Memories of Unit Camp

This year’s unit camp tested us on our school’s core values. We had to work in teams, be responsible for one another, learn with integrity and serve others.

The first night of our first unit camp was nerve-wrecking. We were strangers in the beginning and were unsure exactly what we were in for. However, after the initial nervousness, we made friends and the experience became one of the most memorable one for many of us. Many of us learnt to work in teams and took responsibility for our actions. If one person made a mistake, the whole squad was punished. We suffered together, played together and most importantly achieved success together. 

Nevertheless, this unit camp was a true eye opener for us.

We can recall certain incidents that scared us and made us laugh. After dinner on the first night, we did a headcount to ensure that no one was missing. Then we were told to assemble outside classroom MP4. It was then our squad commander informed us that we had a night trail which would begin only after the narration of a horror story. One of the Sirs told us that 20 years ago when the school just moved to its current site, two boys were walking around the school on a tranquil night during one of the camps. Much to their horror, they saw a shadow every single time they looked in the mirror. This is why during camps most units employ the buddy system to ensure the safety of the cadets. To us, we found the buddy system a good safety measure and also a great way to foster bonds with other cadets.

To make it more exciting after the horror story, we had to blind fold ourselves using either our jackets or house tee. After that, our Sirs lined us up to prepare us for the trail. During the trail, we met countless numbers of challenges like uneven ground, grass and sweeping rods. When the nerve-wrecking trail ended, we were told that we had 40 minutes to get ourselves showered and ready for bed.

After the long day, all of us were tired. After our shower, we went back to our individual tent. This was the first time we experienced sleeping in a tent and it was not a pleasant experience.

As we lay down in the tent with our squad mates, we started perspiring. There were about 4 to 5 people in each tent. It was around 1.00am and most of us were chattering happily away. At first we did not know each other well, but after the long chat, we knew more about our squad mates.

The downside of this bonding was losing sleep. We tried to fall asleep but we were very irritated as it was uncomfortable sleeping on uneven ground.  

We started the next day with Physical Training (PT). To our surprise, one of my squad mates had to sit out because he tore his pant during the physical training. It was hilarious though none of us would want to be in his shoes. After which, we went to canteen for our breakfast. We had to fill our mass tin with Milo and had a few loafs of bread and some spreads. One of my squad mates ate a total of 13 slices of bread!

Another exciting experience was the outdoor cooking we had to do. It was our first time cooking our own lunch. It was exciting but challenging. We had a hard time starting a fire because of the strong wind. We did not have time to fully cook our noodles and ended up eating uncooked Maggie noodles. Now, that was an experience we would never forget.

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The last night of the camp was the most fun. We had to perform for campfire. The whole squad was split into four groups - Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, Narnia and The Hobbit. Each group had to come up with a performance or a cheer for the campfire.

During the campfire, we did cheers, played games and watched skits performed by our fellow NPCC cadets. Unfortunately, during our Secondary One Orientation, we did not have a real fire as it rained then. Thus, it was really thrilling for us to witness a real fire this time round.

The next morning, we were excited about the Muster Parade which was held after area cleaning. We had not experience Muster Parade and it was an honour to be part of it. However, the downside was that we had to stand for two hours. Oh, our legs were really painful and numb after that!

At the end of the camp, we all agreed that we not only foster great bonds within the unit but we also persevere and stuck together as a squad despite, many of us feeling homesick after the first night.

In conclusion, we enjoyed ourselves. The camp was not as bad as we thought it would be and we look forward to the next unit camp.

Done by:

Jonathan Chng Shao Jie

Leong Kai Jie Micah

*Loh Yun [Group In-Charge]

Wee Wei Quan Bryan

Wong Kai Jun Adriel

Chin Sze Yuet

Koness Sim Ke Ni

*Wong Yu Teng Rosabelle [Group In-Charge]

NPCC Adventure Training Camp

The annual NPCC Adventure Training Camp (ATC) is held at Camp Resilience in Pulau Ubin. After we arrived at Pulau Ubin by boat, we had to hike for a distance before we could reach the campsite. Everyone was carrying their heavy luggage and the sun was scorching, thus, the hike to the campsite was not an easy feat.

Throughout the journey, although most of us were panting and perspiring profusely, we still motivated each other. The secondary three seniors encouraged us from time to time to keep us going.

After we reached the campsite, we went to help fellow cadets from other schools  to set up their tents. As time was running out, we rushed to pitch the tents. No one was slacking and everyone played their part in pitching the tents. Also, this is the first time we got to work closely with cadets from other schools. Even though we did not know much about each other, we were able to accept each other’s differences and worked together to get work done quickly.

On the second day of the camp, we participated in a variety of activities such as the Low Ropes Challenge, kayaking and team bonding challenges. Through these games, we got to know our group members better and foster stronger ties.

From these activities, we learnt to trust and communicate better in our groups.

