BE x United World College (UWC) East Campus Project Week 2022
What is Project Week?
Well, that’s a good question. Project Week is the highlight for many United World College (UWC) students. It is a learning journey where students are empowered to source out an experience where they can hone specific skills – both hard and soft. All in hopes that they can take away valuable learning lessons that may be beneficial for them.
It was an honour for Beyond Expeditions to host a group of 19 students from UWC East Campus in the month of June. They searched high and low for an experience that will push them out of their comfort zone, and thankfully with Beyond Expeditions, they are able to go beyond. The students went through a rigorous three-day day-camp with us where they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great outdoors whilst learning how to lead, communicate and work effectively and collaboratively in teams.
Day 1 : Introductory to Navigation
Beyond Expeditions welcomed the students to the Mongolian Yurt Camp, their home for the next few days. After an ice-breaking session to get to know each other better and figure out each other’s strengths, students were split into two teams to learn and equip themselves with basic navigational skills. The goal: to instil confidence, to spark leadership and learning to communicate effectively.
Our knowledgeable trainers Yong Xi, Kelly, Dzul and Tony ensured that the students could read a compass with ease by the end of the day. Some say the students’ skills are now comparable to renowned historian, Christopher Columbus. The first half of the day was primarily focused on learning to read a map - observing and identifying key landmarks on a Singapore Map that was handed out and understanding map scales. Little did they know, students were later tasked to draw their own map without peeking at the original one and pitch opposing teams’ drawn map to their respective trainers. This was a true test if teams could adapt to unforeseen changes and learn the significance of having a detailed map when they’re stuck outdoors with no reception.
After which, students were handed out compasses, to study the different parts and its functions. Their eyes were glued onto it as they examined the foreign object that laid before them. They went through an intensive session with their trainers, to learn more about the compass – identifying cardinal directions, how to read bearings, measuring an individual’s pacing and ultimately, directing yourself with a compass against a map. Hands were raised, questions were asked throughout as curiosity peaked their mind regarding the compass.
This is where things got interesting.
Now, who doesn’t love healthy competition amongst peers? Various challenges await them in the afternoon where communication skills, leadership and teamwork will be tested. Which team will be victorious? Who will win the ultimate prize?
Teams are given their respective start points with only the location of the next immediate checkpoint handed out to them. Subsequently, following locations will only be handed out if they complete the challenge successfully and get the bearings to the next location right. It is a race against time. A total of 7 checkpoints, with 4 challenges in between them. First team that successfully completes all the challenges and back to the Yurt Camp wins. You could see the determination in their eyes, the eagerness to start as respective teams planned out their strategies and utilising each other’s strengths. You could hear leaders in there appointing roles and ensuring everyone has a part to play. Whether it was being a pacer, jotting down the bearings or reading the compass, you could sense the camaraderie as enthusiasm levels were at an all-time high.
With conviction, Team A returned to the Yurt Camp in high spirits and fists up in the air, celebrating their victory after arriving first. It was a close tie, with the human knot challenge being the deciding factor between both teams. Nevertheless, spirits weren’t dampened as they congratulated one another for keeping the tie close and giving it their all. They’ve indeed showcased true sportsmanship amongst peers, what a day for the students!
And it only gets more challenging from here….
Day 2 : Urban Exploration
The students spend the day out of the Yurt Camp to explore two of Singapore’s lesser known, abandoned historical sites. Forgotten by many, these sites proved to be crucial locations during World War II. They were split into the same teams and embarked on a historical journey to explore and understand the history behind the infamous WWII Marsiling Bunkers and Sentosa’s Fort Serapong.
WWII MARSILING BUNKERS
After a refreshing morning hike in the forest, the students were greeted at the start of the trail to locate The North and South Bunkers. It’s time for them to spray up, (we do recommend REPEL 100 Insect Repellent, it’s the BEST) and get ready to face some of their darkest fears.
They faced many obstacles - bashing through the rainforest, manoeuvring around fallen debris, crossing unstable platforms and swatting the endless numbers of mosquitos, they come across a pitch-black stone tunnel. Echoes can be heard from the far end. Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome to the main entrance of The North Bunkers. Of course, being a courageous bunch, the guides, Kelly, Tony and Dzul figured this entrance would have been too easy for the students.
It’s time for them to embrace their thrill seeker side and enter the bunkers through the 2 other significantly narrow entrances instead. Screams and cries could be heard as they crawled through each of the tunnels as they met the tunnel’s creepy crawlies – frogs, geckos and spiders. Once inside, the students learnt about the history and significance of the bunkers that has been home to many soldiers since the 1940’s.
