HI! Club Instructor’s Camp
This is only the 4th camp in my lifetime, and 1st in Polytechnic. Why did I choose to go this camp? As the name suggests, it’s for wannabe instructors! Missed the previous camp as I was in Wuhan, a very sad thing! Here’s a day-by-day event that we went through for the camp!
Day 1 – Set Sail!
The theme for this camp is Pirates. Why pirates? I don’t know too. =x However, it’s quite an interesting theme and it will be very fun! AHOY!!! Our ship was due to set sail at 10am but due to delays, we set sail at about 11am. Which group am I in? Davy Jones, named after a character from Pirates of the Caribbean. Group members: Timothy (GL), Jasmine (GL), Kay Yong, Natalia, Julinda, Yi Hang, Chen Yen, Darren and me! 7 members and 2 GLs = a very fun Davy Jones group!
At 11am when most of the people were present, we went to the Old Childcare Center for Mass Games. What did we play? Of course, every camp starts with some ice breaking games. The first game was similar to the popular game of “Trees and Squirrels”. However, it’s been changed to the pirate’s version. Some were “lighthouse and xxx” (I forgot the name LOL), “x men rowing”,”x men eating” etc. You have to do the action specified, such as you have to have the number of men together rowing and eating together.
Second game was “Counting Money” (I don’t know the real name so ya). Each guy represents 5 cents while each girl represents 10 cents. A value will be specified and you have to find people to represent the value. Such as 50 cents require 10 guys / 5 girls or a mix of them like 3 girls and 4 guys. The last ice breaking game is the ever popular Wacko! However, this Wacko is slightly different. Why? Since we’re in HI! Club, we have to sign out everyone’s sign name! Hey, it’s not an easy task! Remembering each other’s name and sign name together. When your name gets called, you have to shout out another person’s name and their sign name as well. Moving on, we played double wacko. Each person has to partner someone. 1 person will be sitting while the other person is standing behind the person sitting. The person standing will call out a name of someone sitting down and the person behind has to “protect” the person. Such as if A and C is standing behind B and D respectively, A will call D’s name and C has to protect D so he has to call out someone else’s name who is sitting down.
After the ice breaking games, it’s time to head to our accommodation! Much to our surprise, we’re actually staying in The Loft @ 94. It looks similar to a small size condominium and very cozy. 1 apartment can hold up to 8 people altogether, including the sofabed in the living room.
Now, can you guess what’s next? It’s our lunch! The food throughout the camp was quite ok, but I wouldn’t mention much about it. After lunch it’s lesson time. We were slated to go to our respective classrooms to attend lessons (or in a better way, revision) for our Basic A, Basic B or Intermediate. Since I just graduated from Basic B, of course I went for Basic B lessons. We had to go through both the Basic A and Basic B lessons! Thankfully, I remembered about 95% of the signings! After revision, it’s time for our practical practice. We have to teach a class of problematic students to determine if we are actually qualified enough to be instructors. Oh man, I hope I go through!
When lessons finished, it’s time to choose songs for our camp’s Closing Ceremony. Our group chose “Beast of Pirate’s Bay” byVoltaire . It’s quite a difficult song and thankfully for the edited lyrics it was much easier. Practiced for about an hour or so and it’s time for dinner! After dinner there was some time left so we practiced our songs and some of us actually had a random song signing session which was uber fun! Signed lots of songs including our Basic A and Basic B songs from 1D and 2F and some other random songs that we like.
The last activity of the day (night) was night games. It’s sort of amazing race style just that the clues are too straightforward! Our first clue was “basketball court”. What id we have to do? Our task was to move from one end to the other using chairs and we aren’t allowed to get off the chairs at all. Our teamwork was definitely great! Next station we went to Ourspace @ 72. We had to complete a simple course here. Turn 10 rounds, lie down according to a figure, turn 5 rounds, walk straight, turn 5 rounds, u-turn and repeat.
Atrium was our next stop. We had to pass things around with our mouths. The first item was a piece of bread. Well, not really that terrible. However, the second item was an apple! Our apple dropped once before managing to complete it. Last station was at the HMS block whereby we had to run and pick up marbles using our mouths from a stack of flour. Eww, it was disgusting. They will douse you with flour and shouting “Guanyinma Bless You!” LOL! I have a phobia of flour now. =.= Most of us went to wash up right after our turn and went back to the station. The station master said the game isn’t over yet and told us to “give each other a pat on the head” using flour. Being a unitedteam , we did not pat each other but we threw all the flour at the station master instead. =p
Following the mini amazing race in school, we had some group games next. These games require cooperation from all the group members in order to be completed. It goes like this. There will be a specific amount of eyes, legs and hands needed for each game and your group has to think of ways to make it. Such as 7 eyes, 7 hands and 7 legs. If you group has 7 people, each person has to close an eye, hide a hand and raise a leg, you can even carry each other if you like!
