Outdoor Leadership Program for Schools

A Program For Students To Learn Leadership Skills Through Trekking

Why Choose This Program?

There is a growing awareness that the mental, emotional and spiritual well being of our students needs special attention. It is not possible for schools to completely address all these needs in a classroom setting. Parents play an important role but that is also not enough for most children. 

We are seeing an alarming rise in students who lack self-confidence, who crumble under the slightest emotional disturbance, and whose sense of entitlement has tied the hands of parents and teachers alike. Most are unaccustomed to hardship and have not tasted the joy of working cooperatively towards a common goal.

We at Indiahikes see experiential learning treks as a unique tool that can help young students overcome these issues.

On an experiential learning trek with us students trek to a high summit and back. Under our supervision they plan and design their entire expedition - especially when it comes to multi day programs. None of them have prior experience of doing anything like this. 

On the trek the students are immediately out of their comfort zones. They are in a completely unfamiliar environment. 

Students trek, set up camp, cook, wash, help each other, struggle together, and finally cooperate to achieve their teams goals. They do things they have never done before.

This intense immersive experience, combined with reflection sessions with our team, results in deep learning that changes the way students see themselves, the world, and their place in it.

At the end of the program we have witnessed transformational changes in the students. These changes are not small. We see students more resilient, better able to face challenges and more accustomed to hardships. They develop an inner confidence and become mentally stronger.

Please note: Indiahikes is a registered Trained Activity Provider (TAP) with International Award for Young People (IAYP)

Click on the image to view the Video

8 Biggest Outcomes In Students

A bane of our present society is the absence of natural ways to get students accustomed to hardship. Doing it artificially often meets with rebellion.

On a trek, every aspect is a form of hardship. Students are out of their comfort zones right from the word go. From exerting their lungs and carrying their own backpacks, to sleeping on a hard surface in a sleeping bag. From toilets dug in the soil and no running water to freezing temperatures and having to wash their own dishes. From rising before the sun on the summit day and trekking 8-10 hours before they can rest.

Initially, there are a few complaints, but each day we see a change. Surprisingly summit day which is the toughest has the least complaints. In such a short time, they have become mentally accepting of hardship and after a point see it as a natural part of the day. Eventually attempts to avoid it disappear and students take on challenges head-on! To us, even if nothing else, this change makes the whole program worth it.

We have seen students very excited and full of energy at the start of every trek. An hour into the trek and we see many beginning to struggle. The questions start – How far more? When will we reach? 

We then introduce them to a magic formula. We call it baby steps. Take small steps, don’t rush, breathe naturally and keep walking. Very soon we see students who were out of breath and struggling beginning to look around, smile and enjoy the beauty around them. 

The actual impact of this formula is felt at the summit. Students stand in awe – their eyes large with disbelief that they had climbed all this way. Looking down they see their achievement and marvel at it. We often hear students say – if I have done this then I can do anything in my life!

This seemingly simple lesson is something that even adult trekkers take back with them. The impact on students is huge. They learn a deep truth – that nothing is impossible and all it takes is small steps towards your goal. You will get there.

We noticed that when expectations are set and the means to fulfill them are in place, students arise to fulfill them. We do this to enhance the expression of human values while on a trek.

Students are divided into smaller teams during the trek and each team takes on a specific role each day. The teams are mixed and usually, students who are close friends are put in separate teams. The trek leader explains the role and responsibilities of each team.

The specific responsibility of one of the teams each day is to see to the wellbeing of everyone. To see that everyone is doing well, to offer help to those who are struggling, to encourage them, and to offer help where necessary.

We have seen students initially uncertain about how to show empathy and compassion. Some are naturally empathetic but many are not very tuned to others’ needs. With the right nudges and accompaniment by the trek leader and other staff, students learn to put the needs of others before their own.

Needless to say, for many, it could be the first strong experience of joy that one gets from service to others.

This is something we all want our students to learn — but most parents and teachers as well do not allow it. We push them constantly and make sure they do not go through the pain of facing real consequences.

In the mountains, it is nature in its raw form. The consequences of what we do or don’t do is immediately seen. For example, those who do not heed our insistence on physical preparation, struggle while trekking. Those who have made the effort to prepare have a much better experience of enjoying the beauty on the trail.

Weather in the mountains is unpredictable and we have to get to the next camp before dark. We have to constantly manage the terrain. There are ups and downs. Rocks and boulders, streams to hop over.

Weather is a challenge. It gets very cold, rain falls, there could be snow storms too. So on the summit day of the trek, we have a strict turn around time. If for any reason some get delayed, then even if they are 200 feet from the summit they have to turn back. It is very difficult for us to enforce it – but we must.

So, very naturally, an understanding of consequences evolves. The connection between the actions and decisions made and their outcome becomes evident. This brings in a strong sense of responsibility in the students. This is again brought out during reflections. This is a strong life lesson.

