Mountain Forest Becomes Classroom: Students' Bamboo Creations Selected for 2026 Taiwan Design Exhibition

In the heart of Taiwan's mountains, children aged 10 to 15 are discovering a unique classroom: the forest itself. The "Pulima Kids" creative camp, organized by the Indigenous Culture and Broadcasting Foundation, immerses young participants in the rich traditions and natural environment of the Xikou community in Taoyuan.

Led by elders and local hunters, the camp focuses on "weaving" and "environmental perception." Children embark on journeys through bamboo groves and along ancient trails, learning to identify plants, collect natural materials, and listen to the stories of the land. This hands-on approach encourages them to develop their aesthetic sense not just through drawing, but through understanding how their bodies connect with the earth.

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Collection is not limited to objects, but also includes inspiration, words, feelings, and emotions. Any moment worth recording can ferment into nourishment for future creation.

Courses emphasize "collection as the beginning of creation," moving beyond traditional art techniques. Participants learn practical skills such as crafting utensils from bamboo and creating plant imprints on fabric. They also translate memories of ancient paths using old clothes, vines, and light. Daily "story meals" and creative sessions provide an outlet for their feelings, which can blossom into future artworks.

"The camp is not a traditional art class, but aims for children to become 'life artists,'" explained instructor Yukan Yulaw. He noted that unfamiliar environments sharpen perception and help children rediscover beauty in everyday life. "Collection is not limited to objects, but also includes inspiration, words, feelings, and emotions," he said. Finding their voice, even in silence, is about reclaiming their narrative power.

Many participants find the experience transformative. One student described the adventure in nature as "both scary and exciting," a feeling distinct from school clubs. The open-ended guidance, where teachers ask questions rather than provide direct answers, fosters independent creation. Another student, attending for the third time, appreciated the tactile experience of working with materials, noting that even familiar bamboo forests revealed new aspects when experienced through the camp's sensory focus.

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Exploring in nature makes me feel both scared and excited. This is an experience that school clubs cannot provide, especially since the teachers do not give direct answers but guide thinking through questions, letting me create freely.

At the camp's conclusion, the children become guides, sharing their discoveries and creations with their parents. Some designed resting spots for local dogs, while others wished their work could be shared with departed family members. Natural materials were returned to the earth, and fabrics were sorted, leaving the environment as it was found. This process teaches valuable lessons about use, appreciation, and return.

The camp's creative output is slated for exhibition at the "2026 Taiwan Design Exhibition" from September 24 to November 1 at the "Forest Story Hall" in Taoyuan's Fuxing District. This exhibition will serve as a foundation for educational outreach. By bringing their mountain-gathered experiences into a public space, the children's work becomes more than just a conclusion to the camp; it's a starting point for broader conversations. Pulima Kids aims to continue connecting indigenous culture with aesthetic education for youth, empowering children to see the world around them and express themselves confidently.

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Even though I live in Hualien, experiencing the sounds and smells of the bamboo forest and the stream with the camp, I still see aspects I never noticed before.