Outbound training On 23rd and 24th July 2011...

We had a refreshing Outbound training.

(As Given)

Location: The Kalypso OBT Camp which is located at a scenic and beautiful location at Suryanelli, near Munnar. The camp is at an altitude of more than 5000 feet and overlooks the Aanaerangal Dam on one side and the Western Ghats hill ranges on the other side.

Camp Layout: Located on the slopes of a hillock, it is a ‘rough and tough’ adventurous camp based on the concept of outdoor living. The camp has two areas – the Activity area and the Accommodation area. The Activity area has a gazebo which is used for the dual purposes of discussions and dining.


Activity Area


Accommodation Area: It has small dome tents pitched on different levels of the hill. Sets of common toilets (western) and bathrooms, separate for ladies and gents, are provided.

Tents: The dome tents have a capacity to accommodate three persons. The Kalypso Camp usually allocates these tents on a twin sharing basis. Sleeping bags are provided in the tents.

Transportation: The distance from Kochi to Suryanelli is 165 km. The jtheney time ranges between fthe to five hthes depending on the type of vehicle and traffic. It is preferable to utilize smaller vehicles like tempo travelers (rather than buses which take longer driving time due to the ghat roads). Continue on NH 49 (Kochi – Madurai Highway) from Munnar. About 16 km after Munnar, the highway curves to right and leads to Pooppara. At this point, you will find an indicator on the left ‘Suryanelli 6 km’. You need to keep left and cross both ‘Club Mahindra’ and ‘Sterling’ Resorts and continue straight thereafter. The representative will meet you at Suryanelli town and arrange jeep transfer to the Camp.

Electricity: The Camp does not have electric connection. A generator is run most of the night for minimum lighting. Personal torches are essential.

Communication: The camp has no land line connectivity. The area has mobile coverage of BSNL, and limited coverage of ‘Airtel, Tata, Idea, Reliance, and Vodafone’ networks. Mobile charging facility is limited as electric supply is restricted. The under mentioned number can be given as contact number for emergency requirements:


Food: Excellent Indian cuisine.

Water: Mineral water for drinking.

Medical Cover: The Harrisons Malayalam Hospital is about 15 minutes by Jeep from the Camp.

Weather: The weather is likely to be cool and windy with occasional light showers. The day temperature could be around 23 degrees while the night temperature may fall well below 15 degrees. Strong winds are likely both during day and night.

What to bring: A large portion of the programme happens in outdoor environment and mostly in the hills. Considering the location, it is best to come prepared for some cooler temperatures. Please bring all the personal clothing (including towels) and toiletry items. It is advisable to avoid large size luggage pieces such as suitcases as the space in the tents are limited. Participants are advised the following on clothing and other aspects:
Attire is "Resort Casual"
Jacket appropriate for expected temperatures.
Some sort of windbreaker.
Skirts or Saris are inappropriate.
A brimmed hat of some sort (and sun glasses) to keep the sun off ythe head and face.
Comfortable shoes are a must. Tennis shoes or any other sort of close-toed shoes, which have good traction. No dress shoes or high heels.
Bathroom slippers.
A pair of shorts /half pants would be comfortable for water borne activities.
Comfortable, loose fitting pants. You will be climbing and moving about in ways that are best supported by clothing that moves with you.
Rain protection gear
All participants MUST have with them a personal torch.
Ruck sack
Suitable bag to carry back wet clothes
Please inform ‘Kalypso Adventures’ of any Medical History (illness/injury/disability/allergy)

The other recommended items to be carried include:
Sun screen lotion
Camera (Optional)
Any medication you may be taking

Please avoid valuables

Trainer: Commander R Madhusoodanan – 094470 27741

(As Experienced)

Having set out form Kakkanad at 7 am, we had our breakfast, at Kothamangalam, at 9 am courtesy Idly & Sambar; Aneesh & Ratish; and reached the site by 2pm.

Training:

After introduction; we were taken through the experiential learning cycle Viz:

Concrete experience -) Reflective observation -) Abstract Conceptualization -) Active Experimentation.

We were also taken through the objectives that would be covered in the training.

After lunch the real fun began:
1. Ice breaker was all of us standing in a circle and playing:
• Zip-Zap
• Elephant
• Rabbit


2. We tried making a star out of straight rope without entangling.

3. We tried moving a ball with string around, from one point to another without falling.

4. In two groups all of us tried to bring down a straight stick at the same time. (It kept going up)

5. We had camp fire.

6. Stayed in the tent that night.

7. Next day morning after breakfast we had been to a lake, did river rafting, and had been in the lake for some time, with life jackets. It was real fun.

8. There was a group activity of all trying to move...real fun and fuss it was...

The travel in Rani was comfortable. And did buy some things from Munnar too....