How do I define SP. Primers’ Primer?

Before I go into the point that I was to share, I thought it is nice to give a rough history of how am I related to SP.Primers.

I was a proud BB Boy from 32nd BB Coy from Damai Secondary School. I entered SP as a Chemical Engineering student and I generally spend my 1st and 2nd year of SP traveling thri and fro Dover MRT and Bedok MRT just to serve in 32nd Coy then. I was a Primer then and that time, Primer was merely a extension of my time serving in 32nd. It was fun serving in 32nd of which I find it exceptionally comfortable mingle with my juniors and imparting knowledge and I really enjoy the mad rush every Friday that I need to perform every Friday from FC2 to Dover MRT to Bedok MRT and finally walked all the way from the MRT to Damai Secondary (because I don’t have bus concession). I was a Primer, doing what I have being doing since Secondary 4, training my juniors.

Then, when SP.Primers comes into the picture for me when I was in year 3, a different type of Primers Programs was exposed to me. Firstly, there were hardly any more uniformed drill sessions. In fact, there isn’t any drill sessions. But I told myself, since I am studying in SP, why not support the Primers activities over there. Even though SP.Primers did not have any events for me to participate in my Poly Year 1 and 2, when there is an event called AGM, I went there. Strangely as it seems, I entered the EXCO as the Administration Head and the size of the EXCO (Officers included) was the size of the club. Hard to imagine that now, we have such a healthy strength of 8 EXCO and 70+ regulars of which we known each one of them as Primers. Then after graduating from SP, I entered Army, come out of NS and returned as an officer of SP.Primers.

So, what is a Primer in SP.Primers and how does it differs from a Primer elsewhere?
As a SP.Primer, you would bear some of these noticeable traits.

1) You have high tolerance to phone calls, especially when your designated caller calls you for attendance for upcoming events.
2) You are exceptionally patience with fellow Primers especially to those whom are running the events even if it caused you to wait real long.
3) You tend to dance and act well enough to perform to fellow Primers especially during Camps and just to mention a few dances SP. Primers have come out since 2005; “YOUMEWEOUS” “Captain Planet” “We all in these together” “Nobody but you” etc. (And do I need to mention the creative skits Primers produces?)
4) You tend to visit Primers Room real often especially during your free time and often, you will find people you already know waiting over there for you.
5) Your common pet phrase will be “加油!” especially during MSTs and Semester Exams.

Sounds familiar? Then you are a proud SP.Primer! SP.Primers taught me how to care, share and wait for one another, not by speech alone but also through actions. In my first event (SGB@SP 05), I was cared for so much by Primers that I may have the motivation to carry on even thought there were much difficulties for an inexperienced me. In my days in the Army, SP.Primers shares with me their feelings, thoughts, joy and worries as I visited them in their events no matter whether they know for a long time or short. In the days before I was release from my National Service, She waited patiently for my return and welcomed me back with open arms. Thus, I can testify that SP.Primers is a truly a Family that cares, shares and wait for one another.
So, is this enough to differentiate between a normal Primer and SP.Primer? I do hope you have a picture of what I am trying to paint. There is no need for one’s blood to be blue (meaning: You need not have a lot of Boys’ Brigade background) to be a SP.Primer. All it takes is for you to indentify is to take a peek and observe at that someone and look out for the qualities that I have mentioned. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can identify a SP.Primer straight away from a bunch of SP Students.

With this, I leave you with one question to ponder. “So, am I a SP.Primer?”
Leong Hoong Sheng

Taking life with a pinch of salt

Suddenly i felt very inspired in life, so I decided to share something wise with all of you for the first time. Maybe you have seen this before,nevertheless I still feel the need to spread the marvel of God! :D

If you are too lazy to watch the whole thing, I would suggest skipping to the time of 3:55 in the video. What I find most worth to think about is the part when they say "Isnt it funny how the lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene pass freely through cyberspace, but the public discussion of Jesus is suppressed in the school and workspace? " I find it rather ironic and sad for the greatness of God is not spoken as much as the obscene scandals of celebrities online.

To prevent from being hypocrite, I admit that I am part of these community every now and then. Therefore i shall repent for now and attempt to spread the love of God, starting from here.

You have 2 choices, laugh this off and continue going online OR spread this message to your loved ones. Do the right thing :D

Ronald Choo

Food for Thought : Life after SGB

Now that the big hoo-hah of SGB has ended, I feel a little lost. It is as if i am at a crossroad, not knowing what to do from here. However, upon thinking of the families who benefited from our work, I am glad that our efforts are not to waste.

During the period of SGB, I can see that everyone has put in their maximum effort in every aspect. I felt really touched that all of them were willing to work so hard for an event which did not benefit them. This was especially on the day of collection, when we had to bring the food packs back to school from different blocks. It was a tedious task but there were no complaints or grumbles. This was because they know their sacrifices are for the greater good of the event. Combining our hearts as one, there is nothing we cannot overcome. I really hope to have more of such meaningful events, events where we can actually contribute for the greater good of the unfortunate ones.

My First Food Pack!

Monday 23 Nov was the Opening of SGB 2009 in SP. Although I was not able to attend, I could feel the excitement through the facebook status updates and tweets of some of you Primers.

Not willing to be left out of the action, I shared with my students about SGB and how they can raise a food pack as a class. I wrote to my colleagues in TOUCH and my cell mates to rally their support. I went to NTUC to check out the prices, and in my excitement I bought my first food pack!

My Tweet: Bought my 1st food pack! Fingers breaking. Pray for an empty 147. $55 poorer, but million dollars happier! :)

Checking out the price means find the cheapest alternative available, the value of food pack amounts to about $40-45.

Although I had in mind to prove that you can get a food pack at $40, the outcome is vastly different.

I started to consider, what flavour of instant noodles would the family like? My personal favourite is CQYD sesame oil. I bought that and a Myojo Abalone flavoured one. Oil was priced lowest at $5.95, but Knife (branded oil ok!) had an offer. Lee Kum Kee Oyster sauce comes FREE with $7.90 Knife Brand. I think the family will be thrilled to have OYSTER sauce for their cooking! So I took that instead.

Between a pack of 15 sachets instant milo $6 vs 1.4kg tin Milo $12. A tin of milo would surely last a whole month? That is 15 servings vs 50 servings of milo drink! So milo tin it is…

I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thinking for the anonymous families. I know that we choose to give because the beneficiaries need the food items. But I learnt that I NEED TO give because I NEED the warmth in heart that comes when I give. I guess that keeps me a human. =)

In the end, it is no longer about fulfilling a food pack, but the PEOPLE behind the food pack that matters.

=cand=

SGB 2009 Collection Photos!

These are the guys that gave up their weekends for us

Alumni, Army persons, NTU students!

Over the weekend the adult leaders had a retreat. It was an all guys outing minus Candy and Huishan, and we had ALOT of fun.
Looking back, I am so proud of all of these guys who sacrificially spend their weekends with the Primers.
Many of them only have that Saturday and Sunday to spend time out of their normal days of hard work in studies or work, yet if you ask any of them, they will count it as a pleasure to serve every of you guys!

This saturday we as a family will be having our SGB collection at Clementi, do remember to say that word of appreciation as you see all these adult leaders come on saturday k!
Have fun and give a food pack today!



Kenny Foo

How real is your Wealth?

"Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it. The more a man has, the more he wants. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one." - Benjamin Franklin

This is a truly sobering quote that is runs contrary to the "money makes the world go round" school of thought. We live in a society that is entrenched in greed and many times we are caught up in the midst of it all.

We study so we can get a good high paying job and with that we will be happy. But will we? When was the last time the joy we got out of our shiny new toy or new clothes lasted for more than a few weeks? Before long, its on to the next item on our buying hit list. Is wealth just an endless cycle of amassing money and buying things?

As we enter this season of giving through SGB, we stand to be enriched much more through the time and effort we put in. Most of us may be more financially privileged than the people we are trying to help but are we truly as rich as we think we are?

“No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich or poor according to what he is, not according to what he has."

There is much that we stand to gain, in terms of character and heart, through the journey of helping our beneficiaries and even interacting with them.

Lets get rich together!

- ben lee

SGB Opening Photos

This is for those of you who were not there with us!
ENJOY!!

A New Begining

Sharity gift box is back once again. Feeling excited! It is my second year helping up in SGB. This year being in the main com was event more challenging for me. This year target is to achieve 500 food packs. My cluster, cluster C is aiming to get 120 food packs. Publicity plays an important role in promoting and making people aware of this event that is happening in SP so that they could contribute and do their part.

Some of the primers, including myself, actually gave out flyers in the morning at Dover MRT to the students and lecturers who pass by there before entering into the school to let them know that SGB is here. It was not very easy in the beginning as there are people who will reject us but after awhile we got use to it and we just try our best to give out as many flyers as possible. Many primers happen to pass by us and we asked them to share the details with their classmates and friends as well. During lunch time, huiwen and I actually went to school of SMA and ABE to knocks at lecturers doors to let them know about SGB and hoping that they will pledge as many food packs as possible. Some of them were very generous, on the spot they gave us the money and ask us to but on behalf of them. Many said that they will pledge as many food packs as possible.

We also went house to house at clementi to knock at their doors and told them about SGB and hope that they could help buy donating food packs. It was challenging to many of us in the beginning as it might be the first time for many of us. However, it was a great experience for me. People there are quite friendly and nice. They actually spare us their time and listen to us explaining the details. We will be going back to collect the food pack on 28th November (Saturday). Hope that we will be able to get as many food packs as possible.

Li Ting

YOU make the Difference, YOU are the Difference!

what little you can give can mean if they have a whole meal or just plain rice

what little you can give can mean if they have a whole meal or just plain rice

Christmas is here again! And in Primers, Christmas also means it is time for The Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box @ Singapore Polytechnic (BBSGB@SP) again! It is a season where we want to bless the needy families in Singapore.

This is the 5th year that I am involved in SGB. It has always been an important part of Primers since I first joined in 2005. The Christmas tree and food items that are going to pile up in the storage room are things that you cannot miss in this season of SGB.

When I first entered into the project, I was in a ‘relax and calm’ mode as my event was the last of all, which means I have umpteen times! Haha. But thing is never as smooth. The last event was cancelled which leaves me to be even more free. Haha.

Well. The excitement came when I found out that we are doing 500 foodpack and Cluster C must at least aim for 120.WOW!! It blew me off to know what I am in for. I started rally anyone that I came across though I am a little shy about it.

I wouldn’t say it’s scary, it’s just EXCITING!! It is something that I am uncertain of yet I am excited to see it happen, and more excited to be part of it. Imagine, 500 foodpack to feed 250 families for a month, when will you ever have such a chance except in SGB?

And well, as I am working in a non-profit organization where I meet families who really don’t have enough to feed the children, I understand how much it means to them and how appreciative of them to have these foodpack.

One of my friends asked me what is the point of having only oil and rice, without any meat? Are they just going to have plain rice every meal? I thought about it and I answered that they could use the money that was supposed to buy rice and oil to buy fresh meat for dinner! Without these items that we provide, they probably will have to use the money to buy it, which in turn, may not have money to buy the meat.

So actually, what little you can give can mean if they have a whole meal or just plain rice!

And You make the difference! You are the difference!
-The difference if they have a whole meal or plain rice!

SO!! Make the difference & be the difference!
-huishan

How to get to the new club room

Lets start our journey from a landmark, FC5
Upon arriving at FC5, Head towards the Sports Hall


Keep walking (run if you are in a hurry!) along the corridor and it will bring you the Foyer

Take a look around and you would see a distinctive staircase which leads to the Martial Arts Hall

Heading into the Martial Arts Hall is the wrong way to the Primers club room, turn to the door beside it instead =)

Head in straight and you will see the Clubroom of "SP Christian Fellowship"

Turn left and you would see the Primers club room!

Big Move + Pre-flash

Finally, after so many people asking me:” Wen Sze, when are we moving the club house ah?” Now I can finally say, we are officially moved to SDC137. Those who do not know where is it, it is just above DSD.

On 18 Nov (Wed), I am supposed to teach all the people who will join me in flashmob to do rehearsal. But in the end, I ended moving the clubhouse. Starting it was only a few of us carrying the loads, step by step up the stairs and I do agree with Kenny even though it is only one level, it is still tiring! But gradually my dancers came, so I asked them to help out in moving the stuff. So together we unite, we completed moving everything by 4.30pm. Great job, guys. It is really quite tiring to carry the loads but we did it!

So after that we did our practice, and to my amazement they can really dance. So we completed it in like 20 minutes? Without further delay, I went back to help with the packing and together as a team, we managed to done up the room by 9 plus.

Throughout this two small events, it makes me feel that it is always possible to do things as long as you believe you can do it and working together as a team not only increase the efficiency of getting things done but most importantly enjoying the process that I spent with the people around me.

Wensze

Sir? Your Keys?

The very first part of SGB is publicity for collection from the HDB flats. It was a really fun time for me during this whole process as being in a team of 4, with Alex, Shi min, Kareen. So we were given instructions on what are the blocks that we are supposed to do publicity on, so for me it is 351 and 352. So being anxious about this whole experience, I went off to do my first household.

So one household by one household is down, I was so excited. I even met this guy who actually left his house key attached to the door lock and he forgets to get his keys. So I was knocking the door so that he will open the door and get his key back. But no matter how hard I try he did not respond to me, so Alex came and knock really hard. Soon the owner came and opened the door; then he gave us a really stern face. However, after telling him that he left his house keys outside, his smile seems to appear. So immediately we publicize SGB to him, and to my amazement he showed more concern about what we are doing as compared to what I thought he will react. This is one case that I have been through but there are many more experiences that I have experience that I felt that it was not a wasted trip for me personally. I hope you all felt this way too.

In this whole publicity event, I learned that it does not really matters a lot on how many food packs we can collect. But how much they know about SGB because if they do not donate now does not mean they will not in the future. With the every little publicity they received, I believe one day they will donate. As one of the guys in my group shared, every little impact will combined together and formed a great impact. And also I think I benefit more than anyone else as no other people can feel the way I feel unless they are part of this SGB, which is the love of giving. I hope that you guys who came to help also enjoyed as much as I did.

Wensze

SGB and what it means to me?

lets start with the person in the mirror, one step at at time to love, to learn, to give!

I am writing this blog entry as today marks the first day of our SGB project! The guys went out to Clementi area to distribute flyers to the residents asking them to donate a food pack each! We are aiming to get at least 100 food packs from 4000 units of HDB flats!

