Patna, May 14: Students from various schools in the city have buckled up for summer camps with the onset of vacations on Saturday.

More than 26 students of Don Bosco Academy went to attend a camp at Tarumitra. The NGO has announced a camp from May 13 to May 15. School principal Mary Alphonsa said the school had not scheduled a camp because of the confusion over vacation dates. "We sent a few students to Tarumitra for a three-day summer camp," she said. "It is more of a study tour."

At Tarumitra, the campers start their day with meditation under trees. This is followed by a nature walk.

"We organised a question and answer session on ecological crisis, balance and sustainable development," said Tarumitra coordinator Devopriya Dutta. "Apart from this, students learned about potting techniques, vegetation, vertical gardens, composting and weeding."

Kumar Prarabdh, a Class VIII student at Don Bosco Academy said: "I cut vegetables for lunch for the first time in my life," he said. "It was a great experience. I understood the value of nature and the need to conserve it."

Students of Delhi Public School are having a great time chilling at swimming pool. The pool camp started on May 5 and will continue till May 21. Chetna Jha, a teacher, said the school will organise Takshila Bihar Swimming Championship on May 20 and 21.

"It took me only five days to learn swimming and now I want to learn how to dive," said Utkarsh Singh, a Class IV student of the school. "Swimming keeps me fresh and helps me complete my holiday assignments."

Some schools will start summer camps from May 16 and offer recreational activities to students. Loyola High School principal Brother Satheesh K. Don said the school will conduct games such as basketball, football and cricket, and also dance, art and craft activities.

"The school also conducts hands-on activities to enhance the students' literary finesse, language, and math skills," he said.

Nikita Shrivastav, a Class IX student of St Joseph's Convent High School, is learning karate at the summer camp in her school.

"It is very important for girls to learn karate to protect themselves from annoying strangers and stalkers," he said. "I have learned the basics and want to learn other techniques to fight back."

St Michael's High School organises skating, knitting, sketching, football, basketball, badminton, swimming and dancing activities for students. It also organises special classes for students who are weak in certain subjects.

"Nothing beats swimming with friends," said Shashank Singh, a Class V student of St Michael's High School. "I like to watch people skating and I plan to pick it up this year at camp."