6-Day Nature & Adventure Programme

India’s leading institution for outdoor education, Hanifl Centre is located at an altitude of 7000 ft, is ideally placed to provide a facility through which students and visiting faculty can learn about the Himalaya, develop their skills and knowledge in outdoor and environmental education.

The Centre strives to make the best use of its unique location by providing a variety of educational and environmentally conscious programmes through treks, service projects, organic farming, language classes, etc. The Centre also contributes to the sustainable development of the region by engendering an appreciation and understanding of the Himalayan environment in future leaders from around the world.

This is a more intensive introduction to being in the outdoors and includes sessions on LNT principles, ropes, knots, tent pitching, staying warm & dry, camp cleanliness, exposure to organic farming, and indoor climbing in Woodstock’s gymnasium, compass-based games, longer treks and a cleanup drive. In addition, there are classroom sessions on the geography of the western Himalaya, introduction to flora-fauna, environmental issues affecting this area and films on wildlife conservation.

Hanifl Centre is a very well designed campus that offers a safe and healthy learning environment. In addition it provides home comfort for upto 40 students and teachers. The campus has security 24×7 with access to Woodstock School’s Health Centre, ambulance service and nearby Landour Community Hospital.

Some of the outdoor learning experiences for students include:

- Creating awareness of Himalayan Biodiversity.

- Recognizing flora and fauna of this area.

- Learning about the people and culture.

- Learning about mountain agriculture and its challenges.

- Appreciating the beauty of the Himalaya.

- Importance of its conservation, with hands-on work at the Jabarkhet Nature Reserve.

- Learning outdoor living skills.

- Learning climbing skills.

- Teamwork and team building exercises.

- Climate change and its challenges.

- Design and perform labs that could be graded (for IB schools).

- Utilize Jabarkhet Nature Reserve as part of the school Group 4 project (for IB schools).

Field Trips:

- Areas around Hanifl Centre & Woodstock School, Mussoorie

- Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Mussoorie

- Forests & Villages near Landour, Mussoorie

Hanifl Centre for Outdoor Education and Environmental Study is an outreach of Woodstock School - Celebrating over 165 years in the Himalaya. Since its inception, Hanifl Centre has attracted institutions from India and around the world for environmental education and outdoor learning experiences in the Himalaya.

Packing List Ideal for Courses at Hanifl Centre

Mentioned below are the inclusions of the course, along with a broad list of basic items we recommend all participants should carry. You can always create your own packing list based on your personal needs and medical requirements.

BRING -

• Sun hat (Cotton or nylon)
• Sun glasses (Preferably with an anchor)
• Sun protection (1 bottle of lotion)
• Water bottle 2 bottles of 1 litre capacity (cola bottles work well, but insure that they do not leak)
• Wrist watch
• Head lamp/ flashlight (Preferably a headlamp as it leaves your hands free to work. Please bring extra batteries)
• Toilet articles (Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc)
• Pocket knife (optional, fixed blade or locking preferred)
• Personal medications (if any)
• Lip balm/ chapstick (optional)
• Camera (optional or phone-cam)
• Stationary items like notebook and pencils
• Any other personal gear (Please note you will be carrying all your gear by yourself)

WEAR -

• Comfortable and athletic clothing
• Wool gloves (1 pair, as thick as available in the market)
• Warm Jacket (1 jacket is sufficient)
• Warm shirts & pants for camp (1 each is sufficient)
• Long john top also known as thermal underwear, preferably wool to be worn as first layer.
• Long john bottoms (preferably wool to be worn as first layer)
• Hiking shorts/ pants (1-2 changes)
• Hiking shirt preferably with a long sleeve
• Underwear (2-3 changes)
• Wool socks: 2 pairs; preferably thick wool socks.
• Nylon socks: 2-3 pairs; of the type you wear daily to be worn under the wool socks to prevent blisters
• Sturdy hiking boots: preferably all leather upper as it provides better ankle support. If you do not own a pair yet, it is advisable that you buy one as soon as possible & wear it often so that they are well broken. This will help prevent blisters.
• Lightweight tennis shoes/sandals: For wearing in camp. (footwear should be closed toed, no flip-flops)

INCLUDED SERVICES -

• Expert guides/mentors. Experienced and internationally certified faculty
• Transportation for activities during the course
• Forest permits for hikes and camping (if outside Woodstock campus)
• Safe secure travel & stay during the course activities
• Medical Emergency Support (Landour Community Centre - LCH)

INCLUDED GEAR -

• Climbing Gear - All climbing gear is provided by Hanifl Centre. These includes different types of ropes, harnesses, helmets, slings, tapes, different types of carabiners, mittens, descenders, ascenders, etc. Our Climbing wall is state-of-the-art and is fully equipped with climbing paraphernalia and safety equipment.
• Camping Gear - Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks, gaiters. If required, liners bags for sleeping bags & backpacks, cup, bowl & spoon, rain poncho, rain pants & rain jackets, stoves, fuel & fuel bottles, cooking utensils, rations, trail food, trowels, water purification, first aid kits, etc will be provided.