Nisargshala Camp Field Guide

How to Prepare for a Nature Camp Near Pune & Mumbai

A practical preparation guide for families, children and teenagers joining Nisargshala nature and adventure camps in the Sahyadris. From packing and personal essentials to documentation, safety and pickup arrangements, everything important is brought together here.

Choose your preparation guide

Every camp has its own rhythm.

Nisargshala's camps range from parent-child nature experiences for younger children to adventure and leadership camps for teenagers, along with overnight stargazing experiences.

01

Huppya

Age 8–14 · 3 Days / 2 Nights

Nature adventure, trekking, team activities, star gazing and experiences designed to build confidence and help children overcome fears.

Prepare for Huppya →
02

Kutuhal

Age 3–7 · Parent Participation

Exploration, creative play, nature connection, painting, tree planting, nature walks, field cooking and family-friendly outdoor experiences.

Prepare for Kutuhal →
03

Sahas

Age 15+ · 3 Days / 2 Nights

An adventure and leadership-oriented camp featuring rappelling, river crossing, raft-building, survival skills, nature trails and creative experiences.

Prepare for Sahas →
04

AgniShikha

Girls · Approx. Age 10–15

A women-centric nature and adventure experience focused on wilderness skills, fire safety, confidence and team challenges.

Prepare for AgniShikha →
05

Overnight / Stargazing

All Ages · 1 Night

Overnight camping, guided stargazing, astronomy education and quiet night-time experiences at the Nisargshala campsite.

Prepare for the night →

Before you leave home

Pack for the experience, not just the journey.

A nature camp is different from a regular holiday. Children and teenagers may walk, trek, explore, participate in outdoor activities, spend time away from screens and learn to manage some of their own belongings.

Comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, personal essentials, labelled belongings and the right documents make the experience smoother for both participants and parents.

The packing guide

What should go into the backpack?

Requirements vary slightly between camps. Use this as a practical starting checklist and refer to your camp-specific preparation page for additional requirements.

Clothing

  • Comfortable full-sleeve clothing
  • Track pants or comfortable walking trousers
  • Extra undergarments and socks
  • Warm layer for evenings and mornings
  • Rainwear where appropriate
  • Comfortable sleepwear

Footwear

  • Comfortable trekking or walking shoes
  • Break in new trekking shoes before camp
  • Sandals, Crocs or floaters for camp use
  • Water-friendly footwear where required

Personal Essentials

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap and personal hygiene items
  • Towel
  • Personal medicines in original containers
  • Sun protection

For Exploration

  • Small daypack
  • Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
  • Magnifier for nature exploration
  • Shawl for cooler evenings
  • Rainwear or small umbrella
  • Plastic bags for wet or used clothing

For Memories

  • Diary or journal
  • Pen and notebook
  • Nature observation notebook
  • Crayons and colour pencils where required
  • Sketch pens, pencil and eraser

Camp Essentials

  • Plate and small bowl
  • Cup or mug
  • Pillow and pillowcase if needed
  • Shawl or warm layer
  • Clearly labelled belongings

For parents

A little preparation makes a big difference.

Belongings

Label everything

Mark clothes, shoes, water bottles and personal belongings clearly with the participant's name.

Footwear

Prepare shoes early

New trekking shoes should be comfortably broken in before the camp rather than worn for the first time on an activity.

Independence

Let children manage

Depending on the camp, children are encouraged to manage their belongings and participate actively in camp routines.

Communication

Prepare for screen-free time

Some camps store mobile phones securely during activities so that participants can remain engaged with the outdoor experience.

Before camp day

Complete the essentials.

Documentation and health requirements should be completed before departure. Requirements can differ by camp, so always follow the instructions provided for your registered experience.

01

Consent & permission

Complete the required participant consent or permission form and submit the signed document as instructed by the Nisargshala team.

02

Health & fitness

Where a physical fitness certificate is required, complete the check-up within the timeframe specified for your camp.

03

ID documents

Keep the required identity documents and school ID information ready and submit them through the communication channel provided by the camp team.

Camp etiquette & safety

Respect the land. Follow the guide.

Nature camps work best when participants follow facilitator instructions, respect the campsite and travel light. Safety and engagement are shared responsibilities.

  • Follow instructions. Follow activity protocols and facilitator guidance at all times.
  • Keep valuables away. Expensive jewellery, unnecessary cash and valuables should not be sent with children.
  • Leave gadgets behind. Electronic devices and mobile phones may be restricted or stored securely during camp activities.
  • Protect the ecosystem. Avoid unnecessary plastic and never leave waste behind.
  • Fire requires care. Matches and other fire-related items must be handled responsibly because dry grass can catch fire quickly.
  • Carry only what you need. Suitcases and trolley bags are unsuitable for the nature-camp experience.

Travel day

Know where the
journey begins.

Pickup Point Opp. Maratha Mandir,
Bavdhan, Pune
Huppya Pickup 7:00 AM reporting
Bus leaves at 7:15 AM sharp
Important If late, parents may need to drop the child directly at camp.
Camp Location Nisargshala,
Pasali Village, Velhe, Pune

Your next step

Now pack light, come curious.

Choose your camp, read the specific preparation instructions and get ready for time outdoors in the Sahyadris.

Explore Camp Schedules →