DAY ONE- A VERY HECTIC ONE
We arrived at the pulau ubin jetty and set off to the camp site. It was a long journey there but we made good use of the time to get to know people from our group. It was a well time spent together before the start of the camp.
We shared jokes and our experiences at pulau ubin. When we arrived at the campsite, it started with bag checks then everyone started to settle down and stuff. We sat down and had a talk by Danny and Terry.
0920 marks the time we start fasting. A 24-hour fast. It may sound impossible for some of the people. Next, we had to come out with a village logo. Ours was a picture of a chicken(cos of our name-golden chicken) and everyone shares a part in designing it. We were also given the task of folding stars to exchange for stuffs like groundsheet and ponchos. Some of us folded the stars while the rest went to exchange the necessities and start to build up our sleeping area. Derrick, our village head, chose a good spot under the tree and they started their work.
This was my first time folding so many stars at one go! It may be tough to us, but it is worse for people in less fortunate countries like Pakistan. They even have to go and beg people for RUBBISH! Can you imagine that? Then was the grading of shelters time. It was the effort of the group and we eventually came in the 4th position. Then we had to design a picture to be drawn on the wall when our Pakistan team is there. We were given a big piece of paper and each of us contributed our ideas. Zhihao’s idea was good, thus it was chosen. Everyone played a part, and we were pretty satisfied with our piece of art. Then came the presentation time. Every group was given an opportunity to elaborate more on their drawings and the meanings behind them. JiaLe and QiFeng represented our group and did a really good job.
Next was fun time! We went to 5 different stations to play games. In return, we would get our daily necessity like log, food and water. The most memorable one was the traffic jam game. Initially, I thought it was just some ordinary game. However, it turned out to be a game that needs to set your mind thinking. As it was the first time playing this game for most of us, Derrick taught us the tactic of playing it. We used sources from the nature like log and rocks to represent the people. We had a hands-on session and I finally got hold of the game.
After getting all our necessities, we went back to the campsite. Kenny wanted all the campers to play the traffic game together. It may seem tough with so many people and it really was. A wrong step will restart the whole game. And we did it repeated times but was unsuccessful in the end. I thought we could carry on but didn’t, maybe it was due to time constraint.
By this time I think everyone was already half dead. We had our water parade. While everyone was having a good time drinking water, a few ‘terrorists’ came in and ruined the atmosphere. They demanded us to hand over our necessities we had earned from our games earlier on and we had to give them. Now, we were left with nothing. Imagine in the real whole, you spent your whole life working to buy the necessities and in the end, because of these unwanted events, you lost them in just a few seconds. This sets us thinking that these kind of things really happen to people in other countries and we should be grateful that Singapore is such a peaceful place.
Recovering from shock, we were next given a task by the ‘terrorists’. We had to recover the things we have lost by following the clues given by them. There were 3 places where the stuffs will be at. We worked together and finally worked out the place for the first clue. We took a long walk there. We found the place and we took a short rest there. Next, we searched for necessities like food and clothing we can find on our way. We found large leaves which can be used as clothing and a large branch to replace our log. We made our way back to the campsite as we did not have enough time to complete the whole task.
Our members were already worn out by then. Everyone took a short nap so that they would have energy for the next event. Finally, all the groups arrived back at the campsite. We were given our next task. To come out with a dance to advertise Project Pakistan. While the rest were resting, some of us shared our ideas on how we want the dance to be. We agreed on one and taught the rest the dance steps. It was a pretty good performance by us considering the state of our members.
Everyone in the camp was given a can of drink to quench our thirst. Next, the seniors and officers sang a song for us and we started dancing together, as a family. It was a great night and everyone had a great time. It was free time for us already. Everyone might be worn out but none of us wanted to sleep. Since it was only one night, we had to spend it meaningfully with our friends.
We played interaction games, shared jokes and laughed together. It was fun for all.
DAY TWO- HOME SWEET HOMEEveryone gathered together. Terry taught us a dance and we danced together. We were having a great time man. After the dance, we broke fast punctually at 0920. It was unbelievable for most of us as we didn’t think that we would be able to stand the hunger for such a long time. Each of us was given a certificate and a cup noodle. The cup noodle indeed brightens up our day! After having no food or a day, everyone were eager to get the cup noodles.
We had a photographing session with our certs and cup noodles. Next, my group went down to the hut. We shared our feelings for the camp and reflected. It was a great session with Kenny when he shared his experiences overseas with us. It was really an eye opener for me! Then we gathered and had our debrief by Danny and Vimel. I can see that everyone had a great time and each of us did learn something at the end of the camp.
