Adventure Camp- Boys of wisdom and stature

                    Sec 3 Adventure Camp- Boys of wisdom and stature.

   When people asks you about the best time in your secondary 3 life usually we students reply that the camp was the best time the class has ever felt a bonding, thus making it memorable.

It was a week before the secondary 3 camp and I was anxious I felt that we may not be a united class as there is a difference between us. Some of us are more towards studying and gaming while there are others that are enthusiastic about sports, because of this difference there was a thought that we may not get along well and only get into each others way, it has been happening since the school started we have not mixed around but instead sticking to the friends that we hang out with or share secrets to.

Then judgment day came, the entire secondary 3 cohort was carrying big and small bags for the camp. We boarded the bus and travelled a long distance as if it seem like we were travelling to Malaysia but thank god we finally made it after a one and a half hour of driving. Our legs were numb thanks to the bus ride nevertheless we were positive about the camp until we were told to sit in the fiery red sun. Even though we were mad on the inside but we tried to remain calm. When I saw the lodges the first image that came into my head was at least we have a place to sleep in and is sheltered. Suddenly, voices of a lady told us that we were going to sleep in tents and are to fit five people in the tent, it was then when I was bewilder furthermore we had to built our own tents I was trying to be on the positive side but I was slowly being eaten by the dark. We met our trainers and had lunch together, I was finally seeing the light as our trainers were quite well known to take things easy and sometimes to the extreme. Our first activity was ‘Nature Discovery’. We were given photographs of some plants and insects we had to get. I volunteered myself to search for the insects (alive). It was fun catch them especially the grasshoppers. After we achieved the samples, we were given a sheet of paper and were told to draw a map and indicate where we found the samples. From then on, our class was divided into two groups for the activities. During these activities, we had many opportunities to experience teamwork.

Soon dawn came upon us and it was also the time to replenish our body with food, than came our last activity of the day the blind man’s trail it was lots of fun and scary at the same time but we had a lot of courage and take on the challenge and we made it out alive.

  The next day was not as interesting for me as I was not allowed to do much because of my skin problem but I tried to help the class in many ways I can. To me the only fascinating thing was the campfire as we were united as one and I saw the improvement of the class. We did our cheer and enjoyed the show, but what I learnt the most was the speech Mrs Toh gave us she inspired me to continue and be the best of my abilities.

  It was the day when smiles was over everyone’s face even the sick was looking forward to it as it was the last day, we were rewarded for having the best cheer and gain the wisdom to be men of god. The debrief of Mr Kong was about life and the purpose and obstacles we will face in time to come.

Keefe Chew     (15)         3ST

A sense of belonging~ SEC 3 CAMP

   The Secondary three camp was really a life changing experience for not only me but all of us. During the camp, a huge bond was made between our class as it was essential to apply teamwork and trust among your team. Without further ado, I shall begin on my personal recount.

On that early morning of camp, as I dragged my heavy bag into the courtyard, the frowns on my classmates faces made it evident that they were unwilling to leave for camp. I decided that I should not think badly about typical scout camps, instead be optimistic. After usual morning assembly, we were assigned our camp leaders one was a Caucasian and the other was malay Omar and Hilmi. In minutes the cohort was marching up onto the waiting buses , that would bring us to Camp Christine. Soon the bus turn in to this stretch of road filled with grave stones and a huge grassland, not a soul to be found there. It was a untenanted without inhabitants this was a bad sign for us as the campsite was nearing.

In a few minutes, we found ourselves ‘unloaded’ out of the bus, and ask to wait on this grass patch with the sun scorch beating down on our necks. The camps commandants did their administration and soon enough we were given our next task which was pitching your own tent. The instructor showed us carefully how to set it while we watched and learnt .I was surprised that this was what we were going to sleep in. I also realized that all of us had to leave our luxuries like our comfy beds and air conditioning behind. Soon after our accommodation was set up, our first mission was to find insects such as a frog a grasshopper and a cricket.

The rest of Day 1 activities were activities like crossing from one tree trunk to the other tree trunk with just three wood sticks, it was amazing how my classmates actually step out from their comfort zones to give ideas to the team. Eventually, everyone in the group made it across and this gave me a sense of belonging to this special class which I am going to spend with till I leave this village. Another one of the memorable was the night activity called, the Blind Man Trail. In this activity all of us had to put on our blindfolds and hold the person in front of you so we would not lose our way in the trail. We then had to pass down messages as there were obstacles obstructing our way, you also had to entrust your friends in telling you the right orders as you only had the sense of touch and hearing. After group discussion, it was lights out.

