Report of the 10 Days Adventure Camp of NSS-ABVIMAS
20th - 30th November 2024
5 NSS volunteers (Harsh Dwivedi, Prachi Nanda, Palak Arya, Srishti, Avi Rawat) along with faculty member Ms. Preeti Singh from Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida attended a ten day adventure camp organized at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) Manali, Himachal Pradesh from 20th – 30th November 2024. Camp Leaders & Instructors were Amar Negi, Neil Negi, Amit Vishwakarma, Akhil Verma, Sunil Tek Chand, Soniya Thakur and Tanish Sein.
The objective of the camp was to infuse the sense of love for India’s diverse regions while encouraging participation in adventurous activities such as trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, and basic skiing. These pursuits aimed to strengthen both physical endurance and mental resilience.
Day 1:
The day began with the registration of all NSS volunteers at the camp. Each volunteer was warmly welcomed and assigned to their respective groups. First excursion was to the Equipment Museum, located in the administration office. The museum displayed a wide array of sporting equipment used in various adventure sports. It was an eye-opening experience to see the tools and gear that adventurers rely on for safety and performance. From trekking poles to climbing gear, we learned how each piece plays a crucial role in the success of an expedition.
Next, all volunteers gathered in the auditorium for a small orientation session. The guest speaker shared insights about the camp’s schedule and activities, giving a glimpse of what to expect over the next 10 days. The speaker also briefed the history of ABVIMAS (Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports), an esteemed institution dedicated to promoting adventure sports and outdoor education. Following the orientation, all volunteers from various regions were divided into seven groups known as “Ropes,” symbolizing unity and strength. Each of the seven ropes was assigned a leader and senior supervisor. Volunteers were also introduced to two important roles for the camp: the Quartermaster and the Equipment In-charge.
Day 2:
Second day started with a series of high-intensity exercises, which were followed by a 20-minute jog to warm up bodies and prepare for the day's activities. The instructor briefed volunteer’s main activity: rock climbing. Volunteers were assigned to different ropes and given the essential climbing equipment, including harnesses, carabiners, helmets, and ropes, which we needed to take with us to the rock climbing location.
After a trek of 30 min all volunteers reached rock climbing location the instructors showed us how to rock climb, demonstrating the proper techniques and safety measures. Next volunteers learned various essential knots used in climbing, such as figure-eight and bowline which are crucial for our safety while climbing.
Day 3:
On third day the participants were divided into two groups. Ropes 2, 4, and 6 stayed back at the ABVIMAS camp to engage in artificial wall climbing, a challenging activity that involved scaling a man-made rock wall. Meanwhile, ropes 1, 3, 5, and 7 were provided with the necessary equipment to experience rappelling, a technique used to descend steep surfaces safely.
In afternoon there was lecture on mountain manners During the lecture, the campers were taught essential do's and don'ts while trekking and hiking, focusing on safety, environmental consciousness, and respect for nature
Day 4:
Day 4 started with a 30-minute walk around the camp area. Next Participants were divided into two groups based on their ropes assignments: Ropes 1, 3, and 5 stayed at the ABVIMAS camp for artificial wall climbing, which challenged their strength and coordination as they scaled a man-made rock wall. Ropes 2, 4, and 6 were taken to a separate area to learn rappelling—a thrilling descent technique used in mountaineering.
Day 5:
On Day 5, volunteers completed 15 km journey to Solang Skiing Center, a popular spot for skiing and mountaineering activities. The journey provided a scenic route, allowing participants to enjoy the beauty of the mountainous terrain.
Day 6:
Day 6 at the ABVIMAS Manali Adventure Camp was a perfect combination of physical challenge and intellectual growth. From the exhilarating trek to Fatru Peak to gaining practical knowledge about tents, the day provided a balanced mix of adventure and learning. The experience not only helped build physical endurance and technical skills but also fostered a deep sense of appreciation for nature and teamwork.
Day 7:
Day 7 was both physically demanding and intellectually stimulating. The participants gained valuable hands-on experience in river crossing, casualty rescue, and knot-tying, all of which are crucial skills for mountaineers and rescue teams. Each activity fostered teamwork, resilience, and focus, while reinforcing the importance of preparation and precision in emergency scenarios. By the end of the day, the group was better equipped to handle challenging situations and ready for the next phase of their adventure.
Day 8:
Day 8 was a perfect mix of physical endurance, exploration, and creative preparation. The trek pushed us out of our comfort zones, the market visit provided a glimpse of local culture, and the cultural preparations strengthened our bonds as a group.
Day 9:
Day 9 at the ABVIMAS Manali NSS Adventure Camp was a day of cultural exploration and reflection. The visit to the Hadimba Temple provided a peaceful break, allowing participants to recharge and appreciate the spiritual beauty of Manali. As the day came to a close, the focus shifted towards the final cultural program, where participants would come together to celebrate their shared experiences and talents.
Day 10:
As the volunteers bid farewell to the camp, they left with full hearts, cherished memories and a renewed sense of appreciation for the diversity and unity that bind everyone together as a nation. The program was more than just an adventure; it was a life-changing experience that shaped the participants into better individuals, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities in the future.