Activities such as rappelling, singing, dancing and painting are part of the winter camp at Sai International School, Bhubaneswar, for which about 150-odd students have pitched up 30 tents on campus. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 29: Snuggling up beside a crackling bonfire with a barbeque to go with it, students of Sai International School here are exploring their adventurous side at a winter camp that began on their campus today.

From daredevil activities such as rappelling and jumaring to fun sessions of singing, dancing and painting, this camp offers ample opportunity to the 150-odd students to indulge themselves. They have pitched up around 30 tents on the campus and would be camping at the school for the next four days.

“Winter camps are recreational as well as educational. So, we decided to have some crazy camp fun and teach new skills to our students,” said Suresh Chandra Panda, a teacher of the school.

In the morning, the young campers were engaged in outdoor yoga sessions after which began the adventurous dos that tested them in physical fitness and agility. The afternoon was reserved for diverse activities. While the more creative participants opted for painting or puppetry, the daring ones kept themselves busy with river crossing, ladder climbing, zorbing and rappelling.

“Initially, I was bit nervous about swinging from one building to another through a cable but my teachers helped me overcome my fear. I am ready to do it again tomorrow,” said Mehul, a student.

As the sun went down, they lit a bonfire and danced around it. Giving a cold shoulder to the evening chill, they toasted marshmallows on the barbecue grill and prepared fruit salads.

“We are having great fun. The temperature is just perfect for enjoyment. We have decided to stay up till late and play antakshari,” said Shraddha, another participant.

The schoolteachers said they were taking care to ensure students don’t expose themselves too much to the cold.

“We have advised them on proper woollen attire at the camp because weather conditions may vary from day to day. So, they have to go inside their tents after 10pm. We also have bonfires that burn during the outdoor activities so that it offers as a warming space,” said Santoshini Pradhan, a teacher.

The evening temperature hovered around the 17 degrees. The weatherman has, however, predicted that the barometer will show an increase of 2 to 3 degree Celsius over the next three days.