A
group of 87 students of class X, accompanied by 4 teachers, embarked upon an
adventure of a lifetime on 22 March 2014. The group left for Camp Bodhisatva,
Rajgarh making an overnight bus journey. They reached the camp in the early
hours of 23 March.
The
students were greeted by a serene and picturesque camp site, nestled in the
scenic hills of Himachal, surrounded by pine trees and a gurgling stream. A
very qualified and amiable group of instructors took over immediately after we
reached the site. Allotment of tents and a hearty breakfast heralded the
beginning of an adventure, not to be easily forgotten.
The
adventure camp saw the students zealously participate in activities like rock
climbing, rappelling, flying-fox, river crossing, knot tying, training of
survival and rescue skills and every other task that was organized. Under the
able and firm guidance of the instructors the group performed these tasks with
exemplary enthusiasm. Long treks along slippery hills were the most awaited for
by the students. A night trek, in a single file, in the quiet darkness of the
hills was something that the group will remember. There was also a little
stream that the students soaked themselves in, squealing like infants, with joy
and happiness.
There
were several team building games that the children played. The students showed
camaraderie and egged each other on, when someone would think of giving up.
The
three days at the camp were filled with thrill, team spirit, games, fun and
laughter. They were served healthy and wholesome, yet delicious, food that
would provide fuel to the young explorers to do the tasks at hand.
These
three days fostered new bonds of camaraderie and friendship among the students.
They were also excellent times for them to understand their teachers and vice
versa. The atmosphere was filled with good cheer and positivity. There was
never a dull moment!
The
students learnt how to face adverse weather conditions like erratic rains,
severe cold and bright sunshine. They braved difficulties with smiles-never
once complaining about the lack of luxuries that they get in everyday life.
They learnt to share, to understand, to give and to support. They learnt
patience, kindness and tolerance towards their mates and towards the others.
They learnt to imbibe values of appreciating what they have and not whine about
what they haven't. The students learnt how to survive in a crisis situation and
how to rescue those in need. They learnt to display perseverance, and that
quitting is not an option.
A
visit to Chandigarh, on the way back home, was another rich experience for the
children. The Rock Garden, The Rose Garden, Sukna Lake and Pinjore Garden were
places that the students enjoyed visiting. They appreciated walking along the
alleys of the rock Garden, lazing on the lush green grass at the Rose Garden,
the cool breeze from the Sukna Lake and the brilliant lighting at the Pinjore
Garden.
A
wonderful display of disciplined behavior by the students must be mentioned,
too.
The
trip came to a close after an overnight bus ride back to the school premise.
The students, and the teachers, almost wished that the excursion would never
end! The group was already looking forward to the next expedition!