The Ubin Days

For some, elation is the word to describe their end-of-the-dreaded-camp feeling. For others, it was an unforgettable experience, filled with fun and learning. I've learned that my class (3E1) is not just a bunch of study-hards put together - we're more than a class, we're a team.

We got to visit Chek Jawa, wetlands where we could see nature untouched. From mudskippers and crabs to jellyfish and a school of fishes, we could observe how these lived in their natural habitat, the mangrove. Sadly, we were there at high tide, and most of the corals were under the water. Still, we got to learn all about why these mangroves are so important to us and why we should conserve them.

The whole camp was, to me, about leadership and teamwork. It pushed us, at individuals, all the way to the top and more. But it also pushed us as a team. We motivated and kept each other going. We worked together towards a common goal and persevered all throughout the 4 days.

The best part of the camp was the kayaking refresher and expedition. For the refresher at Water Venture (Sembawang), we took the capsize and rescue seriously, but had loads of fun doing it as well. The two-man kayak gave us a opportunity to work together as a team, and when we had to raft up, a class.

The expedition out from Ubin Lodge to Frog Island was unique. A challenge was posed to us - when rafted up, everyone had to stand up and the guys from the kayaks at the end had to switch places. From this, I think a few leaders stepped out, and the others followed...we cooperated. Everything was possible. And when an initial idea didn't work out, we changed it quickly and efficiently.

Well, I learned that everyone had to work together, and never act alone. From kayaking to even going to a makeshift toilet(a tree) at 1am in the morning, we needed a buddy to make sure nothing happened. Motivation was the thing for the night walk. Though it wasn't as dark as it was supposed to be, some guys were not exactly hyped-up about it. But the others encouraged them.

As for the best memories, they cannot be captured on film, nor written down. I guess these are the times when we got to be with our friends. That was what that made the whole camp so special to me; The people I had around me. Nothing would have been fun without them, and nothing would mean something special if they were not there.

Maybe it's more than a 'man for others' here in Montfort. It's a brotherhood. A special bond that brings us close together. It's more than a 'discerning individual', but a collective class of people who stick to whatever is right, and make sure everyone else does it together with them. No one wants to say it, but I feel that we're closer than we think. We all love our friends. We show it in what we do. We don't say it.


Brian Theng, 3E1