Fostering Friendship and Talent: A Transformative Experience for Children

PAMPORE: A two-day summer camp, organized by Government Upper Primary School Jeewan Sahab, UPS Androosa, BPS Batapora, and PS Gujjar Basti Wahab Sahab, concluded at the scenic woods of Wasturwun, Wahab Sahab area of Pampore Tehsil in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday.
The camp was supervised by Bilal Ahmad Wani, Lone Altaf, Wani Shabir, Mohammad Yaqoob, and Mohammad Iqbal. The event commenced on June 5th, World Environment Day, with a nature walk as part of an environmental week initiative. Chief Education Officer Pulwama, Abdul Qayoom Nadvi, inaugurated the event in the presence of other officials from the education department, according to officials who spoke to Kashmir Reader.
The primary objective of the camp was to foster confidence and social interaction among students, promote physical activities, reduce screen time, and encourage a healthy lifestyle by embracing nature. The summer camp officially began on the morning of June 11, following directives from higher authorities.
Throughout the camp, various activities were conducted, including student groupings from different schools, cleanliness drives, campfires, nature tours, yoga sessions, short treks, sports activities, and quiz competitions, all aimed at enhancing the physical and mental well-being of the students.
The camp concluded on June 12 with an inspiring speech by Zonal Education Officer Pampore, Abdul Rasheed Teli, which instilled new enthusiasm in the students. The success of the camp was attributed to the unwavering support of all stakeholders, particularly the Principal Secretary of Education, Director of School Education, Chief Education Officer Pulwama, and Zonal Education Officer Pampore.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Bilal Ahmad Wani, a senior teacher, said that the summer camp actually started on June 5th, World Environment Day, an initiative initiated by Chief Education Officer Pulwama, Abdul Qayoom Nadvi, in the Wahab Sahab forest. “The two-day summer camp that we organized was done with the permission of ZEO Pampore, Abdul Rasheed. We conducted numerous activities, dividing the students into groups from four government schools: Jeevan Sahab, Androosa Middle School, Primary School Batpora, and Primary School Gujjar Basti Wahab Sahab.”
“In Wahab Sahab forest, we conducted a cleanliness drive. We organized physical and sports activities, and on Wednesday morning, after Fajr prayer, we provided the children with a heavy breakfast. After that, we took the children for a trek to Wasturwun top first phase to ensure their fitness. We also conducted a cleanliness drive there to maintain a clean environment. We believe that until we keep our surroundings clean, we cannot lead a healthy lifestyle. Upon returning, after lunch, we conducted another cleanliness drive in the Wahab Sahab forests.”
“Yesterday evening, around 9 pm, we organized a campfire where the children had a lot of fun. They thoroughly enjoyed themselves during this summer camp and are very happy with it. They want to extend this summer camp.”
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support, particularly to the esteemed Principal Secretary of Education, Director of School Education, Chief Education Officer Pulwama, and Zonal Education Officer Pampore. Without their invaluable support, we would not have been able to organize this event successfully.”
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, ZEO Pampore Abdul Rasheed Teli said that instructions have been passed from government higher-ups to organize summer camps in every school, and the two-day summer camp in Wahab Sahab forest concluded today. “This camp has numerous benefits, as the children have spent two days in the beautiful green jungle, enjoying a good environment. They will now try to maintain such clean environments when they return home and go to school.”
“The purpose of this summer camp is to gather children from various homes and villages, as each child possesses some talent. When these children come together in one place, they share their talents with each other. Those children who may not initially have a talent can learn from others, which is also a benefit of this camp.”
“Another benefit is that children who come from different schools and villages to these camps find friends and develop friendships with each other. They get the opportunity to engage in activities like trekking, sports, and other enjoyable experiences,” Teli added.

BILAL HABIB