Written by Tay Rayne (3L)
Based on our camp theme - “Train to Bhutan”, 02 Scouts June Camp 2023 was a thrilling test of the troop’s resilience, camaraderie, and tenacity. It was a true testament of the indomitable spirit within each patrol, as we triumphed over every challenge with a shared goal to revive our zombified seniors (Year 5s).
The camp began with a hike to our respective batch destinations. Supported and encouraged by our batch-mates, in spite of our sore and aching feet, we pushed on and triumphed over our tired bodies to reach our end-points. After a short rest at the end point, we returned to school in high spirits.
On Day 2, despite the sweltering heat, the troop worked tirelessly, diligently setting up ridge tents and crafting innovative gadgets for our patrols. The day concluded with an exciting stove-cooking battle of fried rice challenge, which concluded with a well-deserved victory by Shark Patrol.
The team experienced an exciting stove-cooking battle of fried rice challenge.
The highlight of Day 3 was the Venture Obstacle Journey (VOJ), which pushed each patrol to their mental and physical limits. We engaged in a series of challenge stations which assessed our competence in essential scouting skills such as pioneering, signalling, orienteering, and more. For lunch, Orca Patrol edged out the competition and cooked their way to victory. In the afternoon, the patrols bonded through games during Patrol Dynamics. As night fell, the patrols set off in their to play Mystery Games, creating lasting memories under the night sky.
Day 4 was the culmination of the entire troop's efforts, not only during the camp but also in the weeks leading up to it. The finale gave each patrol a chance to showcase their spirit through creative flag designs and enthusiastic cheers. As we entertained each other with our patrol skits, our laughter filled the classroom, as we rekindled our memories of the many events over the past three days.
Laughter reverberated the classroom as everyone enjoyed entertaining skits.
As the clock ticked down, one question remained: Had the Troop made it safely to Bhutan? The answer, a resounding yes! For the troop reunited with Ms. Sung, albeit via Zoom. It was undeniably a moment to savour. With the final call for dismissal, the troop dispersed from the camp. At that moment, it felt as if the camp had ended too quickly. Regardless, it was an experience which had exceeded all our expectations, and with that, this first ever face-to-face overnight camp in three years due to Covid 19, has given all of us a realistic camping experience and many a good memories that seal our comradeship with our troop-mates.
Everyone had an enjoyable time at the 02 Scouts Camp, forging wonderful memories that they will treasure years down the road.
“I found the June camp to be an enriching and enjoyable experience. Before the camp, I was a bit nervous but excited. I was eager to learn new life skills and bond with the members of my new patrol. During the camp, I learnt how to tie my first square lash and how to cook over a stove. I also learnt the basics of building a tent. I had fun with my patrol as we participated in the mystery game and tested our skills such as orienteering and knot-tying. Overall, despite being exhausted at the end of the June camp, I had a whale of a time and I look forward to future camps.” Lam Theng Wen, Zackary (1J)