That was the winter vacation of 2015, the school adventure squad decided to go adventure camping . Mathaburu in Purulia was to be our designated camping spot. We jumped to the idea and started preparing ourselves for the camping . Our rucksacks were packed as instructed and they contained our clothes, warm layers, small knives, sleeping bags, mugs, plates, extra sweat shirts, socks and hiking shoes.
Camping is basically an act of leaving behind the luxuries and amenities of modern life for a few days and spending time outside in more primitive conditions even without electricity and proper houses. It is a thrilling outdoor experience for all ages.
We set out from Howrah Railway station by the night train and reached Purulia early in the morning from where we boarded a chartered transport and reached Mathaburu by 9 in the morning. It was a hilly region full of trees and birds. Post freshening up and breakfast, we were divided into ropes (that is how the groups are called in camping terms). Each rope had to share a tent and each rope had the name of a bird. Our rope was called Hornbill. We pitched our bright tent and got ready for the first activity of the day “Self Introduction “.
After the introduction session, we were given all the necessary instructions and dos and donts of the camp. Thereafter started the exciting activities of the camp. There were some trust building games and activities for the groups like trust fall, friendship ladder etc. which were followed by interesting sessions on Navigation in the wilderness, Priorities of Survival, many high rope activities like Tarzan’s swing, Pirates cross etc. Lunch was simple hot khichri and scrambled egg followed by a dessert. The afternoon passed with another round of interesting hands on sessions on how to build a fire in the wilderness, survival tactics, watching out for signs of wild animals and how to avoid them. The practical was very thrilling I must say. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
That was my 3rd camping so I was very excited to sleep in a tent as usual. But as night fell I began to feel scared. The faint light of two battery operated lanterns, outside, were the only source of light. I clutched onto my friend’s sleeping bag and fell off to sleep. The morning broke with all kinds of birds chirping in unison and the sun peeping in through the tent flap. It was a marvellous sight. I began to cherish the moments and enjoy the silence of nature. There was never a dull moment in the wilderness. Nature at its full glory was very invigorating. I came back after five days happy to the hilt. I will never forget the thrill of the Adventure Camp.
Priya Kejriwal.
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