Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 6

5th Dec - I woke up with coughs and cold. As I said, Temburong has a very different environment and the breeze is just, cold. Giving me fever at night. Despite that, I knew I had to make my move for the new day of the camp.

That morning, I was checking on the food at Department of Schools in Bangar. All was ready but campers were no where to be seen. A call from Danny made it all clear. The bus driver was late! He was supposed to pick up the kids at 7.30am but by 8am, he arrived at the Department of Schools, and without the bus key!! I couldn't believe it!! By 8.30am, he made his move to pick up the campers at Teratak Madu. Campers at Teratak Gaharu had already made their move to Bangar Resthouse by walk. Zimin made the call to Irman to inform me that he was going to bring the kids to walk to where Danny was. I thanked him for that and I passed the info to Danny. It was only 10 minutes walk to there afterall.

By almost 9am, all campers had their breakfast and I seeked Irman's help to drive me to Kampong Belais to make sure the preparation for Wajid making was ready there. All was ready when we got there, even the RTB people were ready with their cameras :) I then told the Wajid makers to wrap as many Wajid as they could as the Singaporeans were willing to buy some to bring back to Bandar.

The buses arrived at after 9am and we spent almost 2 hours there witnessing the making of Wajid and how it was wrapped. Earlier during breakfast, 2 Singaporean girls approached me and asking whether they could buy the Wajid later on. As I said they could, they gave high-five with one another! Apparently, they loved the taste of it. I gave them a few to eat the night before. I had asked Irman to buy me $10 of the Wajid so I could give some to the Singaporeans to taste before they actually witnessed the making of it the next day :)

I met Juraini, the RTB host. She happened to be Irman's friend too. She wanted to interview me but thinking that I would cough in between interview, I had her interview Danny instead. Sowwiee Danny kekeke :P Jasmine, the Singaporean chaperon was interviewed too. 3 Singaporean and 2 Bruneian campers were interviewed as well. By 11am, Danny had all the campers thanking Haji Ahad for his hospitality that day. The buses left without me soon after while Irman drove Zimin, Didi and HA to Bangar, leaving me and Sharul behind.

Waiting for Irman to pick us up, we killed the time chit-chatting with Haji Ahad and his family. Juraini and her crew were still staying back and as they had to make their move to report on 'Cuti-Cuti Temburong' in Bangar, she called Irman, telling him that she'd bring me and Sharul back to his place. It was very nice of her :) One of her crew drove us to Irman's, who happened to be Irman's ex student. All the way he talked about what a good teacher Irman was :) Sharul and I were proud! :)

Back at Irman's place, it only took me a few minutes rest as I got Danny's text asking me to check on the lunch for the kids at Department of Schools. Feeling bad, Sharul let Irman stay home while he'd drive me there. He had driven us almost everywhere in the last 24 hours!! At Department of Schools, the food was ready. The group got there a few minutes later. I had a quick bite then left back to Irman's. I needed to pack my things for the ride home to Bandar later that afternoon. Danny asked me to buy him souvenirs for the Singaporean chaperons when he learnt that I would buy mine soon as I reached Bandar. Poor Danny! He'd been so busy with the camp that he didn't have the time for himself. I was partly to blame! :( Why did I have to fall sick during the camp?!! Sigh~~ Sorry Danny for not being around 24 hours to help you with our camp :(

At Irman's place, I cooked instant noodles for lunch while Sharul fried the sausages. Irman was sleeping in the living room by that time. Poor Irman. He must be tired driving us everywhere. Sorry Irman :( After lunch, I had an hour nap. By this time, my cough ad gone worse and my breathing had become asthmatic with wheezing. Temburong had just killed me!!

Sharul and I got back to Bandar roughly at 4pm. The bumpy ride left me in pain and my right rib became sore and hurting. By then, every breath that I took caused me a sharp pain in my right rib, as well as my back. Really painful, I felt really weak. But I kept telling myself, 1 more day Suzi. 1 more day ....

