The five-day long 'rovers and rangers' trekking camp organised by the Bharat Scouts and Guides, provided the youths from across Karnataka a unique opportunity to enjoy the aesthetic view of the nature of Kolar district.
In all, 320 people including 80 rangers (female) and 140 rovers (male) climbed the rocky hills of Avanibetta and Devarayasamudrabetta in Mulbagal taluk.
The camp was held from December 20 to 24, during which the participants also took part in community service work by offering 'shramadana'.
The camp took place with young people joining from different places, like Bengaluru North, Belagavi, Mandya, Haveri, Raichur, Udupi, Ramnagar, Shivamogga, Bagalkot and Uttara Kannada, the treasure trove of rocky hill tract which offers the good and challenging opportunity to adventure sports lovers.
At a time when the granite mafia is allegedly engaging in looting the valuable natural wealth, the camp gave an opportunity to have a glimpse of nature’s bountiful scenario.
“So far we have had only the impression that Kolar is the land of gold. The trekking camp has changed that impression and now we have realised it is a land blessed with natural beauty too”, A.K. Reshma, one of the rangers said.
Though trekking on the steep hills made the legs felt pain, it disappeared during the fire camp and cultural events at the end of the day. The representatives from other districts had the ragi mudde and kaalu sar to relish as the menu.
State organising commissioner of the organisation, T.A. Manjunath and Manjula worked the directors of the camp.
State Chief Commissioner of Scouts and Guides, P.G.R. Sindhya and MP K.H. Muniyappa participated in the inaugural function.
While expressing happiness on the success of the camp, the district chief commissioner of the Scouts and Guides, K.V. Shankarappa told The Hindu on Wednesday that it will help promoting more such events in the future. Though district level camps are being held regularly, such large scale camp was organised for first time giving youths from other parts of the State to enjoy the trekking, Mr. Shankarappa said.
It was widely felt that the Department of Tourism as well as Youth Empowerment and Sports should explore the possibility of encouraging adventure sports in the region as the rocky hill tracts beacons the adventurists.
