Boys at play.
It was finally over. 4 days (1 - 4 Feb 94) of laborious, weary and gruelling activities. My sloppy, sluggish self attempted to escape this Adventure Camp. On the insistence of my parents, I, together with a convoy of about 400 Secondary 3 boys arrived at Sarimbun Camp in the company of our school teachers. It was a sunny morning and the physical environment of the camp grounds promised adventurous days ahead. The greenery, massive fields, wooden and concrete dormitories as well as different exercise areas indicated to us that this training site was well-chosen for activities which included canoeing, obstacle courses, orienteering, mini- games and telematches.
Boys at play.
We were divided into groups of 20. We were to interact with fellow students from the other classes. I was shocked to be thrown in with schoolmates whom, given a choice, I would not befriend. But I had to learn to accept individual differences and that differences enrich us. In an effort to put up a friendly front, I had to work hard with the few virtues I have, to try and live cordially. Yet, there were others whose company I enjoyed. Hidden talents were discovered as we cracked our brains together to put up our best as a team.
Boys singing heartily.
The days passed rather quickly but the nights were slow. Our designated accommodation was a raised pondok, an uncomfortable, cramped, sleeping area in the absence of mattresses and pillows. To be honest, many of us sneaked out at night to share bedding facilities with those who were fortunate enough to get the dormitory. Toilets were communal with an open aerial view for the birds and the bees to infringe on our privacy. Food was not bad, not good either. I missed the beauty and comfort of home, my mother's chicken curry and ikan bilis sambal. However, the wide and delicious spread on the last night made up for the bland food during the course of our training.
The Dynamic Duo - our Camp Commandants.
On the whole, this experience proved to be an eye-opener. I had a taste of national service three years ahead of time. The importance of living among friends and strangers was impressed upon me. My muscles had become more willing to be flexed and it was a breather to get away from books.
The happy trio outside the dormitory.
Most importantly, the Adventure Camp showed me that I am capable of creativity and adventure.
Mervin John (3A2)