I am, You Are, We Are Lasallian: Lasallian Formation Camp 2025 in Sangkhlabhuri, Thailand
The Lasallian Formation Camp (LFC) 2025 was held in Sangkhlabhuri, Thailand, from 16 to 21 November 2025.
An annual experiential formation programme, the Lasallian Formation Camp invites sixth-form students to encounter the heart of the Lasallian mission through lived experience. Grounded in Faith, Service, and Community, the programme offers participants direct engagement with Lasallian educational works serving communities on the margins in East Asia, with particular attention to the Last, the Lost, and the Least.
For 2025, thirteen sixth-form students participated—two from Year 13 and eleven Lasallian Scholars from Year 12. They were accompanied by Brother Mico de Leon FSC (Trip Leader), Mr Matthew O’Shea (Deputy Principal of High School), and Ms Lindsay Raggett (English Teacher). Together, students and staff entered a shared space of service, learning, and community.
WE ARE ONE, BUT WE ARE MANY
LFC 2025 was marked by a significant collaboration among Lasallian institutions in Malaysia and Singapore: St. Joseph’s Institution International School Malaysia, St. Joseph’s Institution International School Singapore, and St. Joseph’s Institution Independent (Singapore).
Approximately fifty students from the three schools participated, forming a single Lasallian community through collaborative service and intercultural engagement. For many, stepping beyond familiar institutional contexts and working alongside peers from other Lasallian schools brought the global Lasallian mission into sharper focus.
Joe Ng, Lasallian Scholar for Academic Excellence, reflected on this shared identity, noting that the experience made him proud to be Lasallian because of “meeting other schools and realising how much we have in common in terms of Lasallian ethos, school songs and slogans, and a dedication to helping the Last, the Lost & the Least.”
Yu Han, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Science, echoed this sentiment, sharing: “In our LEDU [Lasallian Education] lessons we are often told about the different La Salle communities across the globe, but I had never realised its significance until this trip… in a world of war, pessimism and darkness, there is a light, a community, in which people still care about the world’s common problems like poverty and lack of education.”
For Joe, this sense of unity was most powerfully felt during a simple shared moment: “Singing the School Rally and We Are Lasallian together with the other two schools on the final night hammered this message home to me about our shared unity, values and understanding. It truly made me feel honoured to be part of this community.”
Aurelia Lee, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of English, similarly reflected on how the experience reshaped her understanding of community, saying, “Being constantly immersed in new culture, ideals, and experiences, it pushed me to see the word ‘community involvement’ in a new light; it isn’t just the act of proactively giving service, but rather also being there with full presence and understanding as one Lasallian family, which truly encompasses the phrase ‘We are One, but We are Many’.”
TO THE POOR WE GIVE OUR SERVICE TO BRIGHTEN UP THEIR DAY
Throughout the camp, students engaged fully in a range of service-learning experiences made possible through close collaboration with our community partners: the De La Salle Brothers of Thailand, La Salle Sangkhlabhuri Primary School, La Salle Bamboo School, and Blue Sky House.
Students built mushroom huts, painted and installed bamboo fencing, taught English and Mathematics, and spent time with children through games, songs, and shared meals. They managed their own budgets, purchased and distributed ice cream to approximately 400 students, and trekked for over an hour to visit villages where some La Salle Sangkhabhuri students live. Between structured activities were countless unplanned moments—conversations, laughter, fatigue, and quiet reflection—that shaped the deeper learning of the experience.
Central to this learning was an understanding of service as reciprocal. Kayden Chow, Lasallian Scholar for Community and Service, reflected, “My most striking memory would have to be the multitude of genuine smiles I saw not only on the faces of my peers and chaperones, but also on the faces of our beneficiaries.” He continued, “Although they may not have offered us physical gifts, the intangible gift of their willingness to accept us as their friends and treat us as one of their own was far better and more meaningful.”
Manaal Atik, Lasallian Scholar for Leadership, similarly articulated the mutual nature of service: “In those fleeting exchanges, I realised that the people we meet are not simply beneficiaries of our service, but our equals and friends… It reinforced a core Lasallian belief that education and service are rooted in human connection. We do not transform others without being transformed ourselves.”
