Indiahikes

Thoughts from the Trail: Anything that pushes children out of comfort zones is now deemed "bad." Remember when adolescence was meant to be a time to toughen up for life's rigours? Is that era well and truly gone? We ask since many parents or schools we engage with tend to imagine the worst about the outdoors. Send children on a TREK? The horror. On digging deeper, we find that adults are terrified of children being children. What if they trip while walking, slip and fall, get scratches, bruises, get their clothes/hands dirty, or can’t look after themselves without adult supervision? If children don't fall, they never learn the beauty of standing on their own feet. Scrapes and bumps are a rite of passage for any child. No one wants to see a child injured, struggling, or emotionally hurt. Fear drives us to create safer, more controlled environments. But have we taken it to the extreme? Do we now have a generation of parents that’s erased adversity altogether? Instead of helping kids face risks, the aim is to push any challenge out of the way. Even #schools have fallen in line with the world’s aversion to risk. Coddled children: - Don't learn resilience, problem-solving, and emotional regulation - Struggle to understand their environment, others, and their own selves Research shows that children wrapped in cotton wool push boundaries recklessly as teens on breaking free from adult supervision. 🌄 Rethink Risk the Outdoor Learning way The Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) believes that risk is worth it. From river crossings and steep ascents to forest sections with no defined path - a trek has different levels of risks. Finding a balance between the risks and benefits is essential. The key? Dialogue! Guide children to assess risks instead of eliminating them. “That's dangerous!” conveys fear. Consider discussing the risks – why is it dangerous? What can we do? Shachi Tripathi, Programme Designer and Trainer at InSOUL, shares a few tips for fearful adults, “It starts with awareness. If there’s a lizard inside your home, do you tell your child it’s dangerous because of your own fears? Probably. Take a larger view. Is the fear valid? What are the major and minor risks? Give children the chance to figure things out themselves.” In other words: - Ask if you might be projecting your own fears. Objectively assess whether the risk is appropriate to the child and to the environment. - Encourage dialogue, give children the tools they need to handle the situation, step back and guide. TL;DR - There’s always risk in climbing trees, using knives, or hiking in the mountains. Discuss the risks together. A responsible and collaborative approach to managing risk can turn fear (a child's or your own) into something memorable. Healthy risk-taking builds confidence and resilience, preparing children for a world that might not always be easy or kind. Learn more here - https://lnkd.in/ggMiGQUg #indiahikes #outdoorlearning #experientiallearning

The AEE APAC conference was a wonderful opportunity to interact with and learn from experts in the field of Experiential Education and Adventure Therapy from across the globe. More than that, it felt like finding your tribe! A whole new world where everyone's working together to make learning more meaningful, impactful and joyful! We loved the energy of the participants in the session we conducted. Everyone engaged so enthusiastically while we shared Indiahikes' experiences, in action, of the last 13 years of running our experiential learning for management institutions in the Himalayas. We also had the privilege of attending other sessions where experts in the field shared their valuable learnings. We were so spoiled for choice with so many amazing people facilitating so many sessions. You can see a few glimpses below. Hopefully this collaboration will enable educationists in our country to explore the great potential of experiential learning - especially in the outdoors - and integrate it more strongly into the curriculum. Thank you to all those who worked towards making this conference possible and for bringing it to India. #AEEAPAC #ExperientialLearning #CollaborativeLeadership #OutdoorEducation #Indiahikes #AEE

Learning through adventure teaches everything that classrooms can't, which is why students from Indian Institute of Management, Indore head to the mountains every year for their Himalayan Outbound Programme. Formal structures and hierarchies break down in the outdoors, creating the ideal setting to discover who you are and who you can be as a team. What's more, it is a raw, unfiltered experience that has a profound impact on students - as this video will show you. 📽️ Watch for glimpses of the students' extraordinary journey during the 2023 programme - https://lnkd.in/gPZgnFCW The Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) designed the programme to enhance Collaborative Leadership skills and behaviours in students. The method: Plan and execute a Himalayan trek under the guidance of Indiahikes facilitators. To add to the challenge, students were battered by rain and snow throughout. 📰 Students from IIM Indore are all set to return to the Himalayas next week – 6 new teams on 6 different treks; an adventure of a lifetime! All the best to them, and the team from Indiahikes leading the charge - Izzat Yaganagi, Lakshmi Selvakumaran, Kavinaya Mohandas, Shravan Ragi, Rishivar Mukherjee, Yashwant, Om Gajjar, Alagesh, Vijay, Nilang, and Abhishek Roy. #indiahikes #iimindore #experientiallearning #outdoorlearning

