Sec 1 Basic Leadership Training

Secondary One Cohort Camp 2024

In the early morning hours of 2 July, students dressed in sportswear and hauling oversized backpacks could be seen streaming through the gates of the school and towards the Netball Court. It was the first day of the Secondary 1 Cohort Camp. For many students, this was to be their first residential camp experience. With an air of eager anticipation, our campers soon boarded the buses and headed off to the MOE Changi Coast Outdoor Adventure Learning Centre—their home for the next four days!

The 4-day 3-night camp was organised with the intent of giving our students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during their Outdoor Education lessons in PE. Students had been taught basic map-reading and navigation skills in school and they had the opportunity to put theory into practice as they navigated their way along East Coast Park for a full-day mini-expedition. Laden with personal gear and group essentials like groundsheets and meal rations, students rallied together, sharing the load and encouraging one another every step of the 10km hike. Although the students were tired by the time they returned to the campsite, there was a palpable sense of achievement and camaraderie, having conquered the trail together as one!

Part of the camp experience also included having to cook their own meals. All students were given the opportunity to prepare either lunch or dinner during the Outdoor Cooking session. It was left to the creativity of the campers to concoct culinary delights with ingredients on hand! From creative macaroni dishes to delicious secret sauce recipes, each meal was a testament to their resourcefulness and teamwork.

But it wasn’t all about ground-level challenges—students were also urged to reach new heights, both literally and metaphorically. Ziplining, rockwall-climbing, and abseiling gave students the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, proving that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. Another highlight of camp was caving, where students navigated an Artificial Caving System in total darkness. Crawling and feeling their way through narrow passages, they discovered resilience and learnt to trust in themselves and their peers.

As the camp drew to a close, it was clear that these four days had left an indelible mark on the Secondary 1 cohort. They had faced challenges head-on, discovered hidden strengths, and forged friendships through shared experiences. More than just an adventure, the Cohort Camp was a journey of personal growth and discovery—a foundation upon which they will build their future endeavours.

While the tents may be packed away and the campfire stories may fade, the lessons learned amidst the trees and trails will undoubtedly continue to shape their outlook and actions. For our young Regenites, this camp was not just a milestone—it was a springboard into a year filled with newfound confidence and resilience.

📹 Click to watch Secondary 1 Cohort Camp 2024 video