CAKE

It started with our younger members. Then the older ones asked to join too. And that is how we got Climate Action Kids Engagement (CAKE) for kids and parents, and Wild Wonders (WW) for nearly all ages.

Every nature lover has that one unforgettable moment—a glowing fungus, a flash of a bird, a frog's sudden leap—that made their heart race. For a young person, that spark can shape a future. For an adult, it can reignite a lifelong wonder. CAKE and WW create these moments for everyone, reminding us that to love nature is to protect it.

We run these programmes when time and capacity allow. If you're an MNS member ready to help organise CAKE field trips and WW, join us and help continue a story of growth, challenge, and joy. To all our participants, young and old: thank you for your unwavering support.

  

In 2022, while on the MNS Selangor Branch Committee, Leong Hon Yuen started CAKE to fill the gap in kid-focused activities for members' children. 

She worked closely with the MNS Selangor Branch Special Interest Group (SIG) coordinators and members to design field trips, refining each programme based on feedback from participating parents and children to ensure every outing was both enjoyable and meaningful. She attended every trip to oversee its smooth implementation and help create a positive experience for all participants.

In late 2024, she launched Wild Wonders (WW), a meet-and-greet series featuring biodiversity and cultural experts that expands beyond the branch's existing special interest groups. Initially designed for preschoolers to teenagers and their parents, the programme was expanded in 2026 to welcome individual adult participants as well.

What Are CAKE and WW?

Both programmes follow the Malaysian Nature Society's motto: Know nature, value nature, act for nature.

• CAKE offers parent-child field trips for ages 7–12, with occasional teen spots. Kids learn from volunteer SIG mentors (affectionately called "Uncles" and "Aunties" [Special Interest Group (SIG) mentors—a respectful Malaysian term for older members, not actual relatives]) how to observe nature, understand climate change, and take small, real actions to help. Parents learn alongside their children, offering encouragement and support while enjoying quality time together. After each trip, families can join a SIG or explore other CAKE activities they haven't tried yet.
• CAKE would not exist without the dedication of mentors from the Bird, Flora, Herp, Marine, Mycology, and Nature Guides SIGs, who generously shared their time and knowledge to inspire the next generation.

• WW is more free-spirited, celebrating biodiversity and culture—from dragonflies and rainforests to Orang Asli traditions and more, time permitting. It welcomes both families and individuals. Half-day and full-day programmes are currently assisted by Flora SIG and Bird SIG.

How CAKE Works

Each 3 to 5 hour field trip includes:

• An introduction to a nature observation activity by a Special Interest Group (SIG)
• A climate change angle on species or habitats
• Citizen science training (recording observations)
• Hands-on actions that benefit the habitat or wildlife

How WW Works

Each half-day or full-day programme includes:

• Guided nature activities
• Meet a passionate biodiversity or cultural conservationist speaker
• Q&A and fun quizzes with edible rewards
• Arts and crafts
• A delicious catered meal

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between CAKE and Wild Wonders?

CAKE focuses on climate action with SIG mentors. Wild Wonders covers broader biodiversity with creative and cultural themes.

2. Can I drop my child off?

No for CAKE – this is a parent-child programme. For Wild Wonders, minors must be accompanied by a parent.

3. Can non-members join?

Yes, if the activity is open to the public. MNS members enjoy discounted rates.

4. How much does it cost?
Both programmes are subsidised by the MNS Selangor Branch. The participation fees help cover essential costs such as venue hire, permits when necessary, and programme materials, while mentors volunteer their time. MNS members enjoy a discounted registration fee compared with non-members.

5. Do parents join for free?
For CAKE, the registration fee includes one accompanying parent per child. Subject to availability, one additional parent or child may join at a discounted rate.

For Wild Wonders, the programme fee is charged on a per-participant basis.

6. What happens if it rains?

Trips may be delayed or rescheduled. Fees will be carried forward, except for non-refundable costs like permits or catering.

7. Can I sponsor a trip for underprivileged children?

Yes, especially for students from independent schools accompanied by teachers.

8. I'm a MNS Selangor member. Can I join as Chief Mentor or Facilitator and help organise trips?

Absolutely. We'd love to have you. Email [email protected] to find out more.

9. Question not covered here?

Please email [email protected].

CAKE Milestones

This reflects what worked, what challenged us, and how the programme grew.

Oct 2022 – Jan 2023 (Development Phase)

• Chief Mentor researched local, regional and international climate change / citizen science modules for children under 18
• Sourced habitat owners and SIGs for collaboration 

Feb – Nov 2023 (Pilot Phase)

• 4 field trips completed, 2 cancelled (low sign-ups)
• 54 children (ages 7–17) plus parents
• 24 mentors from Bird, Nature Guides, and Marine SIGs
• Habitats: FRIM, Rimba Ilmu, Kuala Selangor Nature Park
• First small environmental grant (Selangor State Government) supported a mangrove discovery trip at Kuala Selangor Nature Park with MNS family members
• Feedback: strong support to continue CAKE

Site visit: FRIM, 21 February 2023.
CAKE Mentors recce before every field trip.

