It has been a few days since our first InVANA Expedition to Yathirajaswamy Betta.
Like in every first journey, there was much excitement, a little uncertainty, a few small hiccups, and many lessons for us as organisers. But more importantly — some moments reminded us why we wanted to begin InVANA in the first place.
One moment that stayed with me happened even before we started climbing. There was a breakfast discussion. We had two choices: we could serve the food before the climb, or carry the hotpots to the top so that everyone could enjoy a hot breakfast with a beautiful view.
We discussed the options. Once we decided that we wanted a hot breakfast at the summit, the next question naturally followed.
“If we want hot food at the top… who will carry it?”
Without much hesitation, the children shared the responsibility and carried the hotpots up the hill together. It wasn't about the carrying of the food. It was about understanding that every decision comes with responsibility.
The climb itself was only about twenty minutes.
Some climbed quickly.
Some took their time.
Some stopped to admire the view.
Some encouraged others along the way.
There was no race.
Everyone climbed at their own pace, and everyone reached the top.
Another conversation had happened before the expedition about snacks. The children asked, "Can we bring snacks?" The answer was simple.
“Yes… but only if you're willing to bring enough to share with everyone.”
It was lovely to see that spirit continue throughout the day.
Food was shared.
Water was shared.
Stories were shared.
Perhaps that's what community looks like.
After breakfast, we spent some quiet time just sitting on the rocks admiring the sight.
There was no worksheet.
No lecture.
No checklist.
Just the breeze… the mountains… conversations… laughter… and a little time to just be.
Before leaving, there was one more important responsibility. We looked around carefully to ensure that nothing we had brought remained on the mountain. Every wrapper, every fruit peel, every bottle came back with us.
The mountain had welcomed us for a few hours, and the least we could do was leave it exactly as we had found it. Leave No Trace isn't just InVANA's principle. It's a way of showing gratitude and respect for nature.
Reflection
As educators, we often wonder how children develop qualities such as responsibility, resilience, respect and community.
Perhaps these qualities are not always taught through lessons. They grow through experiences. Through conversations. Through making decisions together. Through carrying a hotpot because you chose hot breakfast. Through sharing snacks because you wanted everyone to enjoy them. Through making sure a mountain looks the same after you've left it.
Thank you once again for trusting us with your children. Thank you for allowing them to step outside the classroom and into nature. Your trust is what made this first expedition possible.
It has also given us the confidence to continue building InVANA Expeditions, and we are already looking forward to creating many more meaningful journeys together.
From the day
