The sun was already high in the sky when we arrived  at PDS, Port Dickson at about 9.30 am. After a moment of uncertainty, camp commander Ong Soo Jie took charge. Don’t take him for granted as despite his small frame, he proved to be a real hot cili padi! After being divided into into 10 teams, we were dispatched to our respective dorms which (for the girls!) were high up above. (I wonder whose idea of fun THAT was!) After a short briefing, we were herded off to the seminar room for the opening ceremony. Four speeches later, we settled in for a seminar headed by Rtn. Ir. T.P. Tay. This was followed by a seminar on leadership by Rtn. Allen Yu.

            After that, it was every woman for herself. High-pitched screams pierced the air as 83 girls fought their way to one of the 5 bathrooms.

            The treasure hunt next left many shaking their heads in frustration. Some groups canvassed the area for hours but only found 1(!) clue. The tired lot then headed off to bed while the night owls made a beeline for the barbecue.

            Boooooooong!!!!!!!!!!

Startled campers were jolted awake by the gong. After the long night, participants could only jog a few metres before their legs gave in.

            But a bigger shock was in store…..the OBSTACLE COURSE! As the participants looked on in horror, the facilitators gave us a step-by-step guide to conquering the course. “Haahh!” went all the girls. Nevertheless, triumphant smiles were written on all faces, two hours later.

            “Freshie!”  “Super!” soon became the battle-cry of the camp. Introduced during Rtn. Foo Kok Hing’s seminar, it kept participants awake throughout. Further surprises awaited us as the trio of Shi Yee, Adeline and Elaine bounced in and bopped their way through some infectious tunes. Move over, S.H.E.!

            Next up was Mdm. Ann Ng Mun Nee, who spoke on the Interact Movement. “What is Interact?” she asked. “Communicate,loh.” The more confident repied. ”Helping people” piped a few while one bewildered one exclaimed “Interact is Interactlah!” Well,for those of you who are stil in the dark, Interact actually stands for International Action. Aaahh……..

            “Eeeeeee………” greeted the telematch. Water and flour flew as chapati-coated faces braved the ordeal. After that, it was stampede time again as 83 wild females rushed to the bathrooms.

            After the campfire was lit rather majestically, it was all downhill from there. Participants were forced to hug the walls as the tide continued to move in. Voices of performing groups could not be heard over the roaring waves and the audiences enthusiasm soon waned. They perked up soon after when more food was served on the grill. After all , in Malaysia, food equates happiness.

A quiet lull then set in as participants settled in to catch a few ZZZzzzz……

            8.00a.m.

            No bong. But plenty of rain. Bleary-eyed participants took the opportunity and rolled back to sleep, turning a eaf year to everything else.

            First activity of the day waas more flour and water throwing. Operation Codename : Delta “FoORCE”. Armed with water balloonsand with painted faces, the facilitators roared out looking like Huron Indians. It was us vs. them. The more enterprising ones filled dustbins with water and ran full-charged towards the facilitators .

            An hour of fun later, fear and trepidation approach as participants encountered the Trust Fall. Participants had to climb to a certain height and then fall backward into a canvas mat held by fellow campers. Participants walked away with shaking legs with one even shedding tears of relief.

            Finally, it waas all over. Participants assembld for the closing ceremony. Spechs were given, prizes were handed out, photos were taken and then it was time to say goodbye.

            So, how did the camp turn out? I’m sure all the Freshies would have only one thing to say:-SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the award goes to:

-Stephanie Pereira-