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Embracing Growth Through The Great Outdoors
Embracing Growth Through The Great Outdoors
Outward Bound Singapore
From August to September 2025, our Secondary 1, 2, and 3 student-athletes traded classroom, sports training routines and daily comforts, for the outdoors at a 3 to 5-day camp at Outward Bound Singapore (OBS). Grouped with peers from other academies, they took on challenges crafted to stretch their limits and encourage growth.
Working with new teammates, they adapted quickly to different dynamics while navigating individual and group activities. Confidence and collaboration were put to the test during high elements, while the rafting and kayaking expedition saw them spurring each other on as they paddled together. Each task reinforced the value of drawing on both personal strengths and collective effort.
When their mentors visited them, the student-athletes were in full swing preparing dinner for other groups. They allocated roles, planned menus, and kept to the time. The camp proved to be more than an outdoor adventure as it nurtured resilience, strengthened teamwork, and deepened mutual respect among our student-athletes.
“This OBS camp was really fun and memorable. I learnt that everyone can have a good time as long as we show compassion and look out for one another. Honestly, I can’t even pick a favourite activity because they were all so enjoyable, whether it was the high elements, kayaking, hiking, or even cooking together. What stood out most to me, though, was how funny and uplifting my friends were. They always knew how to cheer people up during tough moments, and that made the whole experience even more meaningful.” – Nur Emelda Aw, Netball, Secondary 3
“At OBS, I picked up many new skills along the way. My favourite activity was kayaking because it taught us how important teamwork is. We had to paddle in sync to go far and fast. I also admired how my friends took the initiative to step up and help the group whenever we faced difficult situations. Their willingness to lead and support really inspired me.” – Daryl Leong Jun Rui, Badminton, Secondary 3
“My favourite activity was kayaking. Even though it was tiring, I learnt how to recover if the kayak capsized, and I enjoyed the race we had at the end. What stood out most to me was how caring my friends were. On the first day, when I had to be sent to the sick bay for a few hours, they immediately checked in on me when I returned. It showed me how much they cared about their group mates, and it reminded me of how important it was to rely on one another throughout the camp.” – Muhammad Yuri Armani Mohd Sufian, Pencak Silat, Secondary 2
“My OBS experience was both challenging and rewarding. Being away from the simplicity of everyday life pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I discovered that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought. It taught me the value of perseverance and staying calm under pressure. My favourite activity was rock climbing because it pushed me to my limits and truly tested me. With the encouragement of my group mates, I managed to overcome the obstacles and reach the top. What inspired me most was how supportive and encouraging everyone was. Even when we were tired or frustrated, my friends stayed positive and helped one another push through. I witnessed real leadership, patience, and kindness, especially during the toughest moments.” – Kienan Tee Kaliyapan, Track and Field, Secondary 1
“OBS was tough but really fun. I learnt that I can push myself more than I thought, especially when I stayed calm and kept going even when I was tired. I also realised that I work better in a team than I expected. My favourite activity was the sea expedition, where about 8 to 10 of us rowed an inflatable dinghy from Camp 1 to Camp 2 at Pulau Ubin. We actually came in last, but it was still so memorable. We had to row in sync, and the constant banter kept us going. It was exhausting but also a lot of fun. One of my teammates really stood out during the expedition. She stepped up to lead us, was open-minded and patient, and shared useful tips since she seemed to have more outdoor experience. Her encouragement made the whole experience feel much less stressful.” – Kayla Neo En Qi, Shooting, Secondary 1
From August to September 2025, our Secondary 1, 2, and 3 student-athletes traded classroom, sports training routines and daily comforts, for the outdoors at a 3 to 5-day camp at Outward Bound Singapore (OBS). Grouped with peers from other academies, they took on challenges crafted to stretch their limits and encourage growth.
Working with new teammates, they adapted quickly to different dynamics while navigating individual and group activities. Confidence and collaboration were put to the test during high elements, while the rafting and kayaking expedition saw them spurring each other on as they paddled together. Each task reinforced the value of drawing on both personal strengths and collective effort.
When their mentors visited them, the student-athletes were in full swing preparing dinner for other groups. They allocated roles, planned menus, and kept to the time. The camp proved to be more than an outdoor adventure as it nurtured resilience, strengthened teamwork, and deepened mutual respect among our student-athletes.
“This OBS camp was really fun and memorable. I learnt that everyone can have a good time as long as we show compassion and look out for one another. Honestly, I can’t even pick a favourite activity because they were all so enjoyable, whether it was the high elements, kayaking, hiking, or even cooking together. What stood out most to me, though, was how funny and uplifting my friends were. They always knew how to cheer people up during tough moments, and that made the whole experience even more meaningful.” – Nur Emelda Aw, Netball, Secondary 3
“At OBS, I picked up many new skills along the way. My favourite activity was kayaking because it taught us how important teamwork is. We had to paddle in sync to go far and fast. I also admired how my friends took the initiative to step up and help the group whenever we faced difficult situations. Their willingness to lead and support really inspired me.” – Daryl Leong Jun Rui, Badminton, Secondary 3
“My favourite activity was kayaking. Even though it was tiring, I learnt how to recover if the kayak capsized, and I enjoyed the race we had at the end. What stood out most to me was how caring my friends were. On the first day, when I had to be sent to the sick bay for a few hours, they immediately checked in on me when I returned. It showed me how much they cared about their group mates, and it reminded me of how important it was to rely on one another throughout the camp.” – Muhammad Yuri Armani Mohd Sufian, Pencak Silat, Secondary 2
“My OBS experience was both challenging and rewarding. Being away from the simplicity of everyday life pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I discovered that I am more resilient and adaptable than I thought. It taught me the value of perseverance and staying calm under pressure. My favourite activity was rock climbing because it pushed me to my limits and truly tested me. With the encouragement of my group mates, I managed to overcome the obstacles and reach the top. What inspired me most was how supportive and encouraging everyone was. Even when we were tired or frustrated, my friends stayed positive and helped one another push through. I witnessed real leadership, patience, and kindness, especially during the toughest moments.” – Kienan Tee Kaliyapan, Track and Field, Secondary 1
“OBS was tough but really fun. I learnt that I can push myself more than I thought, especially when I stayed calm and kept going even when I was tired. I also realised that I work better in a team than I expected. My favourite activity was the sea expedition, where about 8 to 10 of us rowed an inflatable dinghy from Camp 1 to Camp 2 at Pulau Ubin. We actually came in last, but it was still so memorable. We had to row in sync, and the constant banter kept us going. It was exhausting but also a lot of fun. One of my teammates really stood out during the expedition. She stepped up to lead us, was open-minded and patient, and shared useful tips since she seemed to have more outdoor experience. Her encouragement made the whole experience feel much less stressful.” – Kayla Neo En Qi, Shooting, Secondary 1
- Embracing Growth Through The Great Outdoors
- Bonding Through Sports