Building Tents, Building Memories

Camp teaches us many things. The days spent with people who are different from one another become a valuable learning experience. The last day was when the most fun happened. The day began with the Scout and Guide flag hoisting. Before the ceremony, we were trained on how to properly fold the flag. After that, we were given certain instructions and guidelines for the hoisting. Once the flag was raised, we participated in a small activity related to road safety.

Later, we attended a session on how to set up a tent. As we listened to the instructions, everything sounded simple, but later we realised it was not as easy as it seemed. We were divided into four teams, and each team was supposed to have eight members. However, to make sure no one was left out, additional members were added to every group. Our team was named the Lotus Group.

We then began pitching our tent. Each team received three wooden sticks, also called lathis, eight nails, and ten ropes. The remaining materials were brought from home, including bedsheets and decorative items. We were also taught three types of knots that would be used that day and how to tie them. Although they looked simple at first, it took several attempts before we could manage them correctly.

Next, we stitched the double bedsheets together and placed them over the wooden sticks. Then we secured the sheets to the ground. To this end, we placed small stones at the ends of the bedsheets and tied ropes to them, one end to the cloth and the other to nails driven into the ground. Three nails were placed on each side, while the remaining two were tied to the sticks at the front and back. Because of the strong wind, the structure collapsed three times, and we had to call our Guide Master for assistance.

After successfully setting it up, we decided to decorate our shelter. The state we chose was Nagaland, so we decorated it with circular designs representing shields, bead jewellery, swords, and pictures. Once everything was ready, hunger struck us strongly, so we went for lunch. Afterwards, everyone gathered again and spent some time relaxing inside the tent.

When the Guide Master arrived with the teachers, we explained our work to them. We also performed a dance to the rhythm of music called the Harvest Dance. As the program came to an end, it was time to pack up. We carefully untied everything we had worked hard to build and gathered around the flag to lower it. As the flag slowly descended, it felt like the closing of another memorable experience. Soon, we dispersed in different directions. Our bodies were tired, but that tiredness reflected the effort and joy of the day.