A big thank you to all who has attended the camp and roughed it out together. The objectives of this camp are to;
- Bond the members together (foster greater understanding between members)
- Instill resilience in members (we need a lot of it to reach our SYF goals)
- Discover and develop leaders in choir (at every level, from Choir leaders/senior, Group ICs to Campers)
I think that we have managed to achieve all these.
Everyone of you who participated in the camp impressed me with your mental strength and endurance. It is alright to shed tears for it is a normal reaction to the physical and mental pain that the camp leaders and I put you through. However, no one gave up altogether.
At times, one or two of you gave up because you body told you that you cannot carry on. However, I could see that your mind was constantly trying to take over the situation and you eventually managed to carry on. I just want you to realise that you are a lot stronger than you think you are if you are able to train your mind to be strong. How many times have we tell ourselves that we cannot do it, even before we try. How many times have we told ourselves to give up because of one set back while trying something new. I hope that the mental strength which have acquired during this camp can be put to good use in improving all aspects of your life, from your studies, to Choir, and to your own personal life.
As for the Group ICs, I would like to congratulate you on surviving the leadership training (Part 1 of infinity). I hope that I was able to help you understand the essence of leadership during this camp. A strong organisation needs strong leaders at all levels. In Choir context, we need a forward looking Principal and CCA HoD to support our cause, strong and resourceful teachers in charge to craft the direction of choir and to bring out the best in everyone of our members, a good instructor to bring out your fullest potential in singing, good President and Executive Committee to motivate and lead the members towards achieving our goals, motivated choir members who believe in the vision and goals of the choir.
It is not so much the physical fitness which I am concerned about during your training. What the physical training really brings out are;
- Mental Strength and Resilience (this has been quite well explained earlier, but a leader has to have a lot more of this than the ones that you are leading)
- Responsibility (the physical punishment is for you to experience the consequence of responsibility that come with your appointment)
- Excellence for self and others (no point if only you are on time and that you can do something well, you have to be able to move others to achieve your standards as well)
I hope that the members were able to see all these displayed by you during the camp, not only when you were punished for failure to ensure that the campers meet our demands, but also during the normal activities when the camp leaders/seniors and I were not watching (this is the time when your members judge you the most because your actions come from you hearts and not because someone is watching you). Anyway, this is just the beginning of your leadership training with me. I will get more demanding along the way.
As for the Seniors, the Camp Leaders and I are extremely grateful for your presence and support.
Jane, thank you for being the live wire of the choir during the first day. Your enthusiasm has widespread influence on our members. Thank you for staying with us till late on Monday night although you have lessons on the following morning.
Wendy, thank you for helping out on Monday night immediately after your classes. Its a pity that you didn't have time to interact very much with your juniors. I believe that the juniors would gain a lot through interacting with you.
Jiaying, I hope that I was able to convince you that my methods are essential in bringing out the best in everyone of our members. I also thank you for the love and concern you have for everyone of our choir members and for your constant reminder to me to display a more humane side of me. Your comments set me thinking a number of times, that's why we decided to give the campers more rest time after the water games, a chance to make up for their mistake during dinner time (which the campers were not able to) as well as to delay the waking up time on both days and of course... the FIRE DRILL which was planned for 3.15am on Wednesday morning. EVERYONE... SAY A BIG THANK YOU TO JIAYING!!!
Lim Min, ha ha... you impress me with your ability to pretend that you are sleeping... (oh, just in case the other members didn't know... she is fully awake even with her eyes closed). Your assistance in taking care of the logistics enabled us to fully concentrate on running the camp. But you are most remembered for your "crying" during the treasure haunt. Wah... scared Caroline, Shupin and Edwina big time.
Joy, your help in the logistics also enabled us to concentrate on running the camp. Your quiet support has not gone unnoticed. Oh yes... must say a very big thank you to you and Jiaying for taking such good care of Mdm Rositah.
To all seniors, we look forward to your continued support for next year's camp.
For the Camp Leaders, I will put up a separate post.
Mr Chong