After buying souvenirs, I rushed back to Sharul's to borrow his computer and printer. Danny just told me to type an evaluation form for all campers to fill in. Done with that, I rushed to make copies of the form at Batu Besurat. I was late! The Closing Ceremony started at 7.30pm and I had the Program Books!! Thanks to Fatin and Nadia, Sharul's sisters, for helping me with the stickers. There were 170 copies to make! Fuhh!

Reaching Rizqun Hotel, Fred commented on my pale look. She was worried about my condition. I gave her most of the Program Books while I took a few upstairs for the guests who had arrived. At Songket Ballroom, I was told that I'd be sitting at Table 1, with HN and the Guest of Honour, Hajah Aishah, the Director of Schools herself. Before she arrived, I had the SBC 2007 : Kinah, Didi, Hardinie and Din, to sing the closing camp song "Till We Meet Again". They'd lead the junior campers to sing the song later on onstage.

The Closing Ceremony went smoothly. I couldn't leave the table to help Danny and the rest as it would be unwise to do so. Besides, I'd to brief the guests at my round table on the camp: how it had gone, and how the kids from both countries had blended in throughout the camp. I also needed to brief them on the 4 skits of folktales of Nakhoda Manis, Sang Nila Utama, Sultan Bolkiah and The Swordfish Attack on Singapura, mostly on the nightly practice and props preparations. The important guests at my table were also impressed with the campers' Zapin and Joget's performances. When I told them it was only done in 3 nights, they were indeed surprised. As for me, I was proud of them :) They did so well that I almost cried.

Before the ceremony ended, we were surprised with the presentations of best drama, best actor and best actress :) The Killer Bees won! They performed the Sultan Bolkiah skit. Yusrey of G-cube won the best actor. He was the Sultan of Singapura in The Swordfish Attack on Singapura drama while Maftuhatus Sainah won the best actress. She was a Killer Bees and acted as Puteri Laila Menchanai.

After the prize and certificate giving ceremony, the audience were shown a video clip of the activities during the camp. The ballroom was full with applauses and laughters for a while. The campers then went onstage to perform the dances, followed with the singing of the closing camp song "Till We Meet Again". Some campers had started crying by now. As they had finished, they hugged each other and were instructed to sit on the stage and face the monitor. It was yet another video clip. This time, it was the BSC 2008 Memories video clip. The 5-minute video had made all the campers cry, and I must admit, I almost got myself crying too. Next, it was a photo taking session with the Guest of Honour. I must say, the kids looked sad in the pixies hehhee :P

Before leaving, the Guest of Honour received greetings from all. I just waited near the entrance. By this time, I was feeling weak and I really needed to leave soon. It was really cold in the ballroom and seeing the wild kids, I had to control myself. My SBC 2007 campers knew my condition and it was sweet when they kept asking how I was feeling :)

Hjh Aishah saw me just before she turned away to leave. She stopped and walked back towards where I was standing. "I must thank this lady! I must kiss you!!" With that, she hugged me and kissed both my cheeks. I was surprised as I didn't expect that from her. She continued, "Well done for a successful camp!" I replied with a smile, "We have a good team Cikgu Hajah." She left with a satisfaction smile on her face! :)

For the next 30 minutes, the kids were onstage still, taking pictures, with me too, hugging each other, with me too, bla bla bla. It was hectic. It felt like they were going to get separated at that very moment. By 10.15pm, all campers made their move to go on with the plan: walking towards the Gadong Night Market. Unfortunately, it was raining heavily so they went straight to Wasan Camp instead. By bus of course! ;)

HN congratulated me for the successful camp. By that time, my breathing had gone faster and I couldn't talk much. Sharul was no where to be seen. Turned out to be, he was asleep so I had to wait for him in the cold weather for at least 30 minutes. As soon as getting on his car, I told him to drive me to the hospital. I needed that oxygen support urgently.

My asthma had attacked me again. This time, it was worse than before ...

Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 5

4th Dec - As I mentioned earlier, I had decided not to join the campers going into Temburong National Park as my doctor said it was dangerous for me. Knowing the effect I got at Shahbandar last time, I knew then that she was right. I gave up my seat to Yani, who had been a very good chaperon. She was even willing to stay at Wasan Camp taking over my duty looking after the kids.

