For young campers, the volunteers are the heroes and heroines of the camp. They are fun to be with  jolly and friendly. Their knowledge evokes respect. They wield authority and enjoy it. They get to roam the most exotic places like Lakshadweep, Sikkim, Ranthambore, Manali and indulge in SCUBA diving, rafting, trekking, wildlife - all for free! And some even get paid for enjoying all this. No wonder they are the role models for the young campers.

What is it that sets these youngsters, seniors by only a few years, apart from rest of the crowd?

We, at Pugmarks, believe that our volunteer training program makes all the difference. Sure enough talent is there but it is dormant. Pugmarks provides the first opportunity for the natural talent to surface and bloom. Pugmarks discovers in you the natural leaders, naturalists, team builders, adventurers. It is great to discover yourself - give it a try. It could change your life.

Volunteer training program 2009 - 10

The training program covers a wide range of subjects, from first aid to environment and team building to star gazing. It is hands on practical training under the guidance of experts in various fields.

Let us be clear on one point - it is a tough life for volunteers. They are required to work hard and put in substantial hours in addition to normal obligations of schools / colleges. Sure enough the rewards are worth all the hard work put in.

Salient features of Certificate Course in Volunteer Training

Eligibility : Enthusiasm and the ability to work hard are a must.
                  Minimum age 14 years
                  Persons from academia, free lancers, housewives are welcome.
Duration  : First Semester. - 4 July to 4 October, 2009
                 1 November, 2009 to 28 February, 2010
Time       : Classroom sessions - 0830 to 1230 hrs on Sundays as per schedule.
Place      : Pugmarks - 131, Poornima Towers, 397 Shankarshet Road, Pune 411 037
                 Tel: 91-20-3052 3478 or 3052 3479
Instructions : English ( support in Marathi )
Course Fees : Rs. 7000/- for the course. (non refundable )
                      (Rs. 3500/- towards the course fees and Rs. 3500/- for the mandatory field trips.)
                       Rs. 3500/- are payable at the time of admission. Balance Rs. 3500/- before 1st
                       September 2009.
Cost of the Project (elective), being subjective in nature, is not included in the fees and will be additional.

No of seats : 40 only, on first come first served basis.
Last day for Enrollment : 30 June 2009

Opportunities after training :

1. Work as instructor/volunteer with Pugmarks. Rewards include concessions/ free camping to attractive remuneration depending on merit.

2. Many senior volunteers earn over Rs. 15,000/- during a camping season

3. Free camps worth 7,000 to 20,000 in the first year of volunteering possible. Recover your investment in one year.

4. Full time career with Pugmarks for deserving candidate. You can earn a good salary, while working in an area of your passion.

5. Career opportunities as naturalist, camp counselors, resource persons, corporate trainer. (advanced training essential )

The training program is highly effective in self development. Even if a candidate does not pursue a career, time and money spent on the program are really worthwhile.

Admission procedure :
1. Fill in the application form and mail it to Pugmarks.
Click to download Volunteer Training Programme - Enrollment Form
2 Make full payment in Pugmarks office by cash or by local cheque in the name of "Eco Tours".

Note :- Pugmarks reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone without giving reason. Pugmarks has the right to terminate the training of a person guilty of indecent / unethical behavior.

Syllabus

Field trips and outings (Mandatory and Free)

* Bhimashankar overnight
* Torna - full day
* Sinhagad / Mulshi - Full day
* Panchgani overnight

Project (elective)

Volunteers will choose one of the following subjects for specialization and do a project under expert guidance.

Please note that the cost associated with the project (including out station expenses) are not covered by the course fees and the volunteers will have to bear the same.

Faculty
The faculty will be a mix of professionals plus experts from Pugmarks. Emphasis will be on practice rather than theory.

Certificate

Candidates who successfully complete the course and the project will be awarded a certificate.
Such certificate holders will be eligible for Advance Volunteer Training and can attend the camps in the capacity of volunteers.