It's been a week since KIPB (stands for Intensive Course for Newly-elected Officers) of UiTM's Red Crescent Society/RC. But (as usual) the memories still lingers and perfect for a blog entry. And it's really refreshing when I learned some cruel facts about myself whilst watching others being put in the hot seat.
The adventurous course (well, not so much for bench-warmers like me) started on Friday, where I traveled from my hometown at 12 pm. It sounded kinda late, but it wasn't considering the bus going to the campsite was due at 5 pm. The scheduled bus was then adjourned to 6 because of emm.. communication breakdown? at that time, from the excitement of meeting Mai, my friend of 6 years, I couldn't be bothered much. Our reunion was soon filled with chatters of trivial matters until the bus arrived. Joining us were Ili and Zul, and we formed the inseparable quartet throughout the camping.
Picture courtesy of Mohamad Faez Idha. From far left: Ili, me and Mai. Zul was already drowning.
Our arrival in Kem Alim was ushered by Abang Zizan. We went to our house (we stayed in a 3-room chalet, beside the boys' chalet) and the officers aka participants (or rather, kids, as I affectionately referred them) brought up their tents. The girls who arrived earlier were Kak Ejan, Kak Zuri and Salma (Abang Din's ehem ehem, quoted from the actual person). Kak Fiza and Abang Fendi arrived later that night.
Dinner was simply fabulous. In fact, the whole stay's meals were divine. Chicken dishes were present at every meal, much to everybody's delight. Later on, they had an ice-breaking session and treasure hunt where they need to solve puzzling codes in order to find hidden straws. The objective of the game was to instill teamwork, and it's an irony when the team with the least communication won the game. The night that caused eyebrows to raise ended at 2 o'clock. As for us, since Mai was present, we hit the bunks at 4.
Next day, feeling refreshed (it's all in the mind, baby), we woke up by the sound of marching command. After breakfast, the kids went to attend Abang Yus' talk on The Responsibility of a Leader. Me? I was busy breaking the ice with Puan Iadah (picture below), radiology technologist from Pusat Kesihatan cum the staff accompanist for this camping.
The scaredy cat (rightmost) pretended to be the most professional photographer.
The classic water confidence activity by Mai. Letting yourself fall into the water back first. Looks fun. Okay, I'll try it in a'Famosa.
There's something mesmerizing about the instructor. Looking at him running his hands through his hair is just..enticing..
The fun was cut short because it was almost lunchtime. The noon session continued with Abang Wahab's lecture on Organization Structure. Around that time, Abang Zack aka Mr. Policeman arrived with his family, her fascinating wife, Kak As, a toddler girl and a baby boy. Kak As was very friendly, maybe because she's still young. Their daughter was talkative too, and she helped us filling water balloons, for that night's war game.
That evening Abang Zack and the other boys taught the kids marching, with style. Zul told us about the obstacle route situated behind the marching ground. Me and Mai tried them out, skipping those obstacles that includes water in it.
Night session went on with Kak Zuri's talk on Meeting Organization. I also took notes along the way, especially on the guide of writing minutes. Abang Firdaus and Abang Bad later on took the stage by handling 2 games. The first game needs the kids to bring a lit candle from one end to another, avoiding the nasty enemies/facilitators from blowing it off. It was funny watching the boys using boards to produce gushing wind. Abang Zack was the successful one by knocking the candle out by one harsh blow. Mai was funny too, she was perceived as one of the kids' teammates, but ended up being pushed to the ground because of her petite size.
Another game required the kids to walk blindfolded while being instructed by their friends. We then put barriers along the way.
Wait till you open your eyes and see this funny nasyid group.
At around 11, the time we were waiting for finally came: War Game. I never been this eager during war game, maybe because this time I perfected my skill in filling balloons with water, thus raising my confidence level. I had several victims too, yayy for me. There was 3 wars, and the last 1 we won by the help of treacherous Tajudin aka Cocoroach. The kids mistook him as an ally, and he went straight to the rugged flag and snatched it with his evil laughter. And me, I only got hit by 1 balloon, and it was mine. No thanks to malicious Abang Fendi for bursting my balloon so strategically that I looked as if I peed my pants.
The fun night (again, strictly for us not the kids) was proceeded with Muhasabah Diri. Kak Zuri handled the session, and I realized the first sob to break was when Abang Fendi started hollering azan. It was so beautiful, I nearly shedding tears too. The kids then were send to their tents for 3-hour sleep.
The last day started with marching too. After breakfast, the kids were made to public speaking. This reminisced me back to the good ol' days. I never took public speaking seriously, because Iknew I was good. But how wrong I was, especially when I was bombarded by questions during my last term as RC's committee member. Although thinking about it makes me sad, but at least I can help others from experiencing the same embarrassment.
My thoughts were interrupted by Kak Ejan's request, extended to Ili for us three. She was tired from having to key-in infos throughout the week, and she wanted a fun cheer on herself. I was perplexed by this unexpected request, but we managed to pull it off. Kak Ejan again wanted us to perform the cheer in front of the canteen (?) I honestly was okay with it, because we looked cool doing it (I think so), but Ili and Mai were against it, so in the end we didn't do it. Maybe Kak Ejan will force us again in the next camping, I'm oh-so sure about it.
The kids then went for marching competition while I went to wrap several notebooks as gifts. When I went to the marching ground, I only managed to watch the last group performing. But as they said it, better late than never (what's the relation I don't have any idea).
The end drew near with the closing ceremony. Pn Iadah was present and it was done swiftly. And we had to march to receive our souvenir. Later on we learned that Pn Iadah was also having cold feet to keep up with us.
I was given a minor role in this camping, and I hoped I can contribute more. Hmm, so much to prove. Till then, cheerios.
