Rangers/Rovers
At Baiswara Degree College, the Rangers and Rovers program serves as a vibrant platform for young individuals to develop essential life skills, foster teamwork, and cultivate leadership qualities. Under the expert guidance of dedicated faculty, this initiative empowers students to grow not only academically but also personally and socially.
The Rangers and Rovers unit at Baiswara Degree College was established in 2009 under Registration No. 2372, with the strong leadership of Principal Prof. Satyanarayan Singh, and the dedicated support of District Scout Commissioner Sri Ram Naresh Singh Chauhan and District Scout Secretary Sri Laxmikant Singh. Their joint efforts ensured the successful initiation of the unit. Dr. M.D. Singh served as the first Rover Leader until 2014, while Dr. Sudha Singh held the position of Ranger Leader until June 2016, after which Dr. Ranjana Singh took over from July 2016 to June 2018. Dr. K.K. Dixit contributed as Assistant Rover Leader from July 2011 to June 2014 and has been leading as Rover Leader from July 2014 to the present.
In-charge Faculty:
- Prof. Priya Dubey oversees the Rangers, ensuring that the program instills values of service, responsibility, and community engagement in young women. Her commitment to nurturing the potential of each participant is evident in the comprehensive activities organized under her leadership.
- Dr. K.K. Dixit and Prof. Surya Prakash Verma jointly lead the Rovers. Their combined expertise enriches the experience for young men in the program, focusing on practical skills, outdoor activities, and community service, while encouraging a spirit of camaraderie and adventure.
Activities:
In the ongoing session, the Rangers and Rovers camp was organized from September 14 to September 18, 2024. This five-day camp provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in various activities designed to enhance their skills and foster a sense of belonging. Through engaging workshops, practical exercises, and team-building activities, participants experienced firsthand the essence of scouting and guiding.
The Five Day Rovers/Rangers Camp
14th September 2024 – 18th September 2024
Prelude to a Journey
Under the golden light of September’s sky, a new chapter began at Baiswara Degree College, where dreams aligned with discipline, and hearts opened to embrace the world of Rovers and Rangers. From 14th to 18th September 2024, the college became a haven for young minds, ready to learn, grow, and serve, guided by the timeless wisdom of Sir Robert Baden Powell, the founder of the global Scouting movement. This camp was more than just a gathering of students and instructors. It was a reflection of Baden Powell’s vision, where each soul became a beacon of hope, ready to lead by example, with trust, courage, and compassion.
Day One: The Dawn of a New Beginning
The 14th of September arrived with anticipation, as the inaugural session of the Rovers/Rangers camp unfolded beneath the fluttering scouts flag. Raised by the dignified hands of the Chief Proctor, Professor Niranjan Rai, the flag stood as a symbol of unity and adventure, guiding the participants through the days ahead.
Rangers incharge, Prof. Priya Dubey, and Rovers incharge, Prof. Surya Prakash Verma, alongside Dr. K.K. Dixit, welcomed the students, urging them to embrace the essence of Scouting: service, discipline, and leadership. Prof. Niranjan Rai’s words resonated like a melody, “In this camp, you will learn more than skills; you will discover your true selves, prepared to serve society with kindness and integrity.”
Day Two: The Path of Leadership and Survival
On the second day, the journey deepened as the students explored the art of leadership and survival. Trainer Shri Ram Yadav shared invaluable knowledge about tent pitching, showing the participants how to create shelter not just with their hands, but with their hearts. Each tent became a reflection of their teamwork, standing strong against the winds of challenge.
In parallel, Instructor Archana Yadav led them through a unique culinary journey: cooking without utensils. Their hands became their tools, and nature, their kitchen, reminding them of the earth’s bounty and simplicity. The day’s teachings resonated with the wisdom of Sir Robert Baden Powell, who said, “A Scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances.” Indeed, the participants smiled through every challenge, understanding that true strength lies not in comfort but in resilience. They celebrated the diversity that united them, each lyric echoing across the fields like a hymn to fellowship. Dr. K.K. Dixit, during his speech on “Qualities of a Young Leader,” reminded them, “Leadership is not about control but about inspiring others to reach greater heights. Be the leader who serves, and the world will follow.”
Day Three: Songs of the Earth
Day three sang a melody of environmental awareness, as the students became warriors for the earth, embodying the spirit of conservation. The third day of the camp unfolded with a strong emphasis on practical skills, fostering hands-on learning among the participants. Under the guidance of Mr. Shriram Yadav, the day began with an insightful session on the empowering concept of “Hand Power.” He illustrated how individual efforts, especially in maintaining cleanliness and public awareness, can lead to transformative changes in communities. His engaging methods inspired participants to recognize that even small actions can have significant impacts, fostering a sense of responsibility towards their environment and society.
