Vacation Training Programme

This summer vacation course for school students is conducted in April and May at ATREE, Bengaluru. The objective is to introduce young minds to issues pertaining to the use and conservation of natural bio-resources. Classroom sessions consist of lectures by eminent scientists and experts from the fields of biodiversity, urban wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, waste management, sustainable agriculture, conservation issues, water quality monitoring, sustainable living and forest products that contribute to livelihood of tribal folk. Lectures are usually followed by assignments and group projects.

Field trips expose students to the applications of concepts they have learnt in the classroom, and introduce them to the skills required for doing field work on bio-resources. Field trips are usually held in or near one of the Community-based Conservation Centres. Other places that have been visited in the past include Ramanagara Vulture Nesting area, Ranganthittu bird sanctuary, butterfly park in Bannerghatta National Park, and to Navadarshanam - an eco ashram. Screening of documentaries, and visits to research institutes are other elements of the course work.