SECONDARY 2 ADVENTURE CAMP 2015

Mentioning the word “camp” to anyone would bring back their fond memories of secondary school. But when I heard about a camp, I was worried.

I set foot into the campsite with numerous worries. What’s going to happen during the Dragon Boating activity? What about the Challenge Rope Course? Will I survive this 3 day horror? Those were the exact thoughts that were running through my head.

I was greeted by my two trainers who explained to us what we would be doing over the course of the 3 days. To my utmost horror, the trainers announced that my class would be doing Dragon Boating first.

Upon reaching the Dragon Boating area, the instructor then gave us a safety brief and told us the difference between a PFD (Personal Floatation Device) and a lifejacket. Then we were off to our little boating adventure.

I stepped onto the boat unsteadily, trying to maintain my balance. I looked up and was reassured by my friends’ encouragement and tried to crack a smile. The instructor on board then showed us various things like “how to say hello to other dragon boaters”, which is actually just splashing the other boat with water.

After this activity, I would not say that I have totally overcame my fear of the water, but I am now at least comfortable with it.

On the second day, came the next obstacle. My fear of heights. The Challenge Rope Course was the most challenging, in my opinion. We had a safety harness fastened to our waist which was then attached to a wire. Then, we were expected to walk on the thin rope.

I have to admit that I was scared out of my wits. I held onto the wire for dear life. I was a mess up there. Mumbling to myself, I walked unsteadily on the thin ropes.

Halfway there, I heard an instructor yell, “Hey! You with the green shirt! Don’t cheat by holding onto the wire!” I looked at him with eyes full of fear, as if begging him to help me.

But then he said something that made me wake up. “Do you want to finish this course by holding onto the wire and finish by “cheating”? Or do you want to finish the course by your own merit? Which will be more satisfying? Knowing that you really did it, or that you feigned through it?”

His words reminded me of the camp name. “Camp Confidence”. This camp was supposed to help me develop my confidence. I then took a deep breath and let go of the wire. I walked unsteadily, and heard the instructor say, “Yes! That’s it! Trust yourself!”

Upon reaching the finishing point, the instructor then asked me, “See, it wasn’t that hard right?” he smiled and gave me a high five.

This activity made me realise a lot of things, and the activity was really refreshing. I wouldn’t say that I have overcame my fear of heights completely, but at least, I am taking the first baby step towards overcoming that fear.

The annual Secondary 2 Adventure Camp was the camp that had left a deep impression on me. It had changed me from becoming a timid person, to someone who dared to try new things, and to overcome my fears.

These are the fond memories that I hold dear. The days when I had finally took the first step to overcoming my fears. The next time someone mentions the word “camp”, I won’t be worried. I’ll reminisce my camp memories.