Last year in October, all students and some of the instructors from our school, Ruth Education Centre (REC), went for a camping trip to Cameron Highlands for four days and three nights. Although the journey from our school to Cameron Highlands was long and exhausting, with the crooked roads on the mountains, the scenery along the way was eye pleasing. We could enjoy the spectacular view of the beautiful greenery on the hill slopes as we journeyed along. In fact, we even halted in the middle of the journey to take a look at a very charming waterfall. Of course, we made sure to take selfies and pictures with that beautiful gushing waterfall before continuing our journey.
When we finally reached our destination, it was noon already. Before a quick announcement about the rules and notices about the camp, we filled our hungry stomach with the food prepared for us there. Then, we were asked to rest in our own rooms after being grouped by the camp advisors and leaders .Our campsite was up on the hill with trees and flowers surrounding it, the air was cool and refreshing unlike the polluted air of the city. The rooms were cleaned and around four sets of two bunk beds occupied each room with some closets. Plus, there were comfy mattresses, pillows and blankets to cover ourselves at night from the cold breeze of the hill. Everything about the place was pristine except for the cold toilet water early in the morning, freezing us.
Throughout the camp, many exciting games and activities were conducted, with morning exercises as the first thing early in the morning. We were asked to sit with our group members during the lessons and training including the games where one team competed with another team.
In the morning after breakfast, we were led into worship sessions where we sang some songs and listened to the thoughts shared by the leaders from certain scripture passages. With the theme of the camp being: 'To serve God, family and community', many practical lessons on serving with others and knowledge for youths about the importance of having goals were taught and led. The lessons were exciting and some were personal, helping us reflect back and grow as a person to serve God, family and the communities.
Furthermore, within our own groups, we shared our thoughts on the lessons and learnt from one another. Besides nurturing ourselves from the lessons and training, we played multiple entertaining games, such as coming up with our own group cheers within a short period of time. Some of the group cheers were hilarious and yet amusing while some came up with creative ideas. Besides that, some games were planned to be played outdoor, however, the rain started pouring, forcing us to go inside. Therefore, we had to play other games but nonetheless, everyone enjoyed the moment and had fun.
Besides games and trainings, we also visited some places such as the Tea Plantation. The tea plantation covers up a large estate and the view was fascinating, beautiful and bright lush green. The air was fresh and the scenery was captivating. Before departing from there, we took the chance to take group photos with everyone.
The next location we went to was Brinchang Market. Fruits were mostly sold in this market, especially strawberry. We bought souvenirs like cute key chains. Furthermore, deeper into the market, there was a place with many beautiful flowers and some plants were cultivated there too. After enjoying the sensation and the environment there, some of us bought some food. Then all of us went back to the rendezvous point before we departed back to the campsite.
On one of the days, visiting a strawberry farm was on our schedule. Unfortunately, we did not get to visit it due to a very bad traffic, so we decided to head back to our location. On the way back, those students who rode the bus spent some time to shop at the nearby stores where they bought snacks, more souvenirs and strawberries. As for us who rode the van, we stopped at one point before having some delicious strawberry pancake. Then we all met back at our campsite.
One of the most unforgettable moments was the Camp Concert, on the last night. Two days before, all the groups were given a note and were demanded a presentation on the last night according to what was written on our respective notes. All the groups made preparations and had group practices whenever we got time.
Finally on the concert night, everyone was in excitement. Since there were six groups, there were also six different performances. One of the groups did a comedy show and made everyone laughed while some groups did lip syncs to songs of Westlife and Spice Girls. There were also other performances including singing in more than 3 languages, doing mashup and singing an original song using the melody of an existed song. Every performances was unique and memorable. Everyone savoured the exciting performances and enjoyed ourselves.
On the last day, we did reflection on what we learnt throughout the camp before saying good bye to the awesome place. Then, we embarked our journey back to the school. Last but not least, we are really grateful to everyone who organized the camp and the instructors who shared beneficial training and lessons with us, sir Colin, miss Jena, pastor Michael, uncle Joseph, auntie Grace and miss Siang Yu. We really took delight in Cameron Highlands and truly enjoyed ourselves.
Writing by: Muang Nu
Comments by students:
Cecilia (Currently in Auckland, New Zealand):
The camp we had in Cameron Highlands was a good experience and a remembered memory of friends and teachers. It wasn't just a space of enjoyment but also a space to learn new things joyously.
Something that remained in my heart about leadership was "when we begin to believe in ourselves that we are able to do, we can do it." Although everything that had happened becomes a memory now, I am grateful I was a part of it.
Khai Boih: It was a great and meaningful time among the rest of the year...And I miss that time.
Min Min: Cameron Highlands camp was a tiring camp but meaningful, and it's also a camp that most of us will remember...
I guess.
San Nuam (Ruth): It was addictive and fun to explore the Cameron Highlands's plantation with friends and teachers which drew us closer.
Dennis: It was an unforgettable camp because I have a lot of memories with my friends like never before. The camp was very helpful as I learned a lot of things from my friends, instructors and my own experiences.
Cameron Highlands is a place where I finally decided to have a clear goal for myself. That is why it was an unforgettable camp.
Seng Du: It was an absolutely great camp that I have ever had in my life; spending time with my instructors and friends. Through Pastor Michael's lecture, I did realize myself about how to get closer to my goals in life and achieve them.
Mawi Te: I got to know more about my group member. We really worked together as group members which made the camp much better and fun.
Huai Huai: REC's Cameron Highlands camp is a very meaningful and lovely memory of mine. It is the furthest camping site but most memorable that I have ever been. The most memorable thing was when we had group competition and all we need was teamwork. Through that, we got closer and knew each other better. Those activities were the most memorable thing I have.
Nu Nu (currently in Ontario, Canada): Cameron Highland outing was a whole new experience for me as it was an amazing camp where we learned and had fun at the same time. I hope the school will have more vacations in the future.
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