On the 2nd - 16th of August , 10 Johor Student Leaders Council (JSLC) members went to Germany for a leadership camp organized by Camp Adventure , Neuburg Germany .
31st July 2010
We flew for 7 hours to Doha airport via Qatar Airways . After 3 hours of transit , we went on board the plane again to Munich . The flight was for 7 hours and we arrived at Munich Airport at 8.30 am local time .
We took the airport shuttle to Renaissance Hotel . Since our room is not ready yet , the 10 of us went for a short stroll around the neighborhood . A few of the places that we went to was the church , the monetary , a café and also the sparkasse .
The inside of a German Church
In the hotel lobby
After the stroll , we went back to the hotel and waited for our room . We had lunch at the hotel lobby . As we got to our room , we washed up and got ready to go out to the city .
We went to Marienplatz via through the underground pass . we reached Marienplatz at roughly around 5pm local time . we were thinking of getting souvenirs that time but most of the shops are already closed . We ended up going around the city and got back to the hotel at 9.30 pm .
(2)Subway in Germany (Nordfriedhof Station)
JSLC in Marienplatz
Cik Norbiha and Pn Rosliza at Marienplatz
1st August 2010
Because we weren’t able to get any souvenirs yesterday , all 10 of us woke up early and got ready for breakfast . After breakfast , we took the subway to Marienplatz and went shopping . The time allocated to get our souvenirs was only 1 hour plus so we had to rush .
Last minute shopping in Marienplatz
We went back to the hotel to get our hover sacks and took the airport shuttle to Munich Airport Camp Adventure
Pictures taken while waiting in the airport
We took the coach to Camp Adventure and we were welcomed by the group of teamers . After that, we went to our tent and dumped our hover sacks there. We were called back again and all the participants were separated into Leadership Camp and
(3)Home sweet tent
After dinner, although it was raining, we were given a tour around the campsite. We then went to the leadership tent called “Yota” and had and introduction session. There are 23 participants in the Leadership Camp including the Malaysians and all of them are hoping to be invited back next year as a Counselor In Training (CIT) .
3rd August 2010
On the second day of camp we had Team building activities . Some of the Team Building
4th August 2010
After breakfast , we were taken to the town swimming pool to start our lifeguard training course . Unfortunately , I and 8 more JSLC were not able to complete the underwater swim task because the temperature of the water there was nothing like the temperature of the water here, so even though we could swim when we were in JB, we can barely catch our breath under water there.
(4)Waiting for my turn to present
We were called to the Yota after lunch and were given a talk about communication and presentation skills. After the talk, we were given 10 minutes to plan out a game and present it in front of our teamer named Maral who will be evaluating our presentation. Not like most of the people here, the people over there seem to be more straight forward and because they are used to it, I think, nobody really minds comments they took it as a guide line to improve their selves in the future . But the task does not end there. After game presentation, Maral gave each of us a colour and we had to convinced people that our colour is the best. I got silver, not the colour I would like to get but it is not as hard as some of the other participant who got beige!
At night , we went canoeing at the lake in junior camp and since the bed time for junior camp is early, we were asked not to make any noise while we were there, this was not something easy to do as there were 26 of us including teamers not forgetting that we had to find the right size of safety vest, which is according to our body weight . My canoe partners were Lena and Shota who are teamers.
5th August 2010
We went out to town for our free outing. Although it was a free outing, we were given a choice whether we want to join in the quest or not because we are in the Leadership course but we chose to do it anyways just for the fun of it. Each group was given a matchbox and we had to trade that matchbox into something more valuable they call it ‘surviving skills’. At first we thought that it was impossible but after a few tries until we managed to get a box of pencil colours . Since we’re having fun, we decided to trade in a few of our RM1 notes as well as our Malaysian key chains. In the end we managed to get a Deutschland rock album, a Ravens burger puzzle set , a Lloyd high heels keychain , a few pens and 2 extra large and extra colourful matchbox .
