Lifesaving Camp 2025, organized by Blind Rocks in partnership with UK-based Stretch More, marked a powerful step toward disability-led disaster preparedness in Nepal. Held from October 27 to November 6, 2025, in Kathmandu, the 10-day residential camp brought together 15 visually impaired participants for intensive, hands-on training in first aid, swimming, and outdoor survival skills. The core mission was clear: to ensure that individuals with visual impairments are not passive recipients of help during emergencies, but capable, confident responders who can safeguard themselves and assist others when disaster strikes.
The camp opened with tremendous energy under the leadership of swimming and survival skills trainer Nemat Ahangosh and first aid trainer Sabita Lamicchane. Participants explored fire-making, shelter-building, navigation, and emergency medical response, all taught through adaptive techniques that honored the diverse access needs of blind and low-vision learners.
Swimming training became one of the most transformative components. Despite cold water and frequent rain, conditions that would test anyone’s resolve, participants pushed through, learning the basics of floating, breathing, and safe water movement. What began with hesitation ended with joy. As one participant said, “I came here afraid of the water, but now I feel like a fish when I’m in it.” First aid training covered essential life-saving skills including handling cuts, wounds, bleeding, choking, CPR, and the safe use of fire extinguishers. The group also learned to collect crisis-related information, an essential step in preparing for emergencies intelligently rather than reactively.
Unlike typical training environments, this camp unfolded in harsh and unpredictable weather. Rain, cold evenings, and slippery outdoor conditions threatened to interrupt sessions, yet they became the most valuable part of the learning process. Participants discovered not only how to perform survival techniques, but how to do so when it is hardest, when conditions are uncomfortable and critical. These challenges strengthened adaptability, teamwork, patience, and mental resilience, skills no classroom can replicate.
Many participants arrived unsure, especially around water and high-pressure emergency situations where they had previously relied on sighted assistance. But over 10 days, those uncertainties dissolved. As another participant expressed, “This camp taught me how to take care of myself and support others during emergencies.” These voices reflect the real success of Lifesaving Camp 2025: fear replaced by courage, dependency replaced by capability, and self-doubt replaced by confidence.
The camp was hosted at Samara Garden Resort, whose accessible and secure environment enabled participants to learn safely. The commitment of trainers, volunteers, and participants ensured that every participant received individualized support throughout the program.
Blind Rocks extends heartfelt gratitude to Stretch More team, the trainers, the resort team, and everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative.
Lifesaving Camp 2025 proved that when training is inclusive, nothing, not even disaster, can limit human potential.
