Scorpion Spirit in the Hills: Leading the Best Team in Nanital

I still remember the cool, pine-scented air of Nanital brushing past my face as our school bus curved up the hilly roads. It was a great adventure away from home, a 3-day twilight camp. I didn’t know back then that this trip would become one of the most memorable moments of my teenage years.

I had been assigned as the group leader of 12 students, and to be honest, I had no idea what that would mean until the camp actually began. But something in me knew I wanted to take it seriously. I wanted us to not just have fun, but to feel like a real team.

On day one we were told to name our teams. Without overthinking, we picked “The Scorpions.” It just sounded cool and fierce. But becoming a real team? That wasn’t instant.

At first, everyone was kind of doing their own thing. Some wanted to stay glued to their phones, others were awkwardly quiet. And as the leader, I was stuck between trying to make everyone bond and not come off as “too bossy.”

So, that night, around the campfire, I started small:

“If you could be anywhere else in the world right now, where would it be?”

The answers were funny, weird, even a little personal. But it broke the ice.

By the next day, we were moving like a unit.

The Challenges: Ropeways, Riddles & Trust Falls

We competed in all kinds of team-building tasks: obstacle races, rope climbing, mind puzzles, and my favorite was the trust fall. Imagine standing on a platform and falling backward into your team’s arms. Scary, but thrilling.

That was the moment it clicked me, we were actually trusting each other.

I also had to manage all kinds of things I hadn’t done before:

• Making sure everyone woke up on time

Keeping track of points

• Calming people down when things didn’t go right

It was not always easy. But it taught me how to lead with empathy instead of control.

The Last Night: Recognition That Made Me Cry (Almost)

On the final night, under a sky full of stars, we gathered in a circle. The instructors were announcing awards, and when they called out “Best Camp Leader” my name was said out loud.

I froze.

Then I smiled.

Then my entire team screamed, “Let’s go Scorpions!”

But it didn’t end there.

We also won “Best Team Award.” That was the part that meant the most. Because it was not about me, it was about us.

What I Took Back (Besides a Muddy Pair of Sneakers)

This camp taught me:

1)Leadership is not about giving orders, it’s about showing up.

2)You don’t have to be the loudest to be a good leader.

3)The best friendships often start with awkward silences.

Also… never pack sugary candies and sodas. Ever.