Youths bond and learn about teamwork during a two-day camp at East Coast Park.
Contributed By Gideon Foo Cechao
On Friday Sep. 10, about 100 youths from the YK zone in City Harvest Church gathered for a two-day camp named Night Out! @ The Beach. The venue of the camp was located along a quiet stretch of East Coast Park near the Outward Bound School. According to Johnson Hay, the camp commandant, East Coast Park was chosen because of the proximity of the beach. Many weeks of preparation preceded, and the camp organizers had a fun and enriching program for everyone.
The wet weather did not dampen the spirits of the campers as they braved the rain to pitch their tents. When the rain subsided, games commenced with the campers in different teams, engaging in challenging tasks—from passing hardboiled eggs with their mouths to sliding through soapy water and flour. After clearing these obstacles, the campers had to further endure a grueling 1.5km run. The teams showed great unity as they encouraged one another and ran together to the finishing line.
That evening, the campers relaxed around the barbecue pits and enjoyed a spread of delicious beef patties, satay and chicken wings. Nearby, a campfire was set up creatively using bamboo poles and colorful lanterns surrounding it to commemorate the Mid-Autumn Festival. There was a sense of camaraderie as people gathered around the fire to sing and play games. At one point, the team leaders taught a “friendship dance” routine to the campers who gleefully and gamely danced around the campfire.
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| CN PHOTOS: Jere Chong |
The camp was not complete without the night adventure game called “Pirates of ECP” where team members had to locate and retrieve all their team flags from a tower filled with booby traps. Two teams showed extraordinary synergy and evaded the ferocious “pirates,” resisting the constant bombardment of water bombs as they bashed through meshes of string to retrieve their flags. On the second day of the camp, beach games were the highlight as teams engaged in physical activities like tug-of-war, and memory games to test their mental prowess.
Camp-goers also shared several moments in prayer and worship throughout the brief overnight stay. On the second day, a shuttle bus was hired to ferry the campers to the Singapore Expo for CHC’s service with Dr. Phil Pringle, after which everyone headed back to camp for the closing ceremony. Prizes were awarded to the winning team and to outstanding campers who showed a great sporting attitude throughout the event.
Yuan Wenling, the zone leader in-charge of the camp, commended everyone for their participation and positive spirit. “Despite the uncomfortable conditions, all of you stayed on and made the camp a memorable one. In the race of life sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. However it is not only about the destination but the journey; about the strong helping the weak, about the friendship ties that we have built and deepened,” she said to the campers, affirming their unity.
Jowell Chua, 20, who was awarded the best female camper said, “I didn’t expect to win the award, it is by God and for Him! Through this camp, I have learned about working together, being united and helping others.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Roger Sim, 19, a national serviceman who said, “It was an enjoyable experience and I learned about the importance of building team spirit. It is about one for all, and all for one!”