But as this whole project gets on the way, a deep stirring in my heart began to happen, as its been quite some time that I have been as involved in the project as I am this year! (the previous few years I was more or less somewhat of an advisor, the last time I really actually did something was way back in 2005!)A question beckons, why do I, Kenny Foo choose to do SGB?
What is something that I can learn/grow from this journey? As a family why do we do it?

Well whenever I start thinking like this a song comes to my mind!
A Michael Jackson Song ( I am a MJ fan k....even though i do not approve of his lifestyle but his songs are really good!)

Man in the mirror

I'm Gonna Make A Change,
For Once In My Life
It's Gonna Feel Real Good,
Gonna Make A Difference
Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My
Favourite Winter Coat
This Wind Is Blowin' My Mind
I See The Kids In The Street,
With Not Enough To Eat
Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See
Their Needs
A Summer's Disregard,
A Broken Bottle Top
And A One Man's Soul
They Follow Each Other On
The Wind Ya' Know
'Cause They Got Nowhere
To Go
That's Why I Want You To
Know

I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself, And
Then Make A Change

I've Been A Victim Of A Selfish
Kind Of Love
It's Time That I Realize
That There Are Some With No
Home, Not A Nickel To Loan
Could It Be Really Me,
Pretending That They're Not
Alone?

A Willow Deeply Scarred,
Somebody's Broken Heart
And A Washed-Out Dream
They Follow The Pattern Of
The Wind, Ya' See
Cause They Got No Place
To Be
That's Why I'm Starting With
Me


I'm Starting With The Man In
The Mirror
I'm Asking Him To Change
His Ways
And No Message Could Have
Been Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The World
A Better Place
Take A Look At Yourself And
Then Make A Change

(of course there is always a video in my blog entry!)


Doing community service many times I hear people say how noble so and so is, or how noble I am when I choose to give, but for me? I always want to give, choose to give so that my heart will always remain tender to the needs of the poor. So that my heart is still a HEART, not one that is self centered or materialistic. I believe that in giving to others, I gain much much more than what I have given! An experience, a smile, a realization that I can only do so much, so little for the people around.

This caused me to even treasure the people around me more, not to take them for granted, and always taking God for my situation around me.
The challenge like the song sings, it always starts from the person in the mirror. One step at a time, one person to care for at one time!
I challenge you to give to this project just like me, I have given both time, money and more importantly my heart into this!

Come on Primers lets do a good job to feed the poor out there!Remember you are only as poor as you cannot give! And when you are tired, remember the 250 families out there awaiting for the fruits of our efforts!

Kenny Foo

In case you wanna know some other songs of MJ...one more clip for you guys!
This is a guy who did a medley of just SOME of the songs of MJ!

SGB Collection Publicity

Hi Primers! There is SGB Collection publicity going on ht 19th of November, Come down and help us promote SGB to the residents of Clementi and dover!

Time : 5pm

Venue : Singapore Poly Plaza

Visit the New Primers room to find out more!

How can I contribute to BBSGB@SP 2009?

Hi Primers! As the title goes.. here are the ways on how to contribute to BBSGB@SP 2009


These are the list of things where you can contribute to BBSGB@SP 2009. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the respective person in-charge through their emails.

Food Pack
You can also contribute a Food Pack too. Be part of it so that all of us can work towards the aim of 500 Food Packs.

So what is in a food pack?
1. 5kg of Rice
2. 5 cans of food
3. 10 packs of instant noodles
4. 2 Litres of oil
5. 1 seasoning
6. 25 instant cereal packs
7. 1.2KG/25 packs milo
8. 1 pack of 25 sachets coffee/tea
9. 1 box of biscuits

Opening Ceremony
We will be having an Opening Ceremony to kick start the whole SGB. So do come down for our Opening Ceremony and spread the words of SGB! Remember to bring all you classmates down for the Opening Ceremony.

Date: 23rd November 2009
Time: 1215hrs – 1245hrs
Venue: Amphitheater @ Moberly

Person to contact: Wei Jie [limwj25@hotmail.com]

Be part of the Publicity Team.
The publicity team is there to make awareness in SP so that people will know that SP.Primers is actually doing SGB. Also to tell them what is SGB all about. Do join the team if you’re interested.

Job scope:
Prepare and giving out of flyers in SP and Residential area.
Person to contact: Jing Yi [pinkey0jing@gmail.com]

Preparing of Flyers:
Date: 16th & 17th November 2009
Time: 1700hrs – 1900hrs
Venue: SP

Giving out of Flyers:
Date: 20th & 23rd November 2009
Time: To Be Confirmed
Venue: SP

Be part of the Collection team.
This year, we’re not only collecting food items from SP but we are collecting it from the Clementi residents too. Get ready to go door to door for food collection. For students who have yet to complete “ONOW” module you could join this team and be a volunteer.

Job scope:
Collect food items from residents
Take care of the donated food items
Person to contact: Huiqi [huiqiatspprimers@hotmail.com]

Collection Publicity details:
Date: 19th November 2009
Time: 1700hrs – 2200hrs
Venue: Plaza (Near Auditorium)
*Collection Publicity is to inform the residents that we’re doing SGB and ask
For their support.*

Collection details:
Date: 28th November 2009
Time: 0900hrs – 1830hrs
Venue: Plaza (Near auditorium)
*Highly encouraged to have breakfast before the event and lunch is not provided*

Be Part of the Distribution Team.
Ever wonder who are the beneficiaries of these donated food items? Join the distribution team if you want to know more about the beneficiaries. It would be a good experience to hear from them.

Job scope:
Distribute the food packs to the beneficiaries
Person to contact: Owen [ter.owen@gmail.com]

Distribution details:
Date: 15th & 17th December 2009
Time: 1900 hrs
Venue: SP

Be part of the Booth team.
We need people to be present at the booth to collect donated food items from students or lecturers from SP. If you have some extra time, do come down and help us. We can help to apply for you LOA if the need arises. Those needing CIP hours are strongly encouraged to come and help.

Booth Details:
Date: 23rd November 2009 – 4th December 2009
Time: 1100hrs – 1700hrs
Venue: The Plaza (Near Auditorium)

*Note: Booth will not be open during weekends and 27th Nov 09. (Public Holiday)

Job scope:
Be present at the booth to collect and take care of donated food items.
Take note of the number of food collected everyday
Person to contact: Jia Yi [xiao_tao_qi@hotmail.com]

The Family Spirit

They remind each other drink more water, constantly checking each other stamina and cheer for each other during the match.

Right before the event, we had a little “prep-camp” for IPOD 09. My task was to draw out the main score sheet. Judging the number of teams, I was afraid that me and my committee can’t handle the amount of teams. My two helpers were Jason and Alan. We were short of manpower. Imagine the 3 of us need to take care of 12 basketball teams and 3 referees.

On that day itself there are some problems regarding the teams. First, one of the basketball team from NP had insufficient people and they have split themselves up into various teams. As a result we only have 11 teams. My solution for them is either I disqualify one team from NP or 1 NP basketball team will represent 2 teams. I’m glad that the basketball players from NP are very cooperative as they took the initiative to discuss and make a decision. In the end, they choose to have 1 NP team represent 2 teams.

Which also make my job easier as I don’t really need to do a lot of amendments on the score sheet that we prepared.

I was glad to have my 3 referees and medic with me. They are Sheng Long, Dylan, Lionel and Yaohan. They’ve helped me explain the rules of basketball and remind me of what I should do.

After lunch, the weather was very hot and humid. Thank God I’ve a mipro with me. Or else I guess I would have lost my voice. The mipro was very helpful as I used it to remind the basketballs players to have ample rest and hydrate themselves.

