Mount Abu : A Student Leadership Camp

( Mount Abu, Rajasthan )

Have you ever been to a place that has completely taken you by surprise? For me, that was Mount Abu! If you think Rajasthan is all about deserts and extravagant forts, this place is bound to change that view. Not only this place can compete with some of the popular hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, but it also gives them a run for their money. Every year in December, the Mount Abu leadership camp gives a chance to all students to enjoy nature at Mount Abu.

Located in the Aravalli Range, at a height of 1,200 meters, Mount Abu lines the border of Rajasthan, India. It is being one of the famous hill stations in Rajasthan. This hilly escapade in Rajasthan stands out for its spectacular mountain views, Dilwara Jain temples, and more. The mythical Nakki lake is a must-visit in the region. Mount Abu is known for its scintillating sunset point. It is the perfect place to watch the hues of the sky as the sun sets into its abode. In addition, this being a part of the historical state of Rajasthan, it also has many must-visit and adorable forts.

A leadership camp where everyone learns different things that help you to survive in nature. It’s a 2–3-day camp where students do many activities like commando training, rock climbing, deep caving, campfire, and much more. IBS Ahmedabad arranges this leadership camp every year in the winter season.

Day 1: Commando Training, Rock Climbing, and Deep Caving

( Training Camp, Mount Abu )

It was morning at 9 AM, everyone started to get ready for the full fun of activities of commando training. after a feastful of breakfast, everyone went to the training ground. The camp instructor gave some instructions about how training will go and how to use different types of safety tools while training. on this day we learned a lot from the activities that how to handle situations in the case of emergencies. We are divided into 3 groups and allotted different activities according to that. It was a time taken activity because not everyone is doing it easily neither it was easy as it looks. Some of them did it quickly but some took time to do it. Overall, it was fun to do these types of activities.

( Rock Climbing, Mount Abu )

After post lunch, everyone ran for the rock-climbing activity. We have to climb the rock with just the help of shoes and fingers. The instructor showed a demo before that how to climb. And then from another side, climb down with the help of a hook and rope. Most of the students had the fear of sliding down from the height after climbing the rock, but helping each other was the way to do it. It was a thrilling experience for everyone.

( Deep Caving, Aravali Hills, Mount Abu )

Around 4 PM, everyone went for the deep caving activity. Caving at Mount Abu is one of the most memorable experiences for people who are coming here to enjoy wildlife. In Mount Abu, there are many places for trekking and caving experiences. In caving, we pass through dark caves, and a challenging activity to do. Most of the students had the fear of getting stuck in the darkness of the cave. But everyone helped each other while caving. We walked around 2000 feet up to reach the cave. It took around 3 hrs to complete the activity for around 50 people. Some of the students are sliding down while climbing, but unity between groups made the activity successful. There was a sunset point on the top, everyone enjoyed the amazing view of mount abu from the top point. The day 1 activities ended with the beautiful view of the sunset from the top of mount abu.

( Bonfire, Mount Abu )

On the same day night, everyone gathered to make the night memorable with a small bonfire. There were some secret talks opened in front of each other to make a smile on everyone’s face.

Day 2: Tracking of 2nd Highest Peak of Aravali Hills, Rajasthan.

( 2nd Highest Peak, Mount Abu )

It’s the 2nd day of mount abu. Everyone has done with the morning breakfast at 7 AM. The whole day we had gone for the trekking of 2nd highest peak of mount abu came in the Aravali hills range. It was the climbing of around 4500 feet that took around 2 hr to climb up to the top. The way is too risky to climb, and a small mistake led to a major accident, but everyone helped each other to reach the top.

(Top View, Mount Abu, Rajasthan )

It was an enjoyable moment when we reached the second-highest peak. Everyone clicks the pictures for the memories while some of them are enjoying the amazing view of nature with the breeze of the wind. It was the one hour we spent with nature with peace of mind.

After spending an hour on top, everybody started climbing down with a bunch of memories. there was a fear in everyone’s mind that ‘can we climb down the mountain?’ and slowly they climbed down. While some of them took the thrilling and enjoyable experience of trekking.

( Nakki Lake, Mount Abu )

After a small rest at the camp, the next plan for the camp was to visit the Nakki lake at mount abu. My first and foremost recommendation has to be Nakki lake. Located at the heart of Mount Abu, this is a serene place to go boating or enjoy some amazing views! Also, you can get an outstanding view of Toad rock from the lake. There is a variety of boating options to choose from like self-paddle boats or you can hire a rower.

In the night market, there’s a lot of rush for the shopping while most people are enjoying themselves with their friends and relatives. Most of us did the shopping while some enjoyed dinner.

On the next day morning, the return journey started back to home. We learned a lot of things in the Leadership camp that will help us in different situations. Everyone made memories with each other that never going to forget in their entire life.

Written By: Gaurav More (22BSP0540), Batch 2024, IBS Ahmedabad.