Students cut vegetables and collect herbs during a summer camp organised by Tarumitra last year. Telegraph pictures

This year, schools in the city are planning to introduce a flurry of interesting activities in the summer camps.

These camps, which are generally held in mid-May, are useful in many ways as the students get to learn different skills.

Tarumitra, an NGO working for environment conservation, is set to promote the issue among the students but in an interesting way. “We know that giving lectures on environmental conservation cannot make any difference. So, we decided to make the students work in the field. Therefore, they will feel closer to nature and would be forced to take steps for environmental conservation,” said Kanchan Pathak, a staff of Tarumitra.

The organisation is planning to teach mulching method of farming to the students. Pathak said: “In mulching method, we use paper in the cultivation process. We place a thin sheet of paper in the soil and cover it with mud. The process is continued several times before planting a sapling. This method is helpful in retaining the moisture of the soil.” The students will also get to learn about organic farming and the importance of medicinal plants, he added.

Radiant International School is planning to teach technical skills to the students in the camp. C.B. Singh, principal of the institute, said: “I have heard about students who cannot change bulbs. So, we thought of including technical classes in our camp, where they would be taught to repair refrigerators, music systems, washing machines and other electrical appliances.” He stressed that the camp would also have various activities for parents. They can learn yoga, too.

At the camp organised by St Xavier High School, the students will learn to make robots in a robotic workshop.

Another institute, Tender Heart School, will not only organise activities like craft making, dancing, singing in the camp but would also provide healthy food to the students. Rajeev School director Rajeev Bhargava said: “The students spend a good time at the camps. But proper diet is equally important. We have decided to give healthy food that will include fruits such as oranges, bananas among others.”

Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan is planning to organise antakshari competition, mime workshop and rain dance in the summer camp. Anita Thakur, the programme officer of the institute said: “We would try to encourage the scientific temperament of students as they will learn about small experiments. Generally, students are afraid of science. We want to remove their fear.”

O.P. Singh, principal, Patna Central School, said: “The students take part in various activities like singing and dancing. The certificates given to them at the end of the camp would be useful for those who want admission in the sports and extracurricular activities quota.”