The National Adventure Camp
The National Adventure Camp held in Manali was truly a life changing experience for me. Where Manali, is considered dream place of every Indian. I consider myself lucky, to be part of such an energetic camp.
The Camp in hindi is called “SAHAS SHIVIR” which truly tested our courage and bravery.
Camp mesmerized me from day 1. Being a political science student, visit to ABVIMAS Museum, gave me opportunity to learn about historic instruments and methods used for mountain climbing. Along with this, I gained knowledge about female mountain climbers who have covered Mt.Everest.
Our real training started from Day 2, the once in a lifetime experience of Mountaineering, was amazing. From learning about methods on how to climb a mountain to actually doing it practically, made me realise how challenging it is to balance our body on steep surfaces. The next day, introduced us to a new journey of trekking, where volunteers had to cover 14 km by walking. This walk gave me opportunity to embrace the beauty of Manali. I observed the villagers and how they live with minimal belongings. I also noticed their attires and how they always had the warm welcoming smile towards tourists. On our 3rd day, when we reached to the Skiing Centre of ABVIMAS, situated in Sollang Valley, the view there was cinematic. It felt like dream. Mountains covered with snow, felt like a dream view. The accomodation walk in the evening, felt like a fresh detox, away from crowd and noise. Next day, included the toughest and most risky trekking to the height of 10,000 feet. The experience in the lap of Sollang Mountain felt truly adventurous. With the support of fellow volunteers, everyone helped eachother in crossing and walking along the slippery paths. We reached to Anjani Mahadev Temple, and truly it gave me goosebumps, felt like mahadev himself was on earth, whole shivling was covered with frozen ice. The view felt like witnessing heaven on earth. In the evening, we were trained on how to rescue injured and tackle casuality in the mountains. Next day, was river crossing day. Personally, this was my favourite activity, I enjoyed a lot while challenging myself to keep my legs firm in the cold water and rapid flow of Beas River. The experience was totally enriching and new. In the afternoon, Aanchal Ma’am, one of the instructors, talked about walking manner in mountain and how we should always be in line and avoid making noise so as to not disturb the nature. On 30th November, we returned back to ABVIMAS Institution of Manali, and gained practical knowledge of various knotts. We practiced safety knot, joint knot, guide man knot, end man knot and many more, which serve as helping hand in the mountains.
The last 3 days in the camp was the most fun, volunteers from all the states became friends and we shared our challenges and and fun moments we experienced during the training. Mountain Rapelling was easiest of all. We learnt on how to come back down from mountain incase of bad weather or avalanche, which was pretty easy. Last activity was Artificial Wall Climbing, most toughest activity of 10 days, it tested our strength and muscle power and taught us how important it is to be physically fit in life. The camp ended with Cultural Event and Certificate Distribution, where each state represented their cultural dance and songs.
Last day, was filled with tears, not only among students but also instructors and programme officers. We became family in such a short period of time, which we realised on last day. For me the camp, was once in a lifetime experience and I am truly grateful to get an opportunity to be part of such an amazing camp. I thank Shri Regional Director Sir, and Programme Officers for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I hope, I was upto your expectation. I look forward to many such more opportunities.
