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Friday, January 5, 2007

VS EDGE 2007 Sec 1 Orientation Camp

Juz returned from the Jalan Bahtera MOE Adventure Camp site at Lim Chu Kang...very tired,yet,it was fun!=) This post is dedicated to the students of class 1E...

Day 1
We started off great. The sec1s boarded the bus and we were on our way to the campsite. The weather was fine and the sky was crystal clear(i think). We reached the campsite and settled in before assembling at the car park(picture). We then had our lunch which comprised of fried rice,chicken and vegetables.After lunch, a briefing was held by Mr Siow to teach the sec1s how to belay.Sec 1A-C were in Cluster1, Sec 1D-F were in Cluster2 and Sec 1G-I were in Cluster3. This afternoon,cluster2 was to split into 2. 1 did kayaking while the other played ice-breakers. Since 1E was the mid class, it had to be split. The 1st half did
kayaking with 1D while the second half did ice-breakers with 1F. The 1st half arrived at
the shed, all geared up to get wet. The instructor gave a briefing(picture) before
the classes took their PFDs and prepared for a water confidence excercise(picture). The classes
then practised how to propell(can't think of a better word) their kayaks(picture). 1D was constantly asking their form teacher Mr Zabid to go with them(picture). We seniors unloaded the kayaks from the racks(picture) 1 at a time. It was a painstaking process but in the end it was all worth it. One after another kayaks streamed towards the kelong where the instructor conducted a briefing abt wad they were gonna do. Despite the training given, some kayaks were moving very slowly as the strokes were not coordinated. We seniors got 1-seater kayaks which made it easy to steer. Some sec1s complained that they wanted 1-seater kayaks. Unfortunately we denied their request as the purpose of this excercise was to promote teamwork and coordination between the sec1s, sorry guys =) .The sec1s sailed to an open area where they played a game: The kayaks were to be lined up side by side. Then the 3/2 people on board would hold hands. Then row by row they would stand on the kayak trying to maintain balance(sorry but no pic). Eventually they accomplished it without anyone capsizing! We then went for a bath(after returning to shore) before playing some ice-breakers like wacko and the hand game. Unfortunately the weather took a turn for the worst and soon it was raining cats and dogs. All activities ceased. The 2nd half of cluster 2 who were still out at sea quickly returned to shore. That night, the teachers had a "talk abt bullying" session with the sec1s. After which the sec1s ate their supper(they enjoyed the milo the most) and went to their bunks. Lights out was at 11.30pm. Some playful sec1s were shining their torch lights at other bunks and disturbing those around them. We had to deal with these "cases". They had a long day and an even longer 1 tomorrow so we wanted them to get a good night rest...

Sec 1E all geared up and ready (so ready for anything that their HUGE bags, some even laden with potato chips, filled the centre aisle of the bus) headed towards the Jln Bahtera MOE Adventure Camp...