The world has changed dramatically over the past few years and has unfortunately forgotten the meaning of words like “Hard work, Teamwork and Unity”. But one Foundation, known as Adventure Foundation of Pakistan realized this in time and is now trying to make a difference in the mind of young generation so the world would be stay as beautiful as it was once. A.F.P. hopes that coming generation can also enjoy and appreciate nature like us.

In 2004 AFP arranged another successful trip, this time at Azad Kashmir, a gifted country whose beauty and potential is being ruined by man. About 120 students from all over Pakistan were nominated by their respective schools and then further selected by the AFP members and send to Azad Kashmir with well trained tem of experts to take part in the 3^rd NCMCM (National Children Mountain Conservation Meet).

I am Abuzar Aziz, a 12yearold student of Lahore Alma. One day a few students and I were called by a teacher and were informed about NCMCM and that we had been nominated. Initially I thought it was dreaming but it was for real; our teacher told us the rules and regulations of the meet that we were to be interviewed by the AFP.

I was convinced that I would be selected and I was. Soon the day for our departure arrived and we collected at Lahore Daewoo Station. In five hours time we reached at Abbottabad where we visited the “SOS village-Dodhial” and stayed for two days. Here we were given our sleeping bags mattresses and rain suits and some were also given the essential things which they has forgotten to bring. Here I met many different people, people form Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Chitral, Gilgit, Azad Kashmir, itself and even Dubai. We were trained for the tough expeditions ahead us. It was quite difficult to manage 120 students so they divided us into four groups each with their respective names Blue, Red, Yellow & Green. I was put in the blue Group and not all my friends were in it but then the concept of the trip was to make new friends and socialize with different types of people. 

That day the Blue and Green groups went to camping area known as Dao Khan and the other groups were sent to a place called as Sudhan Gali. When we reached Dao Khan our tents were ready and we quickly retired for the night. The next day we climbed the mountain to observe the line of control which took us about ten hours. That must have one of the most hectic days of my life. The other day we went to Lipa Valley, the closest valley from the LOC. The route was terrible. After five hours we reached Lipa Valley exhausted but the beautiful view and the fast flowing river refreshed us in no time. Later that night we also had a bonfire in which we all danced representing our respective cities.

 The sixt morning we left for Sudhan Gali And met the Red and Yellow groups on their way to Dao Khan. At Sudhan Gali we rested and prepared ourselves for the next challenging task: a climbed to Azad Kashmir highest mountain, “Ganga Choti” surprisingly initially no one backed down as we trekked more then 3000 feet high. However during our struggle some people found it more difficult and had to return but I manage to complete it in about seven hours. We returned heroes to our base camp and then enjoy taking and socializing with friends. The next morning we went to forest to study “Flora & Fauna”

The eight morning we went to joined base camp known as “Ghari Dupata” where all the groups bunked together. That night our cultural evening took place. The next morning we went to Islamabad where we stayed at “Islamabad Youth Hostel”. Later that night we also enjoyed the delicious recipes from all over Islamabad by going to Islamabad’s food street. Then we work up the next day we were told to pack our things as we were going for our last activity, which was the closing ceremony at Islamabad’s Margalla Hotel. During the ceremony we had different speeches and some special prizes were given and certificates were also distributed among us. As I reached Lahore we thanked the members of AFP who had tolerated us for ten whole days.

The thing learned by this trip was not only the protection of our environment but I also learned that we shouldn’t just keep on complaining about the lack of resources but try to utilized them to the fullest. I noticed that I was completely changed in positive way.

I would like to thank my school for nominating me and AFP for giving us such a once in a lifetime opportunity and for teaching us to appreciate our environment. This trip was something I shall never forget, and I can’t help but feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this