One of my Scout senior colleague message me in telegram about getting green shirt for the students leader`s Retreat Camp which was held at Kunzaling CS. I had no idea about it. Then slowly things started to get clear when Pema Tshewang Sir of Baylling CS called me to check if I got the information as I should have connected to him as to adjust our traveling schedule. As soon as I got the information, my inner goodness screamed with excitement and my inner ghost busted with anxiety. I was happy at the same time anxious (this always happen to me). Maybe I was stress with my student’s exam somehow in the middle I forgot about the camp, I was cool about it. I remember how anxious I was when I was to attend Nachung Scout Camp. I remember asking my Principal sir to remove my name from the camp but when I look back at myself I feel foolish at myself, as I always take a step back from upgrading my knowledge.
Let`s come back, so I was saying that I was actually looking forward to this Camp for the first time. Maybe my personalities have change an inch… so on 1st of July I went to Kunzaling CS in Kunzaling School bus. I stopped at the town to return my ticket of 4th July to Thimphu. In the bus students of Bumdelling LSS, Baylling CS, Nima Sir and Lama of Baylling CS was also travelling with us. We were bit late to start the journey as we lost track of students who went to shop. Later the driver scolded some of the students who made us wait for more than 30 minutes. I thought they deserve it but then I thought it would not have happened, had he informed the student to return at given time. After about one hour we reached Doksum where we had 45 minutes to do shopping. I directly went to Guru`s sis shop and then had two piece of samosa, two piece of chili chop and a plate of Chana. I was actually hungry.
When everyone gathered we again started our journey, but we had to return back as someone called driver to get some fruits for Thokay. After about one hour we finally reached at Kunzaling CS. I thought there would be reception and all the preparations but we were confused when we got there. After some time we saw coordinators and they informed us where we should go. I met Madam Sonam near Tsenkharla School bus. We exchange our greetings and went straight to our room. There we met Madam Yeshi of Thragom (one of my Scout buddies). Sonam Choki of Kunzangling was also there. She came to give us blanket as madam Yeshi asked for her and me. Our bedding was already arranged at Matrons House. Her house was big but she occupies only one of the room and kitchen. It was the place I always wanted to have but maybe not attached with girls hostel.
As soon as we got settled at our place we went to coordinators to check what is happening there. We were invited for welcome tea at Kunzaling main office building along with Dy.CDEO, Principal of Kunzaling CS, and us (teachers) who read at that day. Students were also served with welcome tea near dining hall. Whenever I am at Kunzaling I always remember Panda`s dialog, “My old Enemy”… “STAIRS”, it is not actually stairs but steeps. As soon as we looked at the steep steps, we already feel exhausted. I thought that if I were in that school I would lose few pounds.
After tea we went to MPH for Camp briefing and overview of Camp which was presented by Dy.CDEO Cheda sir. Welcoming was done by Scout leadership Kuenzang Dendup (A student of Baylling). I am always astonished by this energetic talented boy. Suddenly in the middle of the Speech by Dy.CDEO Richen sir, Chenga, of Chakdemi PS came to me and whispered me to keep note of the things happening as we have to make Camp Report. At that very moment a volcanic full of stress erupted and I begain to get tense. I actually like to write but this one is different. I feel that I am a free writer not academic kind of person. I lack in vocabs and expression used by highly learnt person. I feel too small whenever I read someone else writing and now I had to write a report. Which will be read by the Education head and possibly even by Dasho Dzongda?
I quietly borrowed book and pen from Madam Sonam, as I left mine at room. I was scribbling thing and gathering ended. I did not get anything because I was worried. I clam myself down and was thinking how I will mess up with the report. After that students went out in their respective houses for some discussing and we were asked to stay back for short briefing. During that time we were handed with our responsibilities. I talk with Chenga sir and he was way too cool about it. He told me to not to worry. I felt relief after that because at least there was someone who wrote report before. After that we went for dinner. We were asked to take rest as we had to get up earlier the next day.
