Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 8: The guides programme is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young girls with vital life skills, leadership qualities, and a strong sense of community service. Emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and self-reliance, the programme provides a diverse array of opportunities for holistic development through engaging activities, outdoor training, and community service. By participating in these well-organized programmes and hands-on experiences, guides build confidence, responsibility, and a deep sense of citizenship.
In alignment with this vision, a two-day camp was organized by St Agnes School (CBSE), Bendore, Mangaluru, from January 31 to February 2, for the guides, and from January 31 to February 1, for the scouts, bulbuls, and cubs, catering to students in grades II to IX. Guides from Carmel School (CBSE), Kotekar, along with their guide captain, participated in the camp, which was held on the school campus, providing an ideal environment for learning and camaraderie.
The event began with the hoisting of the guides Flag by guide Saanvi, in the presence of the principal, Sr Maria Sarika AC, guide and scout captains, cub masters, and flock leaders. Principal Sr Maria Sarika addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of residential scouts and guides camps. She encouraged the students to actively engage in all activities, build meaningful relationships, maintain discipline, and prioritize personal safety and well-being throughout the camp.
The inaugural programme commenced with a soulful prayer service, setting a reflective tone for the event. The guides then performed a graceful welcome dance that captivated the audience. Guide Namashree extended a heartfelt welcome to the chief guest, Dimple Quadros, guide captain and assistant teacher at St Agnes High School, followed by Sr Reshma presenting her with a floral tribute. The lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the chief guest, alongside Sr Reshma D’Souza AC, guide and scout captains, cub masters, and flock leaders, marked the official opening of the event. The guides then enthralled the audience with an engaging moral skit. In her address, Quadros congratulated the guides, scouts, bulbuls, and cubs for their enthusiastic participation in the movement, urging them to excel in the three “C” s—Communication, Cooperation, and Consideration—in every activity they undertake. The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by guide Jia.
The scouts, guides, bulbuls, and cubs were divided into various patrols and briefed on their roles and responsibilities. The scouts, bulbuls, and cubs were then taken to Kadri Park, where they began with an energizing action song as a warm-up. This was followed by a knot-tying session conducted by Lathika, assistant flock leader trainer at Carmel School, Mangalore, after which the students demonstrated their newly acquired skills. The students then took part in a cleanliness drive around the park, displaying their commitment to environmental conservation. They also participated in a specially prepared activity at the park. Reena Noronha, a nurse, conducted a first aid session for both groups, imparting essential life-saving knowledge. The scouts, cubs, and bulbuls then engaged in a fun and creative clay modelling competition, organized by the scout captains, followed by a craft session led by Shobha, where the students showcased their artistic talents.
The guides participated in various activities, such as lashings and gadgets, demonstrated by sir Narayan Sherigar, who also shared valuable insights into tying various knots. Rohit Rao conducted a session on mapping and compass, enhancing the guides' navigation skills. A craft session, conducted by Shobha, allowed the students to further explore their creativity. The students were also given time to plan and rehearse for the evening’s campfire programme. Before sunset, the different patrols gathered to lower the flag with great respect, marking the end of the day's activities.
In the evening, the campfire programme began with the guides bearing torches from four directions, each carrying a meaningful message. The cultural programme began with a prayer service, followed by the highly anticipated welcome dance. Guide Meghan Viegas and guide Shreya Lokesh compered the event. Guide Jewel Lourd Crasta welcomed the gathering, while guide Sianna Ashel Viegas proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was graced by the joint secretary of the Institution, Sr Maria Roopa AC, programme president Sr Linet Maria AC, superior, Yesu Prem Niketan Convent, the chief guest Sr Marie Christine AC (in charge of Vocational Training Centre), principal Sr Maria Sarika AC, PTA vice president Liston Derick D’Souza, the Sisters of St Agnes Convent, Yesu Prem Niketan Convent, and the parents of the students. The evening’s entertainment featured a series of captivating performances, including a moral skit, a comedy skit, and patriotic songs, which enthralled the audience.
The students also showcased their talents through a mime show, mad ad, folk dance, jungle dance, and a dance drama on women empowerment. The evening concluded with an energetic mass dance around the campfire, with all patrols participating enthusiastically. A sumptuous meal followed, giving everyone a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences. Before retiring for the night, all participants were encouraged to record their thoughts and reflections in their reports, ensuring they captured their learning and growth during the camp.
The following day began with a rejuvenating Yoga session. The campers completed the BP Six Exercises and explored their new surroundings before embarking on their journey back to the base camp. The patrols presented themselves in full uniform for a Kit inspection. After a quick breakfast, the flag was hoisted by guide Rhiya Rajesh. The guides then set off for a hiking adventure to Kotekar, performing various activities along the way. They also visited the Ullal Ashram, where they entertained the inmates with a short cultural programme. The guides, accompanied by their guide captains, then participated in a beach cleaning drive at Ullal Beach before returning to the base camp.
The day was filled with fun-filled competitions, including rangoli, wealth out of waste, blind fold games and a Knots Relay, adding excitement to the evening. As sunset approached, the Guides gathered to lower the flag with respect, marking the conclusion of the day’s activities.
The camp concluded the next morning with another yoga session, followed by an All Faith Prayer led by the guide captains and principal Sr Maria Sarika AC. Shramadhan was conducted, allowing the guides to reflect on the value of service. The camp came to a close with the students returning to their respective destinations.
Principal Sr Maria Sarika congratulated the guides for their enthusiastic participation and commended them for their teamwork and leadership skills. The activities conducted during the camp were designed to foster leadership qualities and enhance team-building skills. It was truly a memorable and enriching experience for the scouts and guides, cubs and bulbuls of St Agnes School (CBSE).