Wilderness Is Not A Luxury But A Necessity To The Human Spirit.

Sustainability Apr 6, 2023

**There’s no wi-fi in the wilderness but I promise you’ll find a better connection.**

Camping in the wilderness was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. It was a place that taught me the value of self-belief, determination, and perseverance in the face of adversity. At first, the thought of spending 2 days in the wilderness, far from the comfort of my home, was daunting. I was unsure if I could handle the physical and mental challenges that lay ahead. But as I settled into camp life, I found myself becoming more confident in my abilities. There were times when the hikes were grueling, the weather was harsh, and the terrain was challenging but I learned to dig deep within myself and push past my limits. The wilderness also taught me to conquer my fears. Whether it was crossing a narrow path that barely made a place for a foot to step on, climbing a steep mountain, or rafting with strong ocean waves, I learned to push past my fears and take challenges head-on. Camping in the wilderness taught me never to let anyone or anything come in my way. There were times when I wanted to give up and go home but I found the strength to keep going, to keep pushing, and to keep believing in myself with the help of my teammates. Looking back on my experience, I realized that camping in the wilderness was not just a physical adventure, but a journey of self-discovery. It taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me to this day and I will always be grateful for the experience. I would like to share some experiences to make readers believe that when life throws challenges our way, it can be easy to feel defeated by them but the truth is, it's the obstacles we face that make us stronger and more resilient.

*The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach - waiting for a gift from the sea.*

*The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination, and brings eternal joy to the soul.*

*The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.*

The Start of An Unforgettable Adventure...

As we approached the designated pick-up spot, the excitement among us was palpable. Everyone was bubbling with anticipation for the journey ahead. As 2 buses pulled up, we were divided into 2 groups and hurriedly gathered our belongings to settle into the bus, eager to begin our journey. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, as everyone shared their emotions about having to spend 2 days in the wilderness with no internet connection and mobile phones. The energy in the air was electric. The feeling of freedom was intoxicating, and there was a sense of camaraderie and unity among us. We were all in this together, sharing the same sense of adventure and anticipation. We couldn't wait to see what the next few hours had in store for us, and we knew that this was going to be a journey that we would remember for the rest of our lives.

*Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget.*

THE BUS RIDE:

The sun was shining brightly outside, and we were all looking forward to spending 2 days, camping at Mubarak Village. The bus was filled with laughter and excitement as all of us settled in for a long ride. Some of us were singing at the top of our lungs, while others joked around and teased their friends. The windows were huge, letting us take a look at the countryside. As the bus made its way through rocky roads, we took turns pointing out interesting sights. We played the 'Adjective Name Game' to get to know others by their names. We recounted our favorite memories from the past and continued to have fun, knowing we were safe and together. The journey seemed to fly by, and before we knew it, we had arrived at our destination. The bus ride brought us all closer together, and we reluctantly, piled out of the bus, still buzzing with the energy and excitement of the ride.

*There's nothing like a long bus ride to bring a group of camping friends together. It's the shared experience of being crammed into a small space that bonds us.*

Surrounded by supported camp friends, we find the strength and encouragement to climb the mountains in our lives, knowing that there are hands to catch us if we fall and cheers to lift us up when we succeed.

NAVIGATION CHALLENGE:

As we ventured deep into the wilderness, we were divided into teams with facilitators to ensure safety for each team. We were handed a set of rules to follow, not just for our safety, but also to ensure a comfortable environment for all of us. The journey ahead was uncertain, but with our facilitators, a clear set of rules to follow, and amazing teammates, we were ready to take on the great outdoors with confidence and gusto. Here, our facilitators handed each team a map and a compass and then walked quietly with us in the middle of nowhere with nothing but some snacks and water bottles. Our mission was to find our way to a specific location using only our map and compass without the help of our facilitator. We navigated through dried bushes, climbed steep hills, and followed winding paths. It was a challenging task, but we persevered, knowing that we had to keep pushing to find our way. Along the way, we encountered unexpected obstacles and detours, but we used our map and compass to guide us through the right path. We had to rely on each other for support and encouragement, as we tackled the challenges that lay ahead. Finally, after several hours of navigating through the wilderness, we arrived at our destination. The feeling of accomplishment was indescribable. We realized that it taught us more than just navigation skills. It taught us the value of teamwork, perseverance, and resilience. It also gave us a sense of accomplishment and confidence, knowing that we had conquered a challenge that had initially seemed intimidating.

*Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.*

*There are no shortcuts to any place worth going, a walk in nature walks the soul back home.*

BLIND CAMPERS:

After having snacks, we were blindfolded and asked to set up a tent using only our sense of hearing. The rules were simple - the team leader who was not blindfolded was not allowed to touch anything while we, on the other hand, had to rely solely on the instructions of our team leader to construct the tent. With a calm and steady voice, our team leader started guiding us through the process of setting up the tent. He was specific with his instructions, using descriptive words to help us understand the placement of the tent poles, the fabric, and the stakes. We could feel the fabric of the tent as it was handed to us, but we couldn't see it, making it difficult to visualize how to put it together. Despite the challenge, we worked as a team, communicating with each other and our team leader, and slowly but surely, the tent began to take shape. We fumbled and made mistakes, but with each misstep, we learned and adjusted our approach. Finally, we worked it out! We realized that it taught us much more than just how to set up a tent. It taught us the value of teamwork, communication, and trust. We learned that even in the darkest of situations, with the right guidance and support, we could accomplish anything.

*Just because you're unable to see doesn't mean you shouldn't learn to do things the right way.*

THE MESMERIZING SUNSET & THE COOKING COMPETITION:

As the sun began to set behind the distant horizon, we gathered and were given specific dishes to cook. We were provided the ingredients and told to cook using mini cooking stoves. The aroma of different meals filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the stillness of the night. As the darkness set in, we hurried as we had been given a specific time for preparing our meals. We had to face challenges, for example, the water was taking too long to boil because of the cold temperature but we encouraged each other and stayed positive. The stars twinkled above us, and the moon cast a soft glow over the ocean. The food was not perfect, some bits slightly burnt and some slightly undercooked, but it didn't matter. The simple pleasure of cooking and eating together in such a stunning location was enough to make the meal special. We shared stories, jokes, and moments of contemplation. As we finished our meal, we lingered a little longer, savoring the moment and enjoying each other's company. We knew that this was a memory we would carry with us for the rest of our lives, a testament to the beauty and simplicity of life in the great outdoors.

There's something magical about watching the sunset with friends while camping. It's a moment of pure bliss, where everything else fades away except for the beauty of the sky and the warmth of our friendships.

*Laughter is the brightest in the place where food is.*

*Cooking and eating food outdoors makes it taste infinitely better than the same meal prepared and consumed indoors.*

BONFIRE SESSION:

The great outdoors is not an indulgence but a vital requirement for our well-being.

After having our meal, we gathered around the lit bonfire, the only source of light in the darkness of the night. The warmth of the fire enveloped us, and the flickering flames danced to the rhythm of the crackling wood. We shared stories of their adventures, reminiscing about the good times and laughing at the misfortunes. We listened to each other's tales with rapt attention, the sound of the waves in the background adding to the ambiance. As the night wore on, the project lead stood up and began to teach us some survival skills. Under the vast expanse of stars, we sat around the fire, drinking hot coffee. The sound of the waves worked as soothing background noise as we enjoyed each other's company and the warmth of the fire. We were beckoned to cast our gaze upon the glittering expanse of the heavens above, solitary and apart from each other, yet the celestial orbs persisted in radiating their brilliance with unyielding splendor. The sparkling stars, in their untainted glory, stood as a testament to the enduring majesty of the universe, instilling within us a sense of awe and wonderment. Their shimmering glow served as a beacon of hope, illuminating our path and kindling the fire of inspiration within us, even in moments of profound isolation. We recounted the day's events, laughing and joking about their misadventures and triumphs. As the night came to an end, we retired to our tents. The bonfire had been more than just a source of light and warmth; it had been a place of learning, sharing, and bonding and as we drifted off to sleep under the stars, we knew that the memories we had made around the bonfire would stay with us forever.