On the second day, we were awoken by the chatter of the cohort getting ready outside our tents. We then gathered out, lethargically on the same grass patch to start ‘the kungfu panda’ morning exercise. Sadly it was extremely tiresome and making everyone more sluggish. Omar seeing our the ‘life’ in us, enlighten us saying that today was the day we were going into the mission ‘nature rumble’ which was surprisingly the highlight of the camp as we were going to get real muddy. This activity really thought us about the jungle and it can be a very dangerous place when trekkers like us don co-operate. It really made us grow some ‘balls’ as we had to walk carefully as it was extremely slippery and muddy. We even as boys had to hold our friends as support in case we slip. As we got through different stages of the forest, we came to a mud swamp which was chest level we had to literally slip yourself inside as trainer Omar was leading the front group, despite professional help, I got the assistance of my dear classmates to get down in the swamp. It was extremely hard to walk in the river at first as our shoe constantly get trapped in the thick mud below the murky water astonishingly as we got deeper it was actually easier to walk through the swamp. Trainer Hilmi tried to scare us with objects that look like weird animals in the cloudy water! Finally we reach the end of the swamp and had to pull each other up the slippery slope, we had to entrust each other to help each other up safely. Lastly, it was rafting it was when all of us could ‘bathe’ ourselves and our shoes in the sea. Many of us did not know how to build a raft then. Thankfully there a few scouts classmates that had obtain the skill probably in their camps. We all then gave the scouts all our attention on how to construct the raft. We really enjoyed our time at the water and some of us even fall of the raft. Although it was not much of a distance but we still enjoyed it.

Soon enough it was time to bead our trainers farewell, and we thank them for this life changing camp. This camp gave me a sense of belonging from this class as we as a class have grew in to man of wisdom and stature and will stand by each other in times of need in this two prosperous years. It will definitely be etched in a big portion of my brain, for the amazing brotherhood spirit made during this camp.


Done by: Colin Chua (7)

Secondary 3 Adventure camp: Developing into men of wisdom and stature

Developing man of wisdom and stature who will stand in favour with God and with man is our school’s mission. The camp was one of the challenges to achieve our school’s mission and also to bond our secondary three classes together as a school. Even though the camp was compulsory many did not turn up for wrong reasons. The camp was a three day two night camp.

Early in the morning we were to report to school in our P.E attire, there were many different shapes and sizes of back packs some looking like they are going for an overseas trip while others are as if they are just staying for one night. Some of us did not like the idea of going to the camp as we heard many scary and disgusting things from our senior’s past experiences while others were exited to go to the camp.

On the first day after what seems like a coach ride to Malaysia we reached the camp site. Everyone was complaining about how cramp their legs were and others just woke up from their short sleep stretching their stiff arms and making moaning noises. We got off the bus with our big and heavy bags and marched to the camp’s main dome. We were assigned our trainers and class names. The head of the camp briefed us though the fire drill and the rules of the camp grounds.

 We started by pitching our tents and the trainer did a demonstration, but not every tent was perfect. The first activity we did was to search for a list of things in the camp site; they were different types of leaves, grasshopper, cricket and a frog. I had the most fun chasing and catching the frogs and I even caught two of them. Next we did the magic carpet half of the class had to stand on the mat and we had to find a way to turn it over without anyone stepping off the mat we took three tries to do it silently.

At night we slept in tents they suppose to be able to fit us perfectly but one of our tent mates took lots of space we had a hard time to sleep. He even snored very loudly not letting the rest of us sleep in peace. The next morning we woke up and told him everything that he had did that night. We got out of our tents, washed our faces and assembled in front of the main dome on the grass filled with unknown insect crawling around and some might just crawl their way into our shorts. We did a very funny and unique exercise to start of the day. The next activity was to carry our classmates through a hula hoop suspended about half a meter off the ground without touching the hula hoop. We were able to do it a few times before we move on for our next activity. Our next activity was to built a catapult that can stand on its own and fire water bombs instead of firing at the targets we were given we fired it at each other. Next we had to use ropes to pull a bucket of water out of the center area. After that we had to hold onto the ropes and let our classmates walk one round around it everyone was able to do it but our fingers were very pain after that. The following activity was the most “interesting” part of the camp and it was the mud trail we put on our unwanted shoes and walked through it our trainers guided us through it we were almost lost in the forest we had to keep reversing our line as the path way was very narrow. Our next activity was boat rafting, we had to build our own raft and pedal with our feet we raced each other to a certain point. It was very disappointing because we could only pedal a very short distance.