REFLECTION: This camp is different from the ones I attended when I was in secondary school except for OBS. It allows me to have a broader vision of the people and events happening around me. It may be just a one day camp but I indeed learnt a lot of things. I learnt to be less self-centered and appreciate life more. Our seniors and officers did a great job in organising this camp and I would like to thank them. I suggest that the camp be longer so that more events can be planned and more things can be learnt. It is also a good opportunity for me to make new friends. As it should be, primers is a big family and there should be no strangers in a family. More events/outings should be organised to allow us to have these kinds of interaction.
8.31.2006
8.30.2006
RIO [Ahloha]
Throughout the camp, we did a number of activities, such as shelter-building, game stations, mass “hopping”, Pulau Ubin Race, Gala Night, etc. All of which happened on day one, and on day two, it was mostly other activities like cleaning up, presenting of certificates and overall debriefing.
During day one, shelter-building activity was a very good game to bond everyone together. Despite the fact that many might feel that this activity is boring and useless, it was different for Ahloha. Ahloha made use of this activity to warm up to each other, and we started communicating through this activity. Thus, we started bonding there. Although our shelter was considered to be “lousier” than others’ in terms of appearance and rigidity, it was still the best to us, simply because it was what we worked for and what everyone had made together.
Next up was the making of the mural wall’s design. Ahloha made the design such that there were a boy and girl embracing a heart which was placed between them. A rainbow rushed out from the girl’s hand and arced over the boy’s head. There was also a Singapore flag on the bottom left of the heart and a Pakistan flag on the bottom right of the heart. Humans were coloured in yellow, heart in red, flags in their red and white and green colours, the rainbow in yellow, orange and blue colour. For humans, yellow were used to symbolize the happiness within them, and for the rainbow, the colours were used as we felt it combined to make a bright and joyful colour. The heart was red because red meant passion. Overall, all this could link to the theme of “connecting friendship and love”, because the general picture depicted the idea that the girl was giving the heart to the boy. This means the friendship and love between humans. The rainbow represented a bridge which connected people. Lastly, the flags were placed at the bottom to show people that the heart was given to Pakistan from the bottom of Singapore’s heart.
After which was the game stations. Although some people may have felt that these games were too short and might be somewhat insignificant, Ahloha feels that it was good because we bonded more strongly through the games. Overall, the games were simple and enjoyable.
After finishing up the last games, we played the mass “hopping” game. Everyone had tried 3 times and still could not succeed. There were also quite a number of people who felt that this game was a time-waster and insignificant. However, it was actually not so. It was a training of self-discipline when they told us strictly not to communicate. It also trained whether we could listen to instructions, whether we were honest and courageous[for some] enough to admit when they do not know the game. Most importantly, it tested our tolerance. Many people grumbled and were unhappy over how the game was controlled. However, Ahloha felt it was overall okay because it tested our personal skills.
The Pulau Ubin Race was overall fun. Although some of us were already half knocked out during the Race, everyone trudged on through the support of one another. We all made it back to campsite as number 2. It was very enjoyable as we had to find the different landmarks in Ubin, and we also showed strong teamwork and a right attitude.
While working for the Gala night, Ahloha was at first very tired and everyone spoke little. However, after a few minutes of rest, everyone lightened up and it seemed like we were very energetic. Compared to the other groups, Ahloha was really fantastic because we showed the right attitude! Moreover, RIO camp was to test our tolerance as well. Ahloha must have high tolerance, which proved its being strong. We enjoyed the making of our commercial and a personal bonding session after we finished our preparation. Overall, it was very fun for the group.
Throughout the camp until day2, everyone was fasting and only had water to drink. This made it worse for people when they were hungry and had to do things. The tolerance level was lousy. Ahloha was however, positive and everyone just continued the camp by making the best out of it instead of being grouchy. This shows the right attitude and that Ahloha is terrific!
Throughout the camp, Ahloha is a very good team, because we all showed the right attitude for all the activities. Honestly, the other groups were very tired as we all can see. Ahloha was probably the only group to have showed a right attitude, which was to give our best for all activities. We seldom complained and just worked the best out of what we had. We feel that having the right attitude is very important as it helped us to make the best out of everything. This applies in life too, and is generally what everyone in Ahloha learnt from RIO camp. The right attitude can help us see through things in a better way, and have a higher chance of succeeding in life. Generally, it has been a really good and meaningful experience.
