Deutscher Kreis: 2013 PASCH youth camp- Belihul Oya Sri Lanka

22nd December 2013 was the most awaited Sunday by not only us~the volunteers but also the participants from the South Asian countries that included India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afganistan and Sri Lanka with a participation of almost 160!~

The Youth camp was held in a bucolic and secluded ambiance in Belihuloya at an adventurous campsite- the AOA (Academy Of Adventure)

scenic view of the campsite

In cohesion with the nature and ecological atmosphere the camp took more of an adventurous and intrepid outlook rather than a conventional German youth camp. We slept in tents and were compelled to live in associate with nature with minimum sophistication~

Participants of Museus College

Volunteers
Wilkommen!

The Participants who arrived at the campsite at around 8 pm were welcomed warmly with traditional drums beats blending the authentic Lankan culture and the threshold was illuminated with ignited torches. They were welcomed at the adventure camp and was convinced about the procedures and the uniqueness of the camp which was in fact a wilderness Challenge that was more of an adventurous camp that developed not only the language skills but also the qualities such as leadership, self confidence, creativity and teamwork etc.

Herzlich Willkommen in SL!!!

Registerations~

The registrations were done the following day where the students were given their ID's, T-shirts, stationary etc.

The meals included, not only Sri Lankan dishes but also Indian dishes and delicacies thus reinforcing the blend of South Asian cuisine.

Dinner of Puri, Kottu, Rice etc.

Activities~

Myriad of team building activities, Magical Turtle, Human trolley, Flying Fox, Rafting, Wall climbing , spider web challenge and many other activities influenced on the development of the personality of them in-addition to the language.

Human Trolley

Aerobics

Wall climbing

Rafting

Flying Fox

Gem Display

On the Christmas eve the participants were given the opportunity to make Christmas cards and show their multitude of creative ideas.. In addition, a Christmas tree decoration competition was organized to test how much they can bring out beauty out of the twigs of conifers, stars, decorations etc

Christmas Tree decor

Christmas cards

Trip to Nuwara Eliya!!

On the Christmas morning all of us set off to Nuwara Eliya located at the heart of Sri Lanka. The picturesque vistas in the hill country truly enthralled us. The splendid view of the mountains and lush green meadows and the faint morning mist along with the cool climate certainly bewildered even us the Sri Lankans. After a long journey we finally arrived at the tea Factory- MACKWOODS- where we were told how the manufacturing procedures are done. Lat nds (chamomile, Ginseng, strawberry, cinnamon and many other flavors of tea)

Tea Production- being explained

Participants purchasing flavored Tea

Thereafter we engulfed in a calm and quite environment- a park where we got many photos and had some fun!~

Fashion Show

The extravagant evening! After rummaging through the surrounding forest of the campsite. the groups had to bring flowers, sticks, leaves for dressing up models!~ and all ended well.. as Greek gods, Princesses of nature etc... ~ creativity manifested the final outcome turning it into a wonderful evening!~

Getting ready

Final day~ :'(

morning hike

blowing the whistle

Partying til nights!`

disco-o!!

Lets Party!

Succulent Grills

Hues of vibrance of Lagerfeuer

Kultur Abend!!~

The final day of camp summed up with the diverse performances from the participant countries that added color to the entire campsite.. SO were we in utter pathos for missing all those who we got to know within the week.. sad though it was, we all knew we were going to miss all of us the next day~

Last day :(

Luggages packed! All ready to leave Sri Lanka~ Farewell notes were written .. and the next day.. Bon Voyage!~..
The camp was indeed a wonderful experience for all of us.. and we still recall it with nostalgia..