The ability to bounce back quickly after a bad phase or a crisis is another area that students struggle with. When we help young people view challenges as a critical part of success, we help them develop resilience.  

We have seen that even four days in the mountains creates a shift in attitude towards challenges that come up constantly during a trek.

Every hour, every day students are faced with situations they have never dealt with before. They are completely out of their comfort zones. Pitching tents and sleeping in zipped up bags on hard ground, washing dishes in freezing water, cooking simple meals that they relish even if burnt or uncooked. They challenge their lungs and feet with long hours of trekking. They break mental frameworks to redefine needs vs wants, comfort vs necessities. 

As the days go by they see the changes in themselves as well. This observation and awareness is brought about during the reflection sessions with the trek leader. Crises are not the end of the world.They see themselves in a new but realistic positive light. They discover areas that they need to work on and feel confident that they can. They learn to keep things in perspective

Gradually they begin to feel a sense of control over their minds and bodies. They know they can reach out to others for support when needed. Experiencing the support of the team and discovering inner reserves of empathy makes students discover new strengths within themselves. They readily take initiative to solve problems.

Reflection is the key that is required in order to learn from experience. Without reflections after activities, the experiential learning cycle is incomplete and learning is left completely to chance.This requires taking time-out from “doing” and stepping back and reviewing what has been done and experienced.

Reflections are done individually as well as all together. Students are encouraged to verbalise their learnings and observations.

Team reflections,through simple questions, help in talking about what went well and what did not. They help in learning from mistakes and planning for the next day.

This daily practice helps students learn the Kolb process of learning from experience. They are facilitated to apply that learning to other areas of life and study.

For most students this is the first time they are experiencing nature in all its grandeur and majesty. Their minds expand and their spirits are elevated. They feel themselves connected with nature and as a part of the universe. Conversations and story sessions with the program facilitator further deepens their appreciation of the lessons nature teaches us. A deep sense of humility comes from realizing we are just a speck in the universe.

Throughout the program the students are involved in cleaning the trails and campsites. They are given eco bags to keep all non degradable waste. At campsites they segregate the waste and have sessions with the trek leader on what they can do for the environment in their lives.

Students these days are aware of the need to protect nature and many make efforts to do something about it. But it is quite rare to come across students who have been deeply touched by nature, feel closely connected to it and allow this connection to influence how they interact with it.

We have seen how a trek creates this deep connection. You can see their eyes bright with anticipation from the first sight of snow-capped peaks while traveling to the base camp.

Trekking through rich forests, alive with strange fragrances and bird sounds, triggers their excitement. Camping under the night skies and witnessing the grandeur of the milky way gives their imaginations a whole new dimension. Standing on the summit and seeing the amphitheater of mountains around them is an overwhelming moment for everyone. Some burst into tears. Most don’t understand why. This precious experience has touched their core. It brings to the surface feelings of gratitude and deep connection to the universe.

Why Schools From All Over India Join Our Experiential Learning Programs

Our Programs for Children

Adventurous Journey in the mountains as part of the IAYP program

Indiahikes is a Trained Activity Provider of the International Award for Young People (IAYP).

The globally recognised IAYP program empowers young people aged 14 to 24 to explore their potential and make a positive impact on the world. 

Indiahikes' Experiential Learning Programs perfectly align with the objectives of the IAYP's Adventurous Journey component.

Program Design

All our programs take place on thrilling wilderness treks, ranging from day treks to multi-day treks.

The IAYP program at Indiahikes comprises three key elements that enhance participants' learning experience:

  • Adventure and challenges that emerge on the trek naturally
  • Specially designed learning activities that inspire new thoughts, actions, and behaviour
  • The presence and input of trained facilitators to nudge learning in the desired direction

Read more about the program.

A 4-day Himalayan trek for schools

The Himalayan Expeditioners Program is the most advanced Outdoor Leadership Program we offer for schools.  Here, the students get to plan and execute their own 4 day trek in the Himalayas with the support of the Indiahikes team. 

Given that the environment is new and challenging, this pushes the students out of their comfort zones.  Also, the enormity of the tasks involved in mounting their own expedition set the foundation for learning to happen.

Students trek, they set up camp, cook, wash, help each other, struggle together, stand in awe at the summit together. They do things they have never done before.

The level of involvement of the students in the planning and execution of their trek varies with their age.

At Indiahikes, we strongly recommend that the Himalayan Expeditioners Program follows the Wilderness Explorers and Eco-Adventurers programs.  However, schools can choose to take the students directly on the program as well.  The intensity of the program will be customized according to the level of preparedness of the students.   

A trek in the Himalayas is a dream come true for most students.  Students eagerly look forward to it. They are ready to do whatever it takes to be able to go - which mainly involves preparation.

