ADVENTURE AND LEARNING AT THE SCOUT AND GUIDE CAMP AT INDIAN SCHOOL SALALAH

The Bharat Scout and Guide unit of Indian School Salalah organized a vibrant and enriching two-day camp for students of Grades 5 and 8 on November 30, 2024 and Grades 6 and 7 on Saturday, 7th December, 2024. The camp aimed to promote the core values of the Scout and Guide movement—character, citizenship, and comradeship—as envisioned by its founder, Lord Baden-Powell.
Camp on November 30
The day began with a lively assembly in a horseshoe formation. The camp leader, Mr. Showkat Ali,(H.O.D Arabic department) warmly welcomed the young participants. During the investiture ceremony, the newly appointed Scout Masters and Guide Captains were formally installed by the Principal, Mr. Deepak Patankar and the school admins. The ceremony was further elevated by the hoisting of the Scout and Guide flag, the singing of the movement's prayer and the flag song, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the participants.
The camp featured a variety of engaging activities designed to build practical skills and teamwork. Students learned knot-tying and fire safety techniques, vital skills for both outdoor adventures and daily life. Collaborative games and challenges encouraged teamwork, communication, and problem-solving among participants, while the music department's session on Scouting and Guiding Harmony was thrilling and exciting.
Mrs. Anita Rose, AVP of the Primary Section and a Rashtrapati Award recipient, delivered an inspiring session on character development. She emphasized the Scouts and Guides' role in shaping responsible citizens. Another standout session was led by Dr. Abubacker Siddique, President of the School Management Committee, who highlighted the importance of oral hygiene and addressed students' questions on maintaining good oral health.
The camp concluded on a high note, enriching participants with new skills, knowledge, and a sense of community. It was a testament to the transformative power of the Scouting and Guiding movement, shaping young minds to become responsible citizens and fostering a spirit of service to society.
Camp on December 7th
The camp started with an assembly, where Camp Leader Mr. Showkath Ali outlined the schedule and objectives of the event, setting the stage for an exciting experience. The key moment was the investiture ceremony, led by Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar, where Scout Masters and Guide Captains were entrusted with leadership roles. This was followed by a flag hoisting ceremony, symbolizing the unity and values of the Scouts and Guides movement, and an all-faith prayer session promoting inclusivity and mutual respect.
The camp also offered several enriching sessions. The "Healthy Habits, Happy Lives" session, led by Dr. Abubacker Siddique, President of the School Management Committee, was an interactive session and highly informative. Dr. Siddique focused on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar conducted an insightful session on ‘Time Management’, which equipped participants with strategies to balance responsibilities and prioritize tasks. His practical tips helped attendees understand how to optimize their schedules and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to procrastination or stress. The session also emphasized how essential it is for developing leadership skills.
The hands-on knot-tying session, led by Mr. Showkat Ali, Mr. Raviraj, and Mrs. Ann Mary, taught essential skills for Scouts and Guides. The music department’s "Scouting and Guiding at Harmony" was designed to blend the spirit of Scouting and Guiding with the universal language of music, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy. A practical "Flames Under Control" firefighting session taught participants essential fire safety techniques, with live demonstrations on using fire extinguishers.
Overall, the camp provided students with a valuable experience to develop creativity, leadership, team spirit, and social interaction. Through engaging activities and practical lessons, participants not only learned new skills but also built lasting friendships and a sense of responsibility, making the camp an enriching and memorable event.