Indiahikes Conducted An Experiential Learning Trek for Students From P...
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Indiahikes Conducted An Experiential Learning Trek for Students From PS Secondary School, Chennai
Category Experiential Learning
By Prathyusha Ramesh
2022-11-17
In October, students from PS secondary school in Chennai joined Indiahikes for an outdoor leadership program. Around 60 students and 6 teachers started their adventure for the Dayara Bugyal trek.
The program's primary objective was to empower them with deep learnings of resilience, confidence, coping with hardships, empathy, and working together in teams.
On the first day, they arrived at the Indiahikes Raithal Campus, and the team was buzzing with excitement and anticipation!
Briefing session for the students before the trek!
Before their restful sleep, the trek leaders divided the students into separate groups and taught them the basics of backpacking. From thereon, the students were to work actively with their own team members throughout the program.
PS school students engaging in group activities
They woke up to a bright morning and were briefed about what the program had in store for them. The students couldn't wait to begin their day with interesting activities!
Various tasks were lined up for them on day 1. First, they engaged in team-building activities followed by reflections and many new learnings.
During the reflections, students shared their feelings about the game and how much they had learnt from it. They bonded with their team members, understood each other's strengths, and discovered the unique trait of their friends.
Students during the reflection sessions!
After this, they also learnt the basics of trekking. Some topics the trek leaders covered were: how to use trekking gear, how to trek safely, and much more. After the session, they were ready for their adventure!
Students assembled to participate in fun activities
During the trek, the prettiness of the views were accompanied by the warmth and helpfulness of the students. They supported each other, pushed themselves, looked out for their team, and were mindful of everyone's needs. After trekking for five hours, they finally reached Gui.
The team trekking to Gui
They finished the day with another reflection session. This time, the students shared that they realized the importance of teamwork, having a team leader, distributing roles and responsibilities amongst themselves, and trusting each other.
Students discussing their experience so far
The next day, they trekked from Gui to Chilapada. To prepare for their venture, the students assembled for an energetic workout session in the morning.
The day was filled with beauty and surprises. They crossed the dense golden oak forest, vibrant waterfalls, and stark blue skies!
The team crossing the oak forest
Students enjoyed the streams for a few moments
They encountered stark blue skies
When they reached Chilapada, the students built their homes in the mountains - they learnt how to pitch their own tents! The next day was a big day for them all! They had come all the way together, and they were soon going to climb the summit. The air was bustling with thrill and eagerness.
The team building their own homes in the mountains
The next day, the students woke up very soon, and got ready for the summit day. They trekked for a few hours and reached the Dayara meadows. They were welcomed with the majestic views of the meadows.
Students were welcomed by the Davara meadows
After they navigated all the challenges and wonders of the mountains, they finally made it to the summit!
Students eagerly trek to the summit
Many students were overwhelmed with emotions. They took some precious moments to lay down and soak in the beauty around them. With their eyes closed and bodies embraced by the mountain lands, they connected with themselves and fell into a deep silence.
Students enjoying the beauty and peace of the mountain
It was a memorable day for all of them. They opened up to new experiences, had plenty of learnings. Many students also poured out their emotions on a postcard.
Two students enjoying the views of the summit
They drew their feelings on a postcard!
The students lit up the summit by celebrating their wins and spending time with all the other members. They also made chai with the stove and canister!
A student learning how to make chai on the summit
The celebrations and joy didn't stop there though. They continued to sing songs, and engage in conversations even after reaching Gui!
The morning after they returned from the summit, they got the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about the trek. The program was a great success and students were deeply satisfied with their experience. They saw new sides of themselves that they weren't aware of, practiced teamwork, made meaningful friendships, and took back very strong life lessons.
The team made it to the summit!
A team member enjoying the views of the mountains
From learning about sustainability to opening up about personal fears - we observed extraordinary changes in the students!
Schools from all over India are joining our programs designed specifically for students. Do get in touch with us if you want your students to learn life values and encounter unique experiences!
Prathyusha Ramesh
Part Time Content Writer
About the author
Prathyusha is a psychology graduate and a freelance content writer.
Prathyusha has a keen interest in the intersection of writing, psychology, and sustainability resonating deeply with The Green Tails initiative.
Apart from work, Prathyusha loves to read, write, trek, and research various topics that fall under the social sector.
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