Last activity of the night, or so we presume, was the water bomb game! A person from each group has to carry a piece of coloured paper and hide it somewhere to prevent it from getting wet while other people throw the bombs everywhere. I was fortunate enough to only “kena” 1 or 2 of them, some unlucky ones actually kena-ed like more than 10?
We were told to wash up and head to the block 56 study area for song signing practice. Little did we know, it’s actually the waiting for the night walk too! I was one of the last ones to go at about 3.30am. Already super tired by the time I went. What did we do? They converted 2 classrooms to a super dark maze and you have to navigate through all by yourself. It wasn’t that scary after all. The only things they do is to play a scary recording and throw marbles around. I even “talked” to the person inside, LOL! If only I can find them and go scare them. =p Finally, we finished everything at about 4.30am and went off to sleep!
Day 2 – Journey to the Caribbean
Straight after breakfast, it’s time for lessons again. However this time, we were given some instructor’s ethnics notes and another practical practice session. After which it was lunch, followed by amazing race around our little sunny island! Each group is given a clue (which is actually more like a clue LOL) to find the next station and complete a task. Our first clue? “The man hanging by the harbor”. Frankly speaking, I did not even have a clue where it is. However, some of my group members cracked it; VivoCIty! Since everyone got the same clue, it’s a race against time. Once the train reached Harbourfront Station, about 40-50 of us started running like crazy. Everyone was looking at us like O.o. Super fun!
Finally we reached the station after tons of running. Our task was to pass on a message using sign language. It actually took us 3 tries, the first 2 being a very, very distorted message. For our 3rd try, both our GLs joined us. We split into 2 groups into 4 and 5 members. I was in the 4 member group and the first person to get the message (as opposed to being the last for the first 2 tries). We completed the station and got our next clue, “Lost on an island”. Now, whatcha think? It’s Sentosa! However, we mistook the cross on the map for the place we were slated to go. Fortunately, we managed to work out that it is the little island on Palawan Breach that we are going.
The next task seems easy but is actually difficult withoutteam work. There’s a small bottle we have to fill up with water. Our initial plan was to line up in a row and pass the water using our hands. However, we felt that it was too slow so we decided to get the water from the sea ourselves and just dump it into the bottle. When we completed the station, it was time to gather at Tanjong Beach.
So, what’s up for us here? While waiting, we practiced some of our song signings and some of them saw 2 very very cute dogs! They were really cute! The girls were screaming in delight, but Darren was the special one as he was screaming REAL loud in a high pitched voice. Hahahaha! I can understand, sometimes I do that when I see planes too!
The other groups reached and it’s time for games by the beach. There are several stations that we have to complete. Our first station was a drinks station. One person will taste the drink and sign out what drink you think it is, but not the name. Our score? 5/5! We definitely rock. =p Next station was a challenging one. We have to send out our best song signer and sign the songs we hear on the mp3 player and the other members has to guess what the person is signing. I volunteered to have a try at it, although scared that I might mess up stuffs. In the end, our group scored 7 songs in total! Seems like my song signing and my group’s guessing isn’t bad either eh? *winks*
Next up is the most common game, entangle! There were 2 rounds. The first round we could use verbal communication while we cannot talk at all for the second round. Despite being quite fast, we were still slower than some groups. Hope for better results next time! Since there was time left, they gave us some trivia questions. We were warned that there will be a forfeit if we answer any questions wrong. The first question was, “How old is Ngee Ann Polytechnic?”. Some MCQ answers were given and we had to discuss in sign language. Fortunate enough, I had a feeling it was 47 and bingo! The second question was, “What is the National Flower of Malaysia?”. Answer? Hibiscus! (I am actually typing this blog post on the North-South Expressway in Malaysia!)
After station games, it’s time to be pirates! Captain Hook lost his hand and his valued glove. We had to find the glove for him. After much digging here and there like “dogs”, we finally found the glove! It was a great sense of achievement. We definitely had lots and lots of clues to find it. =p
It’s finally time to head back to school and gather for our practical test. Some of us went to packet some food from CItyVibe at Clementi back to school. After eating, we went to our respective classrooms for the test. This test was really a challenge for me. The students were super naughty! Hopefully I can pass this test with flying colours. Have a certain amount of confidence although not that high.
From about 1am to 5am, we had very intensive practice for our song signing, helping those who cannot catch up and discuss on our formation. Being really really tired after the practice, I just collapsed on my bed once I got into the room.
Day 3 – Anchors Set!
Finally the last day of the camp has come, also the scariest day! Early in the morning we had another test, but this time it’s the theory test. We had to read what words the tester is signing to us. The first section was fingerspelling with sensical and non-sensical words. The former are words that can be found in the dictionary while the latter are just some random letters, really takes concentration!
