Leadership Camp 2009

Leadership Camp 2009 was the most relaxing leadership I've been to. When we reached there, I saw some girls carrying cameras and guys geared with guitars. And I'm thinking; how would they have time to snap photos or play a tune??? It's a LEADERSHIP camp for goodness sake!

Will share the programs here and then talk about the more interesting stuffs in other posts.

Before the program, there were about 65 people but then only 45 made it because there were last minute back-outters. So, our group comprised of 5 guys and 3 girls. Something which is so so very new to me. For lunch on the first day, we had to eat on the same table with them and face them. It's not that I have anything against guys, just uncomfortable having such proximity. Just kept my head down most of the time.

Anyways, we went camping to Dusun Eco Resort; which was where Shabab and Fattayat Camp was held during Secondary 2. I had all nightmares about the torture we'd undergo.

First walk up to the camping site was long... and steep. Breathless by the time we reached there just as everyone else. Ate in cafeteria and unpacked in the chalets we were staying in.

Our first activity was "A to B". Whereby we had to get from point A to point B in such a method whereby everyone's has to be different that the other's. So we had 45 different ways; some of the interesting ones were cartwheels, silat and some other really hilarious movements. That night was basically opening ceremony.

Next morning began with Qiam. and after that we had treasure hunt around the camping site. We had a talk in the morning about "Know the Leader around you", and after that "Leaders: The influential person" and at night, "The importance of Co-curricular activites". The last title might sound boring but it was the most impactful that day. We had the canopy walk and flying fox AND after that I tried wall-climbing! For my first time, I got to reach halfway up but then my muscles started straining and my fingers and legs were showing signs of Parkinson symptoms. But still, tak puas hati and next time I WILL go and try it again!

That night we had nightwalk. For some reason, I wasn't THAT nervous. It's like I've heard the lines a hundred times from the trainer: Don't swear. We don't want extra or less people. Don't say a word if you see anything. Not that I don't take them seriously, but I just don't feel AS freaked out as I did the first time I went for a nightwalk. AND, so it wasn't that challenging because at first we had candles to hold on to for each group. We all went together in a single file; all 45 students and 5 faci. Midway we were meant to put out the flame; which we did. But after that people who brought torch lights started using them so then I could see the pathway.

Next morning we had "Critical Thinking Techniques" talk and then Group performance. Aaaand closing ceremony.

Considering I was a junior during the camp (the others were 1st and 2nd year students), I learnt a lot from them. Like during the treasure hunt we had to give a list of healthy food; and they gave the food AND the reason: like; fruits because they have antioxidants and things like that.

Also something new was hearing some of the guys voluntarily giving their opinions which I found very impressive because of the ideas they can formulate. One guy even challenged the personality questionaire and reasoned out that because the structure was a bit misleading. Lol.

Something new also having guys in a team is their spontaienity. For the "Critical Thinking Techniques" we had to make an edible sandwich with ingredients supplied to us. After we were done, Dr Sharifah said we had to explain the theme and why we design it that way. Ours was simple and like four triangle pieces facing outwards but some tuna and a cili tangkai sticking out in the middle. And the guys' of our group explanation: That leaders all have different directions or pathways of doing things but then they have the same goal to reach toward. It was hilarious.

Must pray maghrib now. Can't wait to write about the more interesting stuffs. With pictures:)