14 November, 2024

The National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Vishwakarma Government Engineering College (VGEC) successfully participated in Adventure Camp 2024 held at Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports (ABVIMAS), Manali, Himachal Pradesh from 5th to 14th November 2024. The camp aimed to develop adventure skills, leadership qualities, and environmental awareness amongst NSS volunteers whilst promoting physical fitness, mental resilience, and mountaineering competencies.

Participation Details:

• The camp was conducted at ABVIMAS, Manali, Himachal Pradesh - one of India's premier mountaineering institutes.
• 2 dedicated NSS volunteers from VGEC - Nidhi Solanki (3rd Sem, Electronics & Communication) and Dhruvi Dungrani (3rd Sem, Computer Science Engineering) - were selected and successfully completed the intensive 10-day adventure training programme.
• The event featured comprehensive mountaineering training, rock climbing, trekking, survival skills, and high-altitude adventure activities under professional supervision.

Objectives:

• To develop advanced adventure and mountaineering skills amongst selected NSS volunteers through professional outdoor training.
• To enhance physical fitness, mental resilience, and survival capabilities in challenging high-altitude mountain environments.
• To promote environmental conservation awareness and foster appreciation for Himalayan ecosystems and mountain heritage.
• To build leadership qualities, teamwork, and risk management abilities through adventure-based experiential learning.

Key Training Components:

• Mountaineering Skills: Comprehensive training in rock climbing, wall climbing, rappelling, and advanced rope techniques under expert guidance from ABVIMAS instructors.
• High-Altitude Trekking: Multi-day trekking expeditions in Manali region including treks to Solang Valley, Patalsu, and surrounding peaks for altitude acclimatization.
• Survival Training: Practical sessions on tent pitching, river crossing, anchor systems, belay techniques, and emergency response in mountain environments.
• Environmental Education: Mountain manners, conservation ethics, equipment maintenance, and Leave No Trace principles for responsible adventure tourism.
• Team Building:Group discussions, treasure hunts, cultural programmes, and collaborative challenges to develop interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.

Learning Outcomes and Achievements:

• Technical Competency: Both volunteers successfully acquired professional-level mountaineering skills and completed all adventure training modules with distinction.
• Physical Development: Significant improvement in physical fitness, endurance, and strength was achieved through intensive outdoor training activities.
• Mental Resilience: Enhanced confidence, decision-making abilities, and stress management were developed through challenging adventure scenarios.
• Leadership Growth: Strengthened teamwork, communication, and leadership capabilities were cultivated through group-based adventure challenges.
• Environmental Awareness: Deep appreciation for Himalayan ecosystems and mountain conservation was fostered through direct high-altitude exposure.

Conclusion:

The NSS Adventure Camp 2024 at ABVIMAS, Manali proved to be an exceptional and life-changing experience for VGEC volunteers, emphasising the crucial importance of adventure education and personal development. The successful completion of this prestigious programme by Nidhi Solanki and Dhruvi Dungrani highlighted VGEC's commitment to providing diverse learning opportunities beyond traditional academic boundaries. The NSS VGEC remains proud of such outstanding achievements and professional-level training participation that promote adventure competency, environmental consciousness, leadership development, and the holistic growth of students, contributing to their transformation into confident and capable future leaders.