This CAS experience was actually an impromptu plan. My parents, brother and I joined a group just before the trek day and it was a great decision. The trek was in Dang, which was a two and a half hour bus ride from Surat. The whole experience was fun and challenging throughout.
LO-2. Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process.
I had never been on a trek before, so this experience was particularly exciting and challenging. From waking up at 4 in the morning to being energetic throughout, it was a thrilling activity. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about it. However, once we started, I began to get the hang of it. I became more comfortable since we were so many people in a group together. One part that was especially challenging was when we started rock climbing. If we didn’t look out for wet rocks, we could slip and hurt ourselves seriously. The activity skills like required precision, observation and being cautious at all times. These were some skills I developed. I was surprisingly good at it, and reached heights that 90% of the group refused to climb.
LO-4. Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
The schedule was a one day trek that included rock climbing and a waterfall shower. FROm waking up so early to maintaining energy levels till so late in the night, it was important for us all to show commitment. There was a sense of perseverance that was showcased by every member of the group. From climbing up so much to coming down the same distance carefully. From trying to push oneself and an the same time look out for the other members of the group, everybody showed commitment in more ways than one.
LO-5. Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
A famous saying that would fit in this scenario is “The more, the merrier”. Whether it was friends that we knew since years or strangers who’d join the same group, we all united into one family once the trek started. From riding on jeep tops and holding onto each other to making sure no one was left behind. From pushing ourselves to complete the challenge undertaken to looking out for one another along the steep way. From sharing water bottles to singing songs merrily. From introducing ourselves to taking multiple pictures together, it was an amazing experience all together. All of us encouraged, cared and helped each other with high spirits and teamwork from start to finish.
LO-6. Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
An essentially crucial and interesting part of the trek was how the volunteers motivated us to pick up any form of garbage that we could find along the track. They made the experience fun and exciting while at same time, reminded us of how it was our duty to clean and take care of the nature around us. It was fascinating to see the number of garbage bags that were filled up by the end of the trek. It was a good feeling to to give back to society in small ways like this.
Concluding this experience, I am extremely happy that I took up this experience. The learner profile attributes I could associate with this experience were ‘caring’ and ‘communicators’. It was a thrilling experience and a breath of fresh air to break out from daily routine and be a part of something like this.
Evidence:
