LEILA SOINIO

My first impression of the camp wasn't as bad as i was expecting..i really thought we were supposed to sleep under ther sky and manage without any water, toilets etc...so it really felt like luxury to come Spandan and see how good conditions we would stay in.

Those six days at the camp went so fast..i enjoyed my every moment with the greatest students and leaders and i have nothing to complain about the activies, food or anything else. Maybe the only thing is, that we were in such a hurry all the time, it was difficult to find time even for a short shower. But at least no one was bored :-)

My highlights of YS were well first of all, the bustrip from hot and hectic Mumbai to peaceful and breathtakingly beutiful Panchgani. In Mumbai were we moving in a quite small area (because of the time limit, i understand) so that journey really showed us how huge Mumbai exactly is, it took so long till we were out of the city and then all the suburbs came and then it all changed to rural little villages...i loved it.

Then I really enjoyed all the little trips to nearby areas, like data-collecting in Mahabaleshwar (we had amazing time with our group and it really brought us together),

all the trekkings to the nature, Panchagani village visit and the night at St. Peters. Again you indians showed how much you care for your guests... with all the great food and programme at the school. So for the future when there will be more Youth Summits i really suggest to arrange those visits to the life of real indians...show them how people really live there and what their life is about. Fow example i had an opportunity to visit a real indian home at Panchagani with Manthan, one of the Campioners..For me it was groundbreaking experience and here at home i can't even discribe to my friends what was it like.

Hopefully here was something that may help you with future, all i want to say is that our trip was spectacular...we were all very pleased with every little act you arranged us. In the end, it's the people who made this journey so amazing. My biggest thanks goes to you, to Abel-foundation and to every single person who somehow helped us in the camp, in the St. Peters and in Mumbai. You are all one of a kind and i've never met anyone who would do so much for other people.

With love,
Leila