I guess all of the basketball players had fun. There are no quarrels or huge disagreement found on the court. Everyone respect the referee decisions and play the game fair and square. There are no injuries too!

The most important thing is that, I can see each and everyone bond together as a Primers family. With no injuries means that the teams have take good care of each other during the hectic day. They remind each other drink more water, constantly checking each other stamina and cheer for each other during the match.

Jing Yi
Basketball In-charge

From NP with love!

Well done SP Primers and next year we are visiting NYP, last but not least, we are looking forward for more of this bonding and interaction with you all again

The moment I step into SP, there are already people welcoming us to walk us in and it even more heartwarming when we receive the goodie bag with everything inside. Wen sze and partner start the whole event with a loud bang! Which really bring up the atmosphere for the event.

This event is very well organize with the adding in of the ORHLYMPIC game, it very cool and engaging. I was in the basketball team, though we didn’t win a single match out of all but as the match pass by, we even started some funny conversation together with the SP, NYP and HQ. It seems like winner is not everything but the fun and bonding instead. Though I had a very hard time trying to score and win at least one match but seriously there’s no chance, can’t admit that I have not been gaining weight and lack in exercising.

It really nice to start breaking some ice with the SP primers friends as all along we have seen each other during the NDP 2009 but it always just a few look and HI and wave. I guess the 7UP and Mountain drink did some very good work of communication for all us. Sitting down with those drink and did some good chit chatting.

The lunch really rock! We smell the chicken rice the moment we step into the field and start swallowing down packets of it when the committee says that there is extra to give away. It really taste good and of course, not forgetting the shirt! We keep repeating those words along our way home “Got fast one, got slow one, got win one, got lose one. Inter Primers Olympic day!”

It has been super nice to be warmly invited for the appreciation dinner and I thought it really a very good chance to interact with the primers family. Though we are in different school but no matter what, primers are still primers whether it NP, SP or NYP, when wen sze bring us to the mobaly (don’t know how to spell, haha) that have such good atmosphere and lighting at night and of course not forgetting the swing that hang on the tree! It my first time seeing such swing that hang on the tree, it Boomz! Hahahaa!!

Well done SP Primers and next year we are visiting NYP, last but not least, we are looking forward for more of this bonding and interaction with you all again. CLAP CLAP!

Yee Cheng,
NP primers president

Afterglow 2009

Congrats to everyone who participated in IPOD and I believe everyone is a winner!

Sit back and relax as we share our experiences in the recent Overseas Service Learning Trip (OSLT). Ever heard our Primers family talks about OSLT and don’t have the slightest idea what this event is about? What are you waiting for? Join us for Afterglow! :)

“Afterglow” is an annual event showcasing the activities we did and what we learnt during our trip to Sri Lanka. Don’t get us wrong! It’s not about confronting the Tamil tigers but we would love to share the fruits of our meaningful work. It will be lots of fun! You are part of our family and we don’t want you to miss out on our sharing! Get a clearer picture so as to prepare yourself and be the next person to join OSLT next year. Invite your friends in Primers to join us!

What’s more? We will be giving out door gifts and CCA points will be awarded. Moreover, it’s free! What are you waiting for? See you there!

Date: 1st November 2009, Sunday
Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm (Please be seated by 7.20pm)
There will be a mini exhibition from 7pm
Venue: Touch Community Theatre – Joy Hall
Attire: BB Polo, Jeans & shoes

Meeting Details: 6.30pm at Redhill MRT Station



If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Benjamin Yong at 98373471 or King Kit at 97325287.

Why do we avoid what we love to do?

Its been such a long time since I last posted!

This is something to start off my post!


Yes guys, I promise to post more often and I am starting to write again and consolidate some of my thoughts again. But here is a post to start it off that I read off the net!


When we create, we come alive; we’re making love to life. We use our unique talents, perception and skills and make the intangible tangible. Most of us generally know what we want in life. For every person, the answer to what brings us joy will be unique. For some it’s playing guitar or dancing. For others it’s writing, hiking, spending time with family, photography, or drawing.

So if we know what makes us feel alive, why do we resist it? Why do we avoid doing what we love to do?

I think there’s a number of reasons that can help us explain this elusive phenomenon. Hopefully in discovering the blocks toward pursuing what is dearest to us, we can overcome them.

So why do we resist?

1. The inability to accept imperfections. Do you think that Mona Lisa was Da Vinci’s first painting? We think, if it’s not perfect, why bother? But when we pursue the creative act, it’s crucial that we suspend judgment. After all, you can always cull the fluff and ridiculous later.

What to do instead? Resist your temptation to have everything figured out before you start. Failure is fundamental to the creative process. If you don’t fail, you’ll never improve. Suspend your judgment and remember that whatever you don’t like, you can always take out or re-do.



2. Not respecting the gestation of improvement. Say you have a passion for dancing. The only problem is, you’d make a blind man cry. Remember that mastery of any art or skill takes time. No one starts out being a natural Michael Jackson. And anyway, look what fame did to him. Are you sure you want that?

What’s a poor Napoleon Dynamite to do? Respect the fact that mastering any skill takes time. Instead of thinking about all the things that aren’t right, think about what you can do now to improve.

3. Not accepting your creative identity. All great artists, poets, musicians and creators, excelled by accepting their artistic identity. The truth is, we are all artists. We’re creating the story of our life in each moment. We’re not just humans living, we’re artists shaping a story. Accepting your identity as an artist is accepting your creative nature.

4. We’ve turned our passion into work. Anytime you feel that you must do something, you lose inspiration. You lose your sense of excitement. In our society and in general, we have a clearly separate work and play. “Work hard, play hard!” is a common motto people tell others to make them feel a little better about their drudgery. We don’t have to dread work, it’s a choice. That’s the problem when our passion has also become our work. We tend to think it’s our passion has become something we must do. There’s no fun in that.



The truth is, we’re often the most productive when what we’re doing has absolutely no dateline no pressure. We come alive when we’ve lost track of time, doing what we love.

Perhaps its not our weakness, but our greatness that we fear the most.

So question time, what is your passion? What is your dream?
Let me list you a couple of mine that I have at the start of my Primers Journey.

1. I would like to lead a team every year on an overseas trip
2. I would want a Primers event to be held at Zouk
3. I would want SP.Primers to be featured in news
4. I would want to do a flash mob in our YOUcampaign (thats why you see so many videos on flash mob)

Any idea which of these we have achieved as a family?

Kenny Foo

IPOD Details

Hey IPODers!

As you all know IPOD is coming this Saturday!
So bring along all your sporting equipment and get ready for a day of fun!
The details for the event are shown below:

Date: 24th Oct 2009, Saturday
Time to meet: 9am
Venue: Singapore Polytechnic,Badminton Court (Above Food Court 3)

Day 2, 14hr Ride - 22nd Sep 2009

there was no water for everyone of us to bathe n brush teeth so in the end, all of us didn’t bathe.

After breakfast in the hotel, we set off. I sat at the last second row in the van together with fang yi on my right and king kit on my left when we are seated in the van.

At first, we play “The Magic Big 2” followed by “Asshole”, which is like a bit like the previous game. After a while, Yao Han began to feel tired and he went to sleep so we ended the game and I began to feel bored.

Most of the time we started to sing songs. I was very impressed by Clare as she knows a lot of songs.

