Grade 9 camp to Uroli, Ranikhet - Advitiya Narang and Tanmay Diwan

This  year’s camp for the 9th graders was arguably one of the most enjoyable  experiences that I had embarked upon. From the crazy activities   to energetic instructors,   the 2013  camps in Uroli, had exceeded  our  expectations  in  everything.  The  only  downside would have to be the 4 am wake up call to get to school by 4: 45 am.

               

We started from school at 4 45 am to reach to Anand Vihar station where we would meet the rest of the class. Once we had all arrived, still groggy due to our partially sleep deprived state, we hurriedly boarded the train to Kathkgodam Station around 5.10 am.

Upon our arrival to Kathkgodam station at around 12 noon, we departed for the jeeps that waited to take us to camps, little did we know about how far the camps would be. The jeep journey lasted 4 hours. Regardless of this, we made the most of it, some of us caught up on sleep, while others laughed to their hearts’ content.

As we arrived on top of the hill where Camp Inme was situated, we gasped at the sight of the campsite. Some were in shock to see the state of the place. It was great.

We were shortly allotted our tents, before being introduced to the Chief, who we later found out, had climbed around 70 mountains, one of them being Mount Everest! After we were allotted our tents, we were quick to settle and shortly began to play some games. The games were tiring but worth it! We later went and sat down for soup time where we all learnt something new. We subsequently had dinner and then left for our tents; eagerly awaiting the following day’s activities.

The second day proved to be the best day. We awoke to a 6 am wakeup call and while most of us showered , the rest changed prior to the ropes course that was situated a mere two minutes away from the campsite. The grade was split into two groups: LOL Kaul

and Barca. The two respective groups went their own separate ways and went for their respective ropes courses. The ropes courses proved to be a challenge to some but natural to others as some had a fear to conquer while others went for the challenge itself. Following the ropes course, the nest activity planned was the village visit which meant a small trek. Some of us weren't looking forward to the trek, but rather the experience to the local village.                                                       As  we  arrived from our short

trek, we saw a big contrast in lifestyle between us and the locals. During our visit, we found out how the locals lived, how they made money and their day-to-day routine. It was a real eye-opener for many of us, who were totally oblivious to the kind of lifestyle people lived in, up in the hilly area. But the best moment for me, personally, would have to be night walk that followed, after dinner that day. We all walked in a single file line towards a spot where we could clearly see the night sky. Just laying on our backs, staring at the sky, was something extraordinary for all us because the city offered neither a clear night sky nor total silence, like this place.

The following day proved to be the most physically challenging as we embarked on our long trek to a spot which our instructors had picked out for us. The trek there, was roughly 10 Km and many of us were dreading the long trek ahead. After many hours of trekking, we finally made it to a small spot where

we rested and played in a small stream that was flowing to a nearby pond. To call us wet, after the splashing around, had to be the understatement of the century. We were totally drenched from head to toe!

The following few hours, meant that many of us would have to wait before we were dry. But that was the least of our interests as the free fall came next.

A 40 foot drop that required a minimum of seven people lifting the person onto the top of the tree; through the aid of pulleys, we were able to lift the people to the top of the tree. Again, this proved to be fun for others, while others overcame their fear of heights and took the leap. An experience I’m sure, we won’t forget.

The next day would be our last, so as per the Inme tradition, we had our group photos along with our accompanying teachers and instructors ( who by the way, had been welcoming, warm and very friendly to each and every one of us). Then we headed off to Kathkgodam station, where we would board our train back to Anand Vihar.

A trip packed with adventure, excitement and fun! We won’t forget the fun-loving instructors, the crazy activities. The whole thing was a great success and we are very much looking forward to next year’s camps as we count down the days towards them.