22/12/2025
Place-Based Education Nature Camp Connects Students with the Living Landscapes of the Eastern Himalayan
In a meaningful move toward transforming school education through experiential learning, a three-day Place-Based Education (PBE) Nature Camp was held at Bungkulung Village, Mirik Block, Darjeeling, enabling students to step beyond classrooms and learn directly from the rich landscapes of the Eastern Himalaya.
The camp was organized by ATREE under Action for Mountains and Peoples (AMP) – The Himalayan Initiative, with support from the Rural India Supporting Trust (RIST), from 15th to 17th December 2025. A total of 30 students from Panchabatti Higher Secondary School, Sittong–III, and St. Robert’s Higher Secondary School, Darjeeling took part in this immersive educational experience focused on the local environment, community life, and sustainable livelihoods. Over three days, students were introduced to Himalayan biogeography, the formation of the Himalayas with special reference to the Kanchenjunga Landscape, and the remarkable biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya. Sessions on bird and butterfly identification, conducted through presentations and guided field activities, helped students understand their ecological roles and conservation importance.
A defining feature of the camp was its emphasis on experiential field-based learning. Students received hands-on training in using binoculars and cameras and actively engaged in Citizen Science by recording birds, butterflies, and plant species using iNaturalist.org and the Merlin Mobile App. These activities strengthened observation skills, encouraged scientific inquiry, and nurtured a sense of stewardship for biodiversity. Participants also gained insights into the local folklore, traditions, and historical heritage of the village, enriching their learning with cultural context.
The camp also provided meaningful exposure to sustainable rural livelihoods. Students learned about organic farming practices, beekeeping—from hive making to honey extraction—fish farming, pineapple cultivation, medicinal plants, and traditional ecological knowledge. A visit to the Honey and Agro-Processing Industrial Cooperative Society Limited offered a practical understanding of community-driven, eco-friendly enterprises, illustrating how environmental conservation can support local livelihoods.
The programme concluded with student-led poster presentations, where participants shared their observations, experiences, and reflections with confidence. Certificates of participation were awarded, symbolizing not just the completion of the camp, but the beginning of a stronger bond between students and their natural surroundings.
Students described the camp as eye-opening, noting that learning directly from nature helped them gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, rural lifestyles, and sustainability challenges. Organizers highlighted that such place-based initiatives are essential for nurturing environmental awareness, leadership qualities, and a sense of community responsibility among young learners.
