" I remember how I felt when I received the STC consent form by Joanna Ma’am. I was skeptical to attend the camp, as I could not imagine dreading myself to attend a 3days 2nights camp in Pulau Ubin. From my previous ATC experience, I really was not prepared to get bitten by sand flies, trek over a long distance just to get to the NPCC Campsite and to endure the scorching heat. However, I realized that STC will be a good experience for me after my seniors shared with me their experiences. Thus, I prepared myself to attend the Survival Training Camp.
Upon setting foot on Pulau Ubin, we gathered at an area near the Ubin ‘town’. The OIC of the camp introduced himself, and conducted his Opening Speech. What I found was unique and innovative was the amazing race which led us up to the NPCC Campsite. It was really a great way for us cadets to know each other more, but at the same time also allowing us to forget about the long distance to the campsite. We proceeded with several ice breaking games. Also, we pitched up our tents. Despite the scolding by the CIs, I felt as if it was a great way of training out Campcraft skills, but also to test our teamwork. The highlight of day 1 would definitely be the meals. Instead of the typical Maggie Noodles, we were given ‘army food’ which tasted great. I could still remember enjoying the taste of pasta, noodles and even dessert! Each of us was given a personal food pack. This was a great idea as it allows us to manage our needs and also fosters sharing between us cadets.
The second day, we were awaken with a routine of physical training. After a scrumptious meal, we than had a activity rotation, where each group tried out different activities which included tunnel maize, jetty jump, high rope elements and also a trek to Pokka Hill. The main highlight was the Basha building in THE JUNGLE! It was such a great experience, as most of us will never be given the chance to construct a Basha or shelter in the jungle. Next was the campfire, which was GREAT! We were given the chance to let our hair down for once. But I feel that it was to short though.
Day 3 was the clean up day, where we cleaned the campsite. Personally, I felt that it was well organized by the CIs as the clean-up process ran smoothly. However, I felt that the best part of the camp was the ending. It was not because we were about to go home, but because there was actually a maize and had to piece up a puzzle which closed the camp very well and not to abrupt. It brought up the most important value of the camp, which was teamwork. It gave the structure of the camp a good climax and ending. Overall, it was the best camp I have ever attended! "

" The activities during the 3 day 2 night survival camp was quite a fun and smooth one. All the activities were planned smoothly according to the flow, and I feel the objective for bonding area 13 was met for example, the first activity after reporting in to the groups was the treasure hunt where we had to find the clues to the following stations before getting to the NPCC campsite. The first activity lets me apply the skill of orienteering to get from a point to another on the island, which I think is relevant for a survival camp in the wild.
Followed up was lunch, which was different from previous years where we had to cook Maggie for lunch and dinner, but this year we had SAF rations instead. It was convenient and less time consuming.
Afterwards, tent pitching was as per normal as previous years, drawing of logistics and we were allocated to the area to pitch up tents. When tent pitching was over, we prepared for the next events which is land expedition where we explored the parts of Pulau Ubin. Most of first day’s activities allows me to explore places on the island rather than having activities carried out in campsite itself. During the night, after dinner, we had a night walk in the woods, I think that the lights in the woods were rather confusing for us to walk through, as there is no sense of direction for us, and sometimes we may make mistakes walking a shortcut through. Followed up was team building games, which made area 13 a more united area as we had the opportunity to interact, and help one another through the games with the mixture of cadets from different units.
On the second day, the main highlight was the jetty jump, intermediate elements and shelter building. These activities were carried out in cycles for different groups so there would not be clash of events at the same time. But even so, it also made everyone to have the sense of urgency to complete task on time to move on without delay. During the campfire, there were jokes and laughter like what the campfire I imagined. It was as lively as usual, with cheers and songs. Especially when the emcees were from the sec 3s where they had to lead the campers in the flow of events. Most of the events such as PT, sing-a-long, and campfire preparations were lead by our fellow group mates which made them bring out their leadership skills. This helped us to be more confident as a Cadet Leader to lead their own unit in future.
During the third day of the camp, everyone was united to complete the last event of the camp which is to complete the tasks and find the puzzles from the CIs to form the picture of area 13. Everyone contributed in everyway just to find the missing piece, which I think is another way of bringing the area together. We left the camp with memories with friends from other units. This camp had went smoothly overall, and I think is a camp where I learnt stuff from every activities. "

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