Anyway, the 5th day of the camp started off without me. I went on the boat ride to Temburong with Sharul by my side - who couldn't get angrier over my stubbornness hehe :P. Irman fetched us up at Bangar Jetty when we reached there roughly at 3pm. I spent the 45-minute ride sleeping as there were only 6 passengers on the boat so there were enough space for me to lie down and take a nap.

Reaching the rest house, the group had just got there too. To our surprise, the rest house was under renovation and the group had been split up into 3: 1 group staying at the rest house itself, 1 group at Teratak Madu (15 minutes walk to Bangar), and 2 groups at Teratak Gaharu (10 minutes walk to Bangar). Of course this was a problem as dinner would be served at Department of Schools at the centre of Bangar. We didn't mind the long walk but it's the weather that concerned us. It had been drizzling that day.

Just before 5pm, the buses made their move to the Amo Long House. They did stop by earlier but the Tuai Rumah (head of the long house) said that they were not ready. By the time Irman, Sharul and I got there, the campers were already in the house, welcomed by the Tuai Rumah. The next hour, we were entertained by 2 Iban dancers: a boy and a girl, who happened to be the Tuai Rumah's children. Some campers and chaperons were dragged to the front to try the dance and it was really great. Towards the end, a whole group of both Singaporean and Bruneian campers went upfront trying the moves :)

Next, the Tuai Rumah welcomed us to his house while other members of the families welcomed another group. It was my first time visiting the inside of a long house and mind you, it was long indeed! The one that my group visited even had a room under the stairs! Before leaving the house, my group was served with 'lemang' (rice cooked in bamboo stick) by the owner of the house :) We left the long house just before the clock turned 6pm. Of course we took pictures and as usual, Yoke Wee wouldn't miss trying the traditional instrument, which I learnt was made from snake skin! Euwww!!!

I went straight to Irman's place, after buying dinner at a restaurant in Bangar, to take a quick rest. By this time, I started feeling cold. Temburong indeed had different environment and breeze. I started wheezing with the weather there. By 7pm, I called Danny and apparently, he had a problem with the caterer who catered dinner for the campers. I then suggested that we separated the food into containers so the food could be given to everybody in 3 split rest houses. Danny agreed and with that, Irman drove us to Department of Schools to check on the food.

Luckily, Irman knew the caterer. With his help, the caterer eventually agreed to send the food to 3 different places. Initially, he refused to Danny's request to do the same but I guess since Irman was well known in Bangar, he then agreed to do so. 5 minutes to 8pm, Irman and Danny took the food to Bangar Rest house, while the caterer drove me and Sharul to Teratak Gaharu and Teratak Madu.

On the way to Teratak Gaharu, the van's light shot on the pedestrians walking along the road. I didn't see them but Sharul did. They were Singaporean kids!! I was shocked learning they were walking in the rain going towards the town. As far as I knew, I did hear Danny's instruction for dinner at 8pm, NOT before 8!! As I was busy with the food at the back seat, I told Sharul to inform Danny what we had just found out via phone.

At Teratak Gaharu, Saiful was the first person I met so I asked him who let the kids walk to Bangar. He replied saying our officer from the MOE took the chaperons out for dinner at Bangar so it was impossible for him to stop them. With that, I apologized to him for it was obvious that he had misunderstood me for asking him on the matter. We then made our move to Teratak Madu. There, I found some kids and chaperons leaving the resthouse too! I could sense Mr. Kim was unhappy that he told the rest of the kids not to wait for them for dinner. Irman came a few minutes later and told me what had happened soon after Danny received the call from Sharul a moment ago.

They actually rushed to Bangar to see the group. Indeed, as Saiful had told me, they were headed by that officer of ours. Danny was upset, so was I. Not that we didn't trust the chaperons bringing the kids out but the least they could do was let anyone of us know before they actually left their accommodations. Anything should happen to those kids, Danny and I would be to blame as we were the Camp Commandants. Danny left the group after warning them to bring the kids back as soon as possible.

