The Peoples' Institute for Re-thinking Education and Development
Check out this film on the Shikshantar Unschoolers Winter Camp that was held during Nov-Dec 2017 in Udaipur.
A: The camp is a two month long engagement for free learners involving working on projects, workshops, mentorships, service learning, travelling, community living/decisionmaking and lots of fun with other self-designed learners. Projects like filmmaking, music, farming, cooking, art and crafts, trekking, cycling, etc. would be examples of things which could be explored. The teenagers attending the camp will decide what learning projects they would like to take up depending on their interests. Most of their time would be spent at Shikshantar and with its ecosystem of partners and activities around Udaipur. Some time would be spent with khojis at Swaraj University. The kids will also get a chance to volunteer and participate in the LSUC in Bangalore (23rd ÔÇô 30th December). That would mean travelling with the group to Bangalore.
There would be no exams, textbooks, competition, compulsion, syllabus, classrooms, etc. The program would be emergent and co-created with the participants. There will be mentors and facilitators to host and support them throughout the duration of the camp who will ask kids to try new things outside their comfort zone.
A: This program is primarily for unschoolers, homeschoolers, natural and free learners, school dropouts, kids on a gap year, self-designed learners ages 11-18.
A: Yes, we will provide clean and comfortable stay for all participants. The living spaces however are shared and there are no separate rooms for individuals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. The meals will be healthy, vegetarian and home cooked.
A: This is a gift culture project and we encourage you to contribute from your heart what you can. The suggested contribution for two months for food and lodging is Rs 12,000 per individual. This does not include travel expenses to LSUC, Bangalore (should you wish to go). If you need a concession, please get in touch with us. You are most welcome to sponsor someone else for the camp.
A: We would appreciate it if the kids are not younger than 11 years or older than 17 years in age. Having said that, children independent enough to live without the company of their parents would be more suited to the camp. We would also like to get to know the kids and their interests and needs better before the camp. Please get in touch with this regard.
A: Udaipur gets pretty cold winters. The temperature can go down to about 10┬║ Celsius at night. We suggest that you pack your clothes accordingly. Sweaters and jackets would be needed. Thermals are recommended. Also please bring a blanket or sleeping bag.
A: The purpose of the camp is to let the kids discover their own multi-potentials and learn to live co-operatively in a group. Due this reason we strongly encourage the parents to trust their kids and us for the duration of the camp. Parents are most welcome to drop their kids off at Shikshantar and stay for a few days to make them comfortable and co-learn with the kids. They can come a share a short workshop with the kids.
A: No, we want the kids to use the two months as an opportunity to learn what they want free from any kind of academic compulsion or expectation.
A: No.
A: We strongly recommend that you participate for the entire duration of two months. In case you cannot, a minimum commitment of twenty days at a stretch is requested for participation.
A: Yes, you can join for a period of one month from the 1st of December.
A: No, unfortunately not.
A: We are expecting their to be about 25 teenagers in this program.
A: We hope to have something again in March-April timeframe and again in the winter.
A: YESSSSSSSSS!!!
We would be happy to address any other questions that you have. Write to Vidhi Jain - vidhi@swaraj.org.
Find below a form for registering for The Unschoolers Winter Camp 2017