"Some won't accept me because I am a woman on the slopes. People ask if I have the strength to carry my 10 kg backpack. It doesn't bother me." - Indiahikes Trek Leader Stories. Alveera Ansari, who’s from Rajasthan, has grown up hearing things like, “How much more will she study?” “Get her married!” Her parents paid no mind to what people said and supported her dreams. She found herself working in IT, where she often reflected on her existence. She liked her work. The pay was good, but something was missing. She quit her job, and told her father, “Papa, khushi hai par sukoon nahi hai.” (I have happiness, but no sense of peace). Alveera began trekking to find answers. On one of her treks to Roopkund, her group ran out of water to use in the toilets. A little farther away, she saw yellow tents and noticed the people there seemed to be doing just fine. She learned it was an Indiahikes camp where bio-toilets were the norm. Intrigued, she applied to be a trek leader. “I knew trekking would transform my life. But I didn’t know I could transform other lives through it, too. When I led my first trek, it was full of challenges. Almost half of my trekkers returned to base with an incomplete trek. But when the rest of us reached the summit, and they thanked me for making it happen, I was overjoyed. So much that I cried. Today, many treks later, I am the shoulder people cry on,” expresses Alveera. After joining Indiahikes, Alveera feels she has gained confidence and become more thoughtful about the environment. What she cherishes is the culture of care in the organisation. From rescuing a doctor who had HAPE  (high altitude pulmonary edema) to autographing t-shirts for trekkers, Alveera has seen it all. “What impacts me is when I hear things like, 'You are the first woman trek leader I know.' I want women in trek-leading to become the new norm," shares Alveera.    Alveera believes she has more answers than questions, thanks to being in the mountains. She says, “I know that the mountains are always there to listen to me. I have finally found sukoon. Know that the mountains are here for you, too.” #IHTrekLeaderStories #Trekleadingatindiahikes #Lifeatindiahikes #Workingwithindiahikes #indiahikes

How programme design, facilitation, and challenges turn a Himalayan trek into the perfect setting for true #collaboration. Team Indiahikes will be sharing insights on this today at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference organised by the AEEAPAC Association for Experiential Education. Izzat Yaganagi and Ramon Dharma Rajan's session will draw on 11 years of learning from the Indiahikes Collaborative Leadership Programme – our flagship experiential learning programme for B-Schools and Management institutes. Read more about the programme here - https://lnkd.in/g_WHQ3RJ Today promises to be fun and enriching. We look forward to meeting and learning from the global experiential education community. #experientiallearning #experientialeducation #aee #indiahikes #collaborativeleadership

In a world where everyone talks about Collaboration rather than doing it, students from the Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow walked the talk on the Himalayan Mountain Challenge at Hampta pass (14,065 ft). True collaboration is hard to achieve.  Most teams do not reach the stage where the goal of the team supersedes personal goals, likes and dislikes. Many achieve a working level of cooperation by avoiding conflicts or simply complying. It doesn’t always have to be this way, as IIM Lucknow students discovered on the Himalayan Mountain Challenge (HMC). The HMC is designed by the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL), which takes forward #outdoorlearning at Indiahikes. Two groups of students spent six days living, learning, and breathing management principles in an adventurous, challenging learning ground – the mountains. Teams planned, strategised, and executed their own Himalayan trek, aiming to cross the legendary Hampta pass at 14,065 ft. within a set timeframe. The programme design requires they cross the pass together within a fixed time- or return to base leaving the trek incomplete. The HMC endeavours to challenge long-standing notions about leadership and teamwork. What happens when teams venture out of frameworks that say winning at any cost is the only marker of success? “This was the first time I felt like I was truly collaborating. There have been situations in the past where we have been in teams, but the work never felt like it was totally collaborative.”shares Animesh, a participant. True collaboration: ·        Demands more than working in silos ·        Is tough and takes time. It means setting aside personal goals to work towards collective success ·        Requires getting to know team members well and reaching a level of trust where frank conversations can happen And the students of IIM Lucknow rose to the challenge and emerged stronger. IIM Lucknow introduced the HMC as an Experiential Learning course in 2016. Three groups of students take part annually—two in September and one in December. We are thankful to Prof. Sushil Kumar from IIM Lucknow, who has played a key role in integrating the Himalayan Mountain Challenge as a credit course at the institute. Click here for more information on InSOUL programmes for colleges - https://lnkd.in/g_WHQ3RJ Izzat Yaganagi Prathima Chhabria RAVI RANJAN #collaborativeleadership #indiahikes #leadership #teamwork #experientiallearning #iimlucknow

