2023 Uniform Group Camp

The huge efforts made by seniors and teachers of the different uniformed groups (UG) finally paid off when the long-awaited, inaugural cross-UG camp took place during the March holidays, from 13 to 15 March. The camp’s many activities allowed students from the different UGs to come together and interact with each other. 

Interviewees:

• Kang Jia Wen, OIC (NPCC)

• Lim Hui Jun, Field Instructor (NPCC)

• Megan Sim Yan Xin 

• Jaimie Chan Xin Hui

• Oh Jing Xin 

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Qn: What was the planning process like? What were some challenges faced when planning for this camp?

We had a few Zoom meetings to discuss the details of the camp. The planning got really confusing at times, especially when it came to the logistics and preparation. One example was the tent-pitching segment as some details were not thought through thoroughly, like where each tent should be set up. Many tent pieces were also missing, so we had to come up with solutions on the spot, which was challenging given the limitations we faced. Another challenge was obtaining resources for the campfire, which was a really long process due to school protocols. Additionally, we had a lot of changes to make to our proposals after receiving our teachers’ feedback so we needed to plan our time well in order to juggle camp planning and exam preparation.

Qn: Pertaining to the problems you just raised, what do you think are possible solutions to overcome them?

I think we should have started planning earlier. We didn’t really have an idea as to how long we would need for the planning and we started quite late, so I think planning earlier would allow us to have more time to make amendments to the proposal and ensure that the camp runs more smoothly.

Qn: If you had to pick one, what was the most memorable thing about the camp?

It definitely has to be the campfire as we rarely get to experience it. We sang many songs including the IJ song, Hold On To Our Dream, and got to interact with various cadets across the different UGs. I found it nice how we came together to make something so beautiful. 

Qn: What do you hope to see in future camps?

I feel that the cross-teaching sessions, where we got to learn more about what the other CCAs do, could have been longer so that we can learn more. Alternatively, we could plan a few more activities to make sure that the time was fully utilised. I also believe that the movement of large crowds of people in future camps could be better supervised such that time is fully utilised.

Qn: How did it feel getting to experience the first ever cross-UG camp?

It was truly satisfying because we managed to plan such a big scale event for more than 200 people without having ever experienced one ourselves. At first, I thought that it was not going to happen because a lot of money had to go into it, so I was relieved when the camp was eventually confirmed. Overall, this camp was pretty good considering how we had no foundation to work on and we had to start from scratch. 

Qn: Any other comments on the overall experience?

Hopefully, everybody had a fun and enjoyable time because it is uncertain if the camp will happen again in the future. I do wish that everyone who attended created good memories and forged new and lasting friendships from this camp!

Mischa Sim, 1T

Ng Xanafee, 2W

Sophia Teo, 3C

2023