As Clare sings, I joined in. Some of them joined in too.

Throughout the whole journey in the van, everyone has at least slept for a while in the van except me. I was awake as the van was too bumpy for me to sleep in the van. During the van ride, I did not vomit in the van which is a very good thing. Once I wanted to vomit in the van but I ate a sweet to prevent me from vomiting.

When we reached the camp, the people there had welcomed us. I felt bad as we reached there very late in the night. Later we found out that there was no water for everyone of us to bathe n brush teeth so in the end, all of us didn’t bathe. After we have settled in, it was already very late so I just message my mother and I went to sleep.
Rui ying



We reached the airport at 11:35pm yesterday and we were being fetched to a hotel to spend the night there. I shared the room with Siman and Yun ting. Three of us woke up at around 6:30am; breakfast was 8:00am. Our room was amazingly cold and I was shrivering even with the blanket covered till my neck. So, the three of us washed up and went out for a walk at the beach. The rest of them start to come down to have breakfast too. The food was better than I thought, I must say. And the room is better than I thought too. I didn’t expect the room to have air-conditional.

After we had breakfast, all of us went back to our respective rooms to pack our bags and meet back at the lobby because we are going to the village, Thirukkovil, today. And I heard that the journey would be very long so we have to set off early. We left the hotel and 9:00am, I did doze off for a while but I think for most of the journey I was awake, esp when the bus is driving through the Kandy Mountain. I’m so glad that I didn’t fall asleep. The beautiful scenery of the mountains was breath-taking, it’s like a dream come true for me, and the scenery is really WOW. I will never forget the scenery.

Throughout the journey, we had a live broadcast from Clare. She was singing during the bus journey. We reached the village at around 11pm, the journey took 13 hours. It’s shorter than last year, I heard. When we reached there, we can see the locals were waiting for us. I feel touched, very touched to see them waiting for us when they should be sleeping. They had a small ceremony for us, and after that, we had dinner which they prepared for us too.

The village is a very small village. It’s very urban kind. There are no tall tall buildings around, but cows, goats, and buffalo moving around, and cow dung everywhere. It’s very different from the city area, and of course, Singapore. We sat in a big circle and introduced ourselves because there were 2 colombo guys joining us this time, Mevan and Stephan. We set our house rules too. After that, the girls actually wanted to wash up but there wasn’t any water for us, so we are intending to sleep without washing up.

Tomorrow is the start of the work. Hopefully everything would turn out good and everything we have planned back in Singapore will be carried out as planned! Lastly, I pray that I won’t miss home! (: Thank God for keeping us safe through the bus journey.

Till then and good night!
Maggie

Day 1, Arrival - 21st Sep 2009

Though my parents were not there, I knew I am in the midst of a family there

Today was the day that the OSLT team had been waiting for. I felt excited but at the same time there was a twang in my heart because I knew I was going to miss home. As I packed my bag and stuff, I sat in my room and just look around, trying to soak in as much memories before I leave for the airport. Soon I bid goodbye to my home.

Over at the airport I had my dinner and soon after that, we were doing our last log check before the flight. It was always heartwarming to see so many primers coming down to the airport just to send the team off. Though my parents were not there, I knew I am in the midst of a family there. We check in our luggage and spend a few moments with our friends. Those were the moments I treasure. Soon it was time to go into the departure hall and beyond.

With that we boarded the plane and flew to Sri Lanka.

The day had been exciting and fun but the key moment was knowing that I am in a family even as we entered Sri Lanka time zone.

Sebas

Countdown to flying off to Sri Lanka and that is something that I am looking forward to with all the preparations that the team has done for the trip. So Sri Lanka, Here I come!

At 7pm, all the team members begin to gather at terminal 1, row 13. Other than that, there are a lot of primers members came to send us off. It was quite a touching sight to see so many people coming down to send us off, wishing that we will have a safe trip to Sri Lanka.

So at about 8.40pm, we entered the departure gate and we headed towards the plane that we are going to take. Anxiously, we entered the plane waiting for the plane to take off however it dragged for quite some time. Then Wilfred suddenly said that,” Yeah! There will be money refund from the insurance”. Only then I know that if the plane flight is delayed, the insurance will actually refund some money, so it was like a new discovery for me. So due to the technical problem, we have to abandon the plane. The timing for the flight was delayed for an hour and so we just took some photo and talk while waiting to board the plane again.

When we were asked to board the plane in about 20minutes later, I realized that it was exactly the same plane. In my heart, I was thinking like is it really reliable? Will it breakdown halfway? But other than all the thoughts, I was looking forward to reaching Colombo.

During the three and a half hour of flight, I watched City Island and eat and sleep. So there is nothing much that can be done in the plane. But upon reaching Colombo, everything went quite smooth, we went out of the custom and went straight to meet the other two Sri Lankans who will be with us throughout the trip, namely Mevan and Stephan.

So after a long night, we went to settle down in Goldy Sands and have a good night rest there.

Wensze

IPOD training

Hi folks, there would be an IPOD training this Wednesday(21 Oct 2009). All SP teams are required to come down to SP for training.

Venue : Primers Room
Time : 3.000pm
Attire : Sports wear and exercise shoes

2nd to the Podium!

The Amazing Race was just as amazing as it sounded! It kept my group thinking & sweating the whole day. Even our first station at Chinese Garden already made us climb the multi story pagoda up & down several time, breaking our first drop of sweat of the day. We were to search for clues that could lead us to our next destination, and during the race we had to climb up Kent Ridge park just to take a photo or two, to taking several pictures at Vivo City with strangers that wore havianas slippers.

Towards the end of the race, we were to look for the missing Jingyi at Marina Barrage. We kept searching but we were deceived by some hindrances, resulting in us wasting precious time that could helped our group to get 1st. Eventually we finally found Jingyi & the Amazing Race came to an splendid end, which my group came in 2nd.

Although some of our members were unable to attend that day, I’m still very proud of my group that consist of just 4 persons, which were Leon, Xunsheng, Yating & myself as we persevered until the very end. Unfortunately, due to people going for the Overseas Service Learning Trip, there was quite a lack of response. If not I’ll bet the Amazing Race could become much more interesting & competitive & I’d look forward to the next Amazing Race & definitely strive to be 1st this time.

From Jin Siang

In the name of Friendship

My 2nd Primer's activity!
Amazing Race'09 (:
It's the first activity where I got to participate together with my babes (Li Ting,Angeline and April).
I thought of backing out at first as I was down with high fever the day before due to suspected food poisoning and the fever did not subside even when we were running along the way.
I didn't want to disappoint them. I guess it is the strong bond of friendship between us that really pushed the weak me on.
All of us put our heads together to solve the clues along the way, ensuring everyone hydrate themselves and made sure all are alright (especially me >.< ).
We really enjoyed ourselves despite the scorching sun and managed to emerge as the champion :D
Not forgetting to thank our GL, Yu Zhi xD


From Ling Huan, Yu Zhi's group

No Pain No Gain

I had an enjoyable race with my group. My GL was Jiayi. It was quite a adventure and exercise to me as I stay in the north-line but the amazing race event and station all I think is on the West side like West Coast Park and Kent Ridge Park. I had the most fun at the station at West Coast Park and Marina Barrage as West Coast .We reached there but didn’t go find the GM so we ended up playing the playground near. It was so fun and we played at Marina Barrage which was our last station. Our 1st station, the pagoda already absorbs 25% of the energy level as we had to climb up the stairs. Next was the Kent Ridge Park, we had to climb the slopes that are steeper than those found in RIO camp. Lastly we travelled to vivo city where the mission was to find the people wearing the brand of shoes the GMs give all.Overall it was still fun even though I had to go home with numb and painful legs.

