The start of a new journey.

Two camps have just ended - Chemical Engineering Camp and Sports Camp. Without a doubt, both camps were fun, more fun than what I originally expected. But allow me to clarify - Most of this fun is not to be credited to the activities, but to the company of the camps. To the few who were in the camps and are seeing this, I extend my most sincere appreciation to your presence in the camp. 


After the camps ended, I can't help but to reflect on the two camps. Was it good? What were the differences between the two camps? Which was more fun? In which did I make closer friends? 


Below, I will be writing how I honestly feel. It might be (un)favourable to you; I advise discretion. If you find it discomforting when people writes about you, please DO NOT read on.


*I wanted to do an elaborate write-up on both camps, but due to time constrain, I would only be able to do an extremely brief one. *


In short, Chemical Engineering Camp activities were well planned and elaborate, while Sports Camp activities were more diverse and physically straining. 


One of the two more notable points I would like to point out would be their mass dance. There are four verses and four choruses in the song used for Chem Engine Camp, while the song used for sports camp only comprised two. Yet, I would say, confidently, that I could do this one better than the mass dance in sports camp.


I know some of you would already be thinking, "The time allocated to mass dance for sports camp is way shorter than that allocated in your camp!" 


Allow me to help you understand where I'm coming from. Our camp committee should have realized, from the beginning, that minority of us would be able to sustain four days packed with activities on that little amount of sleep that we were allocated. Didn't it occur to the organizing committee that by human nature, people would be more irate when they do not have enough sleep, and wouldn't this defeat the fundamental purpose of the camp - To have fun. Wouldn't it be good if mass dance were to be taken out from the camp, and the time be used for us to sleep? 


But then again, taking out the mass dance would mean that there is one less activity for the SPs. 


Something else I wanted to point out would be the contingency of the schedule. Overrunning activities is one of the most common scenarios when planning a schedule. When an activity overruns, which other activity/activities did the organizing committee plan to forgo, such that the integrity of the schedule is maintained? Which is, in my terms, less important? 


The other point I want to point out is that, though Sports Camp is way more fun than Chem Engine Camp, I sincerely felt that I have built closer bonds with the people in Camp Engine Camp. This does not show that the organizing committee did not do a good job, but I think it would be great if they were to state their stand from the beginning of the camp. Nonetheless, this is a food for thought for anyone else who intends to hold any leadership position - What is the essence of building close bonds? 


Here, I am definitely not saying that the camp committee's plan could be better or not. I am just offering suggestions and food for thoughts, and I hope that they had thought about before the commencement of the camp. 

Lastly, we would definitely meet some people whom we like, and some otherwise in camps. The only thing I can tell you is, "Do not be too quick to judge." Take a step back, look from other perspectives, question your fundamental assumptions are good ways to help you empathize with another. 

Let me quote you the words of a wise man to help illustrate what I am trying to put across.  


"Wait long enough and people will surprise and impress. When you're pissed off at someone and you're angry at them, you just haven't given them enough time. Just give them a little more time and they almost always will impress you." -Randy Pausch


I have so many things that I want to pen down, but time is not on my side. If I can afford more, I would definitely be here to update this post. 


Before I end, allow me to share with you one last quote.


“Having a million friends is not a miracle, especially in this digital age;
The miracle is to have a friend who will stand by you when millions are against you.”

Thanks for reading! And as always, no offence to anyone! (:


P.S. EVERYONE WHO IS READING THIS, PLEASE TAG. THANK YOU.