June 28: Departure Day, New York to Phnom Penh
Group Meeting:
At 10:30 PM, meet your group leader and fellow students at the Cathay Pacific check-in counter (outside of security) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). This is the official start of your Putney summer!
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Cathay Pacific flight #845 departing New York (JFK) at 1:30 AM on June 29, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 5:20 AM local time on June 30. The group continues on from Hong Kong (HKG) on Dragonair flight #208 departing at 8:45 AM and arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH), at 10:25 AM local time on June 30 (22 hours en route).
June 30 – July 2: Phnom Penh
Spend the first few days getting to know your group and leaders. Participate in an in-depth orientation about Cambodia, your story telling project, and discuss expectations.
July 3 – 10: Battambang
Travel north to the smaller city of Battambang for an extended stay and collaboration with local organizations. Get to know local students, and participate in and record their activities. Learn about the work of international NGOs working on various important issues. Discuss your experiences and impressions within your group, and learn and implement effective storytelling.
July 11 – 13: Siem Reap
Spend three days in Siem Reap, a small city adjacent to the magnificent ruins of the Angkor civilization. Explore the dramatic art and architecture of this massive site. Visit a local school operated by USAID and learn about their education initiatives.
July 14 – 18: Phnom Penh
Return to Cambodia’s capital for several days to collaborate with and record students at a local school, dedicated to preserving the nation’s rich history of traditional performing arts. Explore the city’s ornate Buddhist temples and royal palaces, as well as the grim monuments of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Meet with Arn Charn-Pond, a peace activist and former boy soldier during the Khmer Rouge era for an in-depth presentation. Join him in a discussion about Cambodia’s recent past and the contemporary challenges its people face.
July 19 – 21: Kep
Spend three days in Kep at a small, simple eco-resort in rural southern Cambodia on the Gulf of Thailand. Explore the lush jungle environment and enjoy the gorgeous tropical beaches while you prepare for the final youth forum.
July 22 & 23: Phnom Penh
Return to Phnom Penh to participate in a youth forum facilitated by your leaders and local contacts, and present your story-telling pieces. Share your plans for maintaining involvement with the people, organizations, and vital issues you encountered during this life-changing summer.
July 25: Return Day, Phnom Penh to New York
Group Flight:
The group will fly on Dragonair flight #209 departing Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH), at 5:25 PM local time on July 24, arriving in Hong Kong (HKG) at 9:00 PM local time on July 24. The group continues on from Hong Kong (HKG) on Cathay Pacific flight #888 departing at 12:30 AM local time on July 25, returning to the International Arrivals Area of John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 7:00 AM on July 25 (24 hours, 30 minutes en route).