SMJK AVE MARIA CONVENT

SMJK AVE MARIA CONVENT IPOH PREFECTS LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP 2007

            After countless meetings the organize committee had throughout the months, we finally arrived at the date when the training camp was to be held.  All the members of the organize committee arrived at the school at about 6am. We left our luggage at the bangsal and started carrying everything else to the porch. We shouted and laughed all the way despite having to carry so many things because we were excited and nervous, wondering if the camp would be a success. At about 6.45am, all the prefects have arrived at the bangsal. We explained the rules of the camp, taught them the theme song, made our vows of behaving ourselves and punished those who arrived late.  We also distributed the files which contained papers, an envelope, a pen, a booklet and passed them their nametags.  Then, it was time for them to design their own group banner and group cheer. I was amused ad surprised at what they managed to create, the canteen was filled with noise of laughter and discussion.  The group advisors were allowed to help out by giving suggestions.  Then, I went out to collect the rice packets which Noorliyana sponsored for the prefects.  I thanked her parents before rushing back to the canteen to watch over the prefects.  Then, it was finally time to leave.  Everyone collected their belongings and moved towards the school porch in groups.  The organize committee had a lot of stuff to carry and load everything into the bus, but we managed everything and gave each other thumbs ups before leaving.

            I was assigned to be in charge of one of the buses.  So, I made sure everyone was in the bus and that no one left anything behind before we took off.  The prefects hooted and cheered when the bus started moving, which is a sign that they were eager to start the camp.   We let everyone settle down in their seats for some time before asking Victoria to start strumming her guitar and let everyone practice singing the camp's theme song.  It took them a couple of times to finally memorize the song and within 10 minutes, everyone was singing the song at the top of their voices, straining their vocal chords.  It was very funny to realize that some of the junior prefects were falling in love with the way Victoria played her guitar.  Then, we passed some compact discs to the driver containing famous songs and blasted it in the bus.  The back of the bus was buzzing with noise and voice of those who enjoy singing while those who were tired moved to the front to get a shut eye.  Puan Yap decided to join in the fun by joining the organize committee to lie to the prefects that some star called ‘ling yu zhong' will be at Teluk Batik.  The prefects actually bought our lie, shrieking and planning to take autographs or pictures when they see him.

            After an hour or so, we arrived at Teluk Batik Resort.  The prefects were allowed to take their luggage to their rooms and report back to us immediately.  The organize committee started checking if we brought everything we needed. To our dismay, some wooden sticks we brought were missing, we looked up and down, searching every corner before realizing that we left it in the van.  Therefore, we contacted the driver and carried everything else to our rooms.  Believe me, it was not easy.  We brought so much stuff that we made at least 5 to 10 rounds from the porch to our rooms, which was a very long distance.  By the time we were done, all of us were drenched in sweat and tired.  My roommates and I took a 10 minute break before changing our clothes to prepare the station games.  Meanwhile, the other members of the organize committee were assigned to take the prefects to the seashell museum for a short visit.  I was  not pleased to hear that the service at the seashell museum was terrible and our camp budget would be affected.  Next, Victoria and I made a trip down to the beach to collect sand for our station game.  It was an exhausting trip back to the tennis court because the pails we carried which were filled with sand were extremely heavy.  We bought some drinks and took some short breaks before reaching the tennis court.

