For this activity, we were taken to Igatpuri, Maharashtra in September which lasted for 4 days. For both of the days we were supposed to climb various mountains. The very first being the easiest,and the tougher ones following it. The trek was made extra beautiful by the cloudy/rainy weather we were surrounded with. My goal for this experience was to improve my fitness, strength, explore the beautiful nature,and take a break from mobile phones.

LO1 – Identify your own strengths and develop in areas for growth.

As it was my first time trekking,I wasn’t aware of the techniques you use to avoid falling. This technique is basically putting legs cross by cross and looking out for rocks. I also couldn’t differentiate between rocks that were still and rocks that were moving.Because of this, I fell many times which led to quite a few injuries. It is important to know about these strengths and weaknesses because trekking is a dangerous activity. Failing to recognise these weaknesses can lead to serious injuries. 

LO2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills

As mentioned earlier, we were taken on top of mountains during the monsoon season. This posed a lot of challenges due to slippery slopes, muddy puddles and unsteady rocks. As very evident, trekking in such mountains for beginners was a challenge. However, we were forced to face our fears and undertake these challenges. We were taught ways to prevent slipping by walking in a certain way by putting legs cross by cross. Furthermore, to avoid falling off rocks and being lost, we were asked to form groups and walk by holding hands when we encounter a slope that could possibly lead to someone falling off. Of course, not everyone was successful during the first trek but everyone got the hang of it by the second or third one.  

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

This cas experience took a lot of perseverance and commitment because I am someone who doesn’t enjoy treks.Climbing the mountain took out most of my energy but we were only halfway because climbing down was as tough.  Furthermore, it was away from home in a weather which isn’t my favorite. However, every morning I decided to push myself into doing it by saying that “it’s only two more hours and with friends. ” Furthermore, I am someone whose physical health isn’t that good. Thus, this also motivated me to commit to the experience. 

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively.

Working collaboratively is always the best way to get something done, especially when you don’t feel like doing it or when you’re not as experienced in the task as others. Working collaboratively in this experience was very beneficial as when I felt like giving up seeing other people in my group give their best shot motivated me to push myself. Furthermore, we were taken on a risky and slippery mountain during the monsoon season, to avoid falling we were asked to work collaboratively by holding hands to provide extra support going both ways.  

At the end of this activity I could proudly say that I achieved success. Successfully climbing multiple mountains,with challenges of their own,  made me feel very happy and excited. This activity gave me motivation to take up tougher treks in the nearing future. I felt the most happy to say that I didn’t just give up at the first checkpoint but climbed all the way up the mountain.