A Photo Story Glimpse into CPS Global's Bronze, Silver, and Gold IAYP Adventurous Journey

Last week, we hosted a group of IAYP (International Award for Young People) participants from Chennai Public School Global for their Adventurous Journey in Kodaikanal. They included students from all levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

Each level of the programme had its own set of requirements and challenges. To meet these needs, we carefully designed activities that offered a meaningful camping, trekking and learning experience unique to each level. 

The First Day: Stepping into the Unknown

As soon as the students arrived, their journey began with a trek to our campsite. There is no better introduction to the challenges of the programme than a steep climb that immediately pulls them away from the comfort and familiarity of life in the cities. This experience set the tone for the days to come.

Their first day at the campsite began with an orientation—an overview of what to expect, a tour of the basecamp, and a breakdown of the plan for the upcoming days. The excitement was palpable, even among those who were anxious about being in the wilderness, completely out of their comfort zone for the first time.

Learning Through Hands-On Activities

Over the next few days, the participants engaged in various activities designed to test their resilience, teamwork, and resourcefulness. They learned several essential outdoor skills, including:

Camping in the Wilderness: 

For most students, this was their first time camping in nature. Some of them were skeptical about sleeping in tents, but on the final day a few students said “We loved how cozy the tents were and we loved the opportunity to chat with our friends at night”.

Navigation: Students practiced navigating using both modern technology and traditional methods of reading physical maps. Understanding how to find their way outdoors proved to be a valuable and fun learning experience.

First Responder Techniques: Basic emergency response skills were taught through hands-on activities. The students learned essential principles for handling wounds and fractures:

• Wound Management: Stopping bleeding, cleaning the wound, dressing it, and monitoring for infection.
• Fracture Treatment: Padding, rigidity, adjustability, keeping fingers and toes exposed, immobilization, and checking Circulation, Sensation, and Motion (CSM).

The real test came during a simulated emergency situation, an exercise planned by us that felt all too real for the students. As they made their way back from the trek, a sudden shout broke the steady rhythm of their hike.

One of our facilitators pretended to fall and injure his leg and shared that he couldn’t walk. Panic flickered across their faces for a split second before their training and instinct kicked in.

They didn’t hesitate. Two students dashed down to the campsite to fetch a stretcher, while the others assessed the situation. They wrapped the bandages with care. Moments later, the group worked together to carry him down the trail by taking turns, voices steady, movements coordinated.

Their ability to act swiftly and support each other was nothing short of inspiring.

Igniting Fire & Cooking for Survival: Students attempted to light and maintain a fire and then cook food for everyone. The task tested their patience and perseverance, giving them a newfound appreciation for the people who prepare food for them daily.

Understanding the Environment & Culture: Students were encouraged to study the natural surroundings and interact with local people, to gain insights into the ecosystem and cultural heritage of the region.

Connecting Learning with Leadership

The programme was designed to promote leadership development, and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their strengths and collaborate effectively within teams. As Award Leader Swrnalatha Ma’am said “The program was carefully designed to help students connect with International Baccalaureate Learner Profiles such as:

• Inquirer: Seeking knowledge and solutions with curiosity.
• Critical Thinker: Making informed, thoughtful decisions even in challenging conditions.
• Principled: Taking responsibility and demonstrating integrity.
• Risk-Taker: Stepping outside their comfort zones with courage and determination.
• Caring: Showing empathy and respect towards the environment and their peers.
• Open-Minded: Embracing diverse perspectives and learning from them.
• Balanced: Understanding the importance of physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

They also strengthened International General Certificate Attributes such as:

• Reflectiveness: Assessing their actions and learning from experience.
• Communication: Conveying ideas effectively within their teams.
• Adaptability: Adjusting to evolving situations with grace and flexibility.”

A Holistic Learning Experience

This immersive experience equipped students with practical life skills and fostered a deeper understanding of their capabilities and leadership potential. It highlighted the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability in overcoming challenges.

What 6–8 Hours of Purposeful Activity Looks Like

What 6–8 Hours of Purposeful Activity Includes:

• Working as a team
• Cooking meals
• Journeying and trekking
• Navigating routes
• Engaging in Green Trails activities
• Setting up campsites
• Journaling and reflecting on their trekking experiences

For these students, the Adventurous Journey was more than a checklist of activities to fulfill their IAYP requirements. It was an experience that will likely leave a lasting impact on their approach to challenges, collaboration, and personal growth.