CAKE
WHAT'S A TYPICAL FIELD TRIP LIKE?
They usually last anywhere from 5 to 8 hours and include a few different sessions.
First, there’s an introductory nature activity to get everyone engaged. Then, they dive into how climate change impacts different species and habitats. Next, they talk about citizen science and how kids can help scientists by making observations that experts can verify. Finally, they discuss some small ways the kids can contribute to protecting those species and habitats.
After the trip, the kids keep their nature journey going with their respective Special Interest Groups. It’s a great way to stay involved!
Before and after the trips, we conducted surveys with both participants and mentors to help shape the program. The feedback showed that everyone really wanted CAKE to continue into 2024. But as we wrap up 2024, we've noticed that kids aged 13 to 18 haven’t signed up for any of the field trips. So, moving into 2025, we’re going to focus solely on supporting the 7 to 12-year-olds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How many members can you accommodate?
We prefer smaller groups
for a better experience, so each field trip has specific minimum and
maximum participant numbers based on the habitat.
2. Is it possible for the parent to leave their child with us? / Can a guardian accompany my child instead?
All children must be accompanied by their parents during the activities unless stated otherwise.
3. Can I bring my friend and her child who aren’t MNS members?
CAKE field trips are open to current MNS Selangor family members, or junior members accompanied by an individual member. Members from other MNS branches, are also welcome to join.
Non-members can sign up for MNS family membership for as little as RM80 per year, or renew for RM70 annually, which covers parents and all children under 18.
Starting in September 2024, we’ve partnered with Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK) in their area, so participants can be either MNS or FoBK members.
4. How much does it cost?
As we’re non-profit, we do
have to charge fees to cover venue rentals, entrance fees,
and materials. Our mentor members don’t charge for their time; they
really just want to see the kids’ excitement and wonder as they explore
nature. It’s priceless! Starting in 2025, we’ll be adjusting our fees to
a standard price so we can purchase things that will really enhance the
learning experience for everyone.
5. So, I only need to pay for my child, and the parent joins for free, right?
The new pricing in 2025 will include both a child and a parent. An additional fee will cover an extra participant (child/parent).
6. Weather contingency
If it rains, we’ll take a wait-and-see approach at first. But if the rain doesn’t let up, we’ll reschedule the field trip, and participants won’t have to pay the fee again.
7. What's next?
Kids & parents can take part in other CAKE field trips or move up to regular MNS Selangor activities with the relevant special interest groups.
8. Is it possible to sponsor a field trip for underprivileged kids?
Yes,
we'd be happy to mentor them on a field trip, as long as the children
are from national or independent schools, and are accompanied by
their school teachers. Reach out to us to know more!
9. Are CAKE field trips ever open to the public (non-MNS members)?
On rare occasions, we collaborate with other NGOs or third parties, and during these times, CAKE is also open to non-members.
Have a question that hasn’t been answered? Feel free to reach out at: events@mnsselangorbranch.org.
MENTORS
2023 Habitat Mentors
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
Rimba Ilmu Universiti Malaya
Kuala Selangor Nature Park
2023 MNS Selangor Mentors
MNS Selangor Branch
MNS Selangor Bird Group
MNS Selangor Nature Guides
MNS Selangor Marine Group
Rimba Ilmu Universiti Malaya
Rimbun Dahan
Bukit Kiara Federal Park (Friends of Bukit Kiara)
2024 MNS Selangor Mentors
MNS Selangor Branch
MNS Selangor Bird Group
MNS Selangor Herpetofauna Group
MNS Selangor Flora Group
MNS Selangor Nature Guide
MILESTONES
- The CAKE trial phase took place from February to November 2023. Out of the six planned field trips, four were successfully held, while two were canceled due to not meeting the minimum number of participants.
- In 2023:
Habitats: 3
Branch & SIG Mentors: 24
Participants: 54 kids (7-18 years old) and parents.
- July 8, 2023 - MNS Selangor CAKE6 awarded small environmental grant
- July 9, 2024 - MNS Selangor CAKE12 awarded small environmental grant
- In 2024:
Habitats: 5
Branch & SIG Mentors: 21 + 3 trainee mentors
Participants: 66 kids (7-12) 14 kids (13-18) + 50 parents + 3 school volunteers = 133 - The
CAKE normal phase ran from May to December 2024, during which six out
of seven planned field trips took place. One trip for the teenagers was
canceled due to a lack of sign-ups.
FIELD TRIP REPORTS
- Report: Field trip to FRIM: Discover Bird Watching 25.2.2023 CAKE01
- Field trip to Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden (cancelled due to insufficient participants) CAKE02
- Report: Field trip to FRIM: Discover Bird Watching 29.4.2023 CAKE03
- Report: Field trip to Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden 13.5.2023 CAKE04
- Field trip to Kuala Selangor Nature Park (cancelled due to insufficient participants) CAKE05
- Report: Field trip to Kuala Selangor Nature Park - Discover Mangroves 19.11.2023 CAKE06 Supported by the Selangor State Government's Geran Kecil Alam Sekitar
- Report: Field trip to Perdana Botanic Gardens - Learn bird watching CAKE7 11.5.2024
- Field trip to Perdana Botanic Gardens - Learn bird watching (cancelled due to no sign-ups from 13-18) CAKE8
- Report: Field trip to Rimba Ilmu Botanic Gardens - Carbon Guzzlers CAKE9 13.7.2024
- Report: Field trip to learn about fallen trees, future forests: how seeds bring them back! CAKE10 7.9.2024
- Report: Field trip to BAKTI & Kiara Hills Federal Park - Discover reptiles & amphibians CAKE11 14.9.2024
- Report: Field trip to Rimba Ilmu Botanic Gardens - Carbon Guzzlers CAKE12 13.10.24
- Report: Field trip to TTDI Park - Learn bird watching CAKE13 29.12.24
