25th November - the first day of the Part B leadership training camp at Pulau Ubin. Everyone had such different feelings about it; excitement, trepidation. Some were excited to be able to camp in the great outdoors with their friends, while others were reluctant and upset about losing two days of their holidays. The purpose of the camp was to not only learn about leadership but also to be able to practice it. As a stimulating aid, CPT Mok Hsu Pan gave the cadets a talk about leadership, thus exemplifying the ideals of leading by example. Through the talk, the cadets learnt the vital qualities a leader should possess and what made a leader different from the rest.
Upon reaching Pulau Ubin, we proceeded to our campsite, pitched our tents and had lunch. Each group then revealed their amusing group names and performed their cheers before going on to their first activity: Formula R. This was similar to “The Amazing Race” where everyone was required to clear checkpoints situated around the island in the space of a certain allotted time. The prize? A 500ml bottle of Coke! This spurred us to do our very best. Through the whole activity, my group went through thick and thin, and was able to bond and strengthen our team spirit. Eventually we were able to achieve our goal and get the prize, after suffering through both hardships and savouring victories.
By nighttime, all of us had eaten our dinner and were ready to set out for the night activities, which consisted of the obstacle course, night walk, and isolation. These activities were the most hair-raising and exciting ones as they were carried out in the dark! We were most fearful, especially when 2SG Derek Tay bluffed us about Julian being bitten by a spider as big as his palm. We took on several roles of leadership throughout the night activities, and this helped us to be confident and overcome our fears, while learning to apply the previously learnt lessons about leadership in a simulated, practical environ.
26th November - it was the second and last day of the camp. Quite a number of us were relieved as the activities were not as taxing as those of the first day. We had breakfast (MARSHMALLOWS!) and dismantled the tents, followed by games session at the concrete courtyard. Grins stretching from ear-to-ear were evident everyone’s face J as it was finally time to have some fun! I could see that everyone really enjoyed themselves, laughing and joking around. It was then time to say goodbye to Pulau Ubin as we headed back to school in
At SJI, we ate our lunch (more food!) before having a lecture session conducted by CPT Teresa Lim. The talk was very helpful and it revealed to us the common problems leaders face with their followers, and consequently, how these problems could be handled proficiently and effectively. This was of especial importance for us as we would be taking over the SJI NCC Air Unit as NCOs in the near future.
We then had our promotion parade where we were finally able to be promoted from Lance Corporals (LCP) to Corporals (CPL)! The promotion was successful, with the identification of 7 cadets who had participated enthusiastically in the camp and actively taken on roles of leadership. Congratulations to the 7 cadets and to all newly-promoted Corporals. May we perform up to standard as corporals and exceed our expectations in serving our NCC Air unit! So help us, God!
I would also like to thank the Teacher Officers and Specialists who had kindly taken the trouble and to sacrifice their time to aid in the running of the camp, and making it a successful endeavour. They are CPT Mok Hsu Pan, CPT Teresa Lim, CSM Jeremy Chitty, SSG Kenneth Goh and SSG Muhd Akid, 1SG Eugene Lim, 2SG Derek Tay and 3SG Timothy Lee.
Written by: CPL Jit Ray