While many of them the worst was over, it was only the beginning!
The students trekked their way to the South Bunker, with most of them looking anxious as they did not know what to expect. More creepy crawlies maybe? The journey was arduous as vegetation grew even thicker, slopes getting steeper and mosquitos getting hungrier. Time to spray up REPEL 100 again.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the South Bunker, only did they realise how deep it gets as they shone their light into the darkness. The South Bunkers are 2 stories underground! The students decided to be headstrong and bold as they turned off their lights as they abseiled down the rope. Choosing to trust their other senses, the students’ band together to form a human chain and hold onto one another once they’ve reached the bottom of the rope. It was amazing to see how efficient they worked together, holding onto the wall and taking gentle steps as they moved with precision from one step to another.
Here, the students learnt more about the South Bunkers and its relevance to WWII. Similarly, to the North Bunkers, it was built in the 1940’s by the British, but eventually taken over by the Japanese and used as a fuel harbour for Japanese Fighter Planes. If you are passionate about history, the Marsiling Bunker Tours might be for you!
As they trudged across the tunnels with powerful Nitecore Headlights, they got to see how extensive the tunnels are. The students got to know more about the operational processes of the fuel stations, explored secret tunnels, were told of local spooky tales and the location of the other 4 sealed entrances in the bunkers. Who knows how connected the South Bunkers are? Maybe there are other tunnels that are waiting to be explored? These questions popped in their mind as the harsh conditions did not faze them but only made them more curious about Singapore’s history.
Kudos to all the students for taking on both bunkers’ head on, crawling through underground tunnels, fighting through the dense vegetation and sludgy mud, and ultimately conquering their fears and watching each other’s back! Even though they were exhausted, the students could not stop talking about what they experienced. I guess some of them have found a newfound love for urban exploration and the buzz continues as they head to explore the second location: Fort Serapong!
SENTOSA'S FORT SERAPONG
Deep in the far end of Sentosa lies Fort Serapong. Built in 1879 by the British as a Battery Command Post, here lies one of Singapore’s hidden fortresses. It’s truly a blast from the past! Not to worry, it's less muddy this time round but the excitement level is off the charts as our knowledgeable guides, Scott and Kavita, brought the students on a multi-sensory tour. Not only to learn the history and significance but to live it. Just imagine an escape room type experience, but outdoors and better!
The students were stoked as they embarked on this one-of-a-kind trek. As they hiked deeper into the fort, they were being blindfolded and were tasked to hold onto a rope. Senses were heightened as sounds of soldiers and gunfire were heard. Terrified, they dashed to the nearest cover to seek shelter. The coast was clear, blindfolds were lifted, and the students were transported to the past. Here, they are no longer civilians but soldiers of Singapore. Remnants of the glorious Serapong Spur Battery stood before them, some of them were in awe of the massive Command Post that still stands as Mother Nature slowly devours the entire area back in her favour.
The soldiers’ mission, should they choose to accept it, was to protect the fort and complete challenges which would allow them to claim back puzzle pieces of Singapore. Failure to do so would mean Singapore falling into Japanese hands again! Without hesitation, Miles and Ella stepped up to be team officers of their respective teams and guide their comrades to victory. A field pack containing key items is handed out as the soldiers strategise their battle plan. The fate of Singapore is in their hands.
As the sun started to set, the soldiers successfully claimed the final piece of the puzzle. Alas, Victory! It is safe to say that the future of Singapore is safe in their hands. What a day it has been for our brave soldiers - showcasing grit, mental perseverance and teamwork yet again. They ended the day at Granite Hill overlooking stunning views of Sentosa as they rejoiced at such a momentous occasion with drinks and snacks, prepared by the guides. Another action-packed adventure awaits them tomorrow.
Day 3 : Basic Survival Skills Course
After a long day in the outdoors and hiking to your campsite, it’s only ideal that you start a fire to cook your own meal to keep your stomach satisfied and yourself warm. Similarly, that’s what Day 3 is. After a demanding Day 2, teams must work for their dinner meals as they will face each other in the evening finale: The outdoor cookout challenge. To do that, our trainers, Scott, Kelly, Tony, and Dzul will be guiding the students in harnessing their inner survival skills – fire starting and bushcraft (sawing and chopping of wood).
To shake things up, they were no longer in the same teams as the previous days. The students were split into new teams to demonstrate if they can showcase the attributes and qualities that they’ve picked up over the past two days. Additionally, we kickstarted the morning with mini challenges to keep their competitive side up and running! Little did they know, these challenges may or may not put them in a competitive advantage for the evening’s cookout