Gear up for summer expeditions

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With examinations over and done with in most schools, kids are breathing easy and getting ready to raid the outdoors and get their fair share of nature. Summer vacations don't only mean two months relief from school; it is also a time for creative learning. Youngsters with an inclination to learn and broaden their horizons prefer to spend their summer vacations learning about nature, outdoor adventure and the animal kingdom. And if this learning requires taking off on trips far away from home, then there is nothing like it!

Summer expeditions, as they are usually called, involve a group of children taking off into the wild guided by an experienced nature club. One such group is the Chennai Trekking Club that is planning a trip to Nagallapuram for school children in the city.

Peter Van Geit of the club, says, “We'll be doing this for the first time this summer. We plan to take a group of school children to a destination close to the city, where they will get the opportunity to explore nature and overcome physical obstacles. Parents can accompany their children too.” Peter believes that such exposure to nature builds character in children and helps them develop a good value system. “Exposure to nature and outdoor adventure helps children develop confidence and learn the importance of working as a team. It also makes them aware of the natural world,” he says.

The Gerrard Martin Project too is actively involved in making youngsters aware of the ecology and conservation. This summer the group is packing off children in the age groups of 9 to 19 on various learning expeditions. Says Conan Dumenil of the group, “The Young Naturalist Camps will focus on various aspects of ecology, wherein children will learn a little about herpetology, rainforest conservation, larger mammals and birds too.”

The group is also organising rainforest exploration at the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station 13-year-old Shreya Shivakumar has been on many a summer expedition. The class eight student has been to Masinagudi, Yercaud and Goa for outdoor adventure. Says the little adventure junkie, “Every year I look forward to summer. What I love most of all is the fact that every year I make new friends and get to spend time with different people. I also enjoy outdoor sports and activties.”