The iLEAD Summer Boot Camp 2025 unfolded as a vibrant and transformative five-day experience designed to ignite the spirit of leadership, self-discovery, and creativity among young participants. True to its name – iLEAD stands for Inspire, Learn, Enjoy, Aspire, and Discover – the camp provided a dynamic platform for students to explore their potential while bonding with peers from across the country.
The camp commenced with the arrival of enthusiastic students and their families on a calm Sunday afternoon. Following a smooth registration process, participants enjoyed a guided campus tour alongside their parents. Refreshments at the food court offered a chance for informal introductions and conversations. Later, students were escorted to their hostels, marking the beginning of a new chapter. Dinner was served at 8:00 PM, followed by lights out at 10:00 PM – setting the stage for a week filled with inspiration and exploration.
Day 1: Igniting the iLEAD Spirit
Excitement and energy filled the campus as young leaders from cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Madurai gathered with a shared purpose: to grow, connect, and lead.
- Session 1: The day began with YoWell – Yoga & Wellness, led by Sri Suresh Raju, Yatheesh, and Tayananta. This session emphasized digital detox, mindfulness, and inner balance – phones were off, and minds fully engaged.
- Session 2: An interactive Ice-breaking and Induction session with Sri Suresh Raju and Sri Akshar K. N. helped participants bond and build trust through laughter and team-building activities.
- Session 3: The UPSC Journey session by Sri Nishanth and Sri Sudeep introduced campers to civil service careers, sparking curiosity and ambition.
- Session 4: Artists for a While, an immersive art workshop by Chitrakala Parishath faculty Sri Shivprasad and Sri Harshith, allowed students to express their creativity through hands-on art activities.
- Session 5: In the engaging Moot Court session led by Ms. Anusha, participants stepped into the world of law, experiencing the thrill of debate and the power of advocacy.
- Evening: The day concluded with Bachpan Reloaded – a joyous celebration of traditional childhood games, fostering connection and pure fun.
Nutritious meals and energizing snacks added delight to the busy, fulfilling day.
Day 2: Trek, Temples & Teamwork
Nature and adventure took center stage on Day 2, as participants embraced challenge and calm in equal measure.
- Session 1: A serene trek to Dibbagiri Hill, led by Sri Pradeep, included visits to ancient temples and moments of silent meditation and mantra chanting amidst natural surroundings.
- Session 2: Campers witnessed a gripping live firing demonstration by BSF jawans, gaining insights into the valor and responsibility of our armed forces. This was followed by a series of obstacle challenges that tested endurance, trust, and team spirit.
- Session 3: The Treasure Hunt Extravaganza, hosted by Yuvaka Sangha, was a high-energy event combining clues, movement, and teamwork.
- Session 4: The evening screening of Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran invoked pride in India’s scientific and strategic journey.
The day skillfully balanced physical activity with intellectual stimulation and patriotic inspiration.
Day 3: Hands-On Learning & Expression
Innovation, adventure, and self-expression defined the third day of the camp.
- Morning: A rejuvenating yoga session laid the foundation for the day’s active agenda.
- Session 1: Adventure sports including rappelling, jummering, and ladder climbing, coordinated by RC College students, pushed boundaries and built resilience.
- Session 2: In a clay modeling workshop guided by Akshar Sir, students crafted unique artifacts, blending creativity with patience.
- Session 3: Think. Speak. Win. – a dynamic workshop by Sri Pradyumna – focused on effective communication, debating skills, and confident body language.
- Session 4: Fun with Chemistry brought science to life, as Ms. Pramitha led campers through exciting experiments in a mini lab environment.
- Session 5: The day concluded with lively music and dance rehearsals for the upcoming valedictory, filling the evening with rhythm and enthusiasm.
Day 4: Culture, Nature & Mindfulness
This day encouraged deeper connections – with heritage, nature, and the self.
- Morning Yoga sessions brought calm and introspection.
- Session 1: A visit to the Sri Bhoga Nandishwara Temple offered insights into ancient architecture and cultural values, guided by Sri Naveen Bhat.
- Session 2: A peaceful experience at Rastrothana Goshala allowed students to spend time with cows, fostering a sense of compassion and environmental consciousness.
- Evening: The day closed with a Mouna Bhojana – a silent dinner that encouraged mindfulness and reflection, helping students absorb the journey so far.
Day 5: The Grand Finale
The final day was filled with preparation and celebration.
- A grounding yoga session in the morning set a tone of gratitude.
- From 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, students rehearsed and performed their Valedictory Presentations – showcasing all they had learned, expressed through music, dance, and spoken reflections.
The camp concluded with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and emotional warmth.
From serene treks and temple visits to exhilarating science labs and leadership simulations, the iLEAD Summer Boot Camp 2025 proved to be a holistic, life-enriching experience. It nurtured the minds, hearts, and spirits of future leaders.
Participants leave with new friendships, a stronger sense of self, and dreams that have been awakened and shaped by their journey here.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the students, parents, mentors, faculty, and support staff who made this journey possible.
As we close this chapter, let us carry forward the spirit of Inspiring, Learning, Enjoying, Aspiring, and Discovering – not just for a week, but for a lifetime.
