Annual Group Camp of 2nd Explorers’ Group
The Annual Group Camp of the 2nd Explorers’ Group at Garden High School was held from December 27th to 30th, 2025, at Panchalingeshwar in Odisha. A total of 36 enthusiastic Scouts and Guides and 12 Cubs and Bulbuls participated in the camp. They were accompanied by 9 experienced leaders who took charge of the various programmes and looked after the well-being of all attendees.
This year, the camp was uniquely planned on the Harry Potter theme, adding an element of fun and fantasy to the traditional scouting activities. The camp featured a blend of exciting fun activities and adventurous challenges designed to impart essential soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and resilience. These activities aimed to prepare the participants both mentally and physically, which aligned perfectly with the Scout motto, ‘Be Prepared’.
Two of the key skills emphasized during the camp were ropework and knot-tying. Additionally, they learned about fire safety and the art of lighting fires, including the unique scouting method of backwoodsman cooking—preparing meals without utensils using naturally available materials. The young explorers also honed their survival skills through activities such as map reading, surveying and sketching scaled maps using compasses. These exercises fostered an understanding of navigation and spatial awareness.
The participants also enjoyed games, the traditional campfire gatherings and special excursions like a visit to Chandipur Beach, which added a touch of leisure and adventure to the overall experience. This much-anticipated Annual Group Camp was a resounding success, a memorable celebration of adventure, learning, and camaraderie.