COMMUNITY LIVING CAMP ("റാന്തൽ ")
Report on ‘Raanthal’ – Community Living Camp
Organized by: CICS College of Teacher Education, Mathara, Kozhikode
Venue: VSET, Kalpetta, Wayanad
Date: 24th – 27th June 2025
The ‘Raanthal’ Community Living Camp, held from 24th to 27th June 2025 at VSET Kalpetta, Wayanad, and organized by CICS College of Teacher Education, was an inspiring and transformative experience that combined creativity, emotional growth, collaboration, and self-discovery.
The journey began with great excitement as students departed early in the morning and travelled through the scenic Wayanad Churam. Upon reaching Kalpetta, despite the heavy rain, students walked nearly a kilometre to the VSET campus, where they were warmly received with tea and biscuits. This marked the beginning of a memorable and impactful four-day experience.
The camp was structured with thoughtfully planned sessions that encouraged meaningful interaction and bonding among participants. The initial activities helped break the ice and cultivate trust among students. One such task involved answering reflective questions about oneself and creatively exchanging the responses with peers, enabling participants to identify shared values and build rapport in an engaging way.
Throughout the camp, a variety of group-based tasks such as team-building games, creative collaboration challenges, and non-verbal communication exercises were conducted. These activities encouraged cooperation, critical thinking, and mutual respect, while also providing moments of fun and laughter. A tower-building challenge using paper cups tested planning and teamwork, while an imaginative drawing task emphasized the importance of coordination and clarity in communication.
Sessions led by resource persons like Vijith Sir and Sujith Sir brought energy and depth to the programme. Their creative and interactive approaches helped students learn through movement, drama, and joyful engagement. The facilitators also introduced lively team games and short moral-based storytelling that left lasting impressions.
Emotional reflection was a key element of the camp. Participants engaged in activities that encouraged them to explore their values, acknowledge personal strengths and weaknesses, and express gratitude towards those who support them. An especially touching session involved writing appreciative notes to friends—creating a lasting memory and strengthening bonds of friendship.
The sessions also included an impactful reflection on parental love and sacrifice, which allowed many participants to process their feelings and express long-held emotions. This moment of emotional openness and vulnerability was one of the most powerful experiences of the camp.
Creative and cultural expression remained central to the camp’s spirit. Daily cultural evenings were filled with music, dance, and talent showcases, fostering a vibrant sense of community. Documentation efforts such as diary presentations, creative camp newspapers, and video retrospectives added depth and meaning to each day’s experiences.
The camp also addressed social responsibility. Students took a solemn Oath Against Drugs, reinforcing their commitment to a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
Shared meals, nature walks, traditional snacks, and free-time exploration added to the warmth and joy of the experience. The feedback session at the end of the camp reflected deep personal transformation, with participants expressing how the camp had shaped them emotionally, socially, and professionally.
In conclusion, the ‘Raanthal’ Community Living Camp was not just an academic requirement but a journey of personal growth and community building. It provided a platform for future educators to experience empathy, reflection, and togetherness—leaving behind lifelong memories and values that will shape their paths ahead.