            After that, we had to find a close water source to fill our pails with water in order to complete the game.  We also cut hundreds of raffia strings for the game.  When we were satisfied with our station, we had our lunch and observed the organize committee of other stations preparing themselves.  Jing Yun and Sin Yee arrived later and we waited for each group of prefects to arrive at our station.  Our game was called ‘yuan yuan chuen'. We explained briefly how the game was to be conducted to each group before starting.  The members of each group had to form a circle and tie each other's leg to the one beside her.  Then, they had to make their way towards a pail filled with sand where they had to find a key to continue with the next obstacle.  The pails were filled with fake snakes, lizards, scary teeth and so much more just to frighten them.  2 members can only search the pail for 5 seconds at a time before they have to pass the pail to the next 2 team members.  When the key is found, they had to move towards a locked box and open it with the key they found.  If the key they found did not fit into the lock, they had to move back to the pail to find the correct key.  When the box is finally opened, they had to solve a puzzle which we created.  Before the game ended, they also had to pass a hula-hoop from the first member until the last member without having to hold the hula-hoop with their hands.  Throughout the game, they were under the hot sun, so we sprayed water at them so reduce the heat.  When they completed their task, we recorded their time taken before directing them to the next game station.  This took a couple of hours to be completed and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves spraying each other with water, making the groups perform their group cheers and watching the way each group make their way towards the finish line.  The only part we did not enjoy was cleaning up the tennis court, buckets of water had to be carried in and out to clear the court.  We had to clean the pails filled with sand and find the fake toys or keys as well.  In the end, we were all drenched in water and were complaining about muscle aches.

            Meanwhile, other activities at other game stations were going on as well.  Some of the organize committee members prepared their station game called ‘ling yu zhong' which was situated at the Kopitiam.  They prepared the stuff needed for punishments throughout the game.  Two groups were to challenge each other in this game.  When each group arrived at the game station, they greeted the game mistresses and presented group cheers as well.  Then, they were briefed on the rules and regulations of the game.  The game was divided into 4 parts, each part took about 5 minutes.  The group which lost during the 1^st part of the game had to tie their hair into coconut heads.  The losers for the second part had to put flour on their faces and the following part requires the losers to paint their hands with water colour.  The last 5 minutes was a chance to escape the overall punishment.  The group which gained the least marks will have to be splattered with water balloons thrown by the other winning team.  After that, each group were directed to the next station.  When everything ended, they cleared their station game in order to keep the resort clean as we promised.

            There was also a station game called ‘lifeline'.  Jie Zhuang, Shun Ling, Wen Li and Kelly went early to the beach to prepare the station which was situated at the playground nearby.  They brought raffia strings, strong wooden sticks, some cloth and balloons along with them to set up the game.  They planted the sticks vertically along the path which was chosen for the groups to follow.  The raffia string was tied around the wooden sticks along the game path.  Shun Ling kept rubbing her eyes because the sand kept going into her eyes, which was quite funny.  Finally, everything was ready and they waited for the groups to arrive.  Before the game started, each group was again instructed to greet the game mistresses and present their group cheer.  The procedure of the game was explained and the game path from the starting point until the ending point was shown.  They also explained what obstacles were to be crossed while going through the path.  The group members had to pair up and tie one of their legs to their partner's leg.  One of each pair was to be blind-folded.  Then, the other member who was not blind-folded will have to guide her partner through the obstacles until they reach the end point.  When they reached the end point, they had to blow 2 balloons.  The last pair of the group had to blow and burst the 3^rd balloon after they arrived at the end point.  2 groups played the game at the same time from opposite sides.  They might clash into one another during the process of reaching the ending point.  When each group had completed the game, the time taken was recorded.  They were then guided towards the next station.

            The final station was called ‘Acid River'.  Some of the organize committee went to prepare their game station which was situated at the far end of the car park. They needed to fill many balloons with water but they could not find any water source nearby the car park, the game mistresses searched the entire car park for water, but their efforts were futile. So they had no choice, they walked a long distance to the Kopitiam to fill the water balloons.  When they were filling the water balloons, the balloons kept bursting, and the other organize committee handling another station were a little mischievous and started throwing the water balloons at them. It was quite enjoyable firing water balloons at one another and fooling around.  Therefore, before the game started, they were already soaked to the bone. Once they finished filling the water balloons, they realized that they had to carry large amounts of heavy water-filled balloons back to the car park? Thank goodness the other organize committee members helped out.  When each group arrived, they were also briefed about the procedures of the game. All the members of a group had to cross a certain distance by only standing on 2 newspapers given to them.  They were not allowed to touch the ground while crossing and had to carry 3 water-filled balloons safely across.  After each group finished the game, the game mistresses took turns to take the girls to the next station. Although it was really tiring, they seemed to enjoy the walk with others. It seemed that all the games at each game station went well and we were relieved that our first activity was a success.