I enjoy a lot with my team and mostly going with Melvin team in some of the places we have fun :)

Extracted from
Ivan
Jiayi's group

IPOD Training

Reminder:


There is IPOD training this weds

14/10/09

Sports attire HIGHLY ENCOURAGED
Venue: Primers room
Time : 2.30pm

Tips: Please drink lots of water!

IPOD training

Dear Primers, there would be an IPOD training this Wednesday( 7 Oct 2009). All SP teams are required to come down to SP for training. For those who have yet to fully finish forming their teams, please come down so that the committee can aid you in the formation of your team.


Venue : Primers Room
Time : 2.30pm
Attire : Sports wear and exercise shoes

IPOD Forms Update

There has been some minor changes to the forms. This attached version includes additional columns for TSHIRT SIZE and DIETARY PREFERENCE in both the participants and supporters' registration forms. This is to ensure that we get the right size of shirt for you and also the appropriate food.

Inter Primers Olympics Day

Greetings Family,

Here we come again with another update of another BIG THING that is going to happen - IPOD!

For those who have not heard of it, it's actually the acronym for Inter Primers Olympics Day. We are in no way affiliated with Apple though, so do not get us wrong. Prepare yourself as we are going to share lots of information with you (even over the next few days)!

If you are the type looking forward to meeting Primers outside of SP, sweating it out through sports and games do take note of the event details:

Date: Saturday, 24 October 2009
Time: 9:00am
Venue: Singapore Polytechnic Stadium
Fee: $8.00 (includes lunch and tshirt)

These are the forms you need to look through, download and print and you are able submit them to us on:

Date: Saturday, 03 October 2009
Venue: Primers Room
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

IPOD09_Information and Reg Forms

If you are not really interested in sports and stuff, we still encourage you to come and support your fellow Primers! We also have programs catered specially for you!

See all of you there in helping us defend our overall champion crown!

Mid Autumn Festival

Date: 02 October 09, Friday
Time: 1900hrs (registration starts)
Venue: West Coast Park
Fee: $2.00
Attire: Free & Easy

A time where we come together to indulge in things we do when we were young. Definitely a good way to relive those childhood memories!

Amazing Race 09

Hey guys!

How have you been during this holiday?

What?!

You are spending all your time in front of your computer?

It's time for you to get out of your seat and join us for AMAZING RACE 2009!

Ever seen such spectecular view in Singapore?

YOU ARE INVITED!

Activity : Amazing Race

Venue : SP @ auditorium

Time : 9am to 6pm (latest)

Cost : $2

Attire : BB polo & covered shoes

Need: Indemnity Form

Bring: EZ-link card (with sufficient value), Water Bottles

To sign up. Please call/sms Huiwen at 96184660 or Jingyi at 98440259 for more enquires.

See you there~ =)

Not Seniors but SUPERSENIORS!

As RIO'09 is my first primers activity.

Back from camp at Ubin, away from the urban accessories, and embraced ourselves to the sights and music of nature. The sound of the tides, the constant cicada and crickets sound, the sight of the mud lobster, mudskippers, snakes, monitor lizards and wild boars. Peaceful atmosphere during the camp other than the frequent mozzies bites.

We have a rooftop over us at the auntie siew eng backyard house. Girls, i felt, wasted having to sleep in the rooms as the guys are sleeping in the open area outside the room where it is definitely cooler and good scenery in the morning.

Other than survival cooking in camps, this camp is a camp where we get to plan what we eat, canned food, soft drink, fruit juice, macaroni, beehoon or rice. All meals are to be prepared by ourselves.
Bathing there is another challenging and interesting issue over there. Woohoo, kampong style, even toilet are kampong style, where all our wastes get washed away by the tides below you.

We name our group Super.Senior (p.s: Super junior's Senior). Mindset:( Shi Jun-> S.J-> Super Junior-> Super Senior!!) Why? Cos our group consist of all yr 2, whr the rest are mixed with yr1 and yr2. Basically, the games are the common bonding station games, but i like the process where our group got high over camp songs like the "jia kim jio" , and the titanic, especially our GL, Shi Jun who liked to sing " OH I M SAD, Oh I M SAD! when the ship went to the bottom of the sea"

Another activity to highlight is the gala night, commonly known as the the talentime in camps. Theme is RIO. I believed our group did the best with hilarious and exaggerating scenes we planned out from experiences we have on the island. HOHO=)

Out of this camp, i learned that Caring, Sharing and Waiting for each other is what makes the primers family. Thankful that i got into this group and the GL and facil we got. Definitely a fun camp that is worth going. so just ROUGHING IT OUT. Hope to meet up with the campmates again. Haha.


Alan
Super Senior




I was looking forward to the camp as i believe it's gonna be a fun camp and i'll get to know more people and i get to share things with people :D
I couldnt hold my tears back during life journey on the first night.but sharing with people makes me feel much better and i get to know each and everyone better (:
Despite the irritating mozzies around, we still manage to instill laughter during the ice breaking and bonding games :D
The first night's sleep was terrible, to me. i felt hot and cold throughout the night. i heard something whining besides the crickets ):

Second day's breakfast was prepared by our charming GL xD and alan (the only guy in our grp) (: we had kaya bread! :D
I felt nausea during the coastal clearing due to the extreme heat and continuous bending of ups and downs and me having low blood pressure.i felt rather bad for not informing the SUPER SENIORS about my condition ): but at the same time, many thanks to the medic (wensze and aiwee) and ying duan for CARING :D
We had a sumptuous SUPER macaroni meal for lunch, SUPER maggie for dinner and SUPER nuggets for supper :D great team effort of the SUPER SENIORS and candy :D

Our first station was at the bridge where we had to look for the strips of paper which makes up to the BB vesper.
As RIO'09 is my first primers activity, i didnt know how to sing! im limited to 3 minutes and i could only remember the tune and i just followed the rest of the group members for the lyrics ):
next was the skipping rope game where everyone has to join in one-by-one.it is the perseverance and determination and the trust between us that our group manage to complete the objective in the end. (wen sze actually changed the "rule" in the end where everyone could jump ten times with all at the same time)

we didnt forget to WAIT for candy as she returns the skipping rope for us and we actually practised our skit while she was held back by hoong sheng.
the activities that really put our team to test was the trust walk and the squeeze. all of us were blindfolded and had our feet tied together and led by our GL to overcome the obstacles along the way according to his "commands" (in fact is directions) .
we tried many many ways to really squeeze ourselves onto the 2-fold newspaper with the 4-fold in mind (rather impossible unless they're all on fingers?).
that really made us more determined to source for ways to stand or hug as closely as possible.
there were other activities which requires team work all the way (:

we were the first to complete the entire journey with rather good allocation of stations too ;D

gala night was memorable too (: we got to know how individual groups actually felt about the camp through the skit, we too have the chance to "get" the GLs to perform for us (; i went up for the primers "dont forget the lyrics" game and i was stucked at the barney song! pin xuan came to my rescue in the end. :D i lost at the powerpuff's song as i got a sudden mind block.

before i went off in the morning, we sat down and had breakfast together [everybody jia! = everybody eat!] :D
i felt reluctant to leave the camp early ): i couldnt join them for the chek jawa trip ): i missed all the events before breaking camp ):
i miss SUPER SENIORS and i will miss the SUPER JUNIOR'S SENIORS! may we remember the times we spent at UBIN to rough-it-out always!

life in town is much more different as compared to life @ UBIN. i wouldnt mind staying there for sometime but im sure i'll miss home too.

I've learnt to be even more independent after this camp and it is really a very good learning experience for me and im glad that i know that so many people actually cares for me, they even share their things with me and also wait for me even when im lagging behind or when i was feeling unwell.
I can feel the care and concern and the family love that the SUPER SENIORS had showered on me :D

heartfelt thanks to SHI JUN, our BEST GL! :D

Ling Huan
Super Senior

Pokemon mon mon mon... (Echos heard at the highest point in Ubin)

Everything was really great except that the itches.

It is really a fun and enjoyable camp! I believe it is really meaningful as it gives me a rough idea of the life that we are going to have in Sri Lanka. After this camp, I am more mentally prepared for our trip to Sri Lanka.

As we are grouped according to OSLT grouping, it assists us to understand each other and at the same time, helps all of us form bonds with each other. =) I suppose this will definitely benefit all of us in our journey to Sri Lanka.

All in all, I am really grateful that this camp was organized in the way it was. Everything was really great except that the itches from the mosquito bites are intolerable! I suppose these are unavoidable though! =)

Clare Ong
Pokemon

We are Imba enough to tahan RIOcamp!

This camp had taught me a lot of stuffs that's out of the text.
Being away from water and electricity that we could easily get it from the mainland, to a place full of mosquitoes and crickets, limited water supply and electricity, I learnt how fortunate we are.

This camp left me with a lot of good memories as well.
Firstly, is the cooking of meals. Everyone played their part in preparing the meals. This results to us having heart-warming meals. And I realised, guys can cook as good as the girls! Secondly, is the talent time, where everyone contributed ideas to make the skit a success.

Although we didn’t have much time to practice, i think all of us did a very good job!
Thirdly, is the walk to Chek Jawa . Our water was depleting, yet no matter how thirsty we were, we still shared our water around. We're bonded through these bits and pieces, and we learnt how to CARE, SHARE & WAIT.

Not forgetting those committees as well, planning and leading a camp isn’t an easy job, and to think that they'd to take each camper's safety into account. Without all of you, this camp wouldn’t be a success. Great job doneee!

ROUGH IT OUT TOGETHER AGAIN!


Zi Ling
Imba

I feel that RIO CAMP 2009 had been a success, we did fulfilled the 3 values. That is to Care, Share & Wait. Some of us started off as strangers. However for the 3 days 2 nights it had really bond the campers. It is totally a new experience for all of us to camp in a kampong.

I also believe that all of us had learnt some important facts about our nature during the coastal cleanup. And I am really impress with one of the officer, for sharing a story that make us understand even we can't clear all those litters out there, our effort still does make a difference!

To end off, I would like to thank the people who had contributed their time and effort to make this camp an enjoyable one!
Especially to my dear GL Xiao min!

Looking forward for the next 2010 RIO CAMP and other events!
IMBA we have survived!

Jun Hong
Imba

Ahar! I went to RIOcamp!

Something unforgettable

“Something unforgettable”, I believe that is what most, if not all of us, who had attended the 2009 Rough-It-Out camp would describe it. Frankly speaking, I have my considerations towards the camp, and I wasn’t even sure if I really wanted to go. However, thanks to the fact that there’s people I know, and most importantly, lovely group mates.

Personally, I think the rough it out part that I really need to take some time to accept is the cooking utensils. Reason being that the wok and stuff seems to be really dirty, with a thick layer of accumulated dirt, and we are supposed to cook our meals with it. To be honest, it took me quite awhile to get over the image of it in my mind while having our meals.

Nevertheless, I feel that it is an awesome experience to do and experience something different from our daily city lifestyle.

Jolene
Ahar!

For this camp, i feel that it can be tougher! Like banning of handphones and snacks during the camp. I enjoyed the camp alot because it's rather relaxing! I've got to enjoy good food, got to bathe and had a not-too-bad area to sleep in! The only problem was just the mosquitoes, to which there's no real solution to it!

I enjoyed the gala night as the skits were very funny and interesting! The seniors there are very nice too! They showed enthusiasm and cared for our welfare throughout the camp. From this camp, i've learnt to show more initiative in doing work, and also to serve others before self. This camp has also allowed me to be more open-minded in sharing personal thoughts. As, i've never been so comfortable in sharing personal feelings and thoughts with strangers. My team bonded very fast and well. I could say that the people from primers are comfortable people to be with! Lastly, i really felt lucky to be in Team Ahar! :D

Janice
Ahar!

RIOcamp 09 Aftermath

Here is something for those who missed out RIOcamp 09.

EnjoY!



the real deal

RIO camp 09 packing list

Packing list for RIOcamp 09

Clothing
• 3 sets of clothes (dark colors advised)
• BB Polo Tee
• Track pants (optional but highly recommended)
• Covered Shoes (compulsory)
• Jacket (Optional)
• Sandals/Slippers
• Undergarments

Toiletries
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Soap and shampoo
• Toilet paper
• Towel
• Deodorant( optional)

Health items
• Personal medication
• Insect repellant
• Contact lens solution (not advised)

Equipment
• Sleeping bag (compulsory)
• Eating Utensils
• Plate
• Mug
• Torchlight
• Writing material
• Cash (Less then $20)

Reporting time for RIOcamp 2009: 6pm Changi Jetty

Gosh! 1 more Day to RIOcamp

Gosh! one more day to RIOcamp! Time to eat all I want before i go there!

2 more Days to RIOcamp...

About time I start packing my stuff....

I'll wear this to RIOcamp ...=)

Its....3 DAYS TO RIO CAMP!!!!

3 more days to RIOcamp 2009 time to get more rest before that =)

Updating your NYAA

NYAA Instructions August 09

RIOcamp Registration: Booth Operation Hours

Hey Primers!

Its time to grab your wallets and rush off to the Primers room and register for RIOcamp!

You need
-$11
-SP Indemnity Forms with parents signature

Booth Opening Hours
19 Aug (Wed): 1-6pm
20 Aug (Thu): 1-3pm
21 Aug (Fri) : 1-6 pm

And please note that RIO camp has been changed to 11 - 13 September

See you at RIOcamp!

Got Lobang Boh?

Ohana! August 2009 Issue12

Hey Primers, Do remember to grab a copy of Ohana! magazine at the SP Primers club room if you have not done so. The Publicity team have worked really hard to produce this Magazine. So, what are you waiting for? Grab it now!

OHANA_August09Issue12

An Event of a lifetime !! =)

NDP 2009 has been a great experience for me. I had always looked forward to having a chance to be one of the motivators since the first time I attended the National Day Parade when I was in primary 5. The motivators inspired me and when I realise the opportunity offered by SP Primers I just had to take it. I have never regretted joining. Even if it had took up some of my time away from studying and my normal routines it was all worth it.
I remembered the first preview show we did, my area was empty but that didn’t stop me from doing my job. I knew that no matter what, I’m still a motivator and should help motivate the crowd at the marina platform and that means the whole entire place and not just the area I’m allocated to. I decided to help out my other motivators and just most importantly transmit the fun of NDP to the audience and that made me feel so great that i couldn’t stop smiling even after the show.
This experience has thought me a lot. I’ve learn to work with new people and also communicate them. I’ve received new skills such as balloon sculpting and basic dancing. Great skills that never have I imagined I would acquire. I’ve learn to overcome my fear of balloons with the help of my lovely supporting teammates, now I can twist and turn those balloon with ease, although I might still scream and squirm at sudden bursting. :D
Most of all I think I have achieved from this awesome experience would be friendship. The great friends I’ve made throughout this journey are just wonderful. There were the ones who helped me through the times where I feel I should give up. They were the ones who made my Saturdays the happiest day of my week where I manage to chase away my troubles from school and just have sheer fun. I’m going to miss the times we had but I know that even after the event is over our friendship would still last and that the memories together would be treasured through thousands of photos we posed for HAHA!
An event of a lifetime that should be shared with everyone, National Day Parades, the event every Singaporean takes pride in and as much as possible should have a chance to be a part of it. I’m so lucky to be able to take part in it and shall bring this memory with me down the years of my life.

Nur Hazimah
Group 5

Small role, Huge impact !

Joining NDP 2009 as a motivator has been a great experience for me. Every Saturday I enjoy myself to the fullest because I get to spend time with my friends and have the entire day to just have fun and relax. Throughout the entire 11 weeks training for NDP, I have made more friends. I enjoy myself very much being a motivator. I learnt how to do balloon sculpting and I love doing balloon sculpting and giving them out to the audience because I get to put smiles on the faces of little children that come to me asking for a balloon sculpture.


I am happy that I could do my part for Singapore as a motivator. Though it’s only a simple role in the entire celebration for Singapore’s 44th birthday, I believe that every tiny role and action can make a huge and significant difference in the entire celebration. Being a motivator, it was just a joy interacting with the audience; taking pictures with them and seeing them enjoy themselves at the national day parade because for some people, this is their first time ever attending the national day parade.


Wearing the care bear suit has pretty much become a part of my Saturdays and I honestly enjoyed every moment I spent at the NDP trainings and I will definitely remember this entire joyful experience and will miss it very much.


Geraldine
Group 5

Strangers when we began

NDP09; Motivator
My Reflections.
Hudah Rahim
GRP 5


NDP09 is ending soon but I believe that it is not the end. It’s just a new beginning for another chapter of our lives. As an individual, I learned a lot through out this whole journey. The experience I gained, the memories shared and the friendship forged is too priceless to be forgotten.

Group 5, started as strangers, but now, we are one family. One big happy family. It’s only been a few weeks but we already created a strong bond. This bond, put teamwork above all and there’s no such thing as I in our group. We set aside our differences and gel together as a team. We went through the sun, rain and H1N1 period together. Through it all. We survive dint we? The reason why, is that we help each other, we take care of each other and we even motivate each other. Teamwork is important to us. I bet every Group are similar to us.

If there’s a team, there will be the leaders right? My mentors, Dylan and Vimel had done a great job! They are the ones that pull everyone together. Their care and concern exceeds my expectations. Not to mention their guidance. They walked along with us as a friend and not as a leader. They listen to our complaints and whining even though they are tired too. And we are really grateful for what they have done. Mentors, thank you.

Hold on, I’m not forgetting the group leaders. Krystle, Gifford, Marie and Nicholas.
They too played a part. They give their best dedications to aid the mentors. They take very good care of us. Again, they too, walk along with as friends, making us feel the comfort. Leaders, your efforts are appreciated. Thank you!

Now, my team members, without them, my Saturdays would be boring. They certainly added colours to my NDP journey. We shared jokes and laughter and this make me keep on looking forward to NDP trainings. Each of them, are special in their own way. They have their own strength and weakness. But, whatever it is, I’m really glad that I found them, in NDP09!

Being a motivator seems to be an easy job, but hey, it’s not. Needless to say, but, the motivators have done a great job! Well done friends! I hope being motivators doesn’t end in NDP09 only. I hope you guys will continue being motivators to the people around you! Motivators are special. We are special.

The times i had in NDP is so short!

There a saying which says” times passes very fast when you’re doing happy things.” I cannot agree more to that. This week, will be the last performance National Day Parade (NDP) performance.

For the past few months, we had been training hard. Things just get tougher and tougher. Learning the dance and memorizing the steps. I was also exposed to balloon sculpturing, which I was very afraid at first, but started enjoy making it and challenged myself to learn more designs.

The bonds between me and my group mates were getting stronger and stronger. From the 1st day of training to the Preview last week, we had been having so much fun together! Encouraging one another and making fun at one another. From strangers to friends to movie mates, things just get more and more exciting!

I love it whenever is dinner time as I get to had the time to chat with catch up with everyone. We chat, took countless photos and laugh over every little thing.

NDP had been one of my memorable journeys I had with Primers.


Done by hui wen, group 6

Singing with gusto

All right people! The NDP Parade may be over, but this doesnt mean that the NDP sprit is gone.

Therefore we are going to put in some stuff that is going to make you recall your NDP days in joy. This is where we have painstakingly collected people's reflection from different groups. Enjoy! =)


Taken from Teck yi, Cluster C4:
During this journey as an ndp motivator, not only did I get to view the fireworks every week, but most importantly I've built stronger bonds among the members in my group. I still could remember during the first few training we had at Simei ITE, we would meet together at Tanah Merah mrt station then have breakfast together at Simei ITE itself before proceeding for the trainings. And after the trainings, there would be some other activities such as beach day, and food junction. Spending every Saturday together, Saturdays soon became Crimson Day where we have a day out together as a group.
The experiences I had during this period of time was wonderful and most memorable. I could not imagine myself out there in the gallery seats during ndp doing balloon sculptures and motivating the crowd if I wasn't an NDP motivator.
The one day which I would never forget is the first NE show when it rained. The rain was so sudden leaving us all drenched. However, as soon as the National Anthem was played, everyone stood still singing it with gusto. When the fireworks light up the sky that night, it was the brightest fireworks ever and it was very expected as most of us would think that the fireworks will be cancelled due to the rain.
For the third NE show, I fell ill and was not able to attend. For the whole day, something seems to be missing. I missed my friends, the food, the people and the show. I know I've missed a lot just in that day especially the fun and joy we have spending time together.
If I'm given a chance to participate in ndp as a motivator again, my hands would definitely be raised.

Cover me!!!!

Where We Belong!

Taking part in NDP requires a lot of time and commitment, we spend almost the whole of Saturday at rehearsals.

At the beginning when we were still at ITE Simei, we had to learn the dance move which took us weeks and the most difficult part is to put the different sets together and I believe that even until the first NE show, we had uncertainties.

After going to the floating platform, everything has their time slot and we had to keep up with time constraint. By the end of the day, we will all be very tired and a night’s sleep would not be sufficient to replenish our energy. However, with all of the inputs, there are definitely outputs too. We not only enjoy ourselves while being actively involved in the segment and duties that we have been allocated but most importantly, looking at the audience enjoying themselves, there will be a sense of achievement because you would know that you have fulfilled your duties.

Apart from all of this, there is another feeling which is the sense of belonging. Being part of NDP is actually contributing to the nation and week in week out, we listen to the Singapore story, we listen to national songs that we have heard when we were young, there is a unknown force which will reaffirm that you are part of Singapore . We have to admit that the outputs definitely outweigh the inputs.

In short, being part of NDP is a very enjoyable process.

Amelia
Group 3