Class 9 - Campus Naukuchiatal, Bhowali, Bhimtal
25th - 28th February, 2019

This year class 9 headed to the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand, a small hill station in the Nainital district, the lake of nine corners - Naukuchiatal. At the crack of dawn when the world slept, the batch of 2023 awoke to freedom. Bustling with excitement, we assembled on the steps of the Center stage and were introduced to the IN-ME team and sat in two buses heading to the New Delhi Railway Station. We hurried through the crowded, chaotic station and waited for the train to arrive. On arrival of the train, we scurried inside and quickly settled down. The train journey was a long six hours but among friends and laughter - we reached in no time.

We got off at Kathgodam and got into a number of small jeeps which took us to the campsite through the winding hillside roads. Around lunchtime, we reached the campus. The lake just outside the campus, was glistening as the sun shone down on it. We were assigned tents and had a lunch of delicious and fresh nans, dal, kurkure bhindi and raita. Some frisbees, tennis balls, and footballs were brought out and we started playing. Soon we were briefed about the rules and regulations of the camp. Then we divided ourselves into three teams and named ourselves "Kamlesh from Bhopal", "Jugaadu Jaguars" and "Ronan Orange". This year the camp theme was "Collaboration and Team Work" and hence chants of participation and collaboration were soon heard. The temperature dropped and air turned chilly, we sat among our friends, warming ourselves with soup. After dinner at 9:00pm, we were sent to our tents. Of course, no one slept immediately but about an hour and a half later, the camp went quiet and everyone was fast asleep.

The next morning, the temperature had dropped extremely low as it had poured during the night. Everyone had to gather all their might to get out of the cozy, warm sleeping bags, get changed and face the cold. After the power up session, though, everyone was feeling better and energized. After a wholesome breakfast each team went to do their "WOW" (wonderful outer world) activities. The three activities were Rope course in which one learnt how to make a bridge and along with rappelling also played the game mission impossible. Trekking was the second one in which one went on a long and wonderful trail, made hot cocoa and learnt how to build a fire and important survival skills. Community service was the third one, in which one went to Model School in Naukuchiatal to interact, teach, or contribute in some way to the students studying there.  After that, it was time for lunch. Everyone ran to the meal area craving their scrumptious nans. We also had time to freshen up or take a shower. Having regained our energy, the teams went for their next activity in rotation. After doing the activity, we returned to the campsite and it began to drizzle and the winds became stronger. We stayed in our tents for a bit and were soon called out for dinner. After a quick dinner due to the rain, we ran back to the warmth and shelter of our tents. Later, all of us, nestled in the comfort of our sleeping bags, and in the hypnotic rhythm of the pitter-patter of the rain drops, fell asleep.

The wakeup call was at 6:30 am and the rain wasn't showing signs of stopping. Since our campsite had no large covered area, we moved to the nearby "Lake Resort" for the day. We moved in small groups under a tarp which we all held up. As we reached we assembled in a covered area and were divided in our groups and made to do fun activities. We did activities such as a human version of Chinese Checkers, a course made up of circles with certain rules and touch all the numbers in a circle to make a record. Then it was lunchtime. Hungry kids crowded into the dining room where a feast of pasta in white sauce and red sauce, french fries and salad awaited us. Then we headed back to the campus to rest in our tents. We returned to the resort to play the ultimate set of games, the infamous "Helter Skelter". The whole batch was divided into four teams and we named ourselves "Gullu", "Unilib", "Teamwork tigers" and "Yah-yeet". An introduction to the games was given and we sat restlessly, wanting the games to begin. As we sat and the games proceeded, lightning struck and thunder boomed. It began to rain and the time was running short. We were given a break for evening snacks, with one game to go. After snacks and milk, we re-assembled in the hall. Everyone sat watching the game, with nail-biting tension. After the game, the instructor came forward to tell us that the team "Gullu" had won! We shrieked and cheered, bursting with happiness. We walked back to camp, talking and remembering the fun moments. Dinner was served and we enjoyed the food. Then we were sent to our tents and drowsily talked till we drifted asleep.

On the last day, we woke up at 7:30 am. Each group soon finished their third "WOW" activity and had their last lunch at camp which was manchurian with rice and chowmein. We brought out our entire luggage and again boarded the jeeps which took us to the station well in time and we boarded the train. We sat in the train, with mixed feelings, sad to leave but happy to see our families and homes again. Six hours passed slowly and we were glad to see the traffic and city lights of Delhi. The best part of the journey was the bus ride from the railway station to back school where we sang songs on the top of our lungs. This trip was a version of the batch of 2023's 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara'. After getting off, we made our way through the crowd of

parents hoping to see the familiar faces of our loved ones. We said goodbye to our friends and teachers and left the building with a sense of satisfaction, happiness and memories in our heart that we would never, ever forget.

- Mehek Anand and Daksayani Chandra - Class 9