During day one, shelter-building activity was a very good game to bond everyone together. Despite the fact that many might feel that this activity is boring and useless, it was different for Ahloha. Ahloha made use of this activity to warm up to each other, and we started communicating through this activity. Thus, we started bonding there. Although our shelter was considered to be “lousier” than others’ in terms of appearance and rigidity, it was still the best to us, simply because it was what we worked for and what everyone had made together.
Next up was the making of the mural wall’s design. Ahloha made the design such that there were a boy and girl embracing a heart which was placed between them. A rainbow rushed out from the girl’s hand and arced over the boy’s head. There was also a Singapore flag on the bottom left of the heart and a Pakistan flag on the bottom right of the heart. Humans were coloured in yellow, heart in red, flags in their red and white and green colours, the rainbow in yellow, orange and blue colour. For humans, yellow were used to symbolize the happiness within them, and for the rainbow, the colours were used as we felt it combined to make a bright and joyful colour. The heart was red because red meant passion. Overall, all this could link to the theme of “connecting friendship and love”, because the general picture depicted the idea that the girl was giving the heart to the boy. This means the friendship and love between humans. The rainbow represented a bridge which connected people. Lastly, the flags were placed at the bottom to show people that the heart was given to Pakistan from the bottom of Singapore’s heart.
After which was the game stations. Although some people may have felt that these games were too short and might be somewhat insignificant, Ahloha feels that it was good because we bonded more strongly through the games. Overall, the games were simple and enjoyable.
After finishing up the last games, we played the mass “hopping” game. Everyone had tried 3 times and still could not succeed. There were also quite a number of people who felt that this game was a time-waster and insignificant. However, it was actually not so. It was a training of self-discipline when they told us strictly not to communicate. It also trained whether we could listen to instructions, whether we were honest and courageous[for some] enough to admit when they do not know the game. Most importantly, it tested our tolerance. Many people grumbled and were unhappy over how the game was controlled. However, Ahloha felt it was overall okay because it tested our personal skills.
The Pulau Ubin Race was overall fun. Although some of us were already half knocked out during the Race, everyone trudged on through the support of one another. We all made it back to campsite as number 2. It was very enjoyable as we had to find the different landmarks in Ubin, and we also showed strong teamwork and a right attitude.
While working for the Gala night, Ahloha was at first very tired and everyone spoke little. However, after a few minutes of rest, everyone lightened up and it seemed like we were very energetic. Compared to the other groups, Ahloha was really fantastic because we showed the right attitude! Moreover, RIO camp was to test our tolerance as well. Ahloha must have high tolerance, which proved its being strong. We enjoyed the making of our commercial and a personal bonding session after we finished our preparation. Overall, it was very fun for the group.
Throughout the camp until day2, everyone was fasting and only had water to drink. This made it worse for people when they were hungry and had to do things. The tolerance level was lousy. Ahloha was however, positive and everyone just continued the camp by making the best out of it instead of being grouchy. This shows the right attitude and that Ahloha is terrific!
Throughout the camp, Ahloha is a very good team, because we all showed the right attitude for all the activities. Honestly, the other groups were very tired as we all can see. Ahloha was probably the only group to have showed a right attitude, which was to give our best for all activities. We seldom complained and just worked the best out of what we had. We feel that having the right attitude is very important as it helped us to make the best out of everything. This applies in life too, and is generally what everyone in Ahloha learnt from RIO camp. The right attitude can help us see through things in a better way, and have a higher chance of succeeding in life. Generally, it has been a really good and meaningful experience.
8.29.2006
Planetshaker
The Planetshaker’s concert was the next big thing in 2006 for most Christians apart from the Hillsong concert that was staged a few months ago. When the day arrived, I was extremely excited as it was the first time that I was attending a pop concert. The other reason was because the primers were also attending! It was one of those rare chances that all the students and officers were able to let their hair down and dance the night away.
The concert was scheduled at 1930 hrs, but by 1830 hrs; a long queue was forming at the Max Pavilion. Hordes and hordes of crowds were gathering all around, chattering and laughing as they slowly edged their way to the entrance of the hall. The atmosphere was electrifying. All of us were there early as we did not wish to sit all the way to the back of the hall. In the hall, there were two miniature reverse bungees. The kinds where you need a trampoline to jump instead of free falling from high above. We were all at the left side of the stage and were cheering the guys who were daring enough to do somersaults on the reverse bungees. Apart from that, we were taking photos and drawing on each other arms, faces and hair with white crayons or pens so that we would be illuminated by the ultraviolet lights. When the show started, everyone in the hall went wild. The music was amazing and we were grooving to the music; singing and jumping. Everyone were jumping and shouting at the top of their lungs for all the song. It was a pity that the concert was only an hour and a half long as we did not want it to end.
