“Passion is all about the enthusiasm to explore new feats and conquer pricey ventures.”
LIDER 2.0, a wander through the adventures, was a leadership training campaign organized by the RACFOSUOC for our Rotaractors in the club. Despite the many difficulties faced by the POC, the two-day journey to endless adventures began on the dawn of the 6th of January 2023.
The two buses departed from the University premises at 5.00 am. The dancing, music, great jokes, entertaining stories, and the delicious food made our stay in the bus more enjoyable. After a drive of almost five hours, we reached our destination, Ulapane at Nawalapitiya. The place was indeed the definition of beauty. It was picture-perfect: lush green valleys, rolling hills, and a silvery, shiny river that curled across the forest. The distant mountains added even more beauty as they mingled with the mist and the sky. It was the perfect ratio of greens and blues.
While enjoying the view, the first campaign activity was announced. We were split up into teams and asked to act in a quick five-minute drama. It was a fun segment full of laughter. After ‘the act’ we were called out to do warm-up exercises in the sweltering midday sun. Even while it wasn’t really enjoyable, the experience was undoubtedly unforgettable! Following the warm-ups, each team was required to take part in five different games, each of which was designed to test a different aspect of our leadership. Out of all five games, the high rope course was the most challenging. It was an activity of testing persistence and tenacity; two of the most essential qualities in a leader.
The time passed as we were focused on our games, and the breeze grew chillier as the sun slowly set behind the mountains. Once all the groups were done with their activities, we prepared for the campfire, the most aesthetic and visually appealing moment of the entire campaign.
It was a full moon Poya day. The night sky was illuminated by the massive, round white moon. Even though there weren’t many stars in the sky, the lights from the homes in the valleys brightened the scenery. It was an ideal night! The flickering firelight, combined with the calming moonlight created a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Some of us sang. Some of us shared stories. Some of us enjoyed nature. All of us relaxed in the warm and cozy ambience while adding more memories to our life diary.
The next day began with a jog from the inn to the Ulapane fool’s bridge in the early hours. Following the warm-up, we ate breakfast. It was the first time I warmed up so early while gazing at a river on the side pavement of a less-busy road.
Despite the river being calm, we could hear it splashing against the rocks. Also, it was my first, having breakfast in a calm wilderness sitting next to a river. Both experiences were soothing. Then, the activities planned for day two: abseiling, zip-line and riffle-shooting started. Both the zipline and the abseiling were fun. However, those with acrophobia, like me, found abseiling to be somewhat difficult. Nevertheless, both of the activities were enjoyable, exciting, and unforgettable. We returned to the lodge once the activities were over, had lunch there, then packed up and took our leave.
The two-day leadership campaign was successful. We made new ties and strengthened old ones. We enjoyed trying new things. We enjoyed every little moment and cherished it together. I, myself gained a lot of new skills, developed my leadership qualities, and overcame certain phobias. Well, climbing the steep slope at our lodging proved to be the most difficult part for me. Nonetheless, the chapter of these memories will be forever remembered.
The project chairs and all POC members deserve a special thank you for creating this outstanding leadership campaign. This project undoubtedly sparked each of our secret venturous selves. And surely these two days will go down as one of the most exciting days in our Rotaract calendar.
By Rtr. Vihangi Thissera
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