Leh: The 8th Edition of the Winter Camp organized by the Youth Association Kanji (YAK) concluded with an enthusiastic closing ceremony at Kanji Village. The event was graced by Dr. Morup Dorjey, Hon’ble Councillor, Lamayuru Constituency, LAHDC Leh, as the Chief Guest.
Initiated by Youth Association Kanji in 2017, the Winter Camp has been a continuous effort to provide holistic learning experiences for children in the region. The 2025 edition ran for 45 days, with 55 registered participants from Kanji Village engaging in various skill-building activities.
The camp focused on alternative skill-based learning, offering exposure to STEM education, SEE Learning, cultural preservation, IT technology, leadership and confidence-building, ice hockey coaching, and academic counseling. The initiative was supported by Royal Enfield and the Eicher Group Foundation, in collaboration with NGO partners Snow Leopard Conservatory Indian Trust (SLCIT) and Leh Nutrition Project (LNP), which provided training for facilitators and conducted ice hockey camps.
The closing ceremony featured an ice hockey exhibition match between YAK Black and YAK White under-15 teams, alongside an on-ice cultural dance performance by under-12 participants. Additionally, self-composed cultural programs and class projects, developed over the 45-day camp, were showcased.
In his address, the President of Youth Association Kanji emphasized the importance of continuing these camps, noting their role in strengthening local education, boosting confidence among youth, and producing talented ice hockey players who have competed at the national and international levels.
Chief Guest Dr. Morup Dorjey congratulated the youth of Kanji for their dedication to the village’s development and assured full support for future initiatives. He also highlighted significant contributions made for the upliftment of remote villages like Kanji.
The event was also attended by Thinles Angmo, Education Head of SLCIT, and Tsering Dolker, Program Coordinator, EGF (Royal Enfield) Leh, who addressed the gathering.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional Tashis Dance by YAK members, marking the success of this year’s camp and setting the stage for an even bigger 9th edition next year.
