Adventurous Journey for Specially-Abled Participants

The National Award Authority organised an Adventurous Journey camp for specially-abled participants of Raphael Ryder Cheshire, Dehradun from 23rd to 26th January, 2018, under Special Projects. The group comprised 18 specially-abled participants (14 boys and 4 girls); among them were 1 Gold, 9 Silver, and 8 Bronze participants. The group was escorted by Award Leader Kishan Rana, who works as Special Educator; three volunteers: Purnima Khatri, Laxhmi Sharma and Hemlata and three members from the support staff: Tikaram, Vickey and Dhan Bahadur. Three specially trained instructors of the Institute of Climbers and Nature Lovers (ICNL) Kolkata: Soumitro Ganguly; Partha Sengupta and Somnath Saha led them on their Adventurous Journey. The camp was supervised by Bivujit Mukhoty, Programme Manager, IAYP. Tanushree Paul (Programme Assistant); Bhagyashree Gupta (Programme Officer, Kolkata) and Sasikiran (Programme Officer, Chennai) also assisted the team during the AJ. Priyank Kumar Gupta (Head IT& ORB) also represented the NAA for this adventurous journey during the course.

The journey started with a briefing session in which the instructors explained the importance of safety and helped the participants understand the different equipment. They taught them how to pack their backpacks and other equipment while on their Adventurous Journey. The instructors explained the process for pitching tents and helped the participants perform this activity. Map reading was another interesting activity in which the participants took part. The participants enjoyed the learning activity. The Instructors demonstrated rappelling and other activities and showed the use of different types of rope knots used during the Adventurous Journey. The participants enjoyed their evening full of dance and music.

The next day, the participants performed on the Commando Net and other adventurous activities like Burma Bridge.The second half of the day was on a track. The evening was spent playing different games and sports as per their ability.

Next day, the participants went for Tyrolean Traverse on the River Song. They also performed rappeling from the bridge. These participants enjoyed the campfire at night.

The last day of the camp started with different physical exercises and team building games. After the physical fitness training and a late breakfast, the participants performed Ladder Bridge, a new adventurous activity for these participants. After lunch the group departed for Raphael Ryder Cheshire, Dehradun.

This Adventurous Journey was full of fun for these participants, helping build their confidence and exposing them to a different environment. The NAA expresses thanks to Inside Passage and ICNL team for providing support and organising this camp. Click for pictures