Glamping made fun by VSNE

VSNE had organized the summer camping from July 19 - 22, 2019 in the midst of  the beautiful greenery of  White Mountains, NH. There were over a 100 people including about 45 kids and a few parents from India.

I would like to call this camping experience as Glamping because this place had all the glamorous amenities for camping like nice spacious camping sites, water, electricity supply near all the campsites, access to the banks of Saco river, playground for kids, delicious food by volunteers and of course, dear VSNE members.

Since it was our first time camping with our kids (2 and 5-year-old), me and my husband were a little nervous about camping. We did our homework to prepare for the camping and also our VSNE board members had shared the checklist for camping, things to do in the area. This information made us feel confident about our plan.

We reached the camping site around 7.30 in the evening after a long 4-hour drive due to Friday traffic all the way from Ashland, MA. As soon as we reached the campsite, we rushed to put up the tent before the sun went down. Then, our volunteers offered delicious onion bajji, avalakki, and nice tea/coffee. Many people started to arrive around the same time and since many were experienced campers, people were helping each other to help put up the tents. Our kids were super excited to see their friends and started to jump around until they got tired. VSNE volunteers had prepared delicious dinner for the night. 

Next morning (Saturday) kids woke up really early and went to play with their friends. A few volunteers had prepared yummy idli, sambar, and chatni for the breakfast. It was our turn to prepare lunch on Saturday for our VSNE group. Being inexperienced, we lacked the confidence to prepare lunch for about 100 people. Our VSNE members provided tips and motivated us to prepare the food. I would like to thank VSNE members for pushing us out of the comfort zone. After cooking and cleaning, we headed to the Saco river to play in the water. Some people went for kayaking in the Saco river and hikining in the neraby trails. In the evening our VSNE members had organized dumb charades and a few other games. After the games, we were served with mensin kayi bonda and sumptuous North Karantaka dinner including jolada rotti, mulgayi ennegayi, kaalina palya, rice sambar.

On Sunday, July 21st, we started our day with tasty uppittu, kesaribath and also early lunch was ready for people to take out for hiking or other activities. We went to Saco river banks again, and played antyakshari and beach volleyball. In the evening we had tempting masalapuri and S'mores ended with mouth- watering traditional Karnataka dinner with gasgase payasa.

To sum up we had a memorable glamping experience organized by VSNE members. A few of our friends' parents had a great time seeing us enjoy in the camp.

Once again I would like to thank EC members, volunteers for pulling-off  a well planned & executed camping trip along with the timely served delicious food, sports and water activities. We appreciate your hard work and commitment to the organization.