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Our Year 13 students recently embarked on an exciting and enriching 2-night, 3-day residential trip to Udawalawe, a unique blend of adventure, personal growth, and real-world learning.

The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the half-day safari in Udawalawe National Park, where students had the opportunity to witness an array of wildlife in their natural habitat. Elephants, alligators, peacocks, eagles, and many other species graced the students with their presence, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience of nature’s wonders.

The first evening after dinner saw students dive into a role-play activity designed to tackle real-life challenges faced by university freshmen. Each group was given a scenario and tasked with brainstorming solutions outside their usual comfort zones. The discussions were not only insightful but also creative, with each group presenting their solutions to the wider audience. The activity encouraged students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and gain a better understanding of the hurdles they might face as they transition to university life.

Day two was focused on sustainability, starting with the “Sustainability Compass” activity, where students took a nature walk and explored sustainable solutions to everyday problems in the region they walked through. They considered factors such as nature, economy, society, and well-being, deepening their understanding of the interconnectedness between the environment and human needs.

After lunch, the students were challenged with a cooking competition. Divided into groups, they were given a Rs. 2000 budget to buy groceries for a meal that had to include a carbohydrate, protein, grain, and a vegetable, all within a strict time limit. Supervised by staff, they scoured local shops for ingredients before returning to camp to prepare their meals. In a surprise twist, one key team member from each group was removed for 15 minutes, forcing the remaining students to adapt quickly. Despite the pressure, all teams produced excellent dishes, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.

The evening was capped off with a relaxing BBQ dinner buffet and downtime around the bonfire, giving everyone a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s activities.

The final day brought more reflective activities focused on self-discovery and problem-solving in individually and in pairs. These sessions allowed students to delve deeper into their personal strengths and areas for growth, culminating in a debrief that rounded off a highly successful residential experience.

As the students returned to BSC, they left with not only fond memories but also valuable life skills that will serve them well in their future endeavours.