A unique nature camp titled "Bannyopraner Golpokotha" (Stories of Wildlife) was held at the National Botanical Garden in Mirpur on Friday, aiming to introduce children to wildlife and foster a deeper bond with nature.

Organised by Prokritipath Pathshala, the three-hour camp brought together children aged between five and 15, along with their parents, for an interactive outdoor learning experience.

The programme began with fun ice-breaking activities before participants explored the lush surroundings of the Botanical Garden to observe birds and other wildlife. The children sketched birds in their notebooks, recorded their names and characteristics, and took part in drawing sessions based on direct observation.

The organisers said the initiative was designed to encourage children to spend more time in nature at a time when much of their free time is dominated by mobile phones, tablets and other digital devices. They said children need to know and appreciate nature from an early age in order to develop a sense of responsibility towards protecting it.

The camp featured Jalal Ahmed, former president of the Bangladesh Bird Club, ornithologist and chairman of the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), as the lead mentor on wildlife.

Speaking at the end of the camp, Ahmed said he had enjoyed spending time with the children and was pleased to see them learning about birds and wildlife through play.

"I hope Prokritipath Pathshala will continue this wonderful initiative in the future," he said.

Other mentors included former chief botanist of the National Botanical Garden Shamsul Haque, botanist and architect Tughlaq Azad Mithu, and child development specialist and teacher Khadija Bappi. Through storytelling, observation and hands-on activities, they introduced children to wildlife, trees, flowers and plants in an engaging and accessible manner.

Parents attending the event called for such programmes to be organised regularly, saying they play an important role in children's mental development, environmental awareness and love for nature.

Expressing her thoughts, Sadia Sultana, co-founder of Prokritipath Pathshala and a mountaineer, said the initiative aims to help children grow up with empathy and affection for nature.

"We want children to become compassionate individuals by building a close relationship with nature. Beyond conventional classroom learning, we want to create opportunities for them to develop creativity, curiosity and critical thinking through joyful experiences and exploration," she said.

The camp was also attended by Prokritipath Pathshala founder and Everest climber
Ikramul Hasan Shakil, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Mahfujul Alom Masum, Ananda Binodon Editor SAM Sumon, urban planner Bibi Khadija, and others.

Prokritipath Pathshala is an educational initiative of the BON Foundation. The day-long programme concluded with the distribution of certificates among all participating children.