            Next, a short mini workout was held called ‘dian bing ji yo'.  Each prefect had to represent their groups to play this game.  To spice things up, the organize committee formed a group as well to compete with them.  Whenever someone screws up, they had to be replaced by the next group member until there is no one left.  The groups which still had the highest amount of remaining members were awarded marks.  After the game, it was time to rest and relax.  Everyone gathered at the car park again after cleaning up to have their dinner.  I noticed that everyone stuffed themselves like gluttons and were not shy to ask for second helpings.  After dinner, we arrived at the tennis court for a building gadget session.  Once again, the prefects had to build the gadgets in their groups.  The gadget made had to be able to withstand the force of an egg dropped 2 feet from above it and the egg must not crack or break into pieces as well upon the fall.  Each group were given 6 sate sticks and an unlimited mount of string to make to gadget.  They had to work at night with only the minimum light provided by their flashlights.  This activity required teamwork, smart thinking skills, and creativity in order to succeed.  When the gadgets were completed, they were tested with the eggs they brought.  Each group was given 2 chances and those who succeeded were awarded marks again.  The organize committee cleared the tennis court of old newspapers and egg yolk spilled on the floor before continuing with the next activity.

            Each group leader was asked to come out to draw lots on what songs they were going to perform to.  They were also asked to draw lots for the type of dance that they were supposed to perform along with the song.  It was extremely funny as the songs and the dances do not match, such as ballet mixed with rock songs or Hawaiian dance mixed with hip hop songs.  While they were rehearsing, the organize committee rehearsed for their own dance as well.  We mixed Hawaiian dance, opera dance, hip hop dancing, ballet and so much more into our sub-theme song, ‘we are all in this together'.  It was hilarious as we know nothing about these dances and we had to perform, making fools of ourselves.  When it was time, each group took turns to perform.  We used torchlight beams to brighten the ‘stage' and blasted the radio.  Each group brought the house down with their funny, cool, or even sexy performances.  We were shocked by how well they performed and enjoyed it very much.  Finally, it was the organize committee's turn to  perform, I can safely say that our performance was still the best among everyone as it was extremely funny.  We did it out of our comfort zone and it was a big success.  After that, it was time for them to return to their rooms.  Everyone was exhausted, hardly keeping their eyes open.

            The organize committee gathered in one room to discuss the activities that would be held on the second day.  Before that, we went round the resort checking on the other prefects and their rooms, making sure that they go to sleep and not wander around and keeping their rooms clean.  Then, we discussed how the amazing race was to be held the second day.  Where would we place the envelopes?  What clues were given?  What should we do when a group desperately needs help to get to the other clue?  Everything was given careful thought and consideration.  Then, we discussed the sharing session. Jing Yun and Kah Huay were to conduct it the second day.  They tested it on us and almost everyone cried, so no doubt it would be a success the second day.  We had some late supper before calling it a night.  It was hard to fall asleep thinking of what had happened on that day and anticipating the activities held the second day.  Besides, when you share a room with good friends, we tend to keep chatting and laughing all night.  When we finally decided to sleep and there was absolute silence, my stomach growled loudly, which caused everyone to laugh again.  How embarrassing!

            In the morning, the prefects woke up early for a work out around the resort.  The netball members of the organize committee conducted it.  Then, we had a scrumptious breakfast before going on a jungle trek.  An employee of the resort was to guide and watch over us throughout the trek.  While walking towards the jungle beside the beach, everyone sang the theme song loudly, which caused tourists to stare at us with curiosity.  The start of the trek was extremely slow, the lane that we were asked to follow was also very dangerous.  It was steep and slippery, with branches blocking our way and sharp leaves which cut some of us.  Large ants could be seen now and then.  Bees were attracted by the amount of insect repellant we sprayed on each other and stung us, which was not what we expected.  I was disappointed to find out that there was a lot of rubbish littered around the jungle.  The long trek was definitely worth it when we finally arrived at the hidden beach.  We sang with glee, took group photos and the beach was filled with tinkling bells of laughter.  We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.  The trek back was much faster as we moved fast and silently in order not to attract the bees.  After thanking the guide, the prefects walked back towards the resort and had lunch.

