Not a bad camp at all

It was unexpected.

Moments before, I was on the raft, paddling over a rapid that did not seem too threatening to us.

Next thing I knew?

My upper body went over the side of the raft, and the swirling cold water engulfed me as I toppled into the river!

My plan had been to stay on the raft and stay dry. Looks like nature had other better ideas! You see, I had primed myself to be the rescuer of students in case they fell over. But I didn't have a Plan B - I just didn't see myself losing my balance on the raft over the treacherously fast waters of the river.

I didn't think that I would die from drowning. Dying of embarrassment? More likely!

I just couldn't stop laughing at myself in disbelief, as I dragged myself up onto the boat, completely soused, and continued paddling.

What made it better was when my colleague (sitting next to me) also tumbled into the water. And further down the raging river, when even the guide slipped into the water with great aplomb, that was the icing on the cake!

So those were some of my favourite moments of the Sec 3 Adventure Camp, where a group of teachers, including me, and some intrepid students headed to Adeline Campsite in Gopeng, Perak for an adventure of a lifetime.

I am sure most participants would agree with me that this camp was utterly fun and enriching.

Even to me, I have no qualms in saying that I had a rolling good time. I am never quick in dismissing anything or anyone as boring.

What I always try to do is to make the best out of any situation, no matter how challenging or unbearable, and try to have a good time and learn something out of it.

Other than personal adventures, another memory of this camp would surely be our visit to the Vision Home - a sanctuary for orphans - tucked away in a quiet corner of a small quaint town.

As we arrived, the boys in the Home scurried out to peer at us. Their smiles broke down any ice that might have stood between them and us.

It was with great pleasure when we handed them gifts - books, shirts, toys, stationary. I am sure that our gifts will bless them richly.

It was with a heavy heart, when it was time for us to bid farewell to these kids. Though fate may have dealt them a seemingly cruel blow, I believe that their future remains bright. With proper guidance, teaching of the correct values, and sheer hard work, they will rise above their present circumstances and achieve success in lfe.




Through this camp, I have seen facets of my students that I have never seen before. I elected to observe keenly those students, ever on the lookout for acts of valour, selflessness, resilience.

When I see students overcoming their fears in conquering the caves, bravely crossing the swollen rivers in the torrential rains, traversing steep slopes inch by inch, pushing on in spite of injuries, I feel proud of them. They have done well.

But my greatest salutations must go to my boss, Mr Maran. On the first day, he suffered horrific injuries to his hand - two large wooden splints had embedded themselves into his palm, while he was sliding down the slope on the way to the river crossing - and he endured the entire camp with the pain (sleepless nights even) and the swell that accompanied the injury.

He suffered all these without a single complaint.

And so it is with great men - they do not make a big deal out of unfavourable circumstances. They just get on with it and do the job.

Indeed, we need more young men of fine mettle in Fajar who possess the same spirit of endurance and fighting spirit.