How It All Started

The Story of MomtikCamp:

A Journey of Heart, Hope, and Determination

 In the small, sun-drenched village of Ban Hua Chang, nestled among rice fields and gentle hills, the year was 1999. The mornings were quiet, the air was filled with birdsong, and in the local secondary school, a young woman named Momtik was doing more than just teaching English, she was planting the seeds of a dream.

As one of the few English teachers in the area, Momtik felt both the joy and the weight of her mission. She loved her students dearly and believed deeply in the power of language to open doors. But she also knew that something was missing. In her village, there were no foreign teachers. The children had never heard native English speakers or practiced the language in real-life situations.

So, one day, driven by a determination that would shape the future, she did something extraordinary.

She got on her old bicycle, the tires dusty from village roads, and rode more than 20 kilometers to the closest city. There, surrounded by the buzz of tuk-tuks and market stalls, she began doing what no one else had thought to do: she stopped foreign travelers on the street, backpackers, tourists, students and with a kind smile and hopeful eyes, she invited them to her village.

“Would you like to come teach English to our kids?” she’d ask. “You can stay at my home. The children would love to learn from you.”

Some were surprised. Some said no. But many said yes.

That’s how this story begins.

Little by little, word spread. A few curious travelers followed her back to Ban Hua Chang. They taught lessons under mango trees, played English games in the schoolyards, and shared meals with local families. The kids, once shy and unsure, began laughing in English, asking questions, and gaining confidence. It was magical.

What started as one teacher’s dream soon became a movement. More volunteers came, drawn by the genuine warmth of the village and the power of connection. Teaching spread from the home to the schools. New friendships blossomed between cultures. A small camp was created to welcome these new guests—a place where they could rest, prepare lessons, and live as part of the community.

But it wasn’t easy. There were times when the camp was just a few mats on the floor, when money was short, and when Momtik had to cook, clean, teach, and host—all at once. She never gave up.

Through storms and sunshine, she believed in her vision. And the people around her believed too. Fast forward to 2024.

After years of effort, laughter, and learning, MomtikCamp was reborn. The old wooden house was transformed into a vibrant, welcoming center. The camp now features comfortable accommodations, a beautiful swimming pool, a peaceful sauna, a gym, and new common areas for relaxing and sharing stories.

But more importantly, we’ve built something even more meaningful: a place of purpose.

We’ve developed a refined teaching methodology that combines traditional classroom activities with playful learning—arts and crafts, English games, cultural exchanges, sports, and even theater. Volunteers are supported every step of the way, given tools and guidance, and surrounded by a caring community. Children from nearby schools eagerly wait for the next English camp. They dream bigger. They speak louder. They feel seen.

And now, as we stand in this new chapter, we are writing a new page in the story of MomtikCamp. From one woman’s bicycle ride to an international community of changemakers, this journey is one of heart, of overcoming obstacles, and of never giving up on what matters most.

The question is:

Do you want to be part of it?

Whether you’re a teacher, a traveler, or just someone who wants to make a difference, there’s a place for you here. Come join the story. Come be the reason a child smiles and says, “I can speak English now!”

Because here at MomtikCamp, we believe in something simple but powerful:

When we give with love, we grow together.