The night continued with me having a raw with a chaperon, who was among those bringing the kids out. I was disappointed as he took me wrongly. I wasn't trying to say that Danny and I didn't trust them with the kids but all I was trying to say was that we should be informed on whatever related to the campers in our hands. That chaperon ended saying, "Whatever rises in the post mortem, you don't have to worry. We will take full responsibilities of what happened tonight!" Sigh~ He didn't get me. All I asked was for them to report to us on anything relating to the campers, not us blaming them for any mistakes that they made.

Before bed, I took almost an hour talking to Danny on what had just happened. Danny was surprised saying that back in Bangar when he confronted them, they were scared and begged him not to report to HN of what they had done. I was right. That chaperon had always hated me. I sensed it since the Opening Ceremony even! Sigh~ So what gitu lho~~

Going back to Irman's place, he introduced us to his close friend who was paying a visit that night. Nasrol looked familiar and I think he was my senior in MD. We had a long chat right up passed mid night. We talked about many things and Irman was just funny with his jokes and remarks. He knew I was upset. I sensed that. Just before leaving, Nasrol advised me to be careful with pretentious people in my circle of friends. I was puzzled. Then on, Irman told me the truth.

The day the campers had the Downtown Tour in Bandar, Irman was no where to be seen after the tour in Royal Regalia. This was because he left in anger as one of the chaperons complained to HA of him as an 'outsider' whom shouldn't be there among the chaperons. HA, on the other hand, knew Irman and instead of asking him to leave, they had a long chat, ignoring the chaperon who complained! Irman knew he should leave so he did. I couldn't believe that this chaperon was the one who complained about me bringing Irman that day. He even dared saying,"I am not mad at you Irman. I am mad at Suzi for involving you in this!!"

Hmmph! What a back stabber! If YOU are reading this, gosh! I can't believe YOU did this to me! YOU know what kind of person I am. Why don't YOU try saying that to MY FACE next time dude!! Coward!! Oh in case you're wondering who this chaperon is guys, well, he was the one who were missing in action in Lapau station on the Downtown Tour.

Yup!! He complained yet I DIDN'T for him NOT doing his job!! Some friends!!! :@

Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 4

3rd Dec - I had to stay back at Wasan Camp as HN and HA were staying to see Yuli while the buses bringing the campers made their move to Tasek Merimbun. Though I made it clear to them that Yuli had just left the site (I saw Razak leaving Wasan near the roundabout with Yuli besides him), they still wanted stories about what had happened the night before.

I briefed them all that I knew and HN insisted me on asking Razak Yuli's home address so she could pay a visit. Razak called soon after I texted him saying that Yuli was sick and she didn't want her parents to know. With that, I left HN and HA to go after the buses. Luckily, Sharul was still at the parking lot. He saw the buses leave without me going in so he stayed. Ain't he sweet!! :D

As I had to take my pills, we dropped by a restaurant in Sengkurong for breakfast. Again, my camp was on paper today, just like yesterday and the day after :) I guess everyone reading BB and Brunei Times were now sick of us!! Heheheee :P After breakfast, Sharul drove to Tasek Merimbun, with me snoring at the passenger seat :P When we got there, the campers were still in the museum, listening to a briefing of the park. As it was Sharul's first time there, he decided to stay to look around the park. I couldn't stop him and if ever any chaperons complained about him staying, I'll just leave them talk to Sharul themselves!!

Next, the campers had lunch at a hut facing the lake of Merimbun after a 45-minute jungle trekking. It was a beautiful park and the last time I went there was when I was in primary 5. Back then, the museum was not even built yet!! The chaperons chipped in a few dollars as the entrance fee to cross the bridge was $1 per head. The bridge was going to be launched this coming 29th which was built by the villagers. The bridge built by the government had long collapsed due to lack of care and maintenance. What a shame!

At the island that we stepped on, a villager briefed us that the island used to be a burial site where bodies were buried in big jars (came from China - back then China was the sole seller of jars in Brunei) and the one at the entrance near the bridge was about 1000 years old. Before, visitors could see bones and skulls simply by looking down into the buried jars but as time had passed, the jars now had been covered by the ground. Now the island is a popular spot for camping, picnic and fishing.

