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To traverse is to cross an obstacle or adversity, to zigzag your way up a steep hill, to navigate across an unstable bridge, to examine and investigate. And you will be doing all of these things in an OBI-H Traverse Program.
Don't expect a kiddy "summer camp" because then you're in the wrong place. The Traverse Program will not be easy, in fact, It will probably one of the toughest things you've ever done, but it will be so worth it! You will live in the wilderness, grapple with challenges you are unlikely to ever face in your city lives. And yes, you will have a whole lot of fun while you do that! At the end of it all, you will emerge strong-willed, relentless in your desire to face every challenge with equanimity. |
“If a child can do advanced math, speak three languages, or receive top grades, but can't manage their emotions, practice conflict resolution, or handle stress, none of that other stuff is really going to matter.
- Marlyn Applebaum, Journalist and Historian
- Marlyn Applebaum, Journalist and Historian
The Traverse Programs are for young people between the ages of 13 and 17 years and are, therefore, a little longer in duration - as compared with the Curiosity Programs.
The mid teens often brings about a period of transition and change: moving into young adulthood, needing to make greater decisions, taking on responsibilities, seeking challenges, self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment. OBIH-H's Traverse Program provide a contemporary ‘rite of passage’ and are an opportunity to unearth new strengths, build confidence, master new skills and develop personal leadership abilities. What's more, each of these Programs are certified Outward Bound courses, and since Outward Bound is an international program, several universities around the world recognize a certificate from Outward Bound. A completion certificate from OBI-H will go a long way in helping you build your resume for admission to your favoured university.
The mid teens often brings about a period of transition and change: moving into young adulthood, needing to make greater decisions, taking on responsibilities, seeking challenges, self-reliance and a sense of accomplishment. OBIH-H's Traverse Program provide a contemporary ‘rite of passage’ and are an opportunity to unearth new strengths, build confidence, master new skills and develop personal leadership abilities. What's more, each of these Programs are certified Outward Bound courses, and since Outward Bound is an international program, several universities around the world recognize a certificate from Outward Bound. A completion certificate from OBI-H will go a long way in helping you build your resume for admission to your favoured university.
TRAVERSE PROGRAMS - A SNEAK PEEK
FARM TO TABLE - LIVE LOCALIf there's one thing the Covid-19 pandemic taught us, it is the importance of growing our own food. With the continuous lockdowns, the one thing that worried people most was where to access their daily food from - fruits, vegetables, herbs, cereals, pulses. Empty grocery shelves were a reality. The concept of small-scale organic farms is here to stay and Outward Bound is working with the experts to impart this knowledge to you. Plant-Harvest-Cook-Eat - this unique program will not only teach you how to grow your own food but also help rustle up some amazing dishes with your hard-earned labour. SEASON: JUNE | JULY | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER |
TRAILS OF TONS VALLEYAre you ready to challenge yourself a bit? Ready to do something you've never done before? Then this is the program for you! Leave your friends, family, and gadgets behind this summer school holiday and step up to the Outward Bound challenge! It's an 8-day challenging expedition, where you swap the streets of your city lives for forest paths, clean mountain air and gushing waterfalls. A word of caution, this is not Adventure 101, so be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zones like never before. SEASON: APRIL - JUNE |
GANGA RAFTING EXPEDITIONTeam work and collaboration, resilience and grit, leadership and compassion, a rafting expedition is a teacher like no other. When you're exhausted to the point you feel you couldn't move another inch, and then realize dinner needs to be cooked, tents set up, you find that reserve of energy you had no idea existed. You find your own true potential. This is a river expedition, which means you carry all your luggage on the boats, camp on pristine beaches every evening, learn to light a bonfire and whip up, for yourself and your new-found friends, some amazing hot soup! SEASON: OCTOBER - MAY |
KARERI LAKE TREKThe quaint little hamlet of McLeodganj is the start point of this expedition, which ends in Dharmshala, the home of the Tibetan community in exile. You will trek into the mountains, camp on lush green bugyals, walk through forests of Oak and Pine, past little villages until you reach Kareri Lake at 3200m. You will learn to set up camp efficiently, take leadership decisions and responsibility for yourself and your team. At end of the expedition, you will notice a quiet sense of inner confidence - hard-earned through your experiences. SEASON: APRIL - JUNE | SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER |
KEDARKANTHA WINTER TREKA winter trek is an altogether different experience! While on the trek you will learn navigation skills, mapping, compass work, camp craft, basic first aid and wilderness survival. Camping and trekking in the snow isn't easy and this trek demands resilience and tenacity. In return, you will gain confidence, master new skills, and develop personal leadership abilities. The program can be made more challenging by changing the route to get in more climbing and your OB Instructor will take that call based on the group's ability. SEASON: NOVEMBER - JANUARY |
SOME MESSAGES FROM OUR PARTICIPANTS
“Friendship is very important in the wild. How fast people can cooperate when faced with challenges. I am stronger than I thought I was. (I learnt) how important it is to make a fire safely. And I can live without electricity! - Grade 9 Student, Stonehill School, Bengaluru |
“The trekking and rafting expeditions were able to expand and push my limits of mental will power. - Grade 11 Student, Christ Junior College, Singapore |
“It's been a month now and I can see some minuscule changes in them. They are more independent. They read instructions and make small snacks and soups for themselves. I also think they have a better understanding about themselves and their friends...no book, no class could have taught them that.
- Kanthi Meda, parent whose sons came on the Trails of Tons Valley in 2015
- Kanthi Meda, parent whose sons came on the Trails of Tons Valley in 2015