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What is life but one grand adventure
An overnight outbound -life skills training program was organised for the II Sem BCom B section students on 18th and 19th March 2019. It was conducted by Eagles Unbound in Kaggalipura, off Kanakapura Road at South Bengaluru about six kms from the college campus.
Eagle Unbound is an adventure arena and SSB Sure Shot Academy Training Centre. One can spend time in this idyllic place surrounded by greenery. It has an ideal location, as it is away from the city centre-peace, tranquillity and serene. The sole aim of Eagle Unbound is to make people feel alive, positive and have a lot of fun while learning and exploring new things. Oozing with fun and learning, a day out with them will give one, an opportunity to know and rediscover oneself, cultivate skills and lifelong friendships. One can also enhance teamwork, leadership and management abilities through various mind games and team tasks. What follows is daring oneself to complete individual and group obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty with the best safety measures in place.
On 18th March, students were excited and looking forward for this outbound trip. Prof Solomon and Prof Yeshaswini accompanied the students. After a briefing session by Dr [Brig] Sandes, Principal and Prof Nikitha Sreekantha, HOD; the students set forth at 9:30 am from the campus and reached the destination at 10:15 am. A team of trainers were waiting for us at Eagles Unbound -Mr Darshan, Mr Prakash, Ms Swathi, Mr Nags and Mr Abhishek. Brig Amardeep Singh, President of Eagles Unbound was also present. Continental and Indian breakfast awaited us. After a wholesome breakfast, we headed to the activity area. The first activity was group obstacle. We were divided into eight teams. The task was to carry a stuffed elongated bag referred to as ‘snake’; overcome various obstacles and reach the end. We were given a key chain with Eagles Unbound Logo on completing the obstacles.
We were advised to hydrate ourselves well after and before activities at all times at the campsite due to high temperature. Lemon juice and water dispensers were placed at all significant areas. After hydrating ourselves, we went near the wall climbing area. Trainers taught us to wear harness and safety equipment -helmets etc as safety was their first priority. Climbing wall activity was challenging. Students were guided while they climbed -where to place the foot, how to come down etc. Climbing is an excellent sport to develop fitness, strength and flexibility. After the activity, students were ushered to the Gazebo for lunch.
After lunch, the next activity planned was at the Shooting area. We were educated about the usage of equipment and then were given instructions to handle them. The rifle/air gun was quite heavy. The trainers taught us how to hold it first and later taught us to aim at the target. We were also told about the different types of pellets and the safety precautions one needs to take care of! Once, each one had a go at it, we went to the Archery area. We were taught the right posture [to stand], hold the bow, arrow, how to aim at the target and how to pull the bow string. Majority of the students liked archery, as compared to shooting as we were given more chances to aim at the target.
What followed was high rope course, it was an exhilarating activity. We had to walk our way on a main rope and take help of the suspended ropes connected to the main one on either side. It was quite an easy task. The second activity was quite similar to the first one but this one entailed us to walk on suspended wooden bars which would swing the moment one stepped on it. The trainers advised us to place our foot in the middle of the bar and walk across without standing on each bar. Throughout the walk, we were well motivated and encouraged. Once we got the knack of it, we sailed through comfortably. The trainers ensured we were safe at all times.
By the time each one completed the activity, necessary arrangements were made for the rain dance. It was a rollicking time for all us, as we let our hair down and danced away to the songs. Eventually, it all came to an end as we were literally forced to stop. Dr Sandes visited us and wanted to know about the day’s proceedings. Then the instructors briefed and taught us to pitch out tents. Soon after, the framework was made and the tent pitched. Separate places were earmarked for girls and boys.
Campfire was lit, and songs were played and all of us enjoyed the melodious songs while sipping our soup. Then we played some games to kill time. Soon after, we were served delicious dinner. After dinner, all of us continued to stay awake and continued playing games. It was well past midnight We had an unobstructed view of the sky, lying beneath that and staring into the open space, gazing at the stars, was a sight to behold and then we fell asleep. It was indeed an unforgettable experience.
At 4 am, most of us were awake, after a hot bath, we were all ready at 7 am. We folded our tents, left them in the store and refreshed ourselves with a cup of tea at the Gazebo. The Principal visited us again and conducted a yoga session for us – three stages of pranayama, Bhastrika pranayama and Sudarshan Kriya which helped all to feel relaxed. After a tasty breakfast, we headed to the activity area. They started with energizers to help us warm up for the activities that followed. We were given a feedback of day one activities and tips to improve so that we could better our performance on day two. There was zipline activity which was fun. We had visitors again. This time Dean ma’am and few of the admin staff came to spend time with us.
Two team building activities were organized. One was ‘Tap the mat’. We were divided into four teams. Mats having numbers from 1 to 31 were spread all over. The task was to tap the mat in ascending order. Number of rounds were played with time limits varying each time. The next activity was ‘Flip the Mat’. Now, we were divided into two teams. Even and odd numbers from 1 to 30 were shuffled and arranged in two lines. We had to flip the mat in ascending and descending order one each at a time. Breaking of rules meant that, the mats were flipped back again. Sufficient breaks were given in between to hydrate ourselves because it was a hot day. The team activities helped develop team spirit, assume leadership
roles, make balanced and right decisions under pressure, respect, cooperate and collaborate with others and communicate and connect effectively.
It was time to have lunch. What lay before us was a delicious array of food. There was a feedback session, we shared our views and so did they. Major General VPS Bhakuni, VSM, CEO was present and while having hi-tea he shared some of his experiences of his days in the Indian Army. We packed our bags and were ready to leave. We were back at college at 4 pm.
We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our outing at Eagles Unbound. The trainers were humble, patient and very approachable. They encouraged and supported us throughout and helped us perform all the activities. The program offered a right mix of physical and mental activities. It helped us also to develop confidence, understand ourselves, develop team spirit and build a positive attitude. A surreal experience!
Harshitha
