Thursday, November 29, 2012

Orientation Camp 2012 ( July Intake )

As a prerequisite for new recruits to be fully admitted to the rocking high, sky-high Sky Adventure Club, they must undergo an Orientation Camp. 

This is a considered as a welcoming and induction stage, where current members and new recruits to get to know each other more and to bond more; in order to :

- to create, strengthen and develop TRUST amongst one another
- to get to KNOW each other more
- to BOND
- to QUALIFY for the club
- to have FUN!!

Nevertheless, months of preparation were spent in planning for the Orientation Camp, and I am proudly presenting this Orientation Camp OCP is, HYDRO!

looks like a Mr November Calender huh? :p

What is special and interesting about this Orientation Camp is that it is held in Pangkor Island! The BEACH! WHITE SAND! HOT HOT SUN! And most important, "almost" all of us SAC-ians will be there. Now what could be more perfect?

Our journey started in Taylor's Lakeside Campus at approximately around 4am in the morning, where we gathered at the food court, all looking pretty excited. Everyone could be seen chattering, comparing baggage, last minute preparation, activities, and even sun-bathing and dipping in the sea. I could almost tell that this is going to be a very good OC. :)

Before heading out to Pangkor, the Breakfast Team had provided us food as breakfast which is a packet of Nasi Goreng. The bus ride to Lumut took us around 3hours, thanks to a very "pro" bus driver who drove very fast, and we were able to make it in one piece. 

Gathering at the Lumut Ferry Station, we had a briefing from Hydro where we were given our ferry ticket, and off we go!


 
 Pink Vans - reminds me of Bangkok.

Upon reaching the island, we were welcomed by the mini-bus drivers, who drove us to the "entrance"of the camp site. Here onwards, we had to trek for approximately 20minutes to reach the camp site. I had to give it to everyone, as during the trek, everyone were helping each others on encountering obstacles such as fallen branch, rocks or slippery terrain. Truly admiring the amount of teamwork and caring by all the members and recruits. 


The sound of waves breaking on the beach tells us that we have arrived at the camp site, and this just adds up to the excitement! Some quickly retreats to the beach, and some quickly to take pictures. Hehe. Bunch of happy-goers aren't we? Oh and not to forget, some recruits had leeches on their legs. Will not mention, you know who you are. <3




The first task were to erect our tents, which to be shared by 5-6 person in a tent, after we were divided into groups by Hydro. A demo on erecting camps were given by Kuali and co., which then followed by everyone. After erecting the tent, the Lunch Team had to go prepare lunch, while the rest of us had the time free. And guess what? EVERYBODY RAN AND JUMPED TO THE SEA! A game of frisbee also commenced at the beach. Truth be said, this is like a vacation to all of us. A family vacation. <3



Ninja is ACTUALLY cooking. hehe.



The day proceeded with lunch from the Lunch Group and then some games for the entire group. It was handpicked and chosen by the OCP, Hydro to further enhance the relationship between the groups and also to show us the importance of working together and critical thinking. And not to mention, the importance of working on your stamina, especially in the "Fish and Shark Game". I bet all of you remember that game right? Where we had to tag a "Shark" among all the "Fishes"? And how we had to run an entire circle and sit on the "Shark's" spot so we be safe? And how we ran and ran and ran? And everybody just keep laughing and shouting?

Ugh I know I scared; and I scared people too with my running. ( embarrassed look ) Tee-hee.





Long before we know it ( whilst having so much fun together ) We had another activity, which is the open water team-building, where the instructors had us on goggle mask and a life jacket and to head out to the sea. Here we were asked to lie afloat and to hold on hands to hands. Some of us were not good swimmers, and shows little bit of fear, but nevertheless, holding hands and the continuing encouragement and support from everyone made them felt safer, knowing friends and help is only a call away. That's the power of a united family, I can tell you. 


Evening came, and the dinner team had to go and prepare the dinner. Again, continue with the hustle and bustle at the kitchen area. Instructions were given out, plea of helps can be heard, clanking of pots and pans, cutting sound from the cutting board. What a sight.

Dinner Time

We had our dinner, Butter Fried Chicken, Cooked Veges, Rice ( yeah i know... ) Eggs and also pudding. Everyone ate together at the "dining area hut" and chatting merrily about what happened the whole day. Guardian Angels can also be seen trying to be so "good" to their mortal. Hehehe. I notice la people! XD

Duty calls duty calls! Time to wash the plates and pans!

Main Event

Hydro called us for some briefing, about the night's main event. The Night Walk. Some of us wondered if it was a mere jungle trek, but was soon dumbfounded when nothing was to be brought, Not even torchlight. What is this?

We walked to the designated area, only to find out that this is a courage test, and had to be taken one person at a time. Shivered down to our pants, we knew this was going to be a ride of a lifetime. One person at a time was called; screams could be heard. Yeah. It was rather scary.

The night walk consists of walking alone in the deep jungle, guided by nothing but the moonlight, while holding on to a tiny string for over a 15minutes journey of walking.

Nothing beats the excitement, as you started your journey only to find out the whole place smells of jasmine flowers and incense. As you go through, you see tombstones. Gives you the shivers, it will.

More onwards, you see a figure wrapped purely in white cloth that shakes around. Yeah, nothing scary about that. Almost gave me a heart attack. An open coffin? Nothing new. Peoples footsteps following you? Ya, okay I get it. You can stop already.

The experience was really good and priceless. Its like a haunted house, except on an open jungle. I was lucky I didn't fainted. Enough said. I wonder what about the rest of the SAC's? Hmm..

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After the event ended, we gathered again at the campsite, which was well after midnight. Night patrol was being ordered out, and we dozed off; tired and happy.


DAY 2

Day 2 started at approx 7am where breakfast was being prepared. We had another 2 trust building game at the beach where everybody have to put their trust in each other to the test.

This is also a way to strengthen our bonds and trust level, as we will be spending a lot of time together.

And as usual, group photos chances are never to be missed. :)



Before we leave the camp site, we were debriefed and had to take the tents down and fold them neatly.  Everybody was looking super tired, but content. Then we had been introduced to our last activity, the Secret Message. It is where we have to write messages to the other members. It is a way for us to tell the others what we feel or a testimonial. Then, we had our lunch at the Pulau Tioman Ferry Jetty while waiting for the ferry to carry us back to the mainland.


We arrived in Taylors Lakeside Campus at around 8pm, feeling very tired but also very happy. As the camp ended, our relationship is not. We are a more close, tight knitted bunch of people with the same passion; passion for adventure and friendship. The end of this camp also marks the initiation level for the new recruits as they will be more involved in the camp, together with the current members. With burning passion in our heart, together we will bring the Sky Adventure Club to a height we have not reach before, making it to be the best club ever.




We love SAC. <3






Love,
 Pochi. 

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