How the Mountains Guided Abhishek to a Life of Purpose - Indiahikes Trek Leader Stories “I had a senior citizen in my group on a trek to Beas Kund,. He told me he was retiring soon. He shared how he had given so many years and time to his work, yet he felt empty. But in just four days on the trek, he found humility, care, and gratitude—feelings he hadn't experienced in 23 years. He decided to spend his retirement trekking and traveling. It was a moment of connection and realisation for both of us,” shares Abhishek Bhan Born in Jammu and raised in Udhampur, Abhishek initially aimed to join the defence forces like his father. However, life took a different turn, leading him to engineering and a corporate job. That changed after a trek to Harihar Fort, where he felt an indescribable joy. Inspired by his father's trekking stories, he knew he had to pursue this passion. Exploring a career in the outdoors, Abhishek learned more about Indiahikes and decided to take the leap. “To my surprise, my dad said, If you are clear on what you want to do, why waste time? Take the risk!”  And so Abhishek did.  “From the start, Abhishek has been one of the most confident and professional trek leaders I've seen,” says Ramon, Abhishek’s Experience Manager. “One thing I really like about Abhishek is how he continuously challenges himself, especially in connecting with nature and creating strong experiences for trekkers. I see him as a good guiding force for the younger generations of trek leaders,” adds Ramon. He reflects on his growth and adds, “Initially, trekking was about views and photos. But the mountains are powerful; they change you. You gain wisdom, understand others and yourself better, and realise that trekking is a privilege. I’m grateful to live this dream and help others experience it too.” #IHTrekLeaderStories #Trekleadingatindiahikes #Lifeatindiahikes #Workingwithindiahikes #indiahikes

Indiahikes Trek Leader stories: "What other work could give me so much happiness and the opportunity to inspire change?” - Vishal Kumar Verma “We were standing at the summit when an eagle soared high above us. I could see one of my trekkers get emotional. Later, during the debriefing, he told me that his father had passed away a few days ago. And when he saw that bird, in a strange way, he felt like that was his father, bidding goodbye, giving him the closure he needed. He felt a profound connection engulf him. I was glad that, in some way, I played a role in his journey here,” shares Vishal Verma. Born in Himachal Pradesh, Vishal wanted to work in the government sector. After spending some time in Delhi, he quickly realised that city life wasn’t for him. He yearned to return to the mountains and spend time where he was born. When he was looking for outdoor organisations, he chanced upon Indiahikes. He was thrilled when he landed a job as a trek leader. “When Vishal had joined, he had the uphill task of getting used to the mighty responsibilities of being a trek leader,” says Ramon Dharma Rajan, Vishal’s Experience Manager. “Today, when I look at Vishal, I see a very responsible, dependable and confident Trek Leader. He has grown so much, to the point where he is leading tough treks like KGL and Warwan Valley with ease,” adds Ramon. Vishal asserts, "Indiahikes is different. There is so much warmth and learning here. My job has made my life meaningful! How many of us can say that? People are amazed by what I do. I feel incredibly proud to be a part of IH!" Inspired by the philosophy of MS Dhoni, Vishal believes that being a true leader is not about staying at the forefront; it is about bringing out the best in the people he leads. He, too, follows that philosophy on the slopes. “When you are trekking, it brings out all your vulnerabilities. You start becoming a different person. Then, in that state, when you just sit amidst nature, looking at the peaks and doing nothing, you’ll find something kindling in you. I have seen people cry at debriefings for this very reason, and that’s priceless. What other work could give me so much happiness and the opportunity to inspire change?” #IHTrekLeaderStories #Trekleadingatindiahikes #Lifeatindiahikes #Workingwithindiahikes #indiahikes

