I managed to visit the Kilad Campsite and fully immerse myself in its natural surroundings. This rural immersion meant sacrificing modern comforts and adapting to a more primitive lifestyle—sleeping in dormitories, eating plain meals, and engaging in daily physical work. For six days, we gained much knowledge about rural life, explored tribal cultures, and actively engaged in daily activities, providing us with firsthand knowledge of the local way of life.

LO 1 : Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth

The greatest lesson I picked up from this experience was learning to adapt to new circumstances. At first, I wondered if I could ever get used to the simplicity of life, particularly without the urban life amenities. I then came to understand that by changing my attitude and thinking more about the experience than the discomforts, I could enjoy the trip fully. In the process, I also found areas where I needed to improve myself. Physical endurance was one area of challenge, as the journey entailed a lot of walking and everyday physical exertions. I also needed to be more resourceful and patient—whether it was coping with minimal facilities or learning new tasks. Through this experience, I learned the value of resilience and positive attitude when confronted with challenges that challenge me outside my comfort zone.

LO 2 :  Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

The greatest challenge of this experience was adapting to a low-resource lifestyle. Simple conveniences I used to take for granted—like clean water or a selection of food options—became hurdles that needed patience and creativity. Participating in the daily habits of the people living there challenged me to learn new skills, from physical labor and collaboration to cultural flexibility. Whether it was learning how they cooked traditionally, participating in farm work, or understanding the struggle from an economic perspective within their community, every experience drawn me closer to their way of living. This journey teaches importance about sustainability, self-sufficiency, and mindfulness in consumption. At the same time, it reminded me that adversity is a great teacher, which makes personal growth and resilience.

LO 4 : Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience.

Adjusting to a rural way of life for six days required resilience and mental strength. The accommodations were worlds apart from what I was used to—no comfortable beds, no exposure to technology, and hardworking long days. At first, the adjustment was difficult, but as days went by, I grew to love the experience and appreciated the simplicity of the rural way of life. There were moments when exhaustion set in, and the physical demands felt overwhelming. However, staying committed to the experience and pushing through difficulties helped me develop discipline and stamina. Instead of resisting the discomfort, I learned to adapt, accept, and fully engage in the journey, making the experience all the more rewarding.

LO 6 : Engagement with issues of global significance

This trip gave me a firsthand look at the economic and global challenges faced by rural communities. Many of the tribal people we met didn’t have access to good education, healthcare, or stable jobs. Seeing these struggles up close made me think about the bigger issue of rural development and social inequality.

The experience also showed me how important it is to be sustainable and protect the environment. The people of Kilad depend on nature for their living, but they don’t have much to support a healthy way of life. This made me realize how important it is to save natural resources, invest in sustainable development, and support better rural policies.

Seeing these things for real, instead of just learning about them, was a big wake-up call about how different rural and urban communities are all over the world. This trip made me think about how small things we can do, like buying ethically, supporting responsible businesses, and spreading awareness, can help make a difference.

LO 7 : Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions

Being part of a different community taught me a lot about respect and being culturally sensitive. One of the most important things to keep in mind was not to mess up their daily lives. Talking to the locals showed me that it’s better to listen and watch than to just assume or impose my own ideas. Instead of just seeing this as a temporary thing, I made a conscious effort to understand their struggles, respect their traditions, and interact in a way that was good for both of us.

I also had to be careful about how we used resources. I tried to minimize waste, respect shared spaces, and make sure we left as little of an environmental impact as possible. Being ethical in these situations goes beyond just being polite; it means taking responsibility for our actions and making sure that our interactions are meaningful, thoughtful, and respectful to both the people and the environment.

conclusions:

The CAS experience in Kilad was an eye-opening journey that helped me discover my strengths and areas for improvement. It was also incredibly humbling, making me realize the struggles and resilience of rural communities. This experience made me more aware of global issues like poverty, sustainability, and unequal education, and it made me more committed to being ethical in my interactions with people from different backgrounds. It really changed me, and I’m now more mindful of my actions, more empathetic during tough times, and more determined to make a positive difference in society.