Walking back to shore, the group was entertained by the Dusun tribe. One of the fire officers came from this village so I had requested that he and the villagers played the traditional musical instruments to the group. The unique made of wood hut was crammed by both Bruneian and Singaporean campers. Yoke Wee, the Singaporean chaperon, tried playing the gong :) I remember back in Singapore last year, he taught me, Danny, Shiqin and Azrul how to play the 'Angklong'. He had us performed in front of the campers during the Camp Fire. It was great! :)

We made our move to our next destination, Ukong Sago Factory, after first dropping by a mosque for Zuhur Prayer. We reached the factory roughly at 2pm. 2 hours there, the kids and chaperons learnt a lot about sago and Ambuyat: how the rumbia tree barks were peeled off, how the tree was cut into pieces and how it was made into flour, then Ambuyat. 2 Singaporeans vomited tasting the Ambuyat but quite a number loved the taste and 'cacah'.

Before leaving the factory, the campers were surprised with the consumption of the rumbia tree's maggots by the locals. The next minute, more than half of the campers from both countries took the challenge to eat the live maggots!! Jasmine and Yoke Wee, the Singaporean chaperons also had a try, saying that the taste was NOT BAD!! None of Bruneian chaperons tried though heheheheee :P Over my dead body!!!

We left the factory with the campers saying out loud: "Thank you Mr. Yong ...". He was the owner of the factory.

I didn't follow the bus back to Wasan Camp as Sharul was still around. So I had my quick nap before tonight's rehearsal at Songket Ballroom, Rizqun Hotel. I texted Danny but I guessed he was busy so I texted Fred. She replied saying that they were having Ambuyat for dinner - which we were told it was cancelled since we had to go for rehearsal - and a number of kids fell sick! My heart jumped and I called Danny straight away.

Danny confirmed the news: 2 Singaporean girls felt sick after having Ambuyat that afternoon (the 2 girls who vomited at the factory), 2 were rushed to the hospital - 1 because of asthma attack and another due to bee stung in her hand. Our Bruneian Nurul had a head ache, Afiq had stomach ache after tea today while Bushran was feeling nausea after watching the Singaporean girls vomit! I told Danny to ask everybody to bring their identity card in case they felt worse reaching Rizqun.

The kids had their rehearsal roughly at 9pm and by 11pm, Danny had to stop the rehearsal as the next day all campers had to wake up early for the early Temburong boat ride. I had a quick chat with Dr. Fandy about the kids who got sick that night. He admitted he was surprised seeing a number of them feeling sick but was overwhelmed knowing that NONE of them were those who consumed the rumbia maggots that afternoon!! Fuhh!!

Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 3

2nd Dec - The campers were surprised knowing that they would be experiencing paddy planting today. The hot sun did not stop them from having fun! I had to go into the mud to teach them to plant the paddy as they'd plant one with other campers in front! In the end, the paddy they planted would be stepped on by those at the front as they moved backwards. Some of the kids played with the mud, throwing a wrist size to one another! Danny had to use the haler and said, "No mud fight but you can have mud spa!" Laughters followed his instruction heheheheee :P

An hour or so, all campers were called to leave the field. They did only quarter of the field, showing a good work by Yoke Wee and his Singaporean kids. "We'll come back in 3 months to harvest these!!" We all laughed to that. Next, we all had to walk along the paddy field pathways to have our muddy feet cleaned. The long queues of both boys and girls had finished the water supplies back at the factory. Waiting for the others to gather at the front field, we lined up near the street as we saw The Crown Prince pass us by. All of us waved at him and he waved back! Too bad we had to leave soon or else we'd have the opportunity to shake hands and take pictures with him there :)

