Tourist basics: "Camp of Masters" teaches guests of the "Geography Lessons" exposition important hiking skills

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Interactive "Camp of Masters" stations have begun operating at the National Centre RUSSIA in the space of the "Geography Lessons" exposition, adding an engaging practical adventure to visitors’ exploration of the eight halls. Every day over the past week, guests of all ages have been mastering skills that become an important part of comfort on any hike, and sometimes of safety too.

Visitors will find three stations along the guided tour route. At one of them, they are taught how to pack a real hiking backpack: not simply throwing things inside, but arranging them wisely so that the centre of gravity does not pull backwards and essential items do not have to be searched for at the very bottom for a long time.

"My friends and acquaintances were always surprised that I could easily fit many things into a small backpack, and do it very neatly. So whenever someone was going on a trip, they would always ask me to help pack their suitcases, and I was terribly proud of it. But at this exposition, even I — one might say, an unrivalled packing genius — gained valuable knowledge about how to do it even better," shared Natalia, a visitor to the exposition.

The second station is dedicated to the art of tying hiking knots, the very ones that will not come undone at the worst possible moment. Schoolgirl Alina was surprised: "I used to think that all knots were the same and differed only in how strong they were. But it turned out that there are special hiking knots, which I can now easily tie for reliable safety."

The third station reveals one of the most important skills needed on any hike: how to pitch a tent correctly and quickly so that it is not blown away by the wind, flooded by rain, and can be packed away again in the morning without unnecessary stress or effort.

"I was always afraid of pitching a tent: it seemed like some complicated, almost engineering-level task. But here, in ten minutes, they proved that it is much easier than I thought. Now I will definitely be in charge of tents in our student group," admitted 23-year-old Alexei.

The "Camp of Masters" stations at the "Geography Lessons" exposition are open until 9 July and welcome tourists every day from 10:00 to 20:00. Come and combine knowledge about geographical discoveries and the vast expanses of your native country with useful skills that every traveller will need.