The vacation is a good time for children to extend themselves, explore new possibilities and experiences that can foster rounded development, utilize time constructively while providing fun and adventure! In keeping with these values, a trip to the Jim Corbett National Park was organised between 20 and 23 May, 2013 . 75 students from classes VII to IX enrolled.
The students reported at School promptly at 6 am on 20 May. Their teachers were present to receive them and take attendance. We then boarded 3 luxury coaches and were ready to leave by 6:30. Students were grouped class-wise and soon settled in. A hearty buffet breakfast had been arranged enroute which was enjoyed by the students.
After a 45 minutes' break the buses proceeded for the park and arrived at the resort- CORBETT MANGO BLOOM at 2 pm. After a short rest and some freshening up, the children spent the evening at the Jim Corbett museum at Dhangari followed by a visit to Garjia Devi Temple which is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas 5,000 yrs ago! The same day we were shown a documentary film on wild life conservation directed by one Mr. Rakesh Bedi highlighting the killings of the maneaters of Kumaon. After the show the excited children enthusiastically shared what they absorbed.
[gallery columns="2"]The next day the group started to view the famous Corbett Falls. Later the same day, we readied to enjoy Adventure activities at a spot which was very picturesque and about an hours drive from the resort. Rappelling and Free River Fall etc were some of the adventure activities that the children participated in, in the shallow river. At nightfall, we sqt around for an Experience-Sharing session accompanied by a DJ and music.
On the third day, we boarded jeeps and and departed for a wild life safari by 5:30 am. The drive to the entry point of the reserve was about one hour. We spent hours on the safari in the jungle and we sighted several types of deer, peacocks, rare birds, an elephant and also several pug marks. The students enjoyed the ride in the jungle, guided by experts who told them interesting facts about tigers and the founder, Jim Corbett. Students were surprised to learn that he was revered as a sadhu by the locals. Till then we had only heard of him as an Englishman who hunted and tracked and who was frequently called upon by the government of the United Provinces, ( Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand), to kill the man-eating tigers and leopards that preyed upon the people in the nearby villages of Garhwal and Kumaon.
On our way back, some students bought souvenirs as remembrance. Afterwards, students were divided into groups and given instructions about the cultural evening that was to follow. They were given enough preparation time for the cultural activities they were expectd to stage before they assembled for the programme, Team Building Activities at the resort.
The children were encouraged to include the loners in their groups and everyone was encouraged to participate in all activities. The team building activities at the resort were aimed at fostering team spirit as well as a spirit of competition. The cultural evening saw students take up leadership roles as well as initiative. It was a platform for students to showcase their creative abilities and preparation time also gave them an opportunity to interact closely and discover each others strengths and weaknesses.
The cultural night left all the members of the group with a happy and a positive feeling. Prizes were given for group activities and also to those students who had shown exemplary behaviour on the trip. Participation Certificates were awarded to all students.
The students enjoyed the trip thoroughly. They engaged in games all through the return journey and by the end of the trip shish aid they wished the journey was one which did not have to end!
Reported by Ms. SANDHYA BATHEJA and Ms. KAJAL SONI 27June, 2013.
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