2022 Secondary 3 Outward Bound Singapore

On 22 August, it was finally time for the long awaited Secondary 3 OBS (Outward Bound Singapore) camp! After a 2 year hiatus, the OBS camp had made a return in the form of a 2 Days 1 Night outdoor camp. The camp had a range of activities from hiking, team bonding activities, kayaking, rafting and many more. 

Kayaking was a new activity for many of us. We spent the first day learning the basics. On the second day, we headed out for a 6 km kayaking expedition around Ketam island. Unfortunately, there was heavy rain along the way but we managed to push through and finish the expedition in good time!

As for those who went on land expeditions such as a 5 km hike, it was certainly a tough challenge for us as we had to bear the weight of the huge hiking backpack and brave the weather - rain or shine. Applying our outdoor education skills learnt during PE lessons, it was heartening to see every group work together to successfully complete the arduous expedition. 

Some of the groups who had a chance to do rafting were initially daunted by the fact that the raft was to be built from scratch. Charmaine Lin from 3 Loyalty mentioned, “Using ropes, we tied poles together to form a structure for our raft. I did not know how to tie the poles together at first but with assistance from the instructor and my group mates, I managed to learn how to use square lashing to tie the poles together.” Furthermore, the heavy rain and gloomy weather did not hinder those doing sea expeditions as we endured the rain and continued with our tasks. “Despite the short duration for us to try rafting, the whole experience was very valuable and I enjoyed it immensely!” 

Although the activities each group took part in varied, it is safe to say that the objective of the camp was still the same. “I got to work with my teammates to get tasks done, which I never would have gotten done by myself. For example, folding the sheets for everything and lifting kayaks…I used to not be able to work well in a group setting, and I was what people would call a ‘slacker’. However, at OBS, I realized that every team member has an important role to play including myself,” noted Jocelyn of 3 Purity. 

Another valuable takeaway from the camp would be developing a greater sense of appreciation for nature and gratitude for the multiple privileges we have. Charmaine further explained, “The camp helped me learn to appreciate the little comforts I enjoy daily. Drinking boiled water, having a heated shower, sleeping on a mattress and using my phone were privileges I enjoyed at home but not at the camp. I definitely learnt to appreciate them a little more after the camp. I also made many lasting fond memories with my group mates. My group mates made the camp much more bearable as everyone was willing to help and support each other.”   

All in all, OBS was both a great learning and bonding experience for everyone. Jocelyn mentioned, “OBS was overall really fun and enjoyable. It was also surprisingly relaxing as I got to take a break from my busy "city life" and tried out kayaking, which is something new.” From enjoying nature to spending time with new friends and learning important life lessons, OBS was certainly an unforgettable experience!

Tan Kia Hui, 3 Faith

Hannah Quah, 3 Faith

2022