CAMP STORIES

CAMP STORIES AchievEment unlocked Trailblazers conducts a CAS camp amidst the Sahyadris

One of the most wholesome camps we conduct are our CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Camps. Packed with a variety of activities that spans all three avenues, these are camps where students also experience various emotions. Adventure activities are not everyone’s cup of tea, however after loads of motivation from the Trailblazers Team, children often complete all of them and feel a sense of achievement. Many overcome their fear of heights or water while attempting them. Creative sessions allow for the freedom of expression which can be seen in the stunning artwork created by the students. Finally, service activities help the students experience empathy and glimpse into a world far from their own. Trailblazers conducted a CAS camp for a reputed IB school amid the majestic Sahyadris. Away from the city, this beautiful landscape offered a perfect setting for the students to reflect and take a break from the constant pressure of tests and assignments. Adventure activities ensured that the adrenaline levels were high and added some thrill to the camp. It was also a time for some of the students to shed all their inhibitions and conquer their fears. Their accomplishment could be seen on their faces as their expression of anxiety turned into brimming smiles and nervous laughter once they were done with the activity. Trailblazers conducted several team activities that helped the group collaborate and work well together. We also introduced them to a few outdoor hacks and tips related to camping which helped them appreciate the outdoors with a newfound respect. Students took part in a conservation activity and interacted with expert Ecologists to do their bit for the environment. Working closely in nature and with the soil, helped them reconnect with the land. During their reflections all of them recounted how they felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction having taken part in the activity. The Trailblazers team found the students to be receptive, bright, co-operative, warm, encouraging and open to all methods of learning that were presented on the camp. They challenged themselves to take on every task and cooperated with the team towards every activity with enthusiasm and energy.

CAMP STORIES camping by the river Tales of kayaking and much more!

Mangroves are extremely essential for the protection of coastlines and curbing destruction by natural disasters such as floods and tsunamis. In these events they are the first line of defense by acting as a barrier to break the force of water. To help students understand the significance of Mangroves, we conducted an adventure and environment camp in the state of Karnataka. Students stayed in a campsite close to the backwaters with a dense forest of mangroves available for them to observe and study. They got an opportunity to interact with a local forest officer who shared with them some valuable information about these unique salt tolerant species. As a part of the conservation activity, the participants together planted over 500 mangroves in the vicinity. Despite the mushy land, and shin level water, where their feet got extremely muddy, the students were thrilled to be a part of such an enriching activity. Being an adventure camp, students experienced the true essence of camping in the wild. They set up their own tents, cooked their own meals and enjoyed living with the bare minimum. Everyone was so satisfied after eating the simple khichdi that they had made, a truly deserved meal after a day of hardwork. The highlight of the camp however, was learning the sport of kayaking. Under the Trailblazers experts' supervision, the group was first trained in water safety and best practices, which was followed by kayaking in a river. Not only did they pick up the sport quickly but they also got a chance to learn about the freshwater ecosystem up close. Kayaking in the river offered them special sightings of waterbirds such as kingfishers and cormorants. Adventure activities, team games and creative sessions together with the excitement of staying with classmates in a completely new environment made this a memorable camp for the students. These are the experiences that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. The camp ensured that the students apart from having a good time also became closer to nature.