Troop: 9 Karnataka Battalion,SD/SW/JD/JW
Place: State Youth Services Centre,Vidyanagar
Participants: 509 Cadets
Commanding Officer: Lt Col. Surendranath MS.

Aims of the Camp
· Intensive individual and collective training.
· Instill qualities of leadership, morale and discipline.
· Develop amongst cadets a sense of responsibility and espirit d' corps.
· To give a feel of camp life and develop mental and physical stamina.

Get Set and Go
We were pumped up as we set out for our first camp site, with our seniors telling us about the last minute 'dos and don'ts'. We hauled our luggage and after a joint photo session, the company got into the bus and drove out of the college gate with three cheers. Destination Vidyanagar! This was going to be our first camp site, the stepping stone in our journey as Cadets. It was destined to be a learning experience. Reporting and Allotment On arrival at Vidyanagar, we formed a queue behind the Registration Desk and then accompanied the officer who showed us the barrack allotted to us. But what was it like? Peeping through, the first glance inside was satisfactory as there were cots and pillows. Overall a neat barrack. Our senior was showed the area around It was fun to tidy up the barrack and surroundings. This instilled in us a sense of responsibility as we unpacked and arranged the barrack to make it our home away from home. End of the Day Sometimes at a camp you feel that the day was much longer than just a mere 24 hours. Or sometimes just 24 hours seem less to cope up with the schedule. Staying together with your fellow mates is sheer fun and the best part is everyone can empathise with you. If you know that you are tired, everyone else is sailing in the same boat. Working together, teaching each other, cracking jokes, celebrating a birthday party, waking up everyone early in the morning- all these tits and bits is what makes a happy and successful camp. One may be too tired to even remove shoes before going to bed but at the end of the camp, it is worth the pain and pleasure. Closing Address and Camp Fire The closing address by the Commanding Officer was as warm as the opening address. It was a gratifying feeling to see that everyone at the camp was contented after the twelve day camp. And many heights achieved with the performance of the cadets. The address ended with best wishes for the future and all the winners of every camp bagging awards for their efforts. The Commanding Officer always set aside time for the Cadets to have fun th and entertainment. On 12 night, just after dinner, each of the Companies took to the stage to entertain the audience. With the Skits and Jokes, everyone had a hearty laugh. The Commanding Officer had special praise for those who gave a spectacular show, no doubt a befitting end to an evening of fun and frolic. The Competitions Various inter-company competitions were conducted within the CATC camp, namely the Drill Competition. Each Company performed Part – I, Part – II drills to the best of their ability and the participants were judged. The line-Area Competition which included the kit lay out and maintenance of our barrack was the one looked out for as everyday despite the tight schedule; cadets made it a point that the line area was spic n span. The cultural competition, where every company put up their best show was worth matching. In their best attires the cadets seemed to be bubbling with talent as even the JD's and JW's put up a spectacular show. The Flag Area Competition had each Company Briefing on a particular topic, preferably a topic with global implications. 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm was for another Drill session and also practice for the Inter-company Drill Competition. Then followed the most enjoyable time- an hour long session of games. This was in fact the first time that such a practice was introduced in a camp regime. This included games like Basketball, Volleyball, Throw ball, Cricket etc. to make the camp all the more enjoyable and provide a healthy competition. All the cadets are thankful to our CO for the continued support. 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm was the time allotted for the cultural practice. At 7.00 pm dinner was served the best part about every meal was the novel serving procedure. Each of the Cadets had to serve the other and vice versa. Post dinner, we had ample time to set up everything for the day ahead. Blood Donation Camp As per the schedule, a blood donation camp was arranged and the cadets, staff and the commanding officers donated blood. Camp Schedule and Timings The timings were arranged much to the benefit and comfort of the cadets. The first fall in for the PT parade was at 6.00 am, punctuality was paramount. The PT regime was different for the JSE and RD groups. The RD group was to handle the issued Rifles also. A strict P. T. regime ended at 7.00 am at the parade ground. We returned to the barrack for breakfast. The food served was highly nutritious and commendable, appreciated by all. All the cadets, ANO's, P. T. staff next met on the parade ground for the drill which extended from 8.00 am to 10.00 am. It was rifle drill for the RD group and firing and obstacles for the JSE group. This was followed by the theory classes from 10.00am to 12.00 noon. After lunch at 12.00 noon in the mess, a break followed till 3.00 pm, this was utilized to freshen up and gear up for the evening. At 6.00 pm was the Roll call parade where once again the whole camp met, discussed and appreciated the events of the day. Soon, the cadets from the other companies could be seen pouring in with ample amount of time to settle down. We were made acquainted with the rules and regulations of the camp. Opening Address by the Commanding Officer Once again, the CO emphasized on the rules and regulation, but most importantly, he stressed upon the aims of the camp- a two way learning process. The warm address undoubtedly helped the participating Cadets understand that though they were from different companies, respect for their seniors was paramount and they should live as a family and return to their homes satisfied. TSC and Republic Day On the basis of interest and general performance, the Cadets were divided into groups - Thal Sainik Camp (TSC) and Republic Day (RD). There was a special category for Cadets who were neither in RD nor TSC. They had special training classes and Theory classes arranged for them. Ankhi Das B.Sc(Biotechnology)