[Grade 7] Touching the green forest – A journey of growth in Cuc Phuong National Park

Last week, we embarked on a 2-day, 1-night journey to explore a world where the majestic beauty of the ancient forest awaits. As our bus left Hanoi behind and the city’s tall buildings gradually faded from view, the vast greenery of Cuc Phuong National Park unfolded before our eyes—marking the beginning of an exciting adventure. As Vietnam’s first national park, stretching across Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa provinces, Cuc Phuong welcomed Grade 7 SenTians with its pristine and peaceful atmosphere.

Here, we transformed into explorers in the “Wild Footsteps” journey, where lessons about survival came to life more vividly than ever—from staying calm and marking trails to appreciating precious natural water sources hidden within the forest.

More importantly, our visit to the rescue center and museum gave us a quiet moment to reflect on responsibility. Each animal here carries its own story: some monkeys have been affected by human interaction to the point of changing their natural behaviors; some pangolins have been rescued in special conditions… At Cuc Phuong, these animals become silent “educational ambassadors.” Through their stories, we gained a deeper understanding of human impacts on nature, and in turn, learned to appreciate and take greater responsibility for protecting the natural world.

Setting aside those reflective moments, the afternoon became lively as Grade 7 students prepared dinner. From initial clumsiness in lighting the fire and preparing ingredients, everything gradually fell into rhythm. Thanks to teamwork and cooperation, each group completed their dishes in a joyful atmosphere filled with laughter.

As dusk faded into night, the forest put on a mysterious and enchanting cloak. Sitting on an electric cart weaving through the woods, we felt as if we had entered a tranquil world, where tiny flickers of fireflies glowed softly in the darkness. From time to time, the cart stopped so we could quietly observe deer wandering through the forest. The journey continued at the night wildlife area, where we had the chance to see wild cats, pangolins, and other animals beginning their own nocturnal lives for the very first time.

“Some journeys may be short, but their echoes stay with us forever.”As the 2-day, 1-night trip came to an end, each SenTian returned not only with photos but also with deep emotions inspired by the beauty of nature. Cuc Phuong has left a lasting impression on us, reminding us that the most valuable lessons are not always found in classrooms, but under green canopies and within the warmth of holding our friends’ hands.

(Nguyen Ngoc Khanh Minh – 7A1 & Doan Tran Diem Thu – 7A2)