We shall look back and relish the taste of success and memories,
then step front to embrace the oncoming challenges.
In the new millennium we shall use our abilities and potential to create a legacy,
a legacy belonging to every single cadet of NPCC.
Day one had the campers all geared up for the camp. They started off with some ice breaking games, to allow the cadets from different squads to integrate themselves well in their group. Once everyone had settled down, the campers then went for their team building games. It is mainly to build rapport between cadets and NCOs-to-be and among themselves. From the team building games we can see how well the different groups can work as a team in an efficient way. There was also a show of team spirit as the group supported their team mates with their very own personalized cheers.
The first lunch of the camp had the campers doing field cooking. For some, it was the first time they had field cooking and it will definitely be a useful experience for times to come. After lunch, the campers went for their briefing and preparation for foot drill competition. The first preparation was rather tough, for the sec one cadets especially, as they had to work on drills that they do not know of. This is where the sec two cadets get their chance to demonstrate their ability to teach their juniors. It is hoped that through this, cadets can show their skills in teamwork and leadership.
The campers had knots and lashings next, which was to prepare them for their mini-pioneering project the next day. For some, it was their first time doing certain knots and lashings, so it was definitely a learning experience. Treasure hunt had the campers all keyed up as they tried to decipher clues to lead them to their next destination. So, it was undeniably disappointing when they had to stop the activity half way through due to the rain.
Dinner was really satisfying for the campers as they had catered food. For the rest of the evening, they had interaction time and group debrief where they basically had more time to bond together and reflect on what they had done for the day.
Day two kicked off early in the morning with physical training to warm up the cadets for the activities throughout the day. For some, it was their first time having physical training NP-style, so, the next time they were to have PT they would know what to expect. It was a rather light PT, so that the campers would not be too exhausted for their next activity.
After breakfast, the campers had preparation for foot drill competition. Since they had a general idea of what was to be done, the campers had to only work on polishing up their drills, in terms of co-ordination, sharpness and precision. The sec two campers worked really hard and was patient in guiding their juniors and in turn, the sec ones could be seen co-operating with them. There was definitely a show of teamwork and leadership.
After lunch, the campers had their mini-pioneering project. The end result showed how much of the previous knots and lashings lessons had been applied to the structure. Their creativity was also evident from the structure.
The next activity was potted games and war games. It was apparent that the campers were all wound up for these activities. Through the war games and potted games, we could see how well the campers can organize themselves, how creative their strategies were and how well they can listen and follow instructions. There was a lot of teamwork going on as they need to be able to work together to be able to succeed. There was also a show of team spirit as the campers cheered on their team mates. It was obvious that they enjoyed the activities, but once again, it was cut short due to the rain. Nevertheless, their spirits did not dampen as they used the extra time to prepare for their campfire item.
The campfire was something to look forward to. Even though it was a dry one, without the real bonfire, the atmosphere was still there. Songs and cheers were a constant which could be heard reverberating through the canteen. The games were positively exciting with everyone participating and contributing to their group to secure a win. Performances by the various groups were well done with the continuous encouragement by the audience. The MCs did a spectacular job in entertaining the audience. Everyone was positively high with excitement by the end of the campfire. The day thus ended in a good note.
The last day of the camp had the campers participating in the foot drill competition. Most of the groups did a spectacular job in preparing for the competition, considering that more that half of them had very little exposure to the various drills. So, it was really an applaudable effort by these campers.
After the master parade, where all ranks, badges and awards are presented to respective cadets, the campers had their very own prize presentation. Everyone was at least given an item, so no one was left out. Although the campers were lethargic, they went home happy that they had gained new skills, and learned some lessons from the camp. More importantly, they had bonded with each other and thus having a stronger relationship as a unit. None went home empty handed.
Generally, the camp allowed the campers to exercise their teamwork, creativity skills, leadership qualities, efficiency and also to foster the relationship of the unit as a whole. Even the ICs of the camp had their own share of lessons learned, like, that they should always be prepared for anything and that organization, initiative and communication are really important. Everyone learned something at the end of the day, but it's not just learning things that are important. It's learning what to do with what you learn and learning why you learn things at all that matters.
Done by: SI Dhiya