Students reconnect with culture, nature at summer camp
In an initiative to blend fun, learning and cultural revival, a special 10-day summer camp was organised at the Government Primary School in Ruka Kalan.
Spearheaded by centre head teacher Buta Ram, the camp aimed to engage young students in traditional rural games, hands-on activities and social awareness campaigns — all while encouraging them to disconnect from mobile screens and reconnect with real-world experiences.
Held for three hours daily over the course of ten days, the camp drew enthusiastic participation from students of the school. Each day was marked by unique and engaging activities designed not only to entertain but also to educate children about their culture, environment and health.
One of the highlights of the camp was the revival of traditional Punjabi rural games that are fast disappearing from children’s lives. Students were introduced to time-honoured games such as Pithu Garm, Bandar Killa, etc., which brought a wave of joy and nostalgia to the school grounds. Children could be seen running around, laughing and playing with tyres — a simple yet iconic rural pastime that had them chasing rolling tyres with sticks in a test of speed and coordination.
Head Teacher Buta Ram, who conceptualised and executed the camp, emphasised the need to keep children active and away from mobile phones. “Children should remain away from phones. With such activities, they remain away from screens and engage more with each other and the environment,” he said.
The camp also aligned itself with socially responsible themes. On June 5, in celebration of World Environment Day, a vibrant Jaago rally was organised at the banks of the Sutlej River. Students carried colourful placards and chanted slogans urging people to protect the Earth, save water and preserve nature. The sight of young children passionately spreading awareness near the river made a strong visual and emotional impact on the community.
Beyond games and rallies, the camp featured a range of daily activities such as storytelling sessions, drawing competitions, craft workshops using recycled materials and yoga exercises to promote mental and physical well-being.
Parents expressed their appreciation for the initiative, stating that their children not only enjoyed the camp but also learned valuable life lessons. “My daughter now talks about saving water and even reminds us to turn off taps at home,” said one parent proudly.
Teachers and volunteers played a crucial role in conducting the activities and ensuring each child was engaged and included. Their dedication contributed greatly to the success of the camp, which many hope will become an annual tradition.
The summer camp at Government Primary School Ruka Kalan proved to be more than just a holiday pastime. It became a platform for preserving culture, promoting environmental responsibility and fostering holistic child development — all under the guidance of committed educators like Buta Ram, whose efforts are making a lasting difference in the lives of young learners.
Jalandhar