RAFI-KAC: Dedicated Adventure Education Center in the Philippines

Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Kool Adventure Camp (RAFI-KAC) opens its site to the public during its inauguration at Km.42 Balamban, Cebu last August 2, 2014.

The event was supported by Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davides III, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, President of RAFI Roberto Aboitiz, and DepEd Undersecretary Mario Deriquito.

Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) is a flagship program of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation under its leadership and citizenship focus area.

The camp is the first and only fully dedicated Adventure Education Center in the Philippines. RAFI-KAC is the only associate member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT).

KAC started in 1999 and has since conducted over 300 adventure programs to a total of over 10,000 participants for both the youth development programs and professional development programs.

RAFI President Roberto “Bobby” Aboitiz said RAFI is a serious attempt to build leadership attributes in the Filipino youth.

One of KAC outdoor challenge area.

“The center will offer programs that are designed to be fun, but in purpose to promote self-confidence, trust, optimism, positive attitude, courage, respect for others, and the assumption of one’s responsibility for one’s own future,” Aboitiz said.

“There is nothing more powerful than living a dream and facing the challenges that come our way…living a life of substance. Kool Adventure Camp is open to guide people in this journey,” he added.

Edvan Loh, RAFI-KAC Camp Director leads a competent staff that went through a rigorous training regimen before they were made to handle any program. The training involved Risk Assessment and Management, CRC Safety standards, First Aid and Basic Life Support, and many others.

A number of RAFI-KAC senior staff members are also certified Masters Educator, Kayak Coach And Wilderness Medical First Responder and Challenge Ropes Course Practitioner.

RAFI is likewise an organizational member of the Association for Experiential Education based in the US. Through the affiliation, the RAFI-KAC staff members are able to learn from experts in the field along with the best practices from all over the world.

In particular, RAFI- KAC’s Youth Development Programs include Character and Leadership Adventure Camps, Land and Sea Expedition Programs, Urban Heritage Backpacking and Eco-adventure Service Learning Programs.

Student taking the walk – Indoor challenge area

The Adventure Professional Development programs, on the other hand, include Adventure Training & Consulting, Challenge Course Synergy Programs, Leadership & Development Adventure Courses and Corporate Expedition Series.

Interested individuals and organizations may visit www.kac.rafi.org.ph or contact RAFI-KAC at (032) 260-9000 local 1001, or email info.kac@rafi.org.ph (With Press Release)

Photo above: (L-R) Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III, DepEd Under Secretary Mr. Mario Deriquito, RAFI President Mr. Roberto Aboitiz, and RAFi Vice President Jon Ramon Aboitiz