The night of the camp fire we had to sing our classes cheer even though we prepared only five minutes before the camp fire we won first and the prize was two large bottles of coke for the class to share. I could not imagine that the camp was this fun and we had to thank our trainers for everything. Before leaving for school my class was chanting our trainers name Omar we just could not stop. It was as if we had taken ecstasy and could not control ourselves, we were even chanting his name on the bus. This is one of the best camps in my life so far.

By: Jeremy Au (4) 

Sec 3 Adventure Camp - Boys of Wisdom and Stature

I have never used to like camp. Thus, I was not looking forward to this camp. However, the camp had change my ways of thinking about camping. At the start of this year, they were many aliens in my class. However, the camp had helped me to know more about the people around me. 

As I reached the school, I was getting more and more worried because, by judging the books by their covers, I was one of the few who was not really excited. We were chatting among ourselves before the bell rang. After the morning assemble, we were introduced to one of our trainers and our group names. We then board the respective buses and depart of the camp.

In the bus, we were making ourselves comfortable by talking with one another and playing games. I, however, was trying to get some sleep. When we were arriving, I woke up by my friends’ mumbling that we were here our destination. 

When we arrived, we were allocated to the field where we had to wait for the other groups. After which we built our tents. Once the tents were done, we had our lunch. Then we started on our activities.

Our first activity was ‘Nature Discovery’. We were given photographs of some plants and insects we had to get. I volunteered myself to search for the insects (alive). It was fun catch them especially the grasshoppers. After we achieved the samples, we were given a sheet of paper and were told to draw a map and indicate where we found the samples.

From then on, our class was divided into two groups for the activities. During these activities, we had many opportunities to experience teamwork.

After our dinner, we went for our last activity for the day, night-walk. We had to blindfold ourselves and stand in a single-line with our chairman leading us. We had to trust one another in order to avoid accidents.

Then to end off the day, we had our supper, shower and went to our respective tents to sleep. By then, I could say that I was enjoying myself very much and took back what ever I thought about the camp before coming.

The next day, which was the most fun day of my live, some trainers came around and wake us up. I was the only one who had a shower that morning despite knowing how cold the water would be. We were given a certain amount of time to gather for our morning stretch before breakfast. 

After breakfast, we continue with our activities. The most exciting part was the 'Nature Ramble' , where we had to go in the mud. It was a very new and interesting experienced. Every step I took, my whole shoe was stuck in the thick layer of mud. However, with perseverance, I manage to lift my shoe out from the mud. And when ever i failed, my friends were there for me. That day, I learnt that I could always depend on my friends for their support.

Then, the next activity, we built our own boat out of the materials provided and headed for the sea.

Of course we had to take a shower after that. After we had our dinner, we received our Camp-Fire t-shirt. They were music owing on and we were all at our best mood. 

Our principe, Mrs Lucy Toh, start u the camp fire by giving an opening speech of us evolving  from boys to man and the declaration of allowing us to wear long pants when we returned school. All the classes did their cheer and went wild. We had a lot of fun that night. To be honest, I really did not want that night to end. However, we had to end our day by having supper.

Although I did not sleep well the let night, I menage to get enough rest. I, also, did not bath that morning as we were already running out of time. We continue on our routine by starting off with some stretching before breakfast. We were told that our class had won the best cheer award. Then, we strike down our tents and clean up the area before boarding the bus and come back to school. I was very sad to leave. Never the less, I was happy to return home.

From this camp, I made a lot of new friends and I am very happy about it.

