Dear parents,
I know that some of you are quite anxious about sending your child for a 3 day camp in some remote part of Singapore. I have received some queries with regards to the camp and have decided to update you on the blog instead since there are no briefing for parents.
Objectives for the camp
The camp and the activities that will be carried out will give the pupils opportunity to learn how to form strong bonds among peers as well as to work together as a team, two very important skills that they have to learn in order to secure a bright future for themselves. In the process, hopefully they will also learn a little more about themselves and others around them. Pupils will also learn to be independent as they are expected to look after themselves and hopefully be more mindful of the people around them as they are expected to share sleeping quarters, eating area etc. with others.
I am certain that the pupils will face certain difficulties going through the camp but how they face these challenges and overcome them is the lesson that we want them to learn. Rest assured that the activities are all carried out under the supervision of trained personnel and teachers will be accompanying the pupils as well. If you need more information about the campsite and the facilitators kindly use the link below.
Reporting Time
Pupils will report to school as usual on Monday, 23 January 2017. They will assemble at the basketball court and in case it rains or the floor is wet, they will assemble at the IBC for flag raising. There will be buses to bring them to the campsite and back to school for dismissal on Wednesday. There will be no lessons during these 3 days.
Attire
Pupils are allowed to report to school in their PE attire. Girls need not bring their skirt as all activities will be conducted outdoors. However, if your daughter is going back on her own on Wednesday, I would strongly advise her to go home wearing either her skirt or the track pants that she would have brought to the camp. Pupils may wear their track shoes if they choose to do so. However, slippers for the camp should not be worn to school. Girls should not be bringing very short, shorts to the camp.
Preferred bags and packing list
Pupils are encouraged to carry a backpack or a sling bag to the camp and not suitcases. If need to, they can bring 2 bags with them to keep all their belongings. The reason for this is that there might not enough space on the bus to store everyone's suitcases. If you are left with no other option but to bring a suitcase, it should not be bigger than a hand carry. Again, I seek your understanding and cooperation as a backpack and sling bag can easily be placed on their laps during the bus journey. The pupils should be able to get by comfortably for the 3 days and 2 nights with the items listed in the packing list. Kindly also include "S-hook" into the packing list so that they can use it to keep their towel and clothes dry while showering.
Important items to bring
All pupils are to bring along a water bottle, preferably a 1 litre bottle. They need not fill it up with water as they can do so in school before heading off to the campsite. Pupils can also easily refill their water bottle at the campsite. It is important that they bring along a pair of track pants for some of the activities and a pair of old covered shoes for kayaking. Pupils will not be allowed to go for the activity in sandals or crocs.
Electronic devices
Pupils are not allowed to bring any electronic devices except for mobile phones, to the camp. However, their mobile phones will be collected before they depart to the campsite. The mobile phone is strictly to be used to contact parents during dismissal. For the duration of the camp, they will learn to be independent and how to manage things themselves. Rest assured that teachers are available at all times if they need assistance.
Snacks and other food items
No outside food and snacks are allowed as there will be enough food for the children during the camp. In fact, supper will also be served before bedtime so the pupils will have enough food throughout the camp. Extra cash is also not necessary as they will not have a chance to use it during the camp. They should have just enough for them to have lunch on Wednesday before heading home, in case you are not picking them up.
Important Reminder
Kindly inform your child's form teacher of any medical condition if you have not done so. Also remind your child to alert any of the facilitators or teachers on duty if they are not feeling well. Teachers will be on standby during all activities but it is best that the child alert a teacher the moment he/she feels unwell so that we can take the necessary precautions/actions.
Dismissal
Dismissal on Wednesday will be at 12 noon. Parents please arrange with your child to meet you at Gate C along Coronation Road and Gate E also along Coronation Road but at the new campus. The reason for this is because around the time of dismissal, the school busses will be coming in and I do not want to cause any traffic congestion along Kings Road. Kindly do not come too early and park your vehicle along the road for they may cause obstruction to the other road users. If you are going to be more than half an hour late, kindly call the school to inform the teacher. If your child is going to go home on his own, kindly write a short note to inform the teacher as I do not want any case of pupils leaving the school premises while waiting for the school bus.
I hope I have answered most of your questions but if you have any other queries, you can email me. I am very sure that this camping experience will be beneficial to your child's holistic development.
(P5 LC)
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