Report on Outbound Training (OBT)
Venue: Mar Thoma Sleeha Dayara, Nallathanny
Date: 11 & 12 September 2025
Participants: MCA 2024–26 Batch, PG Department of Computer Applications
Resource Persons:
Day 1: Dr. Benny Kurian & Mr. Cijo P Jacob
Day 2: Dr. Benny Kurian, Mr. Jo Joseph & Mr. Syamkumar
Introduction
The PG Department of Computer Applications organized a two-day Outbound Training (OBT) program for the MCA 2024–26 batch students at Mar Thoma Sleeha Dayara, Nallathanny on 11 and 12 September 2025. The program aimed to foster creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and team bonding through experiential learning activities conducted in a natural environment.
Objectives of the OBT
- To encourage creativity and innovation in problem-solving.
- To strengthen critical thinking and decision-making under challenging situations.
- To promote teamwork, communication, and leadership qualities.
- To develop resilience, confidence, and risk-handling capacity among students.
- To provide a platform for applying classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios.
Activities Conducted
1. Creativity Task – Chair Using Waste Materials
Students were divided into teams and asked to design and construct a functional chair using waste materials available on-site. This activity emphasized innovation, design thinking, and resource optimization. Teams displayed remarkable creativity, and each group presented their models, explaining their thought process.
2. Balloon Walking
A fun yet challenging activity where students had to walk while holding balloons between their knees or bodies without letting them drop. This developed coordination, patience, and concentration, while also building trust among peers.
3. Broken Glass Walking
Under expert supervision, participants experienced the powerful activity of walking barefoot on broken glass. This exercise instilled self-belief, courage, and overcoming fear, showing students that many limitations exist only in the mind.
4. Fire Walking
Another high-impact activity where students walked barefoot across a short stretch of burning embers. With guidance from resource persons, participants successfully overcame hesitation, gaining confidence, mental strength, and resilience.
5. River Crossing Using Rope
Students were challenged to cross a river with the support of ropes. This physically engaging task required team coordination, strategy, and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of trust and mutual support.
6. Treasure Hunt
A multi-stage adventure game where clues were hidden across the venue, requiring students to solve riddles and complete mini-tasks to move forward. This activity enhanced critical thinking, collaboration, and time management in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.
Outcomes of the Training
- Students demonstrated enhanced creativity and innovation through design-based activities.
- Experiential learning fostered critical thinking and logical reasoning.
- Physically and mentally challenging tasks like glass walking, fire walking, and rope crossing built self-confidence and resilience.
- Group activities encouraged teamwork, leadership, communication, and collaboration.
- The training created a spirit of adventure and adaptability, helping students to step out of their comfort zones.
Conclusion
The Outbound Training at Mar Thoma Sleeha Dayara was a transformative learning experience for the MCA 2024–26 batch. The diverse set of activities—ranging from creative problem-solving to physically and mentally demanding challenges—allowed students to explore their strengths, overcome limitations, and work collectively as a team.
The program was a resounding success, leaving students motivated, confident, and better equipped with essential life skills that complement their academic learning.
