PAKA RIVER CAMP REFLECTION 30th May 2009 to 3rd June 2009
Day One
Facts:
The journey to the campsite was time-consuming however I think it was worth it as the memories we had was invaluable. I managed to sleep at least half of the journey. I know, I need a lot of rest before the activities roll in. Upon reaching the campsite, we had our dinner for the first time in the campsite (for the most of us). Since it was my second time here, I know what to expect. It was fun looking at the behavior of my friends when insects got in their food or when insects crawl towards them. It was very hilarious. After dinner, we had to set-up the safari bed. It was a different experience for me as the 5 of us; Azlin, Me, Syafiq, Nashreen and Jason had to explain to the rest the procedures to set-up the safari bed. I was afraid that my friends do not comprehend what I had said, but from the results that was produced, I think I did okay. I had fun improving my skill in tying knots such as square lashing and clitch knot. It was fun trying to perfect my knots. I admire the trainers’ neatness in tying the knots. Practice makes perfect right?
Feelings:I enjoyed the moment where we ate dinner together. This is my first time eating with my friends in group 3. They are Benson, Shi Min, Fatin, Helmi, Farhan, Sufian and Zaki. I them more better, when we ate and talk together. When I was teaching my friends how to set-up the safari bed, I was very scared and I stammered a little. I guess it was probably my first time, talking to a small crowd which I am not used to.
Findings:I find that I have to learn not to easily judge people and dislike them. Some of my team mates have different perspective or rather way of viewing and doing things. I need to be open-minded. I find that I like tying knots. The feeling of attaining a neat and proper knot makes me feel satisfied! I shall try to check out other cool and interesting way to tie knots. I realize that I have to be able to speak out in impromptu manner. As a leader, it is important for one to be ready at all times. That shall need a lot of confidence and practice. I hope I can achieve that. I also learn from a junior camper that I need to concentrate on what I do and not to worry about anything else.
Future:
I will make sure that what I say is properly understood by my audience. I have to learn how to quickly form sentences when I am doing public speaking.
DAY TWO
Facts: We had our morning physical exercises before having breakfast. Then, we took our PFD and Paddle for kayaking. We were told to deliberately capsize in the river to build up our water-confidence. I partnered with Fatin and it was an unforgettable experience. We were rocking the kayak to overturn it however Fatin ended up jumping inside the water, and the kayak was still floating normally. I had fits of laughter thinking about it. We kayak lesser than 16km before we beached out at a flat ground. I thought we were continuing our journey to the final half, but we were told to camp out at that area. So, we got ready for campfire. It was very interesting to collect the woods as we had to kick them before carrying it to the campsite to ensure that we did not bring back termites with us. I was sweating profusely when I grilled the chicken and fish. The own-made barbeque pit was very hot. The campfire food was nice yet not appetizing; I guess it was because I was tired and needed rest. 7 girls fitted in the 6-men tent and it was hot and stuffy, yet I managed to sleep comfortably.
Feelings: I always have fear of capsizing during kayaking. Even though I have tried capsizing before, my fear for it has not been overcome yet. However after I deliberately capsize, I think I felt myself gaining water-confidence. I am glad I overcame it. During most of the journey of kayaking, I was not haunted by the thought of capsizing. This is an improvement compared to last year as I kept on thinking about capsizing most of the time. I felt very excited about sleeping in a tent. I like sleeping in tent. This is also my first time raising my voice and said “5, 4, 3, 2, 1”. I did not like doing that, it felt like I am someone more powerful than my friendsL, which I am not. I should try and find other ways to get my friends attention the next time. I love the feeling of camping out in an open area. I have never been through this before and I think I love it. The natural toilet, though uncomfortable taught me how people survive when they have no toilet. Also, it makes known to me what some people define their proper toilet as. For me, I define mine as a toilet with sink, shower tap, toilet bowl, towel hanger; others may think that proper toilet is just a place to do their business. I know it was because of my parents’ hard work that I can live in a very conducive home. I felt very thankful.
Findings: Being a leader was very tough. I am the one who cares about what other people think of me. I do not like knowing that they dislike me. This can put me down. Sometimes, even nasty words affect me. Through this camp, I learnt that I should think positively and know that feedbacks will come in handy if I put it into thinking and improve myself. The natural toilet issue has opened my view in things and that there are different views of things according to some people. I have to learn how to appreciate it. I find that sleeping in a tent is nice if there are only a few people sleeping in it. Well, at least it’s better in a tent then in open air.
Future: I hope that I do not have to raise my voice on my friends. I think that it is not a good solution to solve things. I want to be grateful towards everything that I have and at the same time show empathy to others who are less fortunate that I am. This camp taught me that I must always be humble so as to not make people feel left out.
Day Three
Facts:We continued our kayaking expedition. I felt refreshed after a good sleep and excited to lead. Jason and I were leading the group. I lead the group first before finally getting exhausting and shouted for Jason to lead while I rest. I can say that kayaking single is much easier compared to taking doubles, but doing doubles is faster rather than doing singles. I felt that I was slow in leading the group. Because my friends were catching up with me and I panicked. It was an exhausting expedition. During the lunch break, I discovered I had blisters on my hand and my arms were aching. My face was burning and my legs were complaining. Looking at the faces of the leaders, I know that they too felt exhausted. We had a meeting together to discuss on who to lead and who to be at the back during kayaking. From the looks of their faces, I know we have to push our exhaustion aside and focus on our responsibility which is to keep the group safe. I am glad we did. I enjoyed the waves when I was kayaking with my partner. It felt like wakeboarding and this time I felt very close to the water. It was very tough to kayak in the river for long hours under the hot sun. I am glad I did not give up even though I felt like doing so at one point of time. I was so exhilarated when I touched the water of SOUTH CHINA SEA. Even though the taste of the water is the same like all other sea water, yet the feeling of arriving in an ocean that is found in the world map and known by most of the people is so cool. I really enjoyed the moment when we played with the waves. Yus, Nashreen, Mr Saz and me waited for big waves to come before jumping. It was so fun.
