Be like Millie: Volunteering Beyond the Classroom – Painting, Panthers, and Powerful Art!

I would like to start by saying that I always dreamt of living abroad. I think maybe I manifested this time in my life, and I have shocked myself by dreaming this into existence. However, it didn’t come without its challenges, and I am very grateful for all the help along the way, from friends and family, of course, but also from my colleagues and employers being the hand to hold through this big change in my life.

Living in a country like Thailand, where people are genuinely so kind and giving, is quite the inspiration, and it rubs off on you. I do believe that I was a generous and considerate person before now, but since settling into life in Bangkok, I have felt very encouraged to give a little back to the place that has so warmly accepted me.

Embracing Volunteerism: A Heartfelt Thank You to BFITS

I am so grateful to BFITS Thailand and Giselle, the Assistant Director, for providing such great outreach volunteering opportunities. These experiences have not only allowed me to give back to a community that I now consider a significant part of my life, but they have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and connect with new people.

Building relationships with colleagues through these activities has been invaluable, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. These activities have also offered me a unique way to volunteer in Thailand, something I’ll always treasure.

These volunteering opportunities have taken me to various parts of the city and different regions in Thailand that I had never explored before. Each new place has offered unique perspectives and insights into the diversity of our community.

Whether it’s helping out at local events or food drives, assisting in educational programs, or participating in community initiatives, every moment has been enriching and fulfilling. I’ve also learned that many teachers in Thailand take part in similar outreach activities, fostering strong community connections while exploring the country.

Painting a Legacy: The Mural Project at Kaeng Krachan National Park

First, I was lucky enough to get a place on the volunteering trip to Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi Province to assist in painting a huge mural on the walls of a new visitor and learning center in the national park. Our goal in doing this was to improve the appearance of the tourist center and attract more visitors. I like to think we succeeded!

This was my first volunteering experience with BFITS, and there really was no better one to take part in. I love all things art and creativity-heavy, but also, the chance to go to one of Thailand’s biggest and most biodiverse national parks was a temptation I couldn’t refuse. It was also a wonderful opportunity to combine my passion for art with my desire to volunteer in Thailand in a meaningful way.

A Day of Connection and Adventure

It was a full day’s adventure. We set off from Bangkok early in the morning and drove together to the Phetchaburi Province. When we were nearing the park, we stopped at a beautiful campsite with a very clean modern restaurant/cafe where we were provided with a full breakfast buffet with tea and coffee.

We used this time to get to know each other because although most of us were BFITS teachers, some were from our networks. We were from different schools and different areas in and around Thailand. This was a wonderful opportunity to pick each other’s brains about our different experiences and exchange useful tips and advice we have gained on our individual journeys since moving to Thailand.

A variety of fantastic restaurants were recommended for different cuisines, along with enjoyable activities to do in the city. The day had been highly successful so far, and it wasn’t yet midday. Experiences like this showcase how teaching in Thailand opens doors to adventures you might never expect.

Bringing Nature to Life: Creating Art Among Wonders

When we arrived at the national park, we were shown the designated area and were introduced to the local artists who had already prepared a design plan for the space. Luckily, this provided us with some much-needed inspiration.

After introductions, we each chose our place on the wall, gathered our paints and brushes, and began to paint. It was a little daunting trying to recreate the flora and fauna of the national park with only paint and brushes, but we gave it our best effort.

Fortunately, the professionals were on hand to guide us and touch up our work where needed. We painted for hours, striving to bring the essence of the national park indoors, and by lunchtime, we were really starting to make some progress. Sharing this creative experience with fellow teachers in Thailand was one of the highlights of the trip.

Magical Moments: Lunch Break and Wildlife Encounters

Breaking away from the tranquil, serene focus I had entered into whilst painting was challenging, but the call of a Pad Thai lunch was too strong. We took a break outside, where dozens of butterflies and dragonflies settled around us, creating the most magical atmosphere.

Before we got back to painting, a few of us went on a little walk. We came across a river and dipped our feet in the cool spring water, hoping to spot some interesting wildlife around the water’s edge. Sadly, nothing wild and crazy—just some interesting little bugs, critters, and small fish.

However, not five minutes later, my friend and I were sitting on a very precarious wooden bench when the whole thing flipped with the imbalance of weight and revealed a little nest of tarantulas! Pretty terrifying, unless you like hairy spiders. It did seem to be sleeping, so we got a good look, but not too close!

Completing a Masterpiece: The Colors of Kaeng Krachan

We spent the rest of the afternoon painting, trying to finish our area of the wall before we had to leave. Despite our weary arms and dwindling paint supply, we persevered until the wall was covered in the colors of the national park. In addition to our own effort, we also had our local professionals on hand to touch up and refine our work and make it sparkle.

By the time our day at Kaeng Krachan National Park drew to a close, the transformation of the space was nothing short of remarkable. The mural had evolved into a captivating scene that beckoned with the beauty of nature. Cascading waterfalls glistened with life, blooming flowers burst forth in vibrant colors, exotic birds soared across the wall, and a flurry of butterflies danced throughout the colors, creating an enchanting atmosphere within the room.

An Unexpected Reward: Spotting the Elusive Panther

After finishing our workday, we all bundled into the minivan to begin the long drive back to Bangkok. The sun was just beginning to set, so it was still very light outside. Eagerly, in one last hope, we all scanned the landscape in the hopes of spotting some of the park’s elusive wildlife. I had done some research on Kaeng Krachan National Park before, so I was well aware of the diverse array of animals we might encounter, ranging from leopards, bears, and elephants to snakes, birds, and monkeys.

However, the rarest of them all is the panther, a species on the brink of extinction in the wild. Apparently, there are only a few left in the national park, and they are very rarely spotted by passersby. Just as we were all starting to drift into our thoughts, I let out the most excited squeal I had ever heard myself make. There, through the window of the minivan, a little further up the road, was indeed a black panther.

Simply crossing the road in front of us, I managed to snap a photo. Being in the middle seat of the van, I had a perfect view, and it was the most beautiful, magnificent moment of the day—something I will never forget and will forever cherish.

Curious for more? Don’t miss my other blog: Be Like Millie: Embracing the Joys and Surprises of Teaching in a Thai School! 🌟