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.