TODAY THE NEED REMAINS, FOR MEN LIKE DE LA SALLE
Beyond service, the camp fostered personal growth through reflection, adaptability, and shared responsibility. Daily reflection sessions encouraged students to examine their values, assumptions, and sense of purpose, helping them connect their experiences to their identity. Many also came to recognise the importance of communication shaped by sincerity and humility, particularly because most of the people they encountered had limited proficiency in English.
Jenny Wu, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Arts, reflected, “I learned to communicate without relying on language, but instead through smiles, gestures, and simply being present… now I know that kindness speaks louder than anything else.”
Gokul Vaihunthan, Lasallian Scholar for Leadership, shared a moment from Blue Sky House that captured this learning: “Despite not understanding specifically what was said, I could feel their gratitude… and I could feel their gratitude for our presence. We were able to build that connection, without speaking so much, but by feeling each other’s feelings.”
Vincent’s (Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Sports) reflection captured the cumulative impact of the camp on both his understanding of service and his sense of self. He wrote, “My perception of service completely changed… Now I understand that service is connecting, presence, and giving without expectation of return of any sort.” He concluded, “Of all the powerful moments in camp, it was the strengthening of my Lasallian identity that made the greatest impact.”
Today, the need for men and women like De La Salle remains ever-present. Lasallians are challenged to recognise both their own vulnerability and that of others, and to discern their role within a society that too often excludes rather than includes.
Students built mushroom huts, painted and installed bamboo fencing, taught English and Mathematics, and spent time with children through games, songs, and shared meals. They managed their own budgets, purchased and distributed ice cream to approximately 400 students, and trekked for over an hour to visit villages where some La Salle Sangkhabhuri students live. Between structured activities were countless unplanned moments—conversations, laughter, fatigue, and quiet reflection—that shaped the deeper learning of the experience.
Central to this learning was an understanding of service as reciprocal. Kayden Chow, Lasallian Scholar for Community and Service, reflected, “My most striking memory would have to be the multitude of genuine smiles I saw not only on the faces of my peers and chaperones, but also on the faces of our beneficiaries.” He continued, “Although they may not have offered us physical gifts, the intangible gift of their willingness to accept us as their friends and treat us as one of their own was far better and more meaningful.”
Manaal Atik, Lasallian Scholar for Leadership, similarly articulated the mutual nature of service: “In those fleeting exchanges, I realised that the people we meet are not simply beneficiaries of our service, but our equals and friends… It reinforced a core Lasallian belief that education and service are rooted in human connection. We do not transform others without being transformed ourselves.”
WE ARE SIBLINGS TO ONE ANOTHER
What differentiates the Lasallian Formation Camp from other residential trips is the way it bridges values formation with lived reality—nurturing the holistic development of participants through diverse and meaningful learning experiences.
Most importantly, the camp affirms what our school song proclaims: Lasallians are siblings to one another across all walks of life. We treat one another, and all whom we encounter, as brothers and sisters. We listen to one another’s stories, and we uphold one another’s dignity.
The Lasallian Formation Camp 2025 was formative not because of scale or spectacle, but because of presence—showing up for others, working alongside them, and learning to see the world with greater attentiveness and responsibility.
As these sixth-form students prepare to graduate and move into new stages of life, they leave with more than memories. They return carrying a clearer sense of what it means to live as Lasallians: to serve with humility, to stand with those at the margins, and to recognise one another as siblings across differences. The work of formation does not end in Sangkhlabhuri; it continues wherever they choose to learn, serve, and lead.
Ora et Labora.
This trip has greatly changed my understanding of the Lasallian values. This was one of the first, and certainly the most impactful, times I have been able to experience what it means to encounter the Lasallian mission as a lived reality rather than as a concept discussed in assemblies or in classrooms. I have been able to better understand the true reach of the Lasallian community and the effects it has had, and can have on the lives of anyone around the world. Through this I have come to understand that solidarity within service learning is not about swooping in to provide answers and aid, but rather recognising dignity where the world has not. It is a willingness to be changed by the people you claim to serve, and most of all, it is about standing with others, shoulder to shoulder, not because we are obliged to, but rather because we are called to see them as brothers and sisters.
