1. Bird watching
: A similar game to tree spotting, the
participants have booklets, detailing
about the birds commonly found in the
area. Each team member has to spot out
birds to their instructors. Commonly found
birds in Saat-tal area are Magpies, Barbets,
Thrushes, Tits, Woodpeckers, Kingfishers,
Nightjars, Owls etc.
2. Ayurveda
: Learn the ways and methods of traditional
herbs in the medicine. Village Ayurveda
expert shares her knowledge with the students
with walks through the jungle.
3. Nature Trails
: All teams get a book-let at the beginning
of the trip with clues to spotting different
trees. eg. leaves from the trees/ plants
and a small brief on the tree/plant. The
children have to collect further clues
e.g. leaves, seeds, a piece of the bark
and as much more information about the
trees and plants. Points are given according
to the number of clues and the amount
of information they have managed to collect
from the local sources
4. Service Projects
: The forest management programme is based
all year round. The activities differ
depending on the time of year. The aim
is to contribute directly to afforestation
by planting trees, collecting seeds, pitting,
hoeing, mulling, or weeding depending
upon the time of the year. Also a study
of the local forest related problems and
the need to protect them from further
degradation, generally making the children
aware of the problem
5. Astronomy
workshops : The camp located
at the top of the ridge gives a wonderfully
huge overhanging section of the sky in
full view. The common board has lots of
star charts with marked constellations
for perusal of the children. An excellent
opportunity for the city children to see
so many stars without the smog filled
sky.
