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WE LOVE NPCC!!!!! @ {4:05 AM}
Kranji NPCC 11th NCO Camp
During the March school holidays, we had a three-day-two-night NCO camp in school. We looked forward to spending time in the camp with our squad mates. Upon reaching there, we were each given a “Non-Commissioned Officer Modular Course” booklet which contained all the information that was needed for the lectures. A number of lectures were held during the camp conducted by our mdm and Cadet Inspectors.
The first lecture was on Uniform and Etiquette (U&E), which was conducted in the classroom. It was then followed by a series of other lectures, for example, flagstaff and pioneering. Although these lectures were rather dry and boring but the knowledge we gained on the different components made it worthwhile. We could pass this knowledge on to our juniors.
Dinner was a unique experience as we had to do the cooking ourselves. In our groups (allocated before the camp), we shared our rations wisely and cooked food for each other. It was definitely a fun experience to cook meals in an open area with our peers.
After our “sumptuous” meal, we were given about 2 hours to prepare the upcoming campfire which was to be held at night on the second day. We were under a lot of stress as we had to organize the campfire ourselves for the first time! Though disagreements arose, fortunately they were not serious and we managed to complete the discussion.
Then, it was lecture time again; it was on “Radio Communication Etiquette”. We tried using the walkie-talkie, from this lecture; we learnt the importance of proper communication.
The next day, we woke up at around six in the morning and washed up. It was mass PT time, which was what we dreaded the most. We did the Five Basic Exercise (5BX), ran around the parade square and did a series of push-ups, jumping jacks. Then, we had our breakfast and carried on with more lectures. We were already worn out from the mass PT and had no energy to concentrate during the lectures but we had to endure and bear with it. Our endurance was definitely put to a test!
Changing parade was another challenging task for us. We needed to change from Full-U to PT kit and vice-versa. This taught as to discipline ourselves.
“Campfire burning, campfire burning; draw nearer, draw nearer” At last, it was the long awaited, CAMPFIRE TIME! Some of the seniors who had graduated from the unit came back to witness this event and joined us to watch us perform. Although it was not a flawless performance, the fact that it was the first time we organized this, and we had done our best, we had no regrets at all.
On the last day of camp, we packed our backpacks and cleaned up the bunks, toilets, and canteen areas. When it was drawing near to the end of the camp, we had a water parade and Officer in command- Ms Foo declared the campfire closed.
We had mixed emotions when the camp ended. Although it was physically tiring and mentally exhausting, we learnt how to lead our squad and be independent when making decisions. This camp allowed us to know more about leadership and be well-prepared to lead our juniors. It was really a meaningful camp and enriching experience! I am glad I made it through the camp. We are very thankful to the effort put in by our CIs and officers.
Done By:
Gwendoline Ng
Yee Kwai Ga
PASSION TO SERVE
♥ LOVE
