Pushing Through Obstacles With Resilience At OBS
Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) Level Camps
Between August and September 2024, our Secondary 1, 2, and 3 student-athletes stepped away from their familiar classrooms and everyday comforts for a three to five-day Outward Bound Singapore camp. Paired with student-athletes from other academies, they faced various challenges designed to push them out of their comfort zones.
They quickly adapted to new group dynamics as they tackled individual and team tasks. High elements tested their confidence and teamwork, while a rafting expedition had them encouraging one another as they navigated the waters. They learned to leverage both their own strengths and those of their teammates.
When mentors visited on the second-to-last day, the student-athletes were busy preparing dinner for other groups. They were seen dividing tasks, planning dishes, and managing their time. The camp fortified their character and resilience while also building their teamwork and respect for each other.
“The Outward Bound camp was a transformative experience, challenging both physically and mentally. Activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing pushed me beyond my comfort zone, while team-building exercises fostered trust and collaboration. I developed a deeper self-awareness, learning to overcome fear and uncertainty and building resilience. Kayaking stood out as a favourite, combining adventure and tranquillity while teaching teamwork and communication. The camp helped us discover hidden strengths, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. Overall, it was an empowering journey of growth, learning, and forging strong bonds with others.”
- Kyan Jee Kai En, Track and Field Academy, Secondary 3
“Attending OBS always fills me with gratitude. But this year, I'm especially thankful for the chance to bond with my schoolmates. I learned valuable lessons about helping one another and treating everyone equally. Every activity, from high elements to hiking and boating, was incredibly fun — I can't pick a favourite! Camps like this are so important because they help us grow as individuals, allowing us to discover our true selves and share that with others without fear.”
- Nur Emelda Aw, Netball Academy, Secondary 2
“My overall experience at OBS was truly unforgettable. I remember dreading going to OBS on the first day as I was told the phones would be confiscated for three days, meaning I could not contact my parents or play phone games, and I thought it would be very boring. However, I was wrong about it. We did many fun activities like the jetty jump. We had to jump off the small plank attached to the jetty that was about a story high.
While OBS was fun, it also had its challenges. On the second day, we had a sea expedition around Pulau Ubin. We used a rubber boat that fit 11 people. Each of us had one paddle, and we were all tasked to travel by sea, a total distance of 14 km!! We took almost half the day on sea to complete our expedition!! Despite it being so tough for us, I am proud to say that all of us pushed through and completed the expedition. From this camp, I have made many new friends and have learnt to speak up a little more. I also feel very blessed to have this OBS experience and I cannot wait for my camp next year!”
- Wilmer Ong Xuan Rong, Swimming Academy, Secondary 1
Between August and September 2024, our Secondary 1, 2, and 3 student-athletes stepped away from their familiar classrooms and everyday comforts for a three to five-day Outward Bound Singapore camp. Paired with student-athletes from other academies, they faced various challenges designed to push them out of their comfort zones.
They quickly adapted to new group dynamics as they tackled individual and team tasks. High elements tested their confidence and teamwork, while a rafting expedition had them encouraging one another as they navigated the waters. They learned to leverage both their own strengths and those of their teammates.
When mentors visited on the second-to-last day, the student-athletes were busy preparing dinner for other groups. They were seen dividing tasks, planning dishes, and managing their time. The camp fortified their character and resilience while also building their teamwork and respect for each other.
“The Outward Bound camp was a transformative experience, challenging both physically and mentally. Activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing pushed me beyond my comfort zone, while team-building exercises fostered trust and collaboration. I developed a deeper self-awareness, learning to overcome fear and uncertainty and building resilience. Kayaking stood out as a favourite, combining adventure and tranquillity while teaching teamwork and communication. The camp helped us discover hidden strengths, build self-confidence, and develop leadership skills. Overall, it was an empowering journey of growth, learning, and forging strong bonds with others.”
- Kyan Jee Kai En, Track and Field Academy, Secondary 3
“Attending OBS always fills me with gratitude. But this year, I'm especially thankful for the chance to bond with my schoolmates. I learned valuable lessons about helping one another and treating everyone equally. Every activity, from high elements to hiking and boating, was incredibly fun — I can't pick a favourite! Camps like this are so important because they help us grow as individuals, allowing us to discover our true selves and share that with others without fear.”
- Nur Emelda Aw, Netball Academy, Secondary 2
“My overall experience at OBS was truly unforgettable. I remember dreading going to OBS on the first day as I was told the phones would be confiscated for three days, meaning I could not contact my parents or play phone games, and I thought it would be very boring. However, I was wrong about it. We did many fun activities like the jetty jump. We had to jump off the small plank attached to the jetty that was about a story high.
While OBS was fun, it also had its challenges. On the second day, we had a sea expedition around Pulau Ubin. We used a rubber boat that fit 11 people. Each of us had one paddle, and we were all tasked to travel by sea, a total distance of 14 km!! We took almost half the day on sea to complete our expedition!! Despite it being so tough for us, I am proud to say that all of us pushed through and completed the expedition. From this camp, I have made many new friends and have learnt to speak up a little more. I also feel very blessed to have this OBS experience and I cannot wait for my camp next year!”
- Wilmer Ong Xuan Rong, Swimming Academy, Secondary 1
