The 31st Annual Nature Study and Adventure Camp organised by the Nature and Trekkers’ Club of Jalpaiguri (NTCOJ) began on Thursday at Les Khola Doban under Chuikhim village in Kalimpong district.
The six-day camp was inaugurated by Pabringtar Gram Panchayat Pradhan Robin Subba in the presence of panchayat member Krishna Bahadur Subba, secretary of the Chuikhim Village Welfare Society Hom Khawas, and other dignitaries.
Aimed at promoting environmental awareness and nature conservation, the camp seeks to inculcate leadership skills, self-confidence, unity, and teamwork among students and youth through adventure-based learning.
Participants will undergo a series of hands-on training modules, including trekking and nature trails, rock climbing and rappelling, rope knot techniques and jumar climbing, river-based activities, solo camping, treasure hunts, mountain rescue drills, and familiarisation with mountaineering equipment.
The programme also includes interactive sessions on mountain terminology, first aid, nature conservation, the history of Indian mountaineering, survival skills, identification of flora and fauna, and mountain risk management.
A total of 87 participants aged between 8 and 50 years from various schools and colleges across North Bengal and other parts of West Bengal are attending the camp. They are being guided and supervised by around 30 officials and experienced instructors.
All successful participants will be awarded graded certificates and course badges at the conclusion of the camp, along with prizes for various competitions. The camp will conclude on 31 December.