are full time teachers elsewhere in Thailand, and others have come to the country especially for the camps. To help with the smooth running of the camps, teacher assistants are on hand. The TAs are mostly undergraduates from other Thai universities, who are majoring in English studies. There are also three Austrian TAs who have come to enjoy Thailand and work at the camps.

The first camp is now underway, but anyone interested in joining the second camp, which runs from April 17 to May 14, 2005, please see the Asian U website (www.asianust.ac.th) or contact Admissions at 038-754-450 x. 2801 or admissions @asianust.ac.th

“Crazy Ship” children’s playground opened in Sriracha

Suchada Tupchai

Sriracha’s development plans last year included the construction of a children’s play area in the public park known as Koh Loy. The 5 million baht project has been completed and children are now enjoying the benefits of the seaside playground.

The new 12 meter by 20 meter playground is designed in the shape of a pirate ship.

The new 12 meter by 20 meter playground is designed in the shape of a pirate ship. Fun equipment includes slides, climbing ropes and steps. The cost of the specially designed site was around 4 million baht, with an additional 1 million baht being used to reinforce the foundations. Safety features include special rubber safety tiles on top of the concrete and adequate lighting for evening jaunts to the area.

Fun equipment includes slides, climbing ropes and steps.

Chatchai Timkrajarn, Sriracha mayor said, “The playground was completed at the end of last year. Our aim was to provide a place for children to play while their parents made use of the public area.”

One parent who spoke to reporters said that she brought her children to the playground regularly while she used the fitness facilities at the park. “During the school break the children play here in the afternoons while I exercise. It’s an ideal location with fresh air and plenty of people. It is especially good for parents keeping an eye on their children.”