            After stuffing ourselves, the prefects were allowed to return to their rooms to change and prepare for the next activity, which was the Amazing Race.  The clues had been pasted all over the resort much earlier and each group has to go round the resort to find the clues.  There were 10 clues to be discovered and the final destination was to be at the organize committee's room.  There, they will have to complete the puzzle given along with the clues and answer all the questions directed to them to win.  If they faced problems finding a certain clue, each group will only be allowed to ask for tips once, and that privilege will only be given after 4.30pm.  They will also have to surrender their privilege coloured cards when they ask for tips.  The organize committee took turns to walk around the resort, making sure that everything was held according to what we planned and that no one would get hurt.  The others relaxed in the rooms because we were tired.  We were very sorry because one of the clues placed under the dustbin was swept away by the cleaning lady and certain groups could not continue their search.  So, we gave them their next clues for them to finish the race and not waste any more time.  At last, the race ended and everyone seemed to be hanging on a thread.  No one has much strength left.  We passed them cookies to reenergize themselves and sent them back to their rooms for some rest.  We cancelled the sketch session as everyone seemed too tired to continue with anything.  The clues that we provided during the Amazing Race is stated in the table below.

            After a couple of hours, it was time for nomination of head prefect 2007.  Shun Ling and I went down early to prepare the hall.  The other organize committee joined us awhile later, carrying the stuff that were to be used during sharing session and campfire session.  Each form 4 prefect was given a chance to speak in front of the morning session prefects and teachers on why they would make a good leader in the prefectorial board.  Every prefect then voted on 5 of the nominees on a piece of paper. Shun Ling and I collected the papers and everyone went downstairs for dinner.  The Excos had to vote on 5 names again as we know each prefect's leadership qualities and will be able to work with others.  After dinner, Miss Liew was invited to give a talk about believing in ourselves and knowing that we are all in this together.  First, each group was asked to line up a distance outside the hall.  The activity she gave was to sit on each of the group members lap by half squatting and walking together towards the hall.  The group which shouted FUYOH as their instruction of moving their left and right leg won the challenge and they gave clear and precise instructions.  Later, each group member was 2 lie down on the other group member's stomach and laugh.  There were meaning to each of the activities given and everyone seemed to have a frolicking time, laughing till their tears trickled down their cheeks.  After everyone settled down in their seats, Miss Liew's talk began, she taught us ways to respectful and also how to lead.  It was inspiring!  Meanwhile, most of the organize committee were on the beach preparing the campfire and watching the sunset.

            The talk ended and there was a loud round of applause, we presented Miss Liew with a souvenir and continued with our sharing session.  As planned before, Jing Yun and Kah Huay conducted it and I was asked to manage the radio.  We used soft and mysterious songs to create a sad and lonely atmosphere before beginning.  Each group was only allowed to on a flashlight in the dark hall.  The main purpose of the sharing session is to make the prefects realize how important their close ones are and not to take them for granted.  In the end, almost everyone was in tears.  It was definitely a big success.  Later on, everyone was asked to prepare their candles and walk towards the beach.  We provided lighters to light the candles before going to the beach.  The moon shone down upon us but no stars could be spotted.  It was kind of eerie and spooky but when we reached the beach and everyone saw the campfire, smiles lit up on everyone's faces.  Not many have seen campfires before and this is definitely a surprise for them.  We sang and ran around the campfire like Indians.  We danced, laughed, told jokes and shared our feelings with one another, it was as if we were a big, trustful family and there were no secrets among us.  It was touching indeed.  But everyone became worried when we were told that Vivian had a serious eye condition and might go blind.  It was nerve wrecking for all of us to know that she was in pain but we still had to continue with our plans.  Balloons, polystyrene pieces and small glass bottles were given out to everyone before making our way back to the tennis court in the resort.  All the prefects were asked to blow their balloons and tie them up.  They were then asked to write down their bad habits on the balloons and blow them up.  The balloon pieces were then placed in the glass bottles along with the sand from the beach and covered with the polystyrene piece.  It was a way for them to get rid of their bad habits and turn over a new leaf.  Meanwhile, half of the organize committee stayed at the beach to clear up.  When everything was over, everyone went back to their rooms for a good night sleep.  We went to sleep as well after going on our rounds around the resort making sure that everyone went to bed.  Shun Ling and I counted the votes of the nominees as well.