-Yash (37) 3ST

The unforgettable sec 3 camp

     On the day of the camp i was feeling excited and i thought the following 3 day is going to be a lot of fun.When we were on the bus many of us gets so excited, we cheered for the camp to be successful.Soon we arrived at the campsite, the weather was scorching ,sweat was dripping from my head before we were assigned to our duty. I formed a group with some of my classmates,we were told to build up the tent by ourselves,for me i found it challenging at first because i don't have the experience of setting up a tent ,however we learnt to work as a team and help one another all the way eventually we got the jop done well.Finally its lunch time we had a quick meal with friends together,afterwards we had our first team bonding activity in the camp ,we were suppose to find the items the instructor gave us on the list, for example The Nature Trekking, we have to catch insects and frogs and finding dead leave like birdnest fern.the activities requires us a lot of teamwork spirit and it was an opportunity to push ourselves physically and learn mental resilience as well as team work.
      The best event during the 3 day camping was the camp fire even our principal was invited to open the campfire. So the trainers gave her a lighted log and she lighted up the campsite. The scorching heat from the fire was intense. The host was hilarious and we could not stop laughing i was  enthusiastic by him. We were then told to showcase our cheers and all the other groups had great cheers and they were so lively. We came out with our cheer  before the campfire. But when they announced that the “Best Cheer Award” goes to Benderlog. It was jaw dropping.
     It finally it came to the last day to break home, i was both sad and happy because these 3 days impact me very much, it left a good memory in my heart, i just hope that the camp would be longer so we would have more fun, but i was still happy to go home.
In this camp, i felt that i have grown stronger bonds with my friends and every game was meaningful.The debriefs that the teachers and the coachers gave us was like examples of how life would be and obstacles are for us to explore and succeed in the end.


FENG XINYU
3ST

What i did during the Sec3 camp that i did not go.

  On the day before the sec3 camp was scheduled, i sprained my leg while playing basketball which is my favourite sports and so i wasn't able to go for the camp. On the day of the camp my leg ached so badly that i couldn't get out of bed and needed my helpful maid to support me while i walk. I kept feeling the pain which is so irritating and inconvenienced me. I had to see the doctor, who gave me the most horrible medicine i have ever tasted, it was so bitter that i needed to eat sweets while eating the medicine.
  On the the next day i felt much better although there is still a little pain and could start walking myself without any help. As i had nothing to do after i woke up and had my breakfast, i switched on my computer to play some games. After playing for 3 hours i started rummaging through my kitchen cupboard for food and found some snacks like "rou gan" which we Chinese eat during Chinese new year (im not really sure whats it called in English) and some peanuts. Then i lay on my couch and watch television. I had just had to continue my routine of lying on the sofa and watch the television for the next few days.
Overall , i think not going to the camp was a blessing in disguise as I heard that people came out of the camp with muddy clothes and even missing shoes. Despite that , I felt very sad that I did not have the opportunity to do what my friends did in the camp.
 
Bryan Ong (5) 3ST

Secondary 3 Adventure Camp:Men Of Wisdom And Strature

These words are familiar to every Saint. I always think it’s easy to achieve this title but due to this camp it changed everything. It was compulsory for every Secondary 3 student. It was meant for bonding with one another and working together with our classmates. By writing this, I will tell you more.

We came to school with our heavy bags and we assembled as a cohort. We were all given group names and introduced to our trainers, Hilme and Omar. We were named Benderlog taken from The Jungle Book. We then board the bus and left school. An hour later we reached our destination. My first step into Camp Christine, a campsite meant for girls, it felt like I am in hell. But I said it too early.

We played games that required lots of teamwork and trust, such as catching wild creatures and dried leaves which fall of from the tree. My team did absolutely well on the first activity. But not for the second activity, my team screwed it up. It was “The Magic Carpet”. We were supposed to stand on this mat as a team and flip it over without stepping out of the mat. During that activity, our minds were not united and everybody was just making sure of themselves. After such a great start on the first day comes the second day. We were told that we had to do “Nature Ramble” and all the other classes had been mentioning about how dirty we would get and we would either love it or hate it. We walked through thick mud, tall grass, and the swamp which was waist level. Our shirts were all stained and we were drenched. All of us were stinky as a sewer. We enjoyed it as this happens once in a lifetime!

The highlight for this camp goes to the campfire. Misses Lucy Toh our Principal was invited to open the campfire. So the trainers gave her a lighted log and she lighted up the campsite. The scorching heat from the fire was super hot. The host was hilarious and the whole cohort could not stop laughing. We were then told to showcase our cheers and all the other groups had great cheers and they were so enthusiastic. We came out with our cheer 5 minutes before the campfire. But when they announced that the “Best Cheer Award” goes to Benderlog. It was jaw dropping.

Overall Camp Christine was a wonderful campsite. I learnt that teamwork is very important. Me being a new boy made lots of new friends and bonded with them through this camp well. Now we can call ourselves “Men of Wisdom and Stature”.

BY:QALISH (31) 3ST