*When you look up at the stars with your campmates, you will realize just how small y*ou *are in the grand scheme of things, but how connected y*ou *all are at the same time.*

*Under the stars and around the bonfire, the worries of the world fade away, and we are left with nothing but the beauty of nature and the warmth of friendship.*

NATURE TALK:

As the first rays of sunlight began to peek over the horizon, we gathered in a circle, with a facilitator, eager to engage in a nature talk amidst the serene beauty of their surroundings. The gentle waves of the calm ocean provided a soothing soundtrack to the conversation, as we delved into topics related to the natural world around them. The facilitator encouraged us to reflect on the interconnectedness of all living things, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment. As the discussion progressed, we shared personal anecdotes and insights, each contributing to a shared understanding of the significance of preserving the natural world. The early morning nature talks not only served as an opportunity to deepen our appreciation and respect for the environment but also fostered a sense of comradeship and community among us. We left the conversation feeling inspired and energized, ready to continue to cherish the natural world.

*The early morning nature talk with campmates is a powerful reminder of the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world, and a chance to forge deeper connections with those around us.*

OLYMPIAD:

After breakfast, we were brimming with anticipation when we were told that we would be having an olympiad. We geared up to participate in a variety of fun-filled events. The day started off well, with us exhibiting great enthusiasm and energy as we tackled each challenge with gusto. However, as the day progressed, the obstacles became more challenging, and the competition grew fiercer. Despite our valiant efforts, we eventually fell behind, with several setbacks derailing our progress. However, even in the face of defeat, we refused to be discouraged. Instead, we rallied around each other, offering words of encouragement and support to our teammates. In the end, our teams may not have emerged as victors in the olympiad, but we had won something far more valuable - a sense of great bond and a shared experience of overcoming obstacles. Despite our defeat, we were glad and content, grateful for the bonds we had forged and the lessons we had learned throughout the journey of perseverance and teamwork.

*In a world of constant motion, building a sandcastle with your campmates is a chance to slow down, get your hands dirty, and appreciate the beauty of life's simple pleasures.*

RAFTING:

The water was choppy, and the waves were high, but while rafting, we were determined to make it through the course. However, as we moved forward, we encountered unexpected obstacles that proved too difficult to overcome. Despite our best efforts, we could not navigate through the strong currents and powerful waves. No matter how hard we rowed, we found ourselves stuck in one spot, unable to move forward. It seemed as though we were destined for defeat. Yet, even in the face of adversity, we refused to give up. We continued to work together, pushing through our exhaustion and frustration, trying every possible method to propel our raft forward. And even though we eventually lost the race, we were filled with joy and happiness. We knew that we had given it our all. We came to realize that the true value of the experience was not in winning or losing, but in the journey, we had shared together. We pushed ourselves to our limits, conquered our fears, and learned to work as a team in the face of adversity. And even though we did not emerge as victors, we left the river feeling fulfilled and content, knowing that we had accomplished something far greater - the formation of lifelong memories and friendships.

THE CLOSING PARAGRAPH:
Life is a journey that takes us through highs and lows, triumphs and defeats, but it is how we weather the storms that truly define us. I have had my share of struggles and setbacks, but I have learned that the key to success is to never give up and to always remain strong, no matter what life throws our way. These experiences have taught me that we must summon the strength and courage that lies within us, and believe in ourselves, even when the odds seem stacked against us. So let us all embrace the challenges that come our way, with the unwavering determination and fortitude that will lead us to success for in the end, it is not the destination that matters, but the journey itself, and the strength and resilience that we build along the way.

There is nothing more amazing than watching the sun set and rise. Being in the middle of such a beautiful place I hardly knew was one of the most powerful hours of my life. I was able to push myself to my limit and truly make the most of every second. I learned that we shouldn't run away from challenges, instead we should run over them. Every hour spent there had challenging activities with many people to connect with. The people there were like my family. Everyone in this team made this experience unforgettable, full of energy, laughter, and creativity. I truly appreciate all the hard work and efforts put into this project. ~XYZ