            The next day, we woke up early to work out for a while and then have our breakfast.    The resort then prepared a telematch for us, the prefects were divided into 5 groups to compete against each other.  We had the torpedo race, coconut bowling and so much more.  It was fun but not challenging, so we did not feel exhausted at the end of it.  We just enjoyed watching the sexy ah moi's making fools of themselves.  After the telematch, we had the rope pulling competition.  We used all our strength and weight to pull the rope.  We pulled and heaved until there were blisters on our palms.  Finally, my group won and we shouted FUYOH happily.  That was the final activity for the camp, everyone was sent back to their rooms to pack and leave the resort.  The prefects gathered at the lobby and left their belongings there to have their lunch.  During lunch, everyone kept taking photos and leaving signatures or memos on each other's booklets.  The organize committee also took the opportunity to present the teachers who came along the camp with thank you cards.  We sang the camp theme song one last time before eating, just as we had done before every meal throughout the 3 days of camp.  Lastly, we took a photo of all the prefects together, showing how much we enjoyed this camp.

            Everything was loaded into the buses and van.  We made one final check to see if everyone was on board and no one's belongings were left behind.  When we were satisfied, we made our way home.  I was on the van this time and listened to my colleagues chat and take pictures of each other.  Kit Yin also took out the guitar and strummed a few notes that she learned from our guitarist.  Victoria started educating us about Jesus Christ throughout the journey to school while everyone listened intently.  At last we arrived.  Everything we used at camp was taken to the prefect room for safekeeping and we made sure everyone collected their stuff.  The organize committee gave each other high fives and pats on our backs for a job well done.  Those whose parents had yet to arrive continued signing each other's booklets and singing.  We also distributed the cookies left so that they will not be put to waste.  Finally, when my ride arrived, I bid goodbye to everyone and left.

            The objective of this camp is to mould the young and old prefects into leaders of tomorrow.  They were tested mentally and physically to see if they have what it takes to be able to handle the pressure and challenges they face ahead.  This camp also teaches them to always believe in themselves and never give up easily in whatever they try to accomplish.  It also reminds them we are all in this together, we are a team which cannot work if one decides to betray the entire group.  Each person plays a role in an organization, no matter if you are a leader or a follower.  Everyone has to be loyal, faithful and willing to work with one another in order to achieve success.  One for all, all for one.  We also taught them to appreciate their loved ones and never forget to show their appreciation towards others.  They were also given a chance to get to know all the prefects in the morning session better and create new bonds that will last forever.  Besides that, we also tested them in creative thinking skills, being patient, staying alert at all times and be able to accept changes in life.  They must also be willing to learn from others and be able to give some good advice in return.  Overall, I am proud to say that all of this has been achieved by every one of us in such short time.

            This camp has definitely been memorable for me.  I have shared laughter and tears with my best friends here, or shall I say my family.  It was great pleasure getting to know each one of the prefects and realizing that we have learned so much in this camp.  Our bonds will never be broken and we are as strong as ever.  There is no doubt in my mind that we have worked hard and there are no regrets throughout the camp.  I would like to thank the organize committee for working hard, sharing ideas and helping each other make this camp a success.  You guys have taught me so much Chinese games, songs and words!  I have improved, thank you all! To my partner Chin Shun Ling, we did not have to do much for catering but I had fun.  It has been a pleasure working beside you for almost  year.  You are an excellent leader and I truly respect what you do.  You are our mother goose!  I would also like to thank my partner Choong Khai Sin and group 7 who have the best team spirit ever for making everything so fun and exciting.  My thanks to the teachers who have joined us and helped us when we are in need.  My apologies to anyone I have hurt at the camp, I will be more careful when I handle hot water next time. 

Prepared by,

Rachelle Kaur