NCERT Book Class 5 EVS Up You Go!

9. Up You Go!

Mountaineering Camp

Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi

We were at the mountaineering camp and were very excited. Twenty of us were teachers from Kendriya Vidyalayas. There were other women from banks and other institutions. Today was the second day of the camp. In the morning as I got out of bed and put my foot down, I screamed in pain. I remembered yesterday’s 26 kilometre walk with the heavy rucksack on my back. I was afraid to go back to that steep climb and the rough narrow path.

With tears in my eyes I started walking slowly towards the room of Brigadier Gyan Singh, the Director of our adventure course. I was thinking of what I would say to excuse myself from that day’s trek. Suddenly, I heard his deep voice from behind. “Madam, what are you doing here at breakfast time? Hurry up! Otherwise you will have to trek on an empty stomach.” 

“Sir, Sir….,” I could not say any more. “You have came to tell me that you have blisters on your feet, that you cannot walk, isn’t it?” “Yes, sir.” “That is nothing new. Now get ready quickly.” 

I hung my head and rushed back to get ready. I had just turned when I heard his voice again, “Listen, madam. You will lead group number 7. You will have to help any member who has difficulty climbing the mountain. You have already been told about the responsibilities of a group leader in the mountains.”

Tell

• Have you ever seen the mountains? Have you also climbed a mountain? When and where?
• How far have you walked at one time? How far can you walk?

Imagine

• What do you think about the paths on the mountains? Draw a picture.

A big responsibility

I started thinking about what a leader must do:

– Help others in carrying their bags.

– Let the group go ahead and keep to the last.

– Help those who cannot climb properly.

– Find a good place to stop and rest.

– Look after those who are not well.

– Arrange for food for the group.

The most important thing is to be ready to be punished even when some one else may have made a mistake.

I realised that there was a special kind of discipline here. I wondered whether the camp will still be fun!

Please refer to attached file for NCERT Class 5 EVS Up You Go!