Following Mr. Yadav’s impactful session, Mrs. Archana Yadav led participants through the art of knot-tying and flower formations. She demonstrated essential knots used in scouting and everyday life, emphasizing their practical applications. Each knot tied was a lesson in patience and precision, while the flower formations illustrated the beauty of collaboration and teamwork, showing how individual contributions can create something magnificent. Principal Prof. Sheila Srivastava inspired the participants, encouraging them to embrace their potential as future leaders. She emphasized that the qualities they were developing—empathy, resilience, and integrity—are the foundations of effective leadership. Her motivating words lit a fire in their hearts, urging them to strive for excellence and take on responsibilities in their communities.
Dr. K. K. Dixit then addressed the crucial role of human resources in transforming the nation, stating that the true strength of any country lies in its people. He inspired participants to view themselves as key contributors to national progress. Dr. Surya Prakash Verma concluded the discussions by emphasizing the importance of discipline in achieving personal and communal goals. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining discipline but highlighted the rewards it brings, reinforcing the idea that embracing discipline is vital for personal growth and effective leadership.
Day Four: Building Bonds, Crafting Futures
The fourth day dawned with renewed energy. After a peaceful interfaith prayer session, the students once again engaged in learning the art of tent pitching, working together in harmony. Throughout the day, their spirits soared as they continued to learn, laugh, and lead. Poster presentations on environmental protection filled the air with the buzz of creative ideas, while discussions deepened their understanding of conservation, not just as a concept, but as a way of life.
The Poster and Essay Competitions on “Environmental Conservation” became the heart of the day. With vibrant strokes of paint and thoughtful words, the participants expressed their deep connection to nature.
Poster Competition Winners:
1st: Karishma Singh
2nd: Anupriya Singh
3rd: Shraddha Singh
Essay Competition Winners:
1st: Anupriya Singh
2nd: Lakshmi Srivastava
3rd: Tanu Trivedi
The college Rangers in charge, Dr. Prof. Priya Dubey, stood before the students with pride in her eyes. Her voice, soft yet powerful, carried the weight of wisdom: “Your posters and essays are not mere works of art; they are promises to the earth, pledges to protect and preserve what we have inherited. You are the guardians of tomorrow.”
Day Five: A Grand Finale, A New Beginning
The final day arrived like a gentle breeze, carrying with it the culmination of everything learned and shared over the past five days. Tent pitching, cooking, and finally, the initiation ceremony — the day was a celebration of accomplishment and growth.
Former Chief Proctor and ex Rovers in charge, Dr. Mahadev Singh, graced the event as the Chief Guest. His words echoed the principles of Sir Baden Powell, “Education is the solution to all of life’s challenges. Through knowledge, we conquer. Through service, we lead.” The atmosphere was filled with joy as the participants shared the meals they had prepared, each bite a reminder of the bonds they had forged. The final ceremony, where badges, medals, and certificates were awarded, symbolized not just the end of the camp but the beginning of a new chapter in each student’s life.
Principal Dr. Sheila Srivastava, glowing with pride, remarked, “The smiles on your faces tell a story far beyond words. You have grown not just in skill but in character, and that is the true success of this camp.” The Rovers and Rangers stood tall, adorned with their initiation badges, symbols of their dedication and hard work. Sweets were shared, but the sweetest reward was the knowledge that they had become part of something greater than themselves.
The Spirit of Scouting and Guiding: A Legacy Renewed
The Rovers/Rangers training camp, grounded in the teachings of Sir Robert Baden Powell, rekindled the spirit of Scouting and Guiding at Baiswara Degree College. Through the Basic of Rover/Rangers, leadership, survival, and environmental stewardship, the participants learned what it truly means to be a Rover and a Ranger. Baden Powell once said, “Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.” And so, the students did, not only through the skills they learned but through the values they embraced. This camp was not just an event — it was a step toward a brighter, more compassionate future, where each young leader holds the torch for the generations to come.
A Final Word: The Echoes of the Camp
As the sun set on the final day of the camp, the grounds of Baiswara Degree College were filled not with silence but with the echo of lessons learned, promises made, and dreams kindled. The camp was not merely five days of activities but a life-changing experience for everyone involved. With every tent pitched, every meal cooked, and every lesson absorbed, these Rovers and Rangers became more than students; they became stewards of society, armed with the wisdom of Sir Baden Powell and the guiding hands of their mentors. As the great founder of Scouting once declared, “The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.” And that is exactly what these young souls will do, leading by example and lighting the path for others to follow.