After lunch at the Wasan Camp, the campers had their rest for an hour while us chaperons sat down and planned for activities after the Shahbandar Hiking activity later on. Luckily, I took pieces of coloured paper on our table at JSS that morning so I came up with the idea of a Team Race Challenge. Lulu came up with the Chinese Whisper Challenge, Yani with the Water in the Bottle Challenge while Harisman with the 'Kayu Tiga' Challenge. In the end, the campers had to complete 6 challenges crossing 6 stations with the help of the clues in the coloured papers. We had the senior campers to help us with the race :)

Leaving the Wasan Camp, it started raining heavily. I followed Lulu's car where I slept and snored, according to her hehehee :P Reaching Shahbandar, the Fire and Rescue Team was already there. As it was drizzling, I asked one of the officers whether it was safe to hike in that weather as Mr. Kim of the Singapore chaperons was worried. As it was safe to hike as the officer said, the campers had their warm-ups led by Yuli. While they were hiking, me, Lulu, Fred, Fairul and the senior campers had the 6 stations ready. The stations were:

1. The stools - clue: Hop like a kangaroo and pass the bridge - card held by Alex and Jalila.

2. Playground A - clue: Hike a few steps and slide down - card held by Kinah, Ain and Zirah.

3. Playground B - clue: Go into the maze and look for the next card - card held by Hassanal and Hanis.

4. In the maze - clue: Look for a guy with glasses for the next instructions - card held by Azwan and Din.

5. The grandstand - clue: The 'Kayu Tiga' Challenge - instructed by Harisman.

6. The pond - clue: The Chinese Whisper Challenge - card held by Lulu.

Once reaching the ground, the campers were in their own groups and given a half bottle of water (the bottle was cut into 2). I gave the instructions with the simple rules: 1. Do not spill the water. 2. Only finish the challenge when all the members of the group were at present. All techniques applied not to spill the water. By the time all challenges were done, it was already 5pm. The group gathered back to Playground A to have tea.

The campers left Shahbandar while I had to stay back making sure all the senior campers got home. Sharul drove me to Wasan Camp as I thought I should be helping out with the Closing Ceremony preparation. Besides, Sharul had got some of the props that I asked him to buy. My health condition by this time was bad as the weather was really cold. I started wheezing and though it was cold, I was sweating hard. I guess I had had fever! No wonder my doctor strongly advised me not to go into the Temburong National Park as it would be dangerous for me. Now I know what she meant ...

At Wasan Camp, I had the groups cutting boxes and painting cardboards for their folktale dramas onstage. By 9pm, Zimin, Didi, Leziana and Fendi took over the groups for the cultural dance lesson. While they were doing that, Danny and I had to settle a problem that was held quiet from the rest of the campers.

Yuli's condition was worrying. Right after hiking, she had herself alone from other chaperons and when asked what the problem was, she started crying! So, I called Razak, her boyfriend, who is also my colleague, to check on her as she refused to talk to anybody, even refused to have her dinner. Razak came with Syukri, also my colleague, and tried to bring Yuli home. She refused and we had to let her stay the night as we didn't want the kids to know the situation. Causing panic was not in our list!!

I went home, after cleaning the mess on tables and tiles with Dr. Fandy, using the kerosene bought by Sharul. The kids had spilled stains of paints everywhere! Gosh! What a headache today!!

Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 2

1st Dec - The morning started off as early as 7.30am from Wasan. I didn't join the trip to Kampong Ayer and Proboscis Monkey Tour as I had agreed to give my seat to another chaperon, Yani. She would also be taking my seat to Temburong. My condition did not allow me to go to Temburong National Park as it could cause me problem with breathing due to the weather there in the thick green forest.

On the way to BSB to greet the campers at the jetty, Danny texted me to check whether our itinerary for the trip included the Proboscis Monkey Tour or not as the tour guide DID NOT stop by the mangroves area where the monkeys could be found. Speaking to Lulu on the phone, the tour guide had mistakenly looked at a different itinerary thus he did not bring the campers to see the monkeys. Luckily, the tour guide nodded to our request and the boats bringing the campers soon headed to where the monkeys could be sighted. As for me, I picked up Irman on the way to BSB, with Sharul driving, and as we reached the jetty, the group had just completed their tour. I asked around and I got positive feedback from everyone. It was great knowing even the Bruneian campers loved the trip, commenting, "It was fun!", "I never knew this side of Brunei," and many more. One trip down today, another one waiting!

