We have learnt to think independently

The Award participants of Sanjay Ghodawat International School, Kolhapur, visited the Narveli Caves and nearby villages for their Adventurous Journey section. Mr Sasi Krishnan, an Award Leader from SGI School, narrates the experience of the trip, highlighting insights that the participants gained, both about their surroundings as well as themselves.

Sanjay Ghodavat International School aspires to nurture each child as a skilled personality. Here, we lay equal emphasis on academics and activities like field trips, trekking, bird-watching, nature walks and adventure camps. These outdoor activities are organized at regular intervals to provide the students with opportunities for experiential learning.

As part of IAYP’s Adventurous Journey section, a camp was organized for two days and a night for Bronze participants, three days and two nights for Silver participants, and four days and three nights for Gold participants. The participants, accompanied by nine members of the teaching staff and four attenders, journeyed to the Narveli caves and temple, a reserved forest area, Brobet village and Gaganbawda, around 85 km away from the school. The journey was operated by an adventure team ‘Kolhapur Hikers’, assisted by IAYP Award Leaders Mr Venkat and Mr Dushyanth.

The participants were pumped up to commence the journey on 23rd November 2018. The team carried all the necessary items like rice, vegetables, flour, spices, utensils, lights, sound systems, etc. After reaching our planned destination at 11:30 in the morning, the participants cleaned the area and set up 27 tents. Having been divided into eleven groups, the participants, along with the staff, trekked towards the Narveli caves. The trekking distance was about 8 kilometres up and down and we returned at 7:30 p.m. At around 9:00 p.m. we lit the bonfire, which was followed by playing games, singing songs, narrating stories and dancing. Our Director Principal was kind enough to join us on our Adventurous Journey on that day. The next day commenced with the participants preparing for another trek. During the trek, the participants engaged in a multitude of activities like bird-watching, discovering rare plants, peacock feather collection, etc. Post lunch, games like the treasure hunt, essay writing and sketching were organized. The journey concluded at 4:00 p.m. and the Bronze Award participants prepared for their return, while the other participants stayed back.

The journey was a life-changing experience for most participants. They have learnt teamwork, independent thinking, creativity, and dignity of labour. Most importantly, they have emboldened themselves, learning to take on the challenges of life with indomitable courage. Click here for more pictures