Jayden Kong, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Humanities
To future participants of service, entering with an open mind is not what guarantees a fruitful experience because the experience itself will transform your heart and reveal a deeper understanding of humanity. From a Catholic perspective, this is my encompassing take away from this trip: I never understood why God needs worship from us and why we need to be an ‘empty vessel’ for him to utilise for the purpose of good. But I now realise what God’s purpose is for me and all humans; to serve others the way he serves us. Serving others was not meant just to benefit the receiving end. But rather, help the giver. I felt completely transformed in allowing God’s grace to lead my life.
Julia Ann Doraisamy, Year 13
Jayden Kong, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Humanities
For future participants, my advice is simple: do not treat this experience as something temporary. The impact of this camp stays with you long after you return home. Go in with an open mind and an open heart. Let yourself be changed by the people you meet. The experience is not just about helping others, it is about understanding your role within a global Lasallian family and discovering aspects of yourself you may not have known beforehand.
This trip also shaped the way I see my own future. I never expected to enjoy service this deeply, but it awakened something in me. I want to continue participating in Lasallian service, and I hope to join the next formation camp if it continues. Most importantly, this experience gave me confidence in my desire to pursue medicine. I have always wanted to help others, but this trip affirmed that this passion is real and deeply rooted in me. It helped me see the kind of person I want to become: someone who serves with compassion, humility, and purpose.
Sophie Hashim, Lasallian Scholar for Sports
My biggest takeaway from this trip is that community shouldn’t always exist within constraints of people with the same ideas, visions, lives, abilities, and languages. Communities can be created without any prerequisites. It’s always important to remember that we are all humans and all need to socialise, so inclusion of everyone within your community is really important. This trip showed me that no matter where you come from, you can always find people who make you feel at home, and holding onto those connections is essential.
Philip Tyurin, Year 13
This trip was the most eye-opening, enriching and fun trip I have ever been on, with almost everyone that took part deeming it as our best school experience to date. Beyond the service work we did, seeing classmates from completely different factions of our cohort last year get along was truly amazing, with us all leaving more tight-knit than ever before. The six day camp made it all the more clear to me that I would like to make service work an integral part of my life, and the great things we can do as Lasallians with the ethos and ideologies ingrained into our characters. I would advise all future participants of this trip to go in eager to learn and to embody our school values to the best of their abilities.
Kayden Chow, Lasallian Scholar for Community and Service
Some practical advice – don’t wear white-coloured shoes or socks for the trip to prevent them being covered with mud. It’s quite hard to wash off later! It was also my first time wearing a fanny pack and it was so useful just to have all of my essentials right in front of me, safe and accounted for.
Yu-Han Wong, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Science
If I were to give advice to future participants of this trip, I would definitely say, “go with an open mind.” Sometimes the work gets tiring and makes me want to give up, but those moments are where the real learning happens. Also, instead of waiting for instructions, taking the initiative to find ways to help makes a huge difference.
Hwaryun Shin, Lasallian Scholar for the Field of Mathematics
I would recommend all future participants to not hesitate to go on this trip: while it may seem boring and unprovoking at first glance, it is genuinely a valuable and insightful experience. Immersing yourself fully and telling yourself that your efforts will be seen, recognized and appreciated by others will quickly remove any of your physical pain or mental barriers. Being shy or reclusive is a complete mistake – only by being willing to interact with others can others open up to you, leading to a mutually fulfilling experience where both sides benefit.
Joe Ng, Lasallian Scholar for Academic Excellence
Something that I would tell people that are going to go on this camp is that you will not be able to enjoy the experience and truly apply yourself and improve, without letting go of any fear, hesitation or reservation you may have, because that is the whole point of this camp: to get out of your comfort zone to immerse yourself in a completely different life to improve yourself in order to change the world.
Gokul Vaihunthan, Lasallian Scholar for Leadership