At 1pm, the campers made their move through underground tunnel reaching the Yayasan SHHB. When we reached the top, it was pouring! The short walk and the cold weather had me asthmatic and weak. Sharul and Irman were worried so they urged me to get on the car instead of joining the downtown walk with the campers. In the car, I felt a bit better and I could see the campers in their raincoats walking in groups passing the road to visit the SOAS Mosque. The muslim campers had their Zuhur Prayer while the others looked around the beautiful site. Zimin did the explanation of the mosque, assisted by other chaperons. Me included of course! Oh yes!! You can't expect me to stay in the car! ;)

The campers then made their move to cross the road to the SOAS Field, stopping by the Giant Flag Pole. As they entered the field, I went on the car and waited for the group at the Kianggeh Market. Didi and Leziana were already there to show the campers around the market, also telling the history of the site. I bought 3 packets of 'Kueh Cincin' so the Singaporeans could have a taste of our local delicacy. I offered it to 2 Singaporean campers who were reluctant to taste it at first. But as a local camper suggested that it tasted like chocolate, they fought for a bite, only to find it not tasted like chocolate at all!! It was hilarious!! But they loved the kueh and took another few bites. Later on, I bought a big bag of 'Bahulu', which by the time reaching the Lapau, Afiq had only a few left in his hand. Afiq is a local camper, whom I called 'Joker' cause he's a funny boy!! Hehhehee :P

At Lapau, there was no one waiting for the group. The chaperons who were stationed there were missing-in-action so me and the other chaperons took over the place and did our explanation of the place. We took more photos then crossed the street towards the Royal Regalia. Another problem encountered was when we found out that the tour guide we proposed to be at present had forgotten her appointment with us. So, not to waste time, I divided the group into 2: I took the Red Flamers and Blues Clues while the other chaperons took the Killer Bees and G-cube. We went separate ways so not to have a big group all in one place. The tour took almost an hour.

By the time the tour ended, I couldn't find Irman anywhere. As the group was leaving for their ride home, I was told by our cameraman that The Crown Prince was going to visit the Wasan Paddy Field the next day, the same day the campers were going to have paddy planting. I told HN this and she nodded to it. The next minute, she voiced her disagreement of me bringing outsiders into the camp activities. Even letting Sharul waiting for me at the parking lot of Wasan Camp area the night before.

I was speechless cause as far as I knew, she had told me and Danny that whoever volunteered to help was welcome. She then warned me to 'work as a team'. I was stunned and not realising me raising my voice on her face, I replied, "We DO work as a team!". With that, she smiled, rather surprised I believe. The next hour, I was texting with Lulu and Danny over what had happened. Apparently, some chaperons were complaining about me bringing Irman and Sharul along the Downtown Tour. Believe me, IF HN did NOT say that 'We shall welcome volunteers', I wouldn't say "OK" when Irman offered to help me with the camp. As for Sharul's case, there were other 'outsiders' waiting in the parking lot of the camp site so what made that a difference??

That night, I didn't stop by the hostel as I had a dinner date with the ORT Team and the Director of Schools at Airport Restaurant at 7.30pm. Danny updated me with the night activities where the kids were taught to dance by Zimin, Didi, Leziana and Fendi for the Closing Ceremony. What happened that afternoon was well forgotten by then.

My health condition was better than when I was in the rain in BSB. But I had to control myself from talking too much as I would cough if I did. The dinner was great and DS herself was surprised seeing me, as I introduced myself to her, "We met yesterday." She was glad I am in the team as she had seen me work hard for the camp. Glad that a 'someone' knew that!! :) She congratulated me for our Grand Opening Ceremony. When I told her that our Bruneian campers only had 3 days practice of the stage performance, she was impressed, commenting that she almost cried watching the kids dance. I told her that our dance instructors were really good. She then wished me luck for the coming days of the camp, especially on the paddy planting where we could be meeting The Crown Prince :)

Brunei-Singapore Adventure Camp 2008 - Part 1

3oth Nov - The Opening Ceremony was held at Wasan Vocational School Auditorium at 2pm. The Guest of Honour was Datin Paduka Dayang Apsah binti Abdul Majid, Permanent Secretary of Brunei MOE. The ceremony marked the launching of the camp as well as the theme song, which was sung by the Singapore-Brunei Adventure Camp 2007 campers. They also greeted the Singaporean campers at the Brunei International Airport an hour before.

