On Day 1, all of us went to fly a kite. Each group getting 3 kites on air for 30 minutes each. Some of us were expert kite fliers but for many it was a first time that we touched a kite. As a group we learnt through experience, trial and error how to get the kite up in the air and then ensuring it stayed on the wind and on course.
So like a leader, we must always know when to let things go and when to have a tighter grip just like how we controlled the string of the kite. And like all our dreams up there, we need to let if fly up high. And if it sometimes fall down on the ground, we can always fly it up again!
UP,UP,UP.
It was 25 skips that we had to complete together. And what a task it was. Many of us failed many times, but we just changed our strategy, regrouped and skipped again.
This game is all about a test of beliefs. If you think and tell yourself you can, you can. Let go of that mental block and keep telling yourself you can do it. 25 is just a number you can strive towards. Goals are just big dreams you can make come true.
Whether you think you can or you cant you are right. So if you think you can, good. If you think you cant, start thinking you can.
The Minefield Game
The Minefield Game got us down and dirty but more importantly it taught us about communicating effectively in a team when we had a problem to solve or a goal to reach.
“You tried your best and you failed. The lesson is never try. Just do it.”
“What have I learnt today that I can reflect upon for a better tommorrow?”
Let Your Dreams Stay Big and High, let your worries stay small and low.
The Art of the Ketupat
We were being taught how to make the ketupat too. A ketupat was a Malay dish of delicacy, normally reserved for Hari Raya. Our village friend, Abung Buyoh was the master of the weaving of ketupat. He taught us how to make it. And boy, it took a while for us to learn as we struggle to keep our fingers nimble and to weave those coconut leaves like a carpet.
It was a really enriching experience as we truly learnt that with perseverance, patience and learning from others we could master something that at one point was difficult and challenging.
And we managed to make 20 ketupats that could be cooked
Always remember that one of the aims of leadership is to lift others above what they can be:)
The brain can only focus on 7 things at one time. So focus on the right things aye!
The noMADic Race
The Nomadic Race started at 5am on 7th September 2009. Each group had 6 challenges to face and had to plan their own way. The first stop was to go about spear fishing and then groups could be on their way to start that journey of making a difference. Let’s look back at the stuff we did and the memories we made…
During the race, we often had to walk long distances to reach our checkpoints, destinations and places where we could fulfill the challenges. Some of us were tired after some time, but we had each other to rely on to talk to, entertain and inspire to keep on moving.
There’s a long way to go but with the right attitude, ALL OF US CAN MAKE IT!
Everyday Greatness
During our journey, we had to find examples of everyday greatness. What is called PRIMARY GREATNESS , things or people in everyday life whom we often take for granted and often makes a huge difference in our lives. People that can inspire us, and touch us for just being who are what they are.
And along the way, we found many sides of life that were completely different from what we have in Singapore.
We began to appreciate the little things in life a bit more, and learn from the experiences we had with the extraordinary things we met along the way…that each of us does make a difference for all of us.
“Each of us can make a difference for all of us.”
Difference Makers
One of the challenges of the noMADic race was a search for a difference maker. Someone who have made a difference in society one way or another. Whose impact can be felt from those around them. And what we racers have found are ordinary individuals who have gone about their roles, their duties, their jobs with extraordinary passion and energy. They just be who they are and they do what they do. But their do it for a bigger purpose . With utmost sincerity. And always with a heart to help others.
So you see, you and I can always make a difference.
To the world you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.
Ostrich Farm
MYTHBUSTER 1 : Ostriches do not bury their heads under the ground. They are strong sturdy birds who have stayed resilient even though they cant fly and have built a wonderful reputation of their own.
Ostriches in the wild are a nomadic species, who move from place to place to find better surroundings, and make a difference in their special way to the world around them.
Those interested to find out more about ostriches, come visit the ostrich farm and find our resident expert, Uncle Francis:)
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.”
As easy as A B C
One of the challenges in the town of Sungei Rengit was the A to Z challenge. We had to find pictures of signboards and words starting from A to Z that was given to us on a piece of paper. Some were difficult to spot, and others impossible. While the rest we had to use a bit of imagination and creativity to make sure we capture the right pictures.
One of the lessons this activity has taught us is to have a fine eye to look out for the smaller details. Because in order to complete the whole, you need to take care of the small details. Without the Berhenti Sign or the Lebuhraya 90 we couldnt complete the A to Z.
So take care of the little things. Because one day you will realise the little things are the big ones in life. It’s the way you do the little things in life that reflect the way you do the big ones. The way you do something is always a mirror of how you do everything.
With enough love in this world, all is possible.
Success Cocktail Mastery
This was a party whereby we envisioned ourselves 10 years in the future, being and leading our ideal successful lives. We had to act as if we have succeeded and talk only in the present tense. All of us found ourselves very much in our roles as we interacted with “long-lost friends” whom we once went to camp with. There were lawyers, doctors, designers, teachers, men and women of the uniformed services, wedding planners and rock stars. All our dreams could come true if we so committed and desired.
Keep our dreams big and our worries small:)
When life gets shaky, Focus on Your Outcome
On the last day, there was a visualisation exercise where we had to write down all our dreams, goals and aspirations. Imagine all things are possible what would you be ? Then we went about holding that piece of paper where we wrote our aspirations in for an imagined time of 67 years-a rough number of years we had left in our life given the life expectancy of 84 years.
During this exercise, it was a struggle for many. But it is only through struggle that we found strength. We held on, and hung on to our dreams as we visualized ourselves living it and all the reasons we had to make it come true. Tears were rolled, and these tears were an indication of how much we wanted these dreams. It was an experience where we confronted our deepest fears and emotions and gave us direction and energy to believe in our dreams.
For after all, whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve.
It aint how fast you get there, it aint about what lies on the other side. It’s The Climb.
The camp has come to an end. It was 52 hours of discovery, experience, fun and bonds forged. Memories have been made and challenges have been overcome. And as you look back, you can look at it at the 3 days as a good getaway or you could delve deeper and ask what difference has this made in my life and why am i here to go through all this?
Answer that question to find your true meaning as a leader and the journey you are undertaking.
And above all know that the challenge is what lies ahead, to take back the good habits you have formed in the camp, to apply the lessons you’ve learned in leading yourself and others and to face the challenges ahead with the right attitude and with forebearing fortitude.
It will be tough, it will be a struggle and it will take a huge extraordinary amount of effort. But whoever said you were ordinary? It is only in times of struggle that you find how to be strong, that you learn that on the other side of adversity and discomfort lies you best selves. So today, have faith - Full.Assurance.In.The.Heart-that if it’s meant to be, it’s up to me.
And resound with the spirit of the Nomads of ages past that have made the achievements of the world all possible, a refrain that has pushed man and woman to be the best that they can be. A belief that even when the impossible confronts you and questions if you can make it? Yes We Can.
“If It’s Meant to be, It’s Up to Me.”
