From 16 to 18 February, I attended a Team-building camp which was organised for first year students. The camp had events that were aimed at building our confidence and getting us to learn how to work and play together.
On the first night, we had Night Confidence Walk and our confidence and fear of the dark was put to the test. I paired up with Charis who had the same fear of darkness as me. I held her hand and we started walking straight forward without torches in hand in complete darkness. Fortunately, there were a few dim lights on the ground at different spots to guide us. I almost lost my balance halfway through the walk. After almost 2 hours, we completed the walk with increased confidence. Mr Loke, my Class Advisor who followed us congratulated me and said, "Well done! I'm proud of you!"
The next part of the camp brought us to Pulau Ubin, where we were given a challenge to test our teamwork. We had a challenge which was to make an Egg Parachute. Janessa gave us limited tools, such as an egg and the tools used to build the parachute. My team headed to the lookout tower and started to work on it. Eventually, two boys went up a few flights of stairs of the tower and dropped the hand-made parachute. The first attempt failed as it landed on mud instead of landing on the ground. The second try was unsuccessful as well as it got stuck onto the tree branch due to a strong gust of wind. Three people tried to shake the tree trunk but to no avail. However, given their positive attitude, the boys in my group persevered as we were asked to make second parachute, causing us to lag behind. This time, they had better idea which finally worked.
Next, we had to get down on our hands and feet for a tiring challenge under the hot sun. We were required to do Sand Modelling measuring 7m long. The boys gave the rest of us duties. Although I didn't contribute much in the previous two tasks, I helped in this task by pouring water onto the sand continuously without knowing what the rest of my group had in mind. I kept doing my part under the scorching sun. When the sand modelling presentation commenced, I was really impressed by each team's creativity. My group made a big turtle. I didn't know why they made this but I guessed the reason was that we were initially first but came out last yet never gave up.
Next, the teams were supposed to display their team spirit by producing rhythms during Drum March. My group was given limited tools. I realised that it was really difficult to come up with correct rhythm. When the campfire finally arrived, each group put up an impressive Drum March performance. I could feel loud vibrations from the ground. My group put up an awesome performance with smooth rhythms. However, I messed up the numbers of beats after first ten beats due to nervousness. Thankfully, only Charis who was standing beside me noticed my mistake and I gestured to her to carry on while I continued to follow her beats.
After the performance, Janessa who was the chief assistant gave the audience a poignant speech about her ITE life. The story virtually brought me to tears. Initially she did quite badly in her studies as she had to juggle between studies and CCAs. She shed a few tears when she recalled what her teacher said to her, “I see hope in you.” when she was about to give up and focused on her CCAs only. What she was trying to say was that we have to strive, not to give up easily and have hope too. She concluded that her dream is to 100% transform unpolished ones into polished gems which was fulfilled in the end.
Finally, the chief was ready to announce who would be going to receive their respective awards. The Best Male Camper went to Max (am unsure if his name is correct) for displaying good character and being initiative. Next, the Best Female Camper was described by the Chief as a positive girl who always had a smile on her face and she tried her utmost to participate as many activities as possible. I was so surprised when he announced my name. It was totally unexpected. Mum and I walked toward the chief and stood in front of the audience. I began to sign nervously, ''I don't know what to say." with a shy laugh while mum translated the signing into words. I quickly racked my brain for the next words. I ended up thanking my trainer, teachers especially Mr Loke and team mates for showing endless concern and understanding. I then concluded by saying thanks to everyone at the camp.
Overall, through this camp, my group and Hot Babe allowed me to show them including Mr Loke what I am capable of. Surprisingly, this camp also helped the boys from my group aka classmates to eventually accept and try to learn to communicate with me. I remembered that either boys or I never talked to each other in class for almost a month. Hopefully, it is the first step to start communicating with me by gesturing. :) The class bond also strengthen through this camp. :)
On the first night, we had Night Confidence Walk and our confidence and fear of the dark was put to the test. I paired up with Charis who had the same fear of darkness as me. I held her hand and we started walking straight forward without torches in hand in complete darkness. Fortunately, there were a few dim lights on the ground at different spots to guide us. I almost lost my balance halfway through the walk. After almost 2 hours, we completed the walk with increased confidence. Mr Loke, my Class Advisor who followed us congratulated me and said, "Well done! I'm proud of you!"
The next part of the camp brought us to Pulau Ubin, where we were given a challenge to test our teamwork. We had a challenge which was to make an Egg Parachute. Janessa gave us limited tools, such as an egg and the tools used to build the parachute. My team headed to the lookout tower and started to work on it. Eventually, two boys went up a few flights of stairs of the tower and dropped the hand-made parachute. The first attempt failed as it landed on mud instead of landing on the ground. The second try was unsuccessful as well as it got stuck onto the tree branch due to a strong gust of wind. Three people tried to shake the tree trunk but to no avail. However, given their positive attitude, the boys in my group persevered as we were asked to make second parachute, causing us to lag behind. This time, they had better idea which finally worked.
Next, we had to get down on our hands and feet for a tiring challenge under the hot sun. We were required to do Sand Modelling measuring 7m long. The boys gave the rest of us duties. Although I didn't contribute much in the previous two tasks, I helped in this task by pouring water onto the sand continuously without knowing what the rest of my group had in mind. I kept doing my part under the scorching sun. When the sand modelling presentation commenced, I was really impressed by each team's creativity. My group made a big turtle. I didn't know why they made this but I guessed the reason was that we were initially first but came out last yet never gave up.
Next, the teams were supposed to display their team spirit by producing rhythms during Drum March. My group was given limited tools. I realised that it was really difficult to come up with correct rhythm. When the campfire finally arrived, each group put up an impressive Drum March performance. I could feel loud vibrations from the ground. My group put up an awesome performance with smooth rhythms. However, I messed up the numbers of beats after first ten beats due to nervousness. Thankfully, only Charis who was standing beside me noticed my mistake and I gestured to her to carry on while I continued to follow her beats.
After the performance, Janessa who was the chief assistant gave the audience a poignant speech about her ITE life. The story virtually brought me to tears. Initially she did quite badly in her studies as she had to juggle between studies and CCAs. She shed a few tears when she recalled what her teacher said to her, “I see hope in you.” when she was about to give up and focused on her CCAs only. What she was trying to say was that we have to strive, not to give up easily and have hope too. She concluded that her dream is to 100% transform unpolished ones into polished gems which was fulfilled in the end.
Finally, the chief was ready to announce who would be going to receive their respective awards. The Best Male Camper went to Max (am unsure if his name is correct) for displaying good character and being initiative. Next, the Best Female Camper was described by the Chief as a positive girl who always had a smile on her face and she tried her utmost to participate as many activities as possible. I was so surprised when he announced my name. It was totally unexpected. Mum and I walked toward the chief and stood in front of the audience. I began to sign nervously, ''I don't know what to say." with a shy laugh while mum translated the signing into words. I quickly racked my brain for the next words. I ended up thanking my trainer, teachers especially Mr Loke and team mates for showing endless concern and understanding. I then concluded by saying thanks to everyone at the camp.
Overall, through this camp, my group and Hot Babe allowed me to show them including Mr Loke what I am capable of. Surprisingly, this camp also helped the boys from my group aka classmates to eventually accept and try to learn to communicate with me. I remembered that either boys or I never talked to each other in class for almost a month. Hopefully, it is the first step to start communicating with me by gesturing. :) The class bond also strengthen through this camp. :)
