They camped at Altınpınar Limni Lake and received mountain climbing training from JAK teams

Students of Gümüşhane University camped for 4 days at Altınpınar Limni Lake together with Gendarmerie Search and Rescue (JAK) teams to receive training on descent, climbing, and search and rescue in the mountains. Located 15 kilometers from Torul district of Gümüşhane, Altınpınar Limni Lake, surrounded by Scots pine forests, enchanting with its authentic plateaus and natural beauties, hosted the camp of students from Gümüşhane University Emergency Aid and Disaster Management Department (AYAY), who received mountain search and rescue training from JAK teams. Approximately 60 students who participated in the training received lectures on map and coordinate determination, rope climbing and descent, avalanche search, and implemented them during the camp. On the last day of the training, JAK teams specially arrived from Ankara to introduce climbing equipment to the AYAY students, who then successfully performed descents and climbs on slopes following strict safety measures. Some students experienced fear during their first descents and climbs, but were motivated by JAK teams to successfully complete their training.
Gümüşhane University AYAY Department’s Research Assistant Ali Çam emphasized the importance of practical training for students to be field-ready, stating, ‘As a department, we have created a training plan with JAK teams. This training plan includes survival-themed activities in nature, such as descent, climbing, and rope transitions. We came to Altınpınar Limni Lake in Torul for this training. Here, we conducted both theoretical and practical applications for about 4 days. These trainings help students reinforce topics they couldn’t grasp well in classes. Our students have uniforms, and we provide necessary warnings about discipline from the moment they arrive, aiming to establish field discipline. We offer these types of trainings for them to maintain this discipline when they go out to work. Our students’ performances are very good; we have students from every class, and they are enthusiastic.’
AYAY Department 4th-year student Fatmanur Çoban mentioned that they didn’t have difficulty during the training, saying, ‘For 4 days, we have been receiving practical training here to put into practice the theoretical training we have been receiving for 4 years. We simulate scenarios of descent and ascent from mountains related to search operations in the mountains and experience many applications. The trainings were not difficult for us, 4th-year students, as we had received such trainings before. Therefore, we did not struggle much.’ Another 4th-year student of AYAY Department, Ömer Güler, stated, ‘Our 4-day training started theoretically; we first got to know the equipment. Then we learned about maps and coordinate systems. We had training on aerial rope pass, descent, and climbing. Today, we further reinforced this with the JAK team.’