We woke up at around 4:45 a.m., got ready and reached 10 minutes before the time at the basketball court for morning aerobic and yoga. Kuenzang Dendup and his team (Scout leadership) were teaching us the steeps. We also joined, and for the first time I was not standing still I was equally jumping and trying like all the student. I am always reserved type that I wanted to break from that stage… maybe I am talking a step forward. This same aerobic has to be practiced in all the school of Yangtse as per the resolution of the Scout Conference of this year. My Nachung scouts know all the step perfectly but not me. I thought that it was not that important for me to learn as there were two experts student at my school who knew all the steps perfectly. I felt embarrassed at the level of my thinking. But then I felt that I am not too late so with that feeling I started to take it seriously.
After 30 minutes we were seated for yoga, but then the weather was not in our favor. It started to drizzle. When I heard of yoga, I directly imagined Shilpa Shetty`s yoga and was wondering will I be able to do it. every information was so simple and understandable and we were all exciting then the rain started to pour in and we had to stop for the day. We went to our rooms soaked, but I never felt I could have used my time effectively ever at least not in the early morning. We got ready and had our breakfast, three of us were called to School gate for reception of guest. We waited more than 45 minutes. When guest arrived our Camp was officially started. One thing I like the part of our cultured is that we offer Marchang, sing Zhabten for long life of our majesties. These things are simple yet I feel that we connect to our protector and our kings when we do that. It gives the feeling that they are actually with us. The unique about this camp is that we had offering of Luyang a song dedicated to His Majestry the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. I am a emotional kind of person, it’s very easy to make me cry. As I sang the song tears filled my eyes as if to say, sorry your Majesty I could not do anything for you. It’s a feeling I get every time I sing Zhabten. I feel sorry for my Majesty, as he deserve way more better citizen than us but here we are… fighting in the wrong place at wrong time. Maybe someday we will be able to do our own little magic to repay our efforts of our Kings.
After that chief guest Dzongkhag Thrizin spoke on the unique Camp ever in Bhutan. He acknowledge the Education leaders for having extra ordinary vision. And thank the Dzongkhag leader for always supporting such great creative ideas.
After the tea break Dy.CDEO presented the session on leadership in me. When sir was presenting, at that moment I thought I had so many things to study. I felt too small, I always work best under pressure as well as when I am in good mood. But I can`t always wait for that moment to come. I always try to push myself up only to laze later.
After lunch sir presented on Media Literacy, You must take a chance to make a choice and change your life. This one hit my head hard. I never take a chance and always regrets later saying I should have done that. But now I hope I will change myself, even if it is 1 %.
Later after the tea break Lama of Baylling CS talked on Tha-Damtshi - Lay Judray Bhutanese culture--origin of Bhutanese culture and tradition, special characteristics of Bhutanese culture /appreciation on culture and tradition.
After that session for the day ended but the program was still on the run as we have evening program, Talent Night: Group on Stage. Nima sir and I were called in front to judge the talent night. I was hoping not to be the judge but luckily or unluckily I got it. not that I could not judge it but because I was exhausted and was feeling sleepy. I must say these days the way they dance I can never keep up with them. Their way of dancing is way more skilled. I have always wanted to dance on the stage but guess it will be a dream come true. We went late on time so we could not complete all the program and was pushed for next time which I think we might have forgotten or intentionally skipped.
Second day started the same, but we were asked to gather at the dining hall as rain was pouring. It’s so amazing to know that whenever there is a program related to Scout pain is always present. I know it’s not a Scout program but it was organized from Scouts budget and most of the Scout leaders were also involved. Even during school day, it would be sunny till Wednesday but on Thursday it has to rain. Maybe nature wants to test our cheerfulness.
1st session started on Mental Health for a Leader Nima Tshering, Sr. Counsellor, of Baylling CS. I thought this has to be there at Sherig Lhenzom because we the teachers are also leader of our students. We have to lead them in the right rote. As he was making his presentation I thought of one of my student. I thought I would use this method for her as she always causes problem in the school. I have tried every means to change her attitude at life but every time her next behavior shatters it, breaking my heart too. I feel sad for her as I could not bring any positive change to her but I am still here so next time I will try way harder.
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That day I think everyone in the dining hall must have taken second share as we were hungry and exhausted. After dinner we went to MPH for educational Movie. It was emotional value- based and educational documentary video of His Majesty the Great Fourth Druk Gyalpo. As I was watching the movie I teared up and felt what His Majesty was going through at that time. i would not promise to go to war in future if situation arises but I would go to help the injured one even when I fear the sight of blood and cuts. I think I will overcome that weakness of mine. This the one reason which is holding me back from going for Desung traning. I would happily fight for our country`s freedom but not at the cost of someone`s life. I hate that part of the War. I wish people would fight using the pen as their weapon not guns.
3rd day started with Yoga on all five Chakras They are referred to crown chakra, throat chakra, navel chakra, limb chakra and secret chakra. This session made me think that we get what we do. If we want to be fit and fine we need to put some effort too. I am thinking of doing Yoga every morning.
1st session was presented by Dy.CDEO on, “What is holding us back?”. He shared 20 factors that cause us to fail. And unfortunately most of it was present in me. I felt that it was the time for me to pull my socks up.
2nd session was leadership`s fun I and II, in this session student leaders played varieties of games. Each game had its lessons and values to be learnt. I am mesmerized by these two Scout leadership Sonam Tobgay and Thukten, they smoothly carried out the session as if they were teaching in the class for years. I learnt that our youth just need platform to show cast their talent. It was fun and memorial. I shared one game to the called Fruit Basket but it did not go as planned because there was not chair.
3rd session was on Career aspects for a leader Nima sir, during this talked I wish I too had a counselor like him when I was at high school. Who would have showed me where to go and which way would take to bright future. I could not attend all the session as we had to go and receive the guest for the closing session.
As soon as the guest arrived we started with offering of Luyang, welcome speech and Dasho made awareness about laws and rules which was very simple yet important to youth after the tea break. I felt that students enjoyed it as Dasho presented with a touch of humor. When Dasho was talking about harassment, I remembered a incident which happened when I was studying at Paro College, I thought I should have gone to police to report about the incident, but I did not like the point where Dasho said that girls should not go out at night. It’s true that if we don`t go out at night there is less chances of getting into troubles. Why is it only girls? Why not boys too? If they were not allowed to go at night we would not face any problem either. Why should it always has to be girls who need to sacrifice every time. I don`t like to go to party at night but I would definitely like to go for start gazing at night but this kind society`s thinking is stopping me and I want to slap myself for listening to it.
After dinner, we gather for Red Flowered Show, it was one of the most memorial part of the Camp. Maybe because it was the last session of the camp, we had so much fun. We dance on Lopen Kinga`s song, which was unique and interesting. I am thinking of learning that song and I don`t even know the name of the song. I also was on the dance floor when Chicken dance song was played. I moved 50% with mu dedication but some part of me was holding me back to stop. It was asking me to look around the surrounding and to see how many eyes are looking at you. But a part of me was asking me to throw all your shyness on the floor and dance… and it was shouting to me, you deserve to be free. That night I killed a negative part of me. I even went and did a balloon dance where I and my partner almost won. I was looking forward see dancing of Kuenzang Dendup, he is an amazing dancer that’s why I was saying that he is a talented kid. I too wish to dance like him but I could do that only in my imagination.
Next day we all gathered at basketball ground for fare well song. As I was singing the song, I felt sad, to the thought that this moment will never come back even if I were rich. My eyes filled with tears wished everyone present to have a happy life and we bide our farewell. If we were asked to stay there for another few minutes I knew I would have cried. The only things which I can show to the world are the pictures I have taken during the camp. Pictures are the bridge between us and our memories. As I look into these pictures flashes of memories come flowing in and I just wish this kind of moment to come again.
I am thankful to God for letting me see the beautiful sides of the world, I am thankful to Chief DEO and Dy. Chief DEOs. And the person who suggested me for the Camp, to let me live the beautiful memories. I will always be ready to grow each time. I am thankful to every participant for making this moment beautiful not to forget the staff of Kunzaling, especially Principal for magnificent arrangement, matron for making us feel like home at your place, cooks for your delicious power meal and the drivers for safely reaching us to our destination and back to our homes. I know THANK YOU is so little compared to what I am feeling but I am hoping that it would do some “Magic”.
May God Bless us all to be together once again!