Feelings:I like my sun burnt face. I looked very foreign. I felt very happy that I managed to kayak near SOUTH CHINA SEA. It felt like a big accomplishment. J I was very tired during lunch break. I thought I cannot pull through. However, when I looked at my friends faces, I know that we can finish it up. We have gone this far and giving up is the last resort. The thought made me feel stronger.
Findings:I am astounded when I saw a dish in the night market known as Nasi Kerabu. The rice is blue in color. I wanted to try the dish; however, I was afraid I might be too full till I cannot have dinner. I should have given it a try though. But it’s okay. I shall ask the people going Paka River Camp next year to give it a try. Also, there was this drink, Air Keladi. It really caught my eye but I didn’t give it a try. L After dinner, we went to wash our kayaks, paddles and PFDs. My eyelids were very heavy, but I have to force myself to do the work quickly. It taught me to push beyond my comfort zone. At home, I will always sleep when I yawn a few times, but at the camp, I have to follow the rules. It taught me how to discipline myself and to keep myself busy.
FutureI will try not to sleep even though I yawn a few times as yawning doesn’t mean I am tired. It means I am bored and I need to keep myself busy.
DAY FOUR
Facts:Trekking was rather easier compared to last year. I did not sweat as much I had last year. Probably because the last time I was there, we took a different route. And it seemed so much faster to reach the waterfall, very fast. The climb was very tiring. I had to stop countless of times to catch my breath. What kept me going was the thought of the cold water up ahead. I want to dip my foot in it and feel rejuvenated. I want to splash water on my face and feel energized at once. I watched my friends play in the water happily and laughing. I like that moment. Trekking down was so funny. I remembered last year when one of us fell and the rest laughed and the next moment the other one fell and the rest laughed and it goes on and on. Hahaa. This time, I didn’t really laugh as hard as I did, maybe because we are extremely vigilant and afraid to dirty our pants. But, overall, I enjoy it! My knee hurts going down everything step. I guess, it was because I hit hard at every step. I had difficulty catching up with the person infront of me. I figured that I am too slow. We had something like a Seoul Garden style of cooking during dinner. We were given noodles, fishes, sotong and many more to cook. I felt closer with my friends, cause we cook together and all. More bonded, you know. Then, we had a birthday surprise for Mr Ethan Tan. Mr Goh bought a cake for him without Mr Tan knowing. So, kecik instructed me to get angry with the campers about anything. My first thought was “what am I suppose to say or do?”I never acted angry before. OMG!” Hahhaa. Then, I gathered the leaders to find ideas on how to act angry. Thank goodness we have brains that work even though fatigue is rapidly catching up with us. It was such a scary experience to scream at my friends! I could see their faces, shock! I felt like ending my acting and just laugh it off, but hey I don’t want to be the spoilsport, eh. Until, suddenly the teachers laughed and got up to the long house, then the leaders laughed. So, I know the acting ends now, and then I laugh. I could see the blank faces in front of me. Hahaha. Cute! After cleaning up, we had our final night talk. It was funny and very heartwarming to listen to my teachers and friends express their feelings.
Feelings: I felt really exhausted after 2 days of kayaking. Maybe that’s why I felt like giving up very easily during trekking. I admit it was tougher to overcome my tiredness this time around. I felt my body relenting. It felt so east. I was afraid I couldn’t change my mind set. So, instead of thinking about my tiredness, I focused more on school activities and the rocks on the forests. Anything that will distract me okay! I felt that I am much happier now. I didn’t think about my academics and my role in school for almost 5 days. I only had fun and also learn life skills. It was such a great feelings. To be away from any worrying issue. However, back in Singapore, I know I need to get back to my daily work and I prefer this kind of life style.
Findings: I find that I should not judge things quickly. It does not mean that I have done something once, I know it already. I thought trekking was going to be easier, yet I experience mental difficulty that restrains me from climbing.
Future: Be more humble.
DAY FIVE
Facts:We had breakfast and took group photos before setting off to Singapore. I left with a heavy heart. I will miss this place. The last time, I will be here… I hope I have more chances of going here again. L To all the JYIANs going next year, take more pictures and share with me your experiences! J I will make sure I keep in touch will all of you especially Fatin, Natasha, Farah, Wen Xin, Shi Min, Priscillia and the rest. I slept at the starting part of the journey to Singapore. I guess I was too tired. Then, I felt fresher and started talking with the girls and sang and crack some jokes.
Feelings:I felt happy that I went to this camp. I got close with Natasha and Fatin and also my Prefects Exco; Jun Wei, Farah, Priscillia, Nisa and the rest. Not forgetting the teachers, I felt that I know them much better and I am able to talk to them without having the fear that they will scold us something like that.
Findings:I learn how to appreciate people, no matter how insignificant it is.
Future:Go out for more expedition and make more friends as well as learn new things.
SELAMAT MALAM SEMUA.
Before I end my entry,
I would like to say Thank you to all the participants for adding flower to my 5 day camp and also making me learn some many useful things.
I actually spent 5 days with someone.... hahahah! omg.
Labels: The old you.