When we returned home after the IG 2 action camp in Kamshet, all my classmates declared that it was “the best trip ever!”- a colossal understatement.
Less than 50km from Pune, Camp Waters Edge was a secret garden lush with brightly coloured blooms and buzzing with bees, evoking glee and a sense of unity within the class. Upon our arrival, they divided us into teams (GO BUMBLEBEES!) which were then rotated through various activities and competed against one another to gain points. My group, the Bumblebees, began with the water sports- kayaking! Some pairs just couldn’t find their rhythm and some partners rowed in opposing directions resulting in them remaining stationary. Two of the boys flipped over the girls’ kayak and dunked them into the water. But I am proud to report that my partner, Tia and I were in sync as we cut through the waves feeling like Amazonian queens of the river. Later, we all dove into the freshwater and splashed around like water sprites until we were dragged out by our instructors.
The raft building project was challenging with disastrous results: mine fell apart before it reached the waves, Kushal made it into the water, then sank.
Next, we rappelled down a metal wall, Lars nonchalantly strolled down backwards, Sanjana cried, and I screamed at the top of my lungs the whole way down but it was so much fun, we all did it again!
At the zip lining station, the instructor asked us trivia like “What type of mud is this?” and “Why is the sky blue?” Flying through the air, spinning around and howling with laughter, attached to Tia because we are both too tiny to go alone, was the best feeling in the world. While we were waiting for our turn, we learnt a new game: Ultimate Ninja. The aim is to karate chop both your opponent’s hands and dodge their advances. In Tia’s Bruce Lee frenzy, she split my lip and bloodied my mouth. While we were occupied with this thrilling competition, someone spotted a peacock and forgot to tell us until after it had left. (thanks a lot!)
We ended with a dress up game where one hunky girl from each team dressed like a tribal king, and one alluring boy dressed as her queen. Adorned with a crown of toothbrushes and dried leaf jewelry, I confessed my love for Kushal, and was ultimately awarded ‘Most Handsome King’.
Everyone had the time of their lives and we each have our own unique memories with our friends. These will never leave us and connect us through the years as we reminisce about our glory years at Symbiosis.