Thoughts from the Trail: We’re raising a young generation terrified of nature! If that sounds like an exaggeration, perhaps this story from one of our treks will change your mind. It had been a long day of trekking. A group of children – many of whom were trekking in the Himalayas for the first time – settled in for the night under a starlit sky. Surrounded by the silence of the forest, our trek leader and the children lay on their backs looking up at the sky for a while. “Isn’t it so beautiful?” said the trek leader. There was a pause before a child said, “I’ve never seen anything so scary in my life before.” This is just one of many disconcerting stories from over a decade of trekking with children.  Children today face the serious hazard of believing that they are separate from nature. That nature is something that exists “out there”- the elements, if you will. Where mud is considered dirty, and the sight of blood from a bruise after falling down sends children into spirals. Unfamiliarity with nature often makes it seem alien, and the reasons for this are varied: -monotonous academic curricula -increased urbanisation -parental disengagement from the outdoors or fear that children will get hurt or fall ill - an overreliance on textbook learning and gadgets For a generation far more aware about #climatechange than others, it’s ironic that children today are so disconnected from the natural world. They might know all the right words and every trend. But is their body, heart, and soul in it? Beyond buzzwords and #sustainability debates (crucial as they are), building connections with the environment begins with a simple step – take children outdoors. The first step to connecting with nature? Be in it. Engage with it. Only then can one begin to appreciate the world. When you appreciate the world, you begin to see interconnections – that you are part of nature, not separate from it. And when you understand your part in the larger web of life, maybe you will be inspired to protect it. As educators, parents, and adults who know better, isn't it a grave disservice to children if WE don't show them what they might not be seeing? Since 2011, the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) has been designing Experiential Learning journeys in the mountains - to reconnect children with the joy of being outdoors and imbibe some of life’s most essential values. Do you feel the same way we do about children's relationship with nature today? Keep up with InSOUL's school programmes, webinars, and resources here ➡ https://lnkd.in/ggMiGQUg #outdoorlearning #indiahikes #trekking #experientiallearning #environment #climatechange #noplanetb #education #learning

Are you a parent or educator keen on exciting learning experiences for young people beyond the classroom? This webinar will be of interest to you! Join us this weekend for an engaging discussion on The International Award for Young People, India (IAYP). The IAYP (part of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award) empowers young people aged 14 to 24 to explore their potential and make a positive impact on the world. The programme’s framework goes beyond traditional academics to encourage: 1. Community Service 2. Skill Development 3. Physical Activity, and 4. Adventure. 🌄 As a Trained Activity Provider registered with IAYP, we are conducting a webinar that will focus on the fourth IAYP component - "Adventure," with details of the IAYP Adventurous Journey with Indiahikes The aim - Encourage young people to step outdoors and outside their comfort zones to become #worldready 💡 The impact of such programmes on young people: ·    Resilience, perseverance, and self-reliance ·    Personal growth ·    Real-world lessons in teamwork and communication ·    Deeper cultural awareness ·    Appreciation and lifelong love for the environment ·    Living without luxuries ·    Experiential Learning (“learning by doing”) through real-time challenges Come be a part of the conversation Click the link below to register: https://lnkd.in/gXaZX4h5 When: Saturday, 17th August Time: 2 - 2:30 pm followed by a Q&A session. This is the first in a series of Knowledge Sharing webinars that the Indiahikes School of Outdoor Learning (InSOUL) will be conducting each month. More information about us here - https://lnkd.in/gDHgsaED Izzat Yaganagi Mrudula Joshi Prathima Chhabria #outdoorlearning #experientiallearning #indiahikes #trekking #webinar