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12 November 2007

Friendship camps to forge ties between Singapore,
Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia students   

           During the year-end school holidays, more than 400 secondary school students from Singapore and the neighbouring countries will interact and take part in team-building adventure activities and games that promote international understanding, collaboration and bonding. 

2         Starting from 12 November 2007, three camps will be held to achieve these objectives. They are:

           1st Singapore-Brunei Camp  12-17 Nov 2007
           1st Singapore-Indonesia Camp  19-23 Nov 2007
           3rd Singapore-Malaysia Camp  3-7 Dec 2007

3         The student camps aim to forge new friendships across national borders through various team-building games and outdoor activities. The camps also serve to educate students on the need to conserve the natural environment to preserve its biodiversity and the need to preserve the cultural heritage of one’s country. This will be done through activities like the nature hike at the Singapore-Brunei Camp, and the kayaking expeditions at the Singapore-Indonesia Camp and the Singapore-Malaysia Camp.

4         Student exchange, through the adventure camps, is a key area of cooperation in the Memorandums of Understanding on Educational Cooperation that were concluded between Singapore’s Education Ministry and the education ministries of Brunei and Indonesia in February 2006 and June 2005 respectively. The Singapore-Malaysia Camp this year will witness the signing of a similar Memorandum of Understanding.

5         Details of the camps can be found in the Annex.

Annex

Key Activities for Singapore-Brunei Camp

1. Centre Activities (Nature Hike, High Elements)
This activity aims to raise awareness on environmental issues faced by a modernizing economy. It will also highlight the conservation efforts made by Singapore. The hike, guided by nature guides, will include interesting nature facts, story-telling, and the sampling of edible forest plants. 
The High Elements activities will challenge students in their ability to abseil or descend on a zipline/flying fox. It will also test their courage in taking the leap of faith.

2. Midnight Express
Students will embark on a nocturnal learning journey to observe the commercial activities that go on at night. This includes:
 Night Tourism, Night Safari
 A 24-hour food joint
 A 24-hour fishery port
 A view of Jurong Island
 A 24-hour shopping centre

3. Dragonboat @ Kallang
Students will get to see Singapore’s skyline from the Kallang River. During this activity, they learn the history of the dragon boat, the importance of teamwork and at the same time, learn to keep our waterways clean for everyone’s use and enjoyment. The activity ends with the traditional dragonboat race.

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Key Activities for Singapore-Indonesia Camp

1. Kayaking expedition
This expedition will involve students kayaking from the campsite to Kranji dam. Along the way, they will pass by Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to observe migratory birds in the area. They will also have a glimpse of the fisheries industry and appreciate the proximity of Malaysia to Singapore.

2. Land Expedition
The land expedition will include the agri-leisure area of Lim Chu Kang. The participants will visit sites like Hat Dairies Goat Farm, Poison Ivy Garden and the aquaculture/hydroponics farms.

3. Cultural and Urban challenges in the City
There will be an urban trail encompassing the three main cultural areas of Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown. Participants will have the opportunity of seeing the sights of Singapore while going through activities that engage them in understanding the uniqueness of our culture. The day will end in Sentosa where they will observe a cultural performance “Songs of the Sea”.

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Key Activities for Singapore-Malaysia Camp

1. Kayaking Expedition
Students will be out on a full-day kayaking expedition that will challenge their physical endurance. While polishing up their kayaking skills, they also get to appreciate the reclaimed coastal environment and learn the principles of “leaving no traces”.

2. Heritage Trail
This learning journey will include walks around Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. They will end the day at Orchard Road to experience the famous Christmas light-up.

3. Campfire
In this grand finale, students will showcase their group performances that they have prepared during the camp with their new-found friends.