With dollops of caution
DPS International School, Pushp Vihar, collaborates with clubs like Teri and I Discover I for holding adventure camps for students. Principal Amita Mishra says: “For the junior students, we organise rappelling and mountain climbing on the school premises, while for the seniors, we organise outstation camps in association with clubs. The students get to live outdoors in nature, take part in community service and learn teamwork.”
The school looks for the skill set and credentials of the trainers. “They (trainers) should be properly qualified and their vision should be aligned with our vision. There should be a proper plan of action – for a 2-day trip, the students should come back with four days’ worth. Only then can such camps be successful,” says Mishra.
Several housing societies, too, are ready to consider holding adventure camps for children provided they can get suitable guidance from professionals and people are ready to take the initiative.
Prahalad Swaroop, president, Rail Vihar Residents Welfare Association, Ghaziabad says: “No, we don’t organise adventurous sports for children. But these are very much on our agenda. It all depends upon the demands of the residents living on the campus. If they come up with the right proposals, we will organise such events in the future.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Uma B h a t t a c h a r ya , s e c r e t a r y, O x f o r d Apartments, Patparganj, says: “Nobody has taken the initiative to organise adventure sports for children in the society so far. If anybody can come and tell us how to go about it, we can try holding one.”
However, AK De, president, Supreme Towers, Noida, begs to differ. “Adventure sports have many associated factors like safety of the children and responsibility of the adults. Such activities are meant for adults and not for kids. Children would like to take part in them after watching films and shows, but they are not in a position to decide. Only if the parents are willing and push for such activities, can we think of holding camps.”