Only with trust and communication were we able to finish our tasks efficiently and with minimum disputes. These values were especially applicable during the Low Ropes Challenge where, we had to be spotters for those who were climbing the ropes. This required trust between both the spotter and the challenger.

Communication is crucial to ensure the safety of the person climbing and also to encourage the climber to complete the task. Most of us as spotters offered words of reassurance each time the climber stops climbing out of fear.

In addition, we also learnt to respect each other’s opinion. In the process of carrying out the team bonding activities, there was a clash of opinions between group members. Instead of fighting, we gathered around and shared our concerns and ideas and came to an agreement.

In the evening, everyone prepared for campfire. We were in high spirits and had high expectations for our performances. We started off with some cheers and songs and everyone participated actively. Then, different groups were chosen to perform something that they had prepared. We enjoyed watching others perform and foster amazing friendships.

Among all those whom we have met, there was one particular cadet who left a deep impression on us. She was from CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School. She was really helpful and always actively participating in discussions. She never fails to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it. I still remember how she helped me with the safety equipment and instructions for the Low Ropes Challenge. I am glad that I have made such a great friend through this camp.

Our Cadet Inspectors and Teacher Officers were really caring and helpful throughout the camp. They would always help us out when we had problems. We also got to see the fun side of our teachers and our seniors.

Why join NPCC

To many students, National Police Cadet Corps (NPCC) is known to be a Co-Curriculum Activity (CCA) that is boring and tough. However, in reality, it is completely different. We are given many opportunities to improve ourselves in different aspects thus, making this CCA very beneficial for many of us. NPCC introduces us to many different skills and activities. Some examples of the different kinds of activities would include Air Pistol Shooting and Survival Training Camp.

The main reason why most of us join NPCC is because we want to build confidence, gain new skills and knowledge, and also make new friends. Although some were quick to join, others hesitated a bit, but in the end we had no regrets joining this CCA as it has proven to be an enjoyable CCA which has shaped us in being better leaders and stronger students.

There were some of us who joined NPCC as we wanted something different from our primary school CCA. We wanted something interesting and more adventurous. In NPCC, we face many challenges and obstacles. These are many things that make this CCA an exciting and adventurous CCA to be in. This ensures that there is never a dull moment in NPCC as we are always gaining new experiences in whatever we do.

Contrary to the common belief among students, it is not necessary to join a sports CCA if you want to play sports. NPCC organises games such as Captain’s Ball or Frisbee for the entire unit to play; allowing the seniors and juniors to bond with each other during Recreational Time. It also conducts outdoor courses like kayaking, camps and hiking. There are also many competitions and activities we can take part outside of school by competing with other NPCC units. In a nutshell, NPCC provides us with many benefits .This CCA is a combination of sports, discipline, physical training and one can also acquire many skills that cannot be learnt in our classrooms. These activities make us more self-disciplined, shape us to be better leaders and allow us to try out something new. These activities also foster bonds with others. We get closer to one another and understand each other more after every training session.

NPCC focuses on building leadership qualities in its cadets. The leadership skills learnt here are essential in our life. It prepares us for the future where we may be given leadership roles in important projects. Such roles require us to lead people towards completing a common goal. If we are not prepared to lead, the assignment tasked to us to complete may not be completed on time. To prevent such incidents from happening, NPCC provides us opportunities to manage our time well and to be good leaders. We are groomed in leadership through our various activities conducted weekly.For instance,  each cadet in the squad is responsible for timing. If the timer does execute the timing correctly, the squad will not be able to carry out its function properly and we will all be punished. Therefore, it teaches the cadets about the consequences of not leading properly.

Discipline and order is important in NPCC. Cadets are always synchronized in their drills, especially when they have to do marching. As a newbie learning drills, I have come to realise that learning drills in not easy. It is tough to synchronize as a squad. The thought of being able to live up to our seniors one day gives us the strength and motivation to move on. Drills help us, especially in teamwork. because we have to ensure that we do things as a squad. If someone executes the drill wrongly, the entire squad will not look good. This is also where support from our squad mates comes in. When unsure, our fellow squad mates and seniors are always willing to teach us slowly and precisely. They consoles us when we feel like we just cannot go on any further. Hence, this also helps in our bonding. Although drills seem very useless and are seen as a way to torture students, it actually help us in many ways. This is one of the reasons why we are thankful to NPCC.