At night , we had Casino Night where the dining hall was decorated and turned into a Casino palace all thanks to the leadership team . I volunteered to become the bartender of the night, At first I thought the job was easy, but I was so wrong.. I have to juggle so many things at once, pouring juice that was mixed with sparkling water, wiped washed cups, filling up finished chips, making sure the table was clean at all times, and washing the used cups. May be I stretch myself a little bit too far that night, until I fainted and was brought to St .Elisabeth Hospital that night and I was grounded there for four days. The doctor said it was probably because of migraine, high fever and fatigue all at once.
I really learnt a valuable lesson that day…that is there are limits to how far you work yourself up…I missed hiking that 4 days, the one activity I look forward to the whole week…I think that is what you get for pushing the limits.
On the 7th and 8th of August, is the start of the 48 hours hike. Unfortunately for me, I have spent the whole 3 days in the hospital and only got discharged on Monday, 9th of August.
9th August 2010
All the campers got back to the campsite after the long hike. All of them were so happy to see me that some of them even gave me a big welcome back hug. There weren’t much activities held because all of them were tired. We were given free time until dinner. At that moment, the showers began to fill up with smelly campers wanting to take a shower. A few of them straight away went to their tent for a quick doze.
After dinner, the camp held a ‘wellness night’ where teamers offer a variety of healthcare from manicure pedicure to spa and massages.
Some of the boys had their nails painted too
10th August 2010
Although it was a monster sleep in (you can wake up late) , the leadership participants who are organizing the all-camp game for today woke up at 7 in the morning . We had to make preparations and last minute discussions so that things will be able to go smoothly. So that morning, I woke all of my team mates(Peter, Ridzuan , Diyana, Cy) up to work on the flower gallend. At first I was having problem doing it because of the time limit we have, but then Rebekka, Eniza and Thanen were being so nice to help us even though they are not in our team that day. That really shows that a friend in need is a friend indeed… We started our all-camp game at around 3 o’clock . Each leadership participant had to handle a station where the games will be played there . Furthermore , we the leadership participants will be running the games . That day my station was ‘Juice Bar’ and my duty was to cut fruits, throw out the rubbish, pouring juice, and washing all the used cups. But this time since I have the experience of Casino night, I know better than to exert myself, as that day was the day after I got back from the Hospital and the last thing I want is to be admitted back in.
Junior Camp
All campers playing together .
At night , we were given group feedbacks and individual deliberation . In my opinion, I think that that moment was really important because we are able to detect our strength and weaknesses as well as to improve ourselves as a team.
11th August 2010
After breakfast we were told that we have to organize a Leadership Dinner . We took the whole day to brainstorm and figure out a theme for the dinner . In the end , we settled for Hip-Hop dinner and the food will be subways and grilled cheese sandwiches .
The leadership group was divided into 3 groups which are the cooking group , the decoration group and also the games group . I was in the decoration group and that time we planned on how to redecorate the dining hall so that it would look hip-hop-ish.
This was not easy as I was fasting that day, I know we are not encourage to fast at camp, but I challenge myself, and I have to admit it was not easy to fast at a foreign country, where everyone was not. My duty that night was, decorations, so as soon as I finished decorating, and the food is still not ready, so Peter and I straight away offer help. Then after dinner, I broke my fast with 2 pieces of grilled cheese sandwich before I helped out with the dishes since many of us were busy handling the game for the night. When I came back to the kitchen, everything was gone, so my only option was cereal. Now, thinking about it, I don’t think I could survive with just a bowl of cereal, it was one of the miracles of Ramadhan. I think they gather activities like that for the second week so that we can apply what we have learnt from the first week.
At night , all campers were invited to the Disco Night . I had a great time dancing and singing there especially with the leadership group .
(6)Leadership all girls group .
12th August 2010
We started our preparation for the Leadership Dinner after lunch. A few of them went to town to get some stuff for the food and the decorations. We took about an hour to decorate the place because the theme was changed from Hip-Hop to Music at the very last minute. Fortunately for us , the decoration team , there weren’t many changes that needed to be done .
After decorating, we went to the kitchen and helped out to cook or prepare the meals . A few of us went to the games team to help with the questions because the games team planned to make a music trivia for the campers.
The dinner was successful. The teamers loved the food and so did the campers. For the music trivia, the winner are the girls from F4 .