The second section was words. Heh, this part is the easiest. Both Basic A and Basic B words were easy but when it came to Intermediate all of us just stood there stunned. Well, looking forward to my Intermediate class next semester though! Next wasthe killer section, dictation. Basic A was ok but when it came to Basic B everyone messed up. Since we were not allowed to write before they finish signing, we had to memorise and read the signs at the same time. There was a part whereby a chain of words was being fingerspelled to the extent that I actually forgot what was in front!
After that, it was song signing practice again. While we were having practice, some people were also called up for interviews. It was my turn after an hour or so and the interviewer will ask you some questions like, “Why do you want to become an instructor” etc. The whole interview was in complete silence, guessed it? We had to use sign language, again! My signings has actually improved tremendously in these 3 days, from correcting some wrong signs to learning new words.
Finally the last activity of the camp, closing ceremony! This is a short one as there were less than 80 people in total with about 7 performances in total. Nothing much to talk about the closing ceremony but just 2 words, total fun! I’m looking forward to the next camp and hopefully Davy Jones will get together one day! =D
Second game was “Counting Money” (I don’t know the real name so ya). Each guy represents 5 cents while each girl represents 10 cents. A value will be specified and you have to find people to represent the value. Such as 50 cents require 10 guys / 5 girls or a mix of them like 3 girls and 4 guys. The last ice breaking game is the ever popular Wacko! However, this Wacko is slightly different. Why? Since we’re in HI! Club, we have to sign out everyone’s sign name! Hey, it’s not an easy task! Remembering each other’s name and sign name together. When your name gets called, you have to shout out another person’s name and their sign name as well. Moving on, we played double wacko. Each person has to partner someone. 1 person will be sitting while the other person is standing behind the person sitting. The person standing will call out a name of someone sitting down and the person behind has to “protect” the person. Such as if A and C is standing behind B and D respectively, A will call D’s name and C has to protect D so he has to call out someone else’s name who is sitting down.
After the ice breaking games, it’s time to head to our accommodation! Much to our surprise, we’re actually staying in The Loft @ 94. It looks similar to a small size condominium and very cozy. 1 apartment can hold up to 8 people altogether, including the sofabed in the living room.
Now, can you guess what’s next? It’s our lunch! The food throughout the camp was quite ok, but I wouldn’t mention much about it. After lunch it’s lesson time. We were slated to go to our respective classrooms to attend lessons (or in a better way, revision) for our Basic A, Basic B or Intermediate. Since I just graduated from Basic B, of course I went for Basic B lessons. We had to go through both the Basic A and Basic B lessons! Thankfully, I remembered about 95% of the signings! After revision, it’s time for our practical practice. We have to teach a class of problematic students to determine if we are actually qualified enough to be instructors. Oh man, I hope I go through!
When lessons finished, it’s time to choose songs for our camp’s Closing Ceremony. Our group chose “Beast of Pirate’s Bay” by
The last activity of the day (night) was night games. It’s sort of amazing race style just that the clues are too straightforward! Our first clue was “basketball court”. What id we have to do? Our task was to move from one end to the other using chairs and we aren’t allowed to get off the chairs at all. Our teamwork was definitely great! Next station we went to Ourspace @ 72. We had to complete a simple course here. Turn 10 rounds, lie down according to a figure, turn 5 rounds, walk straight, turn 5 rounds, u-turn and repeat.
Atrium was our next stop. We had to pass things around with our mouths. The first item was a piece of bread. Well, not really that terrible. However, the second item was an apple! Our apple dropped once before managing to complete it. Last station was at the HMS block whereby we had to run and pick up marbles using our mouths from a stack of flour. Eww, it was disgusting. They will douse you with flour and shouting “Guanyinma Bless You!” LOL! I have a phobia of flour now. =.= Most of us went to wash up right after our turn and went back to the station. The station master said the game isn’t over yet and told us to “give each other a pat on the head” using flour. Being a united
Following the mini amazing race in school, we had some group games next. These games require cooperation from all the group members in order to be completed. It goes like this. There will be a specific amount of eyes, legs and hands needed for each game and your group has to think of ways to make it. Such as 7 eyes, 7 hands and 7 legs. If you group has 7 people, each person has to close an eye, hide a hand and raise a leg, you can even carry each other if you like!
Last activity of the night, or so we presume, was the water bomb game! A person from each group has to carry a piece of coloured paper and hide it somewhere to prevent it from getting wet while other people throw the bombs everywhere. I was fortunate enough to only “kena” 1 or 2 of them, some unlucky ones actually kena-ed like more than 10?