Frankly speaking, our experience and moments in NPCC are like precious treasures. Usually, when we go through a bad moment during CCA, we would think or believe that the CCA which we are in is cruel and not worth our time. For us in NPCC however, we believe that no matter how tough the obstacles are, we will overcome it with perseverance and determination

 In conclusion, NPCC is a fun and a must-join CCA. There are many benefits to gain from joining NPCC, which can be applied in the future and especially in real-life situations. Below are some comments from our squad mates:

“ I joined NPCC to become more disciplined, self-confident and open, in a sense where I could work with different people of different race, and religion.” - Lidya

“I joined NPCC to experience the wide range of activities NPCC has to offer and to become more disciplined.” - Farah

“I joined NPCC to become a more disciplined, confident, and independent. I also want to gain more leadership skills and to participate in non-school arranged activities”- Firzanah

“ I joined NPCC because it is the CCA which has impressed me the most.” - Samuel Khor

“ I joined NPCC as my CCA as it has a wide range of activities and I could learn leadership skills and become more disciplined.” - Harshitha

“I joined NPCC because I have been interested in joining it for a long time. My sister used to tell me about her experiences in NPCC which fascinated me.”- Sarah

“I joined NPCC to become more disciplined, to interact more and to learn new things of which I could teach my juniors.”- Ginny

Done By:

Lidya Insyirah Bte Zulkarnain [Group In-Charge]

Ginny Soh Hui Min

Samuel Khor Chun Sung [Group In-Charge]

Harshitha Shivashankara

Farah Mohammed Raffi

A’inul Nurwairah Firzanah

Siti Sarah Bte Adbul Rahman

BPGHS NPCC KAYAKING COURSE

For our NPCC Kayaking course we went to Kallang Water Sport Centre to kayak. We were very excited as we were picking up a new skill.

When we got there, upon seeing those professional boaters, we felt intimidated. We started with a warm-up, which was a dry practice on land. At first, it all seemed very easy. However, after a while, our arms started to ache a little.

We learnt to be more patient and not to give up as we had to kayak all the way to the Singapore Flyer and back. We were exhausted. On the way back, the trainer taught us how get into our boat alone if we capsized. It was a big challenge for us. We had no strength to pull ourselves up onto the kayak. All of us failed several times. The trainer did not scold us but encouraged us. We managed to get up on the kayak and continued to kayak back. We were elated when we saw the shoreline.

On the second day, we had much more confidence in water as we had already practised paddling. When it was time for us to leave on the second day, we were quite sad to leave as we had a really fun time with the trainers, despite being really tired from battling the strong waves. It was a good experience and we would recommend this to any of our juniors.

Done by:

Tan Shee Hui

Xiao Jia Xi

Lim Yi Zhen

BPGHS NPCC Cadet’s Experience in Hong Kong OEV

I was extremely thrilled when I received the news that I was chosen for the NPCC  Hongkong Overseas experience. It is such a rare opportunity and I was honored to be chosen to represent my unit.

As soon as we reached Hong Kong, we were greeted by representatives from the Hong Kong Police. They were very friendly and professional, making us feel welcomed. At first glance, I was impressed with beautiful Hong Kong.

We visited many places such as the Police Museum, Ladies Street and Victoria Peak. My favourite place was the Police Museum, which displayed many of their achievements. I was especially impressed by the apparatus confiscated from some of the most notorious triad societies.

Another place we visited was the Police Dog Unit. We caught the dogs training in action, including running and jumping over high hurdles. The dogs could collaborate well with the police trainers and performed outstandingly.

We met with the students from the Junior Police Call. We learnt about the similarities and differences between them and the NPCC. Like us, they aim to work in collaboration with their police force to help make Hong Kong a safer country.

This Hong Kong OEV was an inspirational and very fun one. I had a great time interacting with the people there. I also made many friends from other schools. This is definitely the highlight of my NPCC journey and I will recommend it to everyone.

SSgt (NPCC) Chia Wei Ling

Sec 1 Air Pistol Training Course

On 10 July 15, my squadmates and I went to HomeTeamNS @ Bukit Batok for our Air Pistol Training Course. It was my first time going to a shooting range and handling a weapon. I was very excited but nervous at the same time.

The friendly instructors started the course with a safety briefing and pistol-handling lesson.

After the briefing, we tried shooting with empty pellets while seated. We then loaded our pellets and shot. The sound of a loaded gunshot was way louder than anyone had expected. Many of us literally jumped in our seats. Despite the initial shock, we found it to be very exciting.

To make it more challenging, the instructors encouraged us to try shooting while standing up. It was much more difficult taking a shot standing up than sitting down. I found it difficult to have a firm and steady grip on the pistol as it seems to be heavier than before.

What made this shoot even more exciting was how my squad mates and I helped one another in the process. We were constantly encouraging one another during the course. I realised that we could count on each other in times of need.

All in all, I had a lot of fun in the course. It is a memorable event for me and I would definitely attend this course again if I am given a chance. I aim to get Marksman for my next classification shoot.

Written by:

Cdt (NPCC) Nur Aisyah Bte Abdul Jalil

Cdt (NPCC) Chuah Wan Hooi

Cdt (NPCC) Matilda Yang Min

Cdt (NPCC) Rafhanah Syazana Bte Shamsul

Cdt (NPCC) Ang Yun Jia Vanessa

Cdt (NPCC) Mu’adz B Adbul Jabar

Cdt (NPCC) Siti Nadzirah Bte Mohammed Z