Schools from all over the country are eligible for this program. 

An overnight camping trek for schools around Mussorie and Bangalore

For schools that are located in regions close to the hills we have special One-night camping treks as part of our Wilderness Explorers Program. This is ideal for schools who are unable to consider a full fledged Himalayan program but want students to benefit from a camping experience.

These are longer treks than the day treks and include a night of camping in the wilderness.

Camping along with trekking gives students the opportunity to experience living outside their comfort zones. Being in an unfamiliar environment and facing challenges they have never faced before immerses them in the experience. 

In a Wilderness Explorers Program students are divided into teams. All teams need to carry out all tasks of camping and trekking – right from setting up campsite, to encouraging each other, to cooking their own food. Each team is given specific tasks for which they are completely responsible. 

Along with this they trek to the summit and participate in reflections. All of this, facilitated by our trek leader, brings out immense learning.

A day trek for schools around Bangalore

Indiahikes day treks are a great introduction to the world of nature and trekking. Schools that have access to hills close by can opt for a day-long experiential learning program that happens on a trek in these hills. 

Though the duration is short the learning is immense. Students trek together to a summit and return. On the trail and at the summit they participate in different activities. Every activity of the program is specially designed to bring out learning. Reflections on the observations and experiences enhance that learning.

If your child is between the ages of 8-15, this is an adventure you want to send them on. You will see recognizable changes in them, lasting all the way into their adulthood.

An immersive outdoor learning adventure at Indiahikes campuses

Students camp at Indiahikes campuses in the hills of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or Bangalore.

Students go on scenic hikes to the forests and mountains around our campus. The trails are the perfect environment for hands-on and practical learning.

We offer modules on:

  • Trekking and camping skills
  • Nature skills
  • Sustainability skills
  • Life Skills and Behaviors
  • Academic modules on the surrounding flora, fauna, and ecology. 

Schools have the flexibility to select the modules they want and customise the program duration.

10 days of experiential learning in the mountains

At the Indiahikes summer camp, students go on a trekking adventure and climb a high summit in the Himalayas.

Over 10 days, they trek from camp to camp and explore the outdoors in close quarters.

The program is designed to impart rare life skills: building relationships, handling conflicts, sharing control, and collaborating with their peers.

Our expert facilitators bring these learnings through methods of experiential learning.

In the outdoors, children experience and imbibe these values much faster than in traditional classroom settings.

If your students are between the ages of 10-16, this adventure is worthwhile. You will see recognisable changes in them, lasting into adulthood.

More About Our Programs

Parent Reviews

Deepti Rai

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories.
A wonderful trek organised by La Maritiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes! Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories. This trip has been a phenomenal learning experience for our k...Read More
A wonderful trek organised by La Maritiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes! Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories. This trip has been a phenomenal learning experience for our k...Read More
Pratibha Tiwari and Manoj Tiwari

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

A lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength.
Congratulations La Martiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes for organising the wonderful tour and providing a lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength . This...Read More
Congratulations La Martiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes for organising the wonderful tour and providing a lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength . This...Read More
Mannya Sharma's father

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

Thank you for taking such good care of our daughters.
Please allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the efforts and pains that you took to make the trip a memorable one for the children. Mannya is completely in awe and admiration of your inf...Read More
Please allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the efforts and pains that you took to make the trip a memorable one for the children. Mannya is completely in awe and admiration of your inf...Read More
Maya (Ananya's mother)

Channarayana Durga/Minchukallu Betta, Winter Camp

First time I’ve seen my daughter so observant and focused.
My daughter had so much to share about the trek. I was bowled over at the way she captured details of her experience and her learning. First time I’ve seen her so observant and focused. A big thank yo...Read More
My daughter had so much to share about the trek. I was bowled over at the way she captured details of her experience and her learning. First time I’ve seen her so observant and focused. A big thank yo...Read More
Deepti Rai

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories.
A wonderful trek organised by La Maritiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes! Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories. This trip has been a phenomenal learning experience for our k...Read More
A wonderful trek organised by La Maritiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes! Our girls came back with their backpacks full of memories. This trip has been a phenomenal learning experience for our k...Read More
Pratibha Tiwari and Manoj Tiwari

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

A lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength.
Congratulations La Martiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes for organising the wonderful tour and providing a lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength . This...Read More
Congratulations La Martiniere Girls College and team IndiaHikes for organising the wonderful tour and providing a lifetime opportunity for kids to explore nature as well as their inner strength . This...Read More
Mannya Sharma's father

Deoban Trek, IAYP Adventurous Journey

Thank you for taking such good care of our daughters.
Please allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the efforts and pains that you took to make the trip a memorable one for the children. Mannya is completely in awe and admiration of your inf...Read More
Please allow us to express our heartfelt gratitude for all the efforts and pains that you took to make the trip a memorable one for the children. Mannya is completely in awe and admiration of your inf...Read More
Maya (Ananya's mother)

Channarayana Durga/Minchukallu Betta, Winter Camp

First time I’ve seen my daughter so observant and focused.
My daughter had so much to share about the trek. I was bowled over at the way she captured details of her experience and her learning. First time I’ve seen her so observant and focused. A big thank yo...Read More
My daughter had so much to share about the trek. I was bowled over at the way she captured details of her experience and her learning. First time I’ve seen her so observant and focused. A big thank yo...Read More

How We Keep Students Safe

Indiahikes Safety Mechanism

Indiahikes stands for safety.  Indiahikes is the largest and the safest trekking organization in India.  Over the past few years, we have had over 8000 students from schools across the country with us on treks.

We have had no untoward incident on these programs. This is because of our robust Risk Assessment and Management System that rests on the 3 pillars of our three pillars - people, processes and equipment.  And we constantly work on them.

Our Trek Leaders are certified mountaineers with a Basic Mountaineering Course or Advanced Mountaineering Course. Trek Leaders assigned to lead student treks are Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and NOLS certified.  We have constant refresher courses and specialized training for them year-round - towards building capacity to handle any risks. 

Apart from the Trek Leaders we have technical guides, trek guides, program facilitators and assistants who accompany all team members of the Outdoor Leadership Program. All of them are trained to handle emergency mountain situations.

Read more about how we keep your students safe here .

Ultimately, even an expert team such as ours cannot keep all students safe unless they follow stringent safety processes. 

There is a process for preparing team members, a process to monitor their health 3 times a day, a process for management of accidents, a process for managing altitude sickness, and a process for evacuation. There are processes for even trekking and a separate process for difficult sections. Any potential risk is nipped in the bud.

Our extensive trek experience matters here. The trekking trails are not new to us. These trekking trails have been nurtured and developed by us for many years. We have our own base camps on these trails. 

From the time the program starts till it ends, safety of all team members is our responsibility.

Indiahikes is extremely meticulous in the safety processes we follow for risk assessment and management. We draw up a Risk Assessment and Management plan before every trek - especially so if it involves children. We prepare a risk assessment and management plan for each project we take with a school. You can download our sample safety plan here.

Most of the modern safety equipment used in the Indian trekking community has been introduced by us. This has fundamentally changed how trekking is done in our country.

In all of our treks, we carry a high-altitude medical kit, an evacuation kit, a technical kit, radio equipment, and oxygen cylinders (pulse oximeters and BP monitors are standard equipment carried by our Trek Leaders, including ropes and carabiners). 

What Students Say About Our Programs

Some Questions You May Have

Schools are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of nature as a classroom. Learning in the outdoors greatly increases the understanding of concepts as well as retention of learning.

Students sense of observation is sharpened and their curiosity is aroused. Trekking and camping in the wilderness – and cooperating to work together in teams brings out and polishes the qualities and virtues latent in children. These create the right setting for the facilitator to direct their attention to the learning objectives in mind.

Some schools send their students on these treks as part of their educational field trips. For some schools it is a co-scholastic program that enhances students’ life skills and impacts their attitudes towards the environment. It is an ideal CAS program for IB Schools. It also fulfills the criteria of the gold level of the IAYP program.

Though we decide along with the school on this, an ideal age would be 11 to 17. Again we have taken younger students as well – but this is done only after consultation with the school and taking all issues into consideration.

The best time for these programs is either in May and June or in the autumn from September to November. The snowy winter in December and January is also possible (and the settings are fantastic) but students need to be mentally and physically prepared for a higher level of hardship.

Our vision is for more students to reap the benefits of our programs.  Our costs reflect that. 

Main cost heads involve trek fee, transportation to the base of the trek and back and the trek fee payable to the Forest Department. 

The final cost is decided after the components of the trek are finalized with the school.

Why Children Must Trek

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An Educator Explains Why Everyone In Her School Treks, From Toddlers to Teachers

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How Indiahikes Student Programs Align With The Goals Of The IAYP Adventurous Journey 

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How Treks Strengthen Children’s Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

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Why Connection To Nature Is Important For Children

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How Indiahikes makes Overnight Camping safe for children

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12 Lessons That Shishukunj Schools In Gujarat Took Away From Trekking

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Research Says Courage Determines Children's Success And Happiness. Here's How Trekking Helps

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How Children Of Mussoorie International School (MIS) Built Resilience Through Trekking

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What Happens When Children Trek With Other Children

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How Trekking Makes Children Healthier

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How Trekking With Your Classmates Can Transform You Into A Confident Person

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How a Trek With Indiahikes is an Ideal IB-CAS Program

Indiahikes Experiential Learning for schools in pictures