Site visit: Rimba Ilmu, University of Malaya, 3 March 2023 

2024 – Growth and a gentle shift

• 6 of 7 trips completed
• 133 participants total – 66 children (7 to 12), 14 teens (13 to 17), 50 parents
• 5 habitats, 21 mentors plus 3 trainees
• Second small environmental grant (Lions Club of Subang Jaya) for Buku Jalanan Chow Kit (BJCK) students and accompanying teachers
• Challenge: Teen participation began to decline by year end

2025 – Focusing on younger children (7 to 12)

• 2 field trips plus first overnight Citizen Science Nature Camp (FRIM, with Urban Forestry Branch)
• First collaboration with Mycology SIG (fungi)
• 44 participants (23 adults, 21 children aged 7 to 18)
• Milestone: Immersive camping for birds, flora, and herpetofauna
• Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur (Bangsar Nursery) joins as a collaborator – by providing free tree saplings at Rimba Ilmu and Rimbun Dahan for participants to take home and plant. 

2026 

• Family strand continues (April to July, ages 7 to 12)
• The school-based Climate Action Kids Engagement Programme consists of two parts:
• Part 1: A 1-night, 2-day Citizen Science Nature Camp (CAKE18) will be held at FRIM Kem Perah for 48 students aged 10–13 and 12 teachers from 12 Kelab Pencinta Alam schools from Selangor and Kuala Lumpur; and
• Part 2: The second phase of the programme will take place in 2027 in collaboration with Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur (FTSKL) through its On-the-Go programme with the same schools. 
• 3 field trips including the school-based Citizen Science Nature Camp
• Participant numbers: (To be advised) 

2027 

• Part 2: School's Bird-friendly Garden Project - MNS Selangor Branch coolaborates again with Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur, with the latter running On-the-Go planting workshops and supporting bird-friendly tree planting in schools. Kelab Pencinta Alam students will use skills from the 2026 Citizen Science Nature Camp (CAKE18) to monitor birds in their little pockets of green that support birds across Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
• Participant numbers: (To be advised)     

List of Field Trip Reports - CAKE

 

 

 

 

2023 (Pilot)

• CAKE01 – FRIM: Discover Bird Watching (25 February 2023)
• CAKE02 – Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden (cancelled because the minimum number of participants was not met).
• CAKE03 – FRIM: Discover Bird Watching (29 April 2023)
• CAKE04 – Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden (13 May 2023)
• CAKE05 – Kuala Selangor Nature Park (cancelled due to insufficient participants)
• CAKE06 – Kuala Selangor Nature Park: Discover Mangroves (19 November 2023) (Supported by Selangor State Government’s Geran Kecil Alam Sekitar)

 

2024

• CAKE07 – Perdana Botanic Gardens: Learn Bird Watching (11 May 2024)
• CAKE08 – Perdana Botanic Gardens (cancelled – no sign ups from ages 13 to 18)
• CAKE09 – Rimba Ilmu Botanic Gardens: Carbon Guzzlers (13 July 2024)
• CAKE10 – Fallen Trees, Future Forests: How Seeds Bring Them Back (7 September 2024)
• CAKE11 – BAKTI and Kiara Hills Federal Park: Discover Reptiles and Amphibians (14 September 2024)
• CAKE12 – Rimba Ilmu Botanic Gardens: Carbon Guzzlers (13 October 2024) – supported by Lions Club of Subang Jaya
• CAKE13 – TTDI Park: Learn Bird Watching (29 December 2024) 

 

2025

• CAKE14 – Citizen Science Nature Camp (20 to 21 September 2025) – FRIM
• CAKE15 – Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi: Introduction to Fungi (4 October 2025)

 

2026

• CAKE16 – Taman Tasik Permaisuri: Introduction to Birdwatching (4 April 2026)
• CAKE17 – Taman Rimba Bukit Kerinchi: Introduction to Fungi (11 July 2026)
• CAKE18 – FRIM: Citizen Science Nature Camp with Kelab Pencinta Alam (19 to 20 November 2026)

 

 

 

List of Members' Reports - WW

2024 to 2025 (Pilot)

WW01 – How to Be a Hornbill Hero at TTDI Park (29 December 2024)
WW02  – Damsels and Dragons at Rimbun Dahan (11 October 2025)
WW03 – Temu the Temuans at Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru (19 October 2025)
WW04 – Wings of Wonder: Hornbills at Taman Perdana Botani and Royal Lake Club (2 November 2025)

2026

WW05 – Damsels and Dragons at Rimbun Dahan (24 May 2026)
WW06-F – Temu the Temuans at Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (12 July 2026)
WW06-LA – Temu the Temuans at Kampung Orang Asli Busut Baru (12 July 2026)