The Bruneian campers performed the 'Ramayana' drama-dance stage performance. I must say, I was proud of them!! It only took them 3 full days of practice and they performed so well like experts!! Thanks to our dance teachers Zimin and Didi. They were so good!! The Singaporeans, on the other hand, performed 4 dances that represent their four ethnic groups: Malay, Indian, Chinese, and foreign (the ballads).

After the ceremony, all campers and chaperons headed to the hostel where the Ice Breaking Session was done. Among the activities were matching group colours: green, blue, yellow and red, which was assisted by none other than the senior campers. Next, they'd to arrange themselves according to the first letter of their nick name, followed with their month of birthdays, and lastly, their height in ascending order. This way, campers from both Brunei and Singapore interacted with one another well. Before leaving for Maghrib Prayer, each group was required to name their group and compose their own identity cheers. All thanks to the SBC campers for showing the juniors what cheers were :) The group names were: The Red Flamers, Blues Clues, Killer Bees and G-cube. Cute huh!

After Maghrib Prayer, the campers gathered at the canteen for dinner. We made it a culture for a volunteered group to serve the other 3 groups. It was awesome when all the 4 groups screamed to volunteer. The canteen shook as I announced, "Who scream the loudest wins!" :P The Red Flamers won and served the rest. Other BSC cultures that we introduced were: not to eat until all campers had their plates; to serve the chaperons on a separate table; thanking the serving group; and of course, reading the prayer before meals. I must say the MOE officers were impressed with our BSC cultures :) We have a good team anyway!!

After dinner, we had the SBC 2007 hosting the activities, starting off with the Sharing Session led by Hardinie, Din, Zirah and Kinah. The other seniors who helped were Hassanal, Hanis, Jalila, Ain, Alex and Azwan. SBC ... Did I miss anyone?? Sowwieee :P I must say, the campers loved the SBC!! The night was wild and the session ended with a 'hiccup'. I asked the seniors to create a slogan call and they came up with this: "CAMPERS HEY!!" and the campers should reply, "APPADAAA!!". Cute huh!! ;)

The chaperons took over at 8.30pm, giving the groups story lines of the 4 folktales from both Brunei and Singapore: Sultan Bolkiah, Nakhoda Manis, Sang Nila Utama and The Swordfish Attack on Singapura. The skits were supposed to be performed onstage during the closing ceremony. The session lasted at 10pm, which was also the time the campers had to go to bed.

A long fun day for them all but this day, I was exhausted as I was supposed to be on leave due to my condition. Alhamdulillah, I was needed there and most welcomed to help though my colleagues were worried sick about me. Sorry guys! Can't help it! ;)

Back and About!

Hey peeps! Am baaaack!!! :D Gosh! What a relief to be here. Been busy with my camp and can't wait to share with all! :)

In case you're wondering, especially my friends out there, yes girls! I DID go camping despite the doc's advice to stay at home. For the record, I am fine, tired and wheezing still, but I am fine :) Thanks for your continuous reminders and lectures hehehe :P Now you know what a big head I am huh ;) Sowwwiiiieee ... Just can't miss the camp cause I worked too hard on it since I got back from Singapore last December.

Seeing the kids' faces at the airport, crying and hugging each other, and ME, I am so glad the camp's a success! Even the DS congratulated me last night at the Closing Ceremony :)

I may have caused myself ill for working too hard on the camp, but seeing its success before my eyes really give me the greatest relief ever! It was like .... Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh ............... :D

Will post the pictures I snapped on the days of the one-week camp next time. Gotta take that long relaxing real missed nap!! Nitey nite people!! :)