North Bengal Disabled Society

Camping out in the Samsing forest in North Bengal was the closest they would get to nature. And the 78 physically challenged participants at the All India Nature Study-cum-Adventure camp were determined to make the most of it.

Occasional challenges that come as hurdles are fine, we take them in our stride and often emerge triumphant. But for some, life becomes one big challenge right from birth. Such was the case of the 78 individuals who took part in the 13th All India Nature Study-cum-Adventure camp for disabled children and youth held at Samsing forest in North Bengal. Each participant faced daunting challenges, either physically, mentally or socially.

The 78 participants included people suffering from cerebral palsy, a few who were hearing and speech impaired, visually-challenged, and a group of orphans. For these children and youth who had never ventured so far into the wilderness of nature, the camp organised by the Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (HNAF) was indeed a new experience. Most of the participants came from Bengal, Bihar and Benaras.

The participants' day began at 5 a.m. with an invigorating cup of chai followed by a quick freshening-up and some exercise, after which the campers set out on their morning walk with the guides. They returned to a sumptuous breakfast served promptly at 8 a.m. in the open arena of the camp.

After that it was time to explore the forest. The children were divided into seven groups and their activities through the day featured rope river crossing, rock-climbing, natural-shelter making, cooking in the forest, long treks, and so on.

It was interesting to watch how easily these children adapted to their surroundings; they were awestruck at the splendid scenery and enthusiastically shared with each other their impressions of the new world before them. It was really touching the way the visually-impaired participants talked eagerly about all the bird calls they could hear. Even though they could not take in the beauty around with their eyes, they learnt to recognise the different varieties of trees and flowers through touch and smell.

The physically challenged group performed rock and rope climbing admirably well. Even those participants in wheel chairs were not exhausted by the long, strenuous treks along the steep, rugged mountain roads. For them everything was wonderful, to be taken in and enjoyed to the utmost.

Lunch was either in the camp area or there was a packed hamper for those who ventured out from the camp.

By 4 p.m. everyone reported back to the camp, where there was an attendance check, and then it was playtime. Sunset saw the entire group gathering to review the day's happenings, and before long it was time to tuck in to a tasty dinner. This five day camp is a unique experience for disabled children. Elaborate arrangements are made by the organisers to make the participants' stay comfortable, yet natural, in the forest.

After 13 years of successful existence, it is for the first time that the camp has got sponsors. This year, ONGC came forward as a co-sponsor and contributed 50 per cent of funds required for conducting the camp. The remaining 50 per cent is a huge amount too and the HNAF arranges that with great difficulty. The forest department of West Bengal, police, army and BSF also extended their bit of support.

The camp charges a nominal entry fee of Rs 600 per head for the participants. Some of the underprivileged children find this quite steep. Many a time the organisers have toyed with the idea of discontinuing, but over the years the amount of love and encouragement that they have received has forced them to carry on despite losses.

The campfire night marked the end of the camp for this year. The cultural extravaganza was specially hosted by the children. The bonfire had lots of visitors and guests who had come all the way to the forest to witness the children's performance.

The next day was departure time but the children who had learnt so much in so little time, were reluctant to leave. To them this outing in the forest was a dream come true as they were able to get so close to the mountains, streams, the beautiful birds and the trees. Challenges are meant to be overcome... these words took on a new meaning, watching the children in the camp.