As many as 90 students participated in the two-day Summer Nature Camp 2026, organised by biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak in collaboration with the Orang National Park Authority to promote environmental awareness and wildlife conservation among young learners.
The camp, held on July 11 and 12 at Vallabh Bhai Patel Higher Secondary School in Koupati, Orang, was supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) and focused on experiential and activity-based learning.
The inaugural day introduced students to biodiversity, its ecological significance and the importance of conserving ecosystems around the Orang Tiger Reserve. Participants also learned about mapping technologies used in wildlife conservation, including habitat monitoring, wildlife tracking and conservation planning. The day concluded with an Orang Tiger Reserve-themed quiz and interactive environmental games.
On the second day, students attended sessions on snakes, where they learned to distinguish between venomous and non-venomous species while dispelling common myths surrounding reptiles. Experts also explained safety measures and appropriate responses during snake encounters.
The camp also featured a session on the endangered pygmy hog, highlighting its ecological importance, conservation status and the need to protect its fragile habitat. Students were introduced to bird diversity, bird identification and the ecological role of birds as indicators of healthy ecosystems.
Another interactive session focused on environmental pollution, discussing its various forms, causes, impacts and simple lifestyle choices that contribute to environmental protection.
Students also took part in wildlife and environmental quizzes and group activities that encouraged them to identify eco-friendly and environmentally harmful practices, helping them understand how individual actions affect sustainability.
The camp concluded with an Environmental and Wildlife Conservation Pledge, where students collectively reaffirmed their commitment to protecting nature and conserving wildlife.
The programme was attended by Orang Tiger Reserve Field Director Pradipta Baruah. Resource persons included Dr. Pranjit Sarmah of Mangaldoi College, senior journalist Swapan Nath, Aaranyak’s Arif Hussain, Hirokjyoti Das and Sabrina Begum, along with Orang Tiger Reserve Forester Mousumi Das. Teachers, local conservationists and Aaranyak volunteers also supported the programme.
