State Adventure Camp
Abvimas Jispa Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh
25th June - 5th July 2024
Two NSS volunteers, Shruti Yadav (25171, CSE Deptt.) and Ritu Yadav (25149, CSE Deptt.) of Dronacharya College of Engineering, Gurugram attended the 10 days State level NSS camp at ABVIMAS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Sports) in Jispa, Lahaul & Spiti, Himachal Pradesh from 25th June - 5th July, 2024.
60 students from all over Haryana participated in this camp along with four Program officers. The motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU”. The main aim of the camp was to develop the personality and leadership qualities among the students.
DAY 1: INTRODUCTORY SESSION ABOUT THE ADVENTURE CAMP:-
- MOHAN NAJU (Head of the Institute), of ABVIMAS guided about the camp and history of the institute , formerly known as the Western Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, stands as a beacon for adventure enthusiasts, offering specialized programs in mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, trekking, and wilderness survival.
- SONAM CHEPA (Instructor of the Institute) of ABVIMAS told about the discipline, consistency and endurance which plays a crucial role in mountaineering. He said: Consistency is the key that unlocks endurance fitness gains and just like on a mountain climb, incremental steps repeated over a long duration have a compounding effect that—with patience and discipline—will eventually lead to impressive achievements.
DAY 2: STUDENT’S INTRODUCTORY SESSION
On day 2, Mr. Dheenu, the instructor of the NSS Camp guided the students about the mountain manners. He conducted a briefing session wherein he educated volunteers on their roles, assignments, safety protocols, and the tracking system in place. Importance of coordination with each other was also explained. Tracking volunteers at a mountain involves a combination of planning, technology, communication, and safety measures. The Guidelines were told by instructors are as:-
Collect Information: Gather essential details from volunteers such as names, contact information, emergency contacts, medical conditions, and their specific tasks.
He guided the students not to throw trash anywhere and even pick others garbage if seen as it takes ages to decompose in the mountain environments. Then, he guided all the students not to disturb any wildlife creature as this stresses them and makes them unhappy.
The instructor also highlighted the benefits of trekking at mountains which offers numerous benefits, both for individuals and the broader community. For individuals, it provides a unique and immersive way to connect with nature, offering physical challenges that can improve fitness, endurance, and overall health. The varied terrain and altitude changes engage different muscle groups, enhance cardiovascular health, and boost mental well-being through the release of endorphins. The sense of achievement from navigating difficult trails and reaching new heights can significantly boost self-confidence and mental resilience. Additionally, the natural beauty and serenity of mountainous environments provide a powerful setting for stress relief, meditation, and mental rejuvenation.
DAY 3: EXERCISE AND TREKKING
Morning exercise activities were performed under the supervision of Ms. Shivani. She uttered that regular exercise offers a wide range of benefits for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regular exercise improves Cardiovascular Health, strengthens the heart and improves circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Weight-bearing exercises like walking, running, and strength training build muscle mass and bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Activities such as yoga and stretching improve flexibility, balance, and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
She stressed that mountain guidelines are essential for safety and environmental protection. They help prevent accidents, promote responsible behavior, and encourage respect for nature, ensuring that everyone can safely enjoy the mountains with minimal impact.
DAY 4: VISIT TO NEARBY VILLAGE IN SPITI AND MET WITH BUDDHIST - MONK
As, on that day all the volunteers along with instructor and program officers visited nearby village and explore more about the beauty of village and their culture and heritage .
The charm of the villages lies in both their stunning natural landscapes and their rich cultural heritage. Traditional Himachali architecture, ancient temples, and monasteries with chanting monks create a timeless, spiritually peaceful atmosphere.
The villagers’ warm hospitality, rich folklore, vibrant festivals, and local cuisine create an authentic, captivating experience in Himachal Pradesh. The Buddhist monk's teachings on mindfulness and compassion offered profound guidance and memorable life insights.
DAY 5: VISIT MONESTRY OF JISPA VILLAGE
All the volunteers visited Monasteries of Jispa village which hold significant importance across various dimensions, including spiritual, cultural, educational, and social aspects. Monasteries serve as hubs for meditation, prayer, and other spiritual practices. They provide a serene environment conducive to deep contemplation and spiritual growth.
DAY 6: RIVER CROSSING ACTIVITY
On day 6, volunteers perform River crossing activity under the supervision of instructors. River crossing fosters confidence and teamwork, particularly in group settings where collaboration is essential. By learning to support and assist each other during crossings, participants build trust and strengthen bonds within teams and among fellow adventurers. Beyond practical benefits, river crossing offered opportunities for memorable outdoor experiences, connecting individuals with nature and providing a sense of accomplishment upon successfully navigating challenging waterways. Overall, river crossing techniques equipped individuals with valuable skills that enhanced safety, promote outdoor exploration, and foster a deeper appreciation for natural environments. The instructor guided about water current, understanding the speed, strength, and direction of water currents as essential. The knowledge helped in assessing the difficulty of crossing and choosing the safest route, determining the depth of the water is important for selecting a crossing point. Shallow areas are generally safer and easier to cross compared to deeper sections where buoyancy and footing become critical.
DAY 7: ROCK CLIMBING ACTIVITIES
Rock climbing offered a multitude of advantages, both physical and mental. Rock climbing engages major muscle groups, including arms, legs, back, and core, leading to improved overall strength and endurance. Climbers developed flexibility and coordination as they navigate varying terrain and positions, enhancing agility and balance. Climbing required strategic thinking and problem-solving, promoted mental agility and creative solutions to challenges. It also developed intense focus and concentration, helped to sharpen mental acuity, reduced stress levels and promoted relaxation.
DAY 8: RAPPELLING ACTIVITY
Rappelling, also known as abseiling, is a technique used in climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering where a person descends a steep or vertical rock face using a controlled descent technique. It involved using ropes and specialized equipment to safely lower oneself down from a cliff, rock wall, or other elevated structure. Rappelling allowed volunteers to access and explore remote and otherwise inaccessible natural environments, such as steep cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls.
DAY 9: CAMP SETUP ACTIVITY
Camping allowed volunteers to immerse themselves in nature, disconnect from daily routines, and enjoy outdoor adventures. Volunteers helped in setting up tents, arranged accommodation, and organized essential facilities like kitchens, restrooms, and water supply.
DAY 10: CLOSING CEREMONY WITH CHIEF GUEST IAS RAHUL KUMAR
On the Final day of NSS Camp, IAS Rahul Kumar met all the volunteers and motivated them for active participation in such camps. Volunteers shared their experiences, reflecting on the challenges overcome and lessons learned. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt promise to carry the spirit of service and adventure into their daily lives.