Community Living Camp (ARISE)

 ARISE 2K24

INTRODUCTION 

 A Community Living Camp is a unique experiential learning opportunity that immerses participants in a collaborative and communal environment. Through engaging activities such as team-building exercises, community service initiatives, cultural exchanges, and reflective discussions, participants develop essential skills like teamwork, leadership, empathy, and cultural understanding. These camps not only foster personal growth but also promote a sense of social responsibility and community engagement. By stepping out of their comfort zones and working towards common goals, participants gain valuable insights and experiences that empower them to make positive contributions to society as responsible and compassionate individuals. The Community Living Camp of the B.Ed curriculum conducted by PTM College of Education, Maruthoorkonam, under the program name "ARISE," held from March 18 to March 22, 2024, was a transformative experience for the participating students. This camp aimed to immerse future educators in a practical, experiential learning environment focused on community engagement, social responsibility, and collaborative learning. Throughout the camp, students were exposed to various activities designed to foster teamwork, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of community dynamics. These activities included community service projects, interactive workshops, group discussions, and cultural exchanges with local communities. The ARISE program not only provided valuable insights into real-world teaching scenarios but also instilled in participants a sense of empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to making a positive impact in society. By integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, the camp encouraged students to reflect on their roles as educators and agents of social change, preparing them for a holistic approach to teaching and community engagement in their future careers.

 THEME

 The theme for the 5-day residential camp was "Education and Social Change”. The theme "Education and Social Change" for the 5-day residential camp provided a comprehensive exploration of the transformative role of education in fostering positive societal shifts. Participants engaged in multifaceted discussions, activities, and projects aimed at understanding historical and contemporary movements where education has been a driving force for equity, inclusion, and social justice. By critically analysing educational systems, exploring innovative teaching approaches, and participating in community-based initiatives, participants gained valuable insights into how educators can actively contribute to creating a more equitable and socially conscious society through their teaching practices and engagement with broader community issues.

OBJECTIVES 

• To promote social accommodation and broaden the mental abilities of the student teachers. 

• To promote the democratic nature and involvement of the student teacher in planning and    implementing educational activities. 

• To develop critical thinking about the issues related to the policies/approaches in education. 

• To inquire in to the cultural, social, scientific, educational and environmental aspects of a community. • To develop an interest to train the body and mind for a well-balanced personality.

MODULE 

SECTION WISE DETAILS 

Day 1  

The first day of community living camp began at 9:20 am with flag hoisting and the Inaugural 

session. The community living camp was inaugurated by MLA Kovalam Constituency Adv. 

M.Vincent. The Inaugural Session was followed by a short briefing on Community living and 

then Tea Break. At 11:00 am the students engaged in Campus cleaning and beautification 

which was followed by lunch break. The evening session included Tool preparation for the 

upcoming survey. The students were grouped based on the four houses and given four 

separate topics to prepare the tool. Followed by the evening Tea break, the activities of Day 1 

of the community living camp was concluded at 4:30pm and students were dismissed.  

Day 2  

The second day of the "Arise" community living camp began with the registration at 9.30am. 

As scheduled we began the survey at 10.am. We were divided into 4groups and were assigned 

different survey location. After the completion of the survey we gathered back at collage and 

around 1pm we had lunch. After lunch the next session By Gireesh Paruthimadam on 

leadership training began. We had a wonderful session with lots of laughter and interaction. 

At 5pm we had our yoga session by smt Priya Marukil for boost us mentally and physically. 

This was followed by a meditation class by Sri U A subramanian, Senior secretary ISRO from 

7pm to 8pm followed by Dinner. The last session for the day was by Dr Saju on Alternative 

medicine from 9pm to 11pm.  

Day 3  

The third day commenced with breakfast at 8:00 am in Kattakada, marking the beginning of a 

planned itinerary. By 11:15 am, the team arrived at Tenmala and engaged in an adventure 

session, followed by a visit to the aquarium, offering insightful glimpses into marine life. Lunch 

was served at 1:30 pm, after which we visited a nearby deer park, enjoying the serene 

surroundings. Our time at a leisure park was spend engaging in leisurely activities. A tea break 

at 4:00 pm provided a much-needed respite before our journey to Trivandrum at 9:00pm, 

where we dined before attending the screening of "Manjumal boys" at Kripa Theatre at 10:30 

pm. The day concluded with our return to college at 2:10 am, leaving us with cherished 

memories of a well-rounded day combining adventure and relaxation.  

Day 4  

Day 4 started with a yoga session at 8.00 am. After having breakfast at 9.00 am, an awareness 

class based on electrical safety was conducted by D. Radhakrishnan, Assistant Engineer, KSEB. 

After that we prepared our lunch together and had it at 2.00 pm. The next session on 'MVD 

and Road Safety' was handled by Reni Pearson, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, from 3.00 

pm to 5.00 pm. It was followed by an entertaining aerobic training led by Smt. S. Geetha, 

Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Education, NSS College, Neeramankara. The 

mindful session went on from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm. The day was concluded with DJ campfire 

and dinner.  

Day 5   

Day 5  of our camp journey commenced with a tranquil meditation session at 7:30 am, hosted 

by the Heartfulness Institute in Trivandrum, setting a harmonious tone for the day ahead. This 

was followed by an immersive exploration of yoga and Ayurvedic medicine by he National 

Ayush Mission at 8:30 am, emphasizing holistic wellness practices. The morning progressed 

with a captivating screening of ‘Anveshippin Kandethum’ igniting appreciation among 

participants. A well-timed lunch break from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm provided much-needed 

sustenance and relaxation. 

Outcomes: 

1. Skill Acquisition: Camp improved planning, organization, time management, 

communication, and teamwork skills. 

2. Personal Development: Enhanced confidence, leadership, and interpersonal skills 

among student teachers. 

3. Cognitive Growth: Activities promoted critical thinking, problem-solving, and 

creativity. 

4. Residential Camp Potential: Acknowledged benefits of cooperative living, deeper 

bonding, and continuous immersion in learning. 

Limitations: 

1. Some days have multiple sessions scheduled simultaneously, which could make it 

challenging for participants to attend all activities. 

2. The itinerary appears to be packed with back-to-back activities, leaving little room for 

downtime or flexibility. 

3. There seems to be a lack of sufficient rest time, especially considering the early start times 

and late-night activities. 

4. The camp's outdoor activities were constrained by elevated temperatures, necessitating 

adjustments to prioritize participant comfort and safety 

Suggestions: 

1. Plan the schedule in a way that avoids simultaneous sessions, allowing participants to fully 

engage in each activity without missing out. 

2. Include dedicated relaxation or nap time in daily schedules to promote proper well-being 

and enhance productivity. 

3. Ensure a balance between educational, recreational, and leisure activities to cater to the 

diverse interests and needs of participants. 

CONCLUSION 

The Community Living Camp "ARISE," conducted by PTM College of Education, 

Maruthoorkonam, from March 18 to 22, 2024, was a transformative experience for all 

participants. Through engaging activities, workshops, and immersive learning experiences, 

the camp successfully fostered skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, and social 

responsibility among student teachers. The camp's focus on holistic development, including 

physical wellness through yoga and mental well-being through meditation, contributed to the 

overall growth and personality enhancement of participants. While the camp showcased the 

potential for impactful learning and community engagement, there is a continued need to 

explore residential camp formats for deeper immersion and cooperative living experiences. 

Overall, the ARISE camp not only enriched participants' educational journey but also equipped 

them with invaluable skills and perspectives essential for their roles as future educators and 

leaders in society.

APPENDIX / GALLERY