Theme of the night
Campers enjoying their grilled cheese sandwiches
13th August 2010
After breakfast , we were given the choice to choose an activity of our own to play until lunchtime . Some of the activities that were offered were horseback riding , climbing , canoeing & kayaking , Survival training , fitness training , swimming and lastly , arts and craft . I chose to take canoeing and kayaking .
I had fun kayaking . As a first timer I would say that I did pretty well because I didn’t fall of topple off from the kayak . Unfortunately, I did get wet thanks to all the splashing from Sara and Peter.
That night was Teamers’ Choice Night where we could join in any activities that was offered, like, Ballroom dancing, Night climbing, Night walking, Treasure hunting and many more. Ridzuan, Eniza, Sara, Diyanah, Peter and I chose Ballroom dancing. I learnt slow Waltz and Cha,Cha,Cha dance.
My dance partner, Rafael.
14th August 2010
Its the first day of the Olympic Camp Adventure Games . The teamers and campers are divided into 4 houses which are red , green , blue and yellow . As for the leadership group , we weren’t allow to be in any house for today because we had to run the activities for them . The leaderships had to work in pairs and take care of their station .
Yellow house
The Olympic fairy giving out extra points
We had to get our face painted .
At night , Camp Adventure held a talent show where they look for special talents among the campers . Some danced , some sang and there was also a magic show . A few of our Malaysians danced the zapin putar and the crowd gave an amazing applause . But best of all , the leaderships danced the Macarena . Funny thing is that the boys we’re dressed up as girls and the girls did vice versa .
Leaderships playing dress up
15th August 2010
Its the 2nd day of the Olympic games and this time the leaderships were allowed to take part. Each of us was given a colour. Peter, Thanen, Ridzuan and I got red. At first, we played the water balloon game where every house must attack the house that is running through the path to the dry tent using water balloons. The house that has the most number of dry teammate gets the most points.
The second game is that each house has to go through the obstacles 40 times as fast as they can . The team who finishes first gets the most points. At the end of the day , they will count the number of points and change it to Olyquid . The house with the highest level of Olyquid wins the Olympic games.
The green house won ! Congratulations all green teammates !
Lets go green !
Happy faces from the winners
At night , as the final ceremony , a fire show is being held . There were fireworks display , candle ceremony and also the lighting of the grand campfire . One of the JSLC member , Thanendren , was given the privilege to light up the grand campfire .
Camp Adventure
The gold campers .
After the fire show , a slideshow was play . That slideshow contains a lot of the pictures of the campers . Most of the campers cried because it was their last night and they had to go back home the next day .
On top of that , a few of the Malaysians cried as well because the slid show was really touching . It showed a couple of pictures of us Malaysians with the Germans . Who knew that in the end , we were able to create such a strong bond .
Germans and Malysians posing with the Malaysian flag
Two thumbs up for Malaysia .
Let there be peace . We promise not to attack Malaysia
16th August 2010
We had to wake up early because the airport coach is coming at 7.3o in the morning . After getting ready , we had our last breakfast in the dining hall . Then we went to clear out the stuff in out tents . Before leaving the campsite, we bid farewell to every camper we know and gave them a little something from Malaysia for them to remember us . Tears started to leak out and everyone began hugging each other. Unfortunately in every hello there is a goodbye .
Last goodbye hugs before leaving to the airport .
17th August 2010
We arrive in KLIA at about 8.3o in the morning . We met up with our parents and Pn Rosliza . Before going back home , we took a few more photos to keep as memories .
Back in Malaysia
In conclusion, this trip to Germany has really taught me a lot of things that school can’t teach me . Some of the things that I’ve learned here is how to organize activities systematically and how to minimize any unnecessary errors. Besides that, it not only creates a bond between the JSLC students but also the bond between Germans and Malaysians. But above all, I learned that the key to survival is to be independent and you have to adapt to the situation no matter where you are even if the situation demands you to roughen up.
I would say that I am privilege to get this opportunity. After this camp, I hope that I will be able to become a better leader than I was before . Even if I don’t become a leader one day, I just hope that I will end up as a good person who’s hard work is beneficial to others.