We were told to wash up and head to the block 56 study area for song signing practice. Little did we know, it’s actually the waiting for the night walk too! I was one of the last ones to go at about 3.30am. Already super tired by the time I went. What did we do? They converted 2 classrooms to a super dark maze and you have to navigate through all by yourself. It wasn’t that scary after all. The only things they do is to play a scary recording and throw marbles around. I even “talked” to the person inside, LOL! If only I can find them and go scare them. =p Finally, we finished everything at about 4.30am and went off to sleep!
Day 2 – Journey to the Caribbean
Straight after breakfast, it’s time for lessons again. However this time, we were given some instructor’s ethnics notes and another practical practice session. After which it was lunch, followed by amazing race around our little sunny island! Each group is given a clue (which is actually more like a clue LOL) to find the next station and complete a task. Our first clue? “The man hanging by the harbor”. Frankly speaking, I did not even have a clue where it is. However, some of my group members cracked it; VivoCIty! Since everyone got the same clue, it’s a race against time. Once the train reached Harbourfront Station, about 40-50 of us started running like crazy. Everyone was looking at us like O.o. Super fun!
Finally we reached the station after tons of running. Our task was to pass on a message using sign language. It actually took us 3 tries, the first 2 being a very, very distorted message. For our 3rd try, both our GLs joined us. We split into 2 groups into 4 and 5 members. I was in the 4 member group and the first person to get the message (as opposed to being the last for the first 2 tries). We completed the station and got our next clue, “Lost on an island”. Now, whatcha think? It’s Sentosa! However, we mistook the cross on the map for the place we were slated to go. Fortunately, we managed to work out that it is the little island on Palawan Breach that we are going.
The next task seems easy but is actually difficult without
So, what’s up for us here? While waiting, we practiced some of our song signings and some of them saw 2 very very cute dogs! They were really cute! The girls were screaming in delight, but Darren was the special one as he was screaming REAL loud in a high pitched voice. Hahahaha! I can understand, sometimes I do that when I see planes too!
The other groups reached and it’s time for games by the beach. There are several stations that we have to complete. Our first station was a drinks station. One person will taste the drink and sign out what drink you think it is, but not the name. Our score? 5/5! We definitely rock. =p Next station was a challenging one. We have to send out our best song signer and sign the songs we hear on the mp3 player and the other members has to guess what the person is signing. I volunteered to have a try at it, although scared that I might mess up stuffs. In the end, our group scored 7 songs in total! Seems like my song signing and my group’s guessing isn’t bad either eh? *winks*
Next up is the most common game, entangle! There were 2 rounds. The first round we could use verbal communication while we cannot talk at all for the second round. Despite being quite fast, we were still slower than some groups. Hope for better results next time! Since there was time left, they gave us some trivia questions. We were warned that there will be a forfeit if we answer any questions wrong. The first question was, “How old is Ngee Ann Polytechnic?”. Some MCQ answers were given and we had to discuss in sign language. Fortunate enough, I had a feeling it was 47 and bingo! The second question was, “What is the National Flower of Malaysia?”. Answer? Hibiscus! (I am actually typing this blog post on the North-South Expressway in Malaysia!)
After station games, it’s time to be pirates! Captain Hook lost his hand and his valued glove. We had to find the glove for him. After much digging here and there like “dogs”, we finally found the glove! It was a great sense of achievement. We definitely had lots and lots of clues to find it. =p
It’s finally time to head back to school and gather for our practical test. Some of us went to packet some food from CItyVibe at Clementi back to school. After eating, we went to our respective classrooms for the test. This test was really a challenge for me. The students were super naughty! Hopefully I can pass this test with flying colours. Have a certain amount of confidence although not that high.
From about 1am to 5am, we had very intensive practice for our song signing, helping those who cannot catch up and discuss on our formation. Being really really tired after the practice, I just collapsed on my bed once I got into the room.
Day 3 – Anchors Set!
Finally the last day of the camp has come, also the scariest day! Early in the morning we had another test, but this time it’s the theory test. We had to read what words the tester is signing to us. The first section was fingerspelling with sensical and non-sensical words. The former are words that can be found in the dictionary while the latter are just some random letters, really takes concentration!
The second section was words. Heh, this part is the easiest. Both Basic A and Basic B words were easy but when it came to Intermediate all of us just stood there stunned. Well, looking forward to my Intermediate class next semester though! Next was
After that, it was song signing practice again. While we were having practice, some people were also called up for interviews. It was my turn after an hour or so and the interviewer will ask you some questions like, “Why do you want to become an instructor” etc. The whole interview was in complete silence, guessed it? We had to use sign language, again! My signings has actually improved tremendously in these 3 days, from correcting some wrong signs to learning new words.
Finally the last activity of the camp, closing ceremony! This is a short one as there were less than 80 people in total with about 7 performances in total. Nothing much to talk about the closing ceremony but just 2 words, total fun! I’m looking forward to the next camp and hopefully Davy Jones will get together one day! =D