But as what most people say; “All good things must come to an end” and we left around 2200 hrs. Well, that was not the end of the event for the night; most of us headed towards Bedok hawker centre to have our supper and chatted away about the concert. It was till the time for the last train that we ran to catch the ride home….Zzzz…………
SY
The concert was scheduled at 1930 hrs, but by 1830 hrs; a long queue was forming at the Max Pavilion. Hordes and hordes of crowds were gathering all around, chattering and laughing as they slowly edged their way to the entrance of the hall. The atmosphere was electrifying. All of us were there early as we did not wish to sit all the way to the back of the hall. In the hall, there were two miniature reverse bungees. The kinds where you need a trampoline to jump instead of free falling from high above. We were all at the left side of the stage and were cheering the guys who were daring enough to do somersaults on the reverse bungees. Apart from that, we were taking photos and drawing on each other arms, faces and hair with white crayons or pens so that we would be illuminated by the ultraviolet lights. When the show started, everyone in the hall went wild. The music was amazing and we were grooving to the music; singing and jumping. Everyone were jumping and shouting at the top of their lungs for all the song. It was a pity that the concert was only an hour and a half long as we did not want it to end.
But as what most people say; “All good things must come to an end” and we left around 2200 hrs. Well, that was not the end of the event for the night; most of us headed towards Bedok hawker centre to have our supper and chatted away about the concert. It was till the time for the last train that we ran to catch the ride home….Zzzz…………
SY
8.15.2006
Take The City Walk
A few weeks ago was the Take the City Walk. The SP primers were invited to take part in the event as it was in conjunction with the Singapore National Day Celebration and we wanted to show our supports to our fellow students who were involved in the NDP as motivators.
20 students were gathered at City Link mall around 7am in the morning before making our way to the Padang. At the padang, we were supposed to do a series of warm ups, but everyone were sleepy and all of us ended up doing the exercise if though we were made of Jelly. We were doing the exercise with slinky hands and wobbly body movements. Guo Jun, Vimel and I started to be crappy and came out with all sorts of lame jokes and funny stuff to entertain the students. With that, everyone was up and running and all of us were roaring with laughter.With the sound of the horn, we commenced our 5.5 Km journey along the marina bay area. The view was spectacular and all of the students were happily chatting and playing as we walked. I was with a few students, Virainia, Mei Yun, Hui Ling and Jeffrey. We were joking, crapping and talked about many stuffs as we walked. It was a really good way to know more about each other while admiring the view of the marina bay front.
The whole walk ended back at the Padang as we collected our water bottle and a bunch a vouchers. We were hot, sweaty and downright exhausted but had a lot fun. We needed to do one last thing before calling it a day and it was the national wide 4 Million smile campaign. After a brief rest, we made our way to St. Andrew’s Cathedral was a photo taking session. Some of the students were actually shy of taking their own personal photo…haha… but with a bit of coaxing, all of us had our little portraits’ taken. With that, we made our way to Marina Square to have lunch before heading back home.
SY
20 students were gathered at City Link mall around 7am in the morning before making our way to the Padang. At the padang, we were supposed to do a series of warm ups, but everyone were sleepy and all of us ended up doing the exercise if though we were made of Jelly. We were doing the exercise with slinky hands and wobbly body movements. Guo Jun, Vimel and I started to be crappy and came out with all sorts of lame jokes and funny stuff to entertain the students. With that, everyone was up and running and all of us were roaring with laughter.With the sound of the horn, we commenced our 5.5 Km journey along the marina bay area. The view was spectacular and all of the students were happily chatting and playing as we walked. I was with a few students, Virainia, Mei Yun, Hui Ling and Jeffrey. We were joking, crapping and talked about many stuffs as we walked. It was a really good way to know more about each other while admiring the view of the marina bay front.
The whole walk ended back at the Padang as we collected our water bottle and a bunch a vouchers. We were hot, sweaty and downright exhausted but had a lot fun. We needed to do one last thing before calling it a day and it was the national wide 4 Million smile campaign. After a brief rest, we made our way to St. Andrew’s Cathedral was a photo taking session. Some of the students were actually shy of taking their own personal photo…haha… but with a bit of coaxing, all of us had our little portraits’ taken. With that, we made our way to Marina Square to have lunch before heading back home.
SY
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