The first 3-day summer camp held on Varesh. (9-11 July, 2008)
Ten young boys of ages 11 to 16 could escape the crowded and polluted capital city
for an adventurous 3-days educational camp in lush woodlands of Kiashahr, one of
the most beautiful places in the northern province of Gilan.
The project named “Human, Nature: New Experiences” has a goal to take at least some
100 children and adolescents to Varesh camping site this summer, to enable encountering
the rich biodiversity of the area. “This is considered as the pilot phase during
which we hope to get a good grasp of the nature and complexities of educational
activities in-sito” says Faezeh Moradi, the project manager. “Based on the outcomes,
we shall be able to increase the scale of the activity for the next summer, as well
as for special school programs during the whole year.” she foresees.
Respect for Nature, reducing environmental footprint, team work and discipline were
among the concepts to be practiced with the participants during these days. Skills
and knowledge were raised on first-aid, installing tents, positioning using compass
and installing camera traps. Several entertaining activities were included as well,
beside educational programs and field excursions. A very beautiful lagoon in the
vicinity of the camping area was the best place for the young boys to confront biodiversity,
and to get a feeling on the importance of ecosystems conservation.
 
Amir Reza (left) is exploring the miniature jungle in a sample of grasses picked
during excursions in Boojagh lagoon (right).
Due to the fact that school children have little appropriate background on the role
and importance of biodiversity they are not tolerant for a bombardment of information
on the subject. Ashkan Danesh, a professional camping instructor in P4L supposes:
“This is not going to be an easy task to deal with young boys and girls who spend
most of their daily life with PSP computer games, mobile phones and iPods. If by
the end of the third day we have convinced some of them that a dragonfly will do
no harm to us and a bat around is not a vampire, that’s a measure of success!”.
 
 
Although program organizers have been dedicated for offering a safe and secure program,
the very high responsibility of operating such outdoor activities with children
is beyond belief. Plan for the Land wishes to thank those parents who trusted our
commitment for the safety and security of their children. Our gratitude is also
to Tetra Pak-Iran, Mana Construction Material, and on top of all to Mr. Alireza
Moradi, all for their generous support for this project.
Our next camping program is planned for 23-25 July for girls. See you there!
Boys planted beans in a piece of land to be left as the footprint of the first educational
camp in summer of 2008.
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