At JUMP! Foundation, we believe that leadership begins with learning by doing. Our programs are designed to give young people the space, guidance, and real-world experiences they need to develop confidence, creativity, and purpose.
One inspiring example of this vision is Satori Richards, a NIST International School student who has participated in more than four JUMP Experiences programs. Inspired by her time with JUMP and her passion for marine science, Satori returned to JUMP this year with a clear and ambitious goal to design her own experiential learning program as part of her school’s Personal Project.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration: Co-Designing with Student Ownership
As part of her Personal Project, Satori chose to take on the challenge of creating an engaging experiential education program that combines her interest in marine science with meaningful learning for her peers. Partnering with NIST-X and JUMP! Foundation, she began designing a full-day learning experience for the Year 9 Action Week Program in Khao Chamao, an initiative that blends exploration, science, and reflection in an authentic outdoor setting.
Her design centers around a three-block schedule that brings learning to life:
- Snorkeling and Ocean Exploration: Students connect marine science theory with real ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Sea Turtle Conservation Visit: At the Royal Project site, participants explore conservation practices and environmental responsibility.
- Evening Reflection: A creative, game-based debrief session using a board game and bingo activity to spark dialogue and insight.
What makes this project remarkable is how it places student agency and creativity at the heart of program design. Having been a JUMP participant multiple times herself, Satori understands what engages students — and she used that insight to craft a program that balances energy, curiosity, and reflection. Her goal was not only to design activities but to make learning interactive, accessible, and emotionally engaging for her peers.
“This project pushes me out of my comfort zone,” Satori shares. “I’m learning new things while teaching others what I’ve learned.”
Learning Beside the JUMP Team
During her October break, Satori joined the JUMP! Foundation office to experience first-hand how educational programs are designed, facilitated, and refined. She was mentored by Shannon Fox (Program Director) and Intee Sakanupong (Program Manager), alongside the broader JUMP Program Team — Arindita Gogoi, Harry, Armand, and Tonatiuh — who each guided her through specific aspects of experiential learning design.
Her week-long mentorship included sessions on:
- The Foundations of Experiential Education – understanding the “why” behind learning by doing.
- Activity Flow and Energy Design – exploring how intentional energy shapes participant experience.
- Safety and Field Protocols – reviewing snorkeling safety and risk management structures.
- Reflection and Creativity – designing post-activity debriefs through playful yet meaningful approaches.
Each mentor contributed a unique perspective, helping Satori connect theory to practice. By the end of her mentorship, she had created a complete prototype and documentation for her program, including visuals, safety briefings, and facilitation notes, along with a collection of photos and videos to showcase her journey from planning to implementation.
From Learner to Emerging Educator
Satori’s story is a powerful example of how youth can transition from learning to leading when given space and guidance. What began as a personal interest in marine science evolved into a project that deepens her understanding of education itself. Through her collaboration with JUMP, she explored how experiential methods can foster reflection, environmental awareness, and personal growth, not just for herself, but for her peers.
Having experienced multiple JUMP programs before, Satori carried forward the essence of what she once received, supportive mentorship, hands-on learning, and the freedom to create. Now, she stands on the other side of the experience, becoming the designer of a program that others will learn from.
Mentorship in Action: Empowering the Next Generation
At JUMP, we are proud to support students like Satori, whose curiosity and courage embody our mission of Leadership Reimagined. Her journey illustrates how mentorship and experiential learning intersect to create pathways for real-world growth.
Through initiatives like this, JUMP continues to open space for youth to explore their interests, take ownership of learning, and develop leadership through action. It is a model that reflects what we believe education should be, collaborative, reflective, and deeply human.
Satori’s project may be the first of its kind, but we are confident it will not be the last. As she continues to design, teach, and inspire, she reminds us of what’s possible when young people are given trust, support, and purpose.
- The Foundations of Experiential Education – exploring the “why” behind learning by doing.
- Activity Flow and Energy Design – balancing challenge, engagement, and reflection.
- Safety and Field Logistics – understanding the structure behind impactful outdoor experiences.
- Creative Reflection Methods – designing board games and bingo-style debriefs to help peers internalize learning.
By the end of her mentorship, Satori had developed a prototype curriculum, detailed activity flow, and documentation that will become part of her final project presentation.
From Participant to Emerging Educator
Satori’s journey reflects a powerful shift from being a participant inspired by JUMP’s experiential programs to becoming a young designer shaping those experiences for others. Through her project, she has gained insight into how experiential education connects curiosity with community impact, and how reflection transforms knowledge into leadership.
“This project pushes me out of my comfort zone,” Satori shares. “I’m learning new things while teaching others what I’ve learned.”
Empowering Youth Through Real Experience
At JUMP, we are proud to support young changemakers like Satori, students who are ready to explore, question, and create. Her work exemplifies how youth leadership flourishes when mentorship meets opportunity.
Through collaborations like this, JUMP continues to expand the boundaries of experiential learning, empowering young people to design, lead, and inspire.