Camp Aspire!!

It started out when the Girls Brigade teacher approached me to source out for vendors to conduct a camp for 20 girls. After sourcing and looking at the quotes we gathered from various vendors, ATN was chosen for its availability and lowest cost.

The timing was just right as I was then posted to HQ as a roving CCPE. Rockey then got me in the team with Sylvia to run the camp. Then Andrew came along being the only MAN in the whole group. By then, we had 2 weeks to start planning and making arrangements for budget, accommodation, food, insurance, programme and logistics. The initial stage was quite hectic as we had to run from places to places to gather all the items we needed. Special thanks to our AZM Farhan for providing us with the solid fuel. J

As the camp aim was to inculcate a spirit of adventure and discovery to approach life challenges, the programme had to cover the adventure criteria as well as activities that touch on important values that one face in life…

Then came the day CI Sylvia, CI Salina and CI Andrew get rolling…The first main activity was kayaking at Sembawang Yacht Club and it was conducted by our very own Fauzun. It was a nice bright sunny day and the girls were tired out by the end of the day even though it was an introductory course. We had a nice time showering as the yacht club were having some piping works and we had to find means and ways to shower with just a tiny stream of water coming out of the shower heads. It’s a good experience! Students also had the fibre glass effect (if you get what I mean) and started to use masking tape to wax their legs! *shakes head…GIRLS…*


After kayaking, we went back to the school and we had group breaking activities followed by ‘lee wee brothers nasi lemak’ dinner (Yummy!). After eating to their hearts content, we conducted mass games and the night ended with reflections and daily evaluation.



On the 2nd day, the 3 of us brought the students trekking at Bukit Timah Hill. We took on the yellow route up and down by the Green route. We expected the students to take more time but they were just too energetic to rest! At the summit, we conducted reflections and we were proud to see values such as perseverance, resilience, care & concern being brought up. Students even realize that going up and down the hills and steps are just like the ups and downs we face in life and through perseverance and resilience, it is possible to conquer. Yes, DEEP…



When we arrived in school, the girls had the most refreshing shower and we then went on to our teambuilding games, outdoor cooking and activities at night include candlelight fight, testi- whereby participants have to write nice things about one another and the night ended with our very own modified epitaph.


To me, the second day was the most fulfilling as the girls were already very soaked into the camp and we even had breakdown cases while conducting the activities. No im not being mean but when the girls cry, I had a sense of satisfaction as it shows me that they take things seriously and through debriefing, they shared their concerns and it reassures me that they really learn something. Sweet success…

The 3rd day was short and sweet. With the help of Mud, the CCPE at Outram Secondary School, we had the introductory course for rockclimbing. The great thing about it is the fact that the course was conducted by the Sec 1 students! What a way to encourage student leadership and active participation. When we went back to school, we had area cleaning for break camp and had photo taking and debriefing before we went our separate ways. I just hope that all the girls benefited and have a broader mind after Camp Aspire!

Special thanks to fellow CCPEs, Fauzun @ Coral Prmary & Muhammad @ Outram Secondary for their assistance in the conduct of kayaking & rock climbing. It worked because we were together…

Cheers!
- Salina Ahmad Shah -
Aka Salinasaurus (RAWRR!!)