The 2024 Phase 3 Camp of the Sailing and Sustainability Programme (SSP), held from October 25th to 27th, took students on a memorable 3-day, 2-night journey that blended outdoor adventure with powerful lessons in resilience and leadership. Facilitated by the Big Bro Big Sis (BBBS) community and hosted at Outward Bound School Singapore’s Campsite 2, the camp marked the final chapter of a year-long program designed to develop essential life skills through hands-on experiences in nature.
Day 1: Setting Sail on a Transformative Journey
The camp began at Changi Sailing Club, where students took part in a series of icebreakers and games to foster team spirit. This opening session included an inspiring talk from Mr. Rahul Kale, Wilmar’s Group Head of Oleochemicals and Biofuels, who shared insights on leadership and adaptability—qualities crucial for the challenges that lay ahead.
Following these introductory activities, students embarked on a meaningful sail from Changi Sailing Club across Serangoon Harbour to Pulau Ubin. This journey symbolized a core principle of the SSP: Life is a journey. Sailing toward new shores, students were encouraged to embrace the sense of adventure, as well as the lessons of patience and perseverance inherent to open-water sailing.
Upon reaching the Ubin campsite, participants engaged in the annual night games, including the “River Crossing Challenge,” which encouraged collaboration as students from two teams worked together to achieve their objective. Later, the students embarked on a night jungle walk with a single torch light, learning to rely on each other to navigate the darkness—an exercise in trust and facing uncertainties together.
Day 2: Adventure and Personal Growth
Day two began with a trekking challenge that saw students navigating the island in teams, aiming to reach key landmarks within a set timeframe. The exercise tested their strategic planning and endurance. Later in the day, they took to the water again, this time learning to maneuver dinghies and keelboats independently, reinforcing both technical skills and teamwork.
As part of the camp’s focus on personal development, participants also had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Desmond Chong, Director at Kenoil, a leader in the maritime and bunkering industry. Mr. Chong shared his journey of overcoming obstacles, underscoring the value of persistence in reaching one’s goals. His insights into perseverance left a lasting impact, demonstrating how resilience can help overcome even the most challenging setbacks.
The day concluded with a community BBQ by the jetty, where students mingled with Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers who shared stories of their own SSP experiences. With no formal “lights out,” students were able to continue conversations and try their hand at fishing with the help of their mentors.
Day 3: Reflecting on the SSP Journey
On the final day, participants gathered for a reflective mentoring session led by BBBS volunteers, who openly shared their own stories of struggle and growth. The session provided students with real-world examples of resilience and served as a reminder of the support and encouragement that exists within the BBBS community. The students expressed their gratitude to the volunteers, many of whom had taken time off work to be part of the camp, demonstrating the program’s emphasis on community support and dedication.
The camp concluded with a sail back to Changi Sailing Club, where students closed their SSP journey by reflecting on the invaluable experiences and insights gained over the past year.
A Closing Reflection on the 2024 SSP
The Phase 3 camp provided an unforgettable experience that strengthened students’ understanding of resilience, teamwork, and leadership. The shared challenges and triumphs underscored the transformative power of mentorship and experiential learning.
The Metazone BBBS community is proud to support the Sailing and Sustainability Programme, which continues to foster growth, resilience, and a spirit of adventure among Singapore’s youth. For students, mentors, and volunteers alike, the program has once again proven that life’s most meaningful lessons are often learned through shared journeys and open horizons.
