I was sitting in the bus, looking out of the window and admiring the scenery outside. I turned to look at our bus from the inside. All the students looked utterly exhausted. And why would they not? The two-day Scouts and Guides Camp organized for std. IX students was enough to make everyone tired. Thinking of the camp, some memories popped in my mind.As soon as I hear the word camp, the first word that comes to my mind is Camp Evergreen in Badlapur – the first ever camping site in my life. We departed from the school on January 29, 2019 with a new vigour.
The activities of the day commenced with the investiture ceremony which was followed by the formation of patrols and preparation of flags and badges. Not only did it bring out our inner creativity by encouraging us to use natural elements but also instilled in us the value of teamwork. Some adventurous activities like rifle shooting, river crossing, rock climbing, ziplining were conducted after lunch. Tired after the adventures of the day, we cooked poha all by ourselves (of course under the supervision of the teachers) which inspired a chef like aura in us.
The night commenced. Never before had I seen such a star lit night. The camp was lit by the campfire – a tradition of all camps and this definitely was the most exciting part of the day. The campfire burned with it all the negativity that dwelled inside us and energized us for the performances that were to follow. The performances helped in lessening our stage fear and made us feel more confident of ourselves.
In my pocket were the pebbles I picked from the bank of the river Ulhas on my morning walk amid the picturesque scenery. The clinking of the pebbles reminded me of the second day of our prestigious camp. The mudhouse which accommodated sixteen of us was enough to provide us all the comforts which even the most expensive luxuries in the world could not. Should I not be grateful for the chill of the morning due to which the pearly dew drops on the tender green leaves came to my notice?
The second camp site- Shaguna Baug Nature Park was as wonderful as the first. The lush green belts and ponds of Shaguna Baug brought the students one step closer towards nature. Nothing, can be complete without a little bit of magic at the end. A magic show marked the ending of our camp and the beginning of a new time in our teenage lives.
The loud music that suddenly boomed in the bus brought my chain of thoughts to a grinding halt. I cannot find enough words to thank the efficiency of the teachers and planners because of which the camp was a total success. Thanks to the camp I also got to see a new side to our usually strict teachers who let go and enjoyed themselves with us.
We entered the camp-site empty handed but while leaving, we carried thousands of memories and a treasure of values packed in the suitcases of our hearts.
Contributed by Neha Chawda and Krisha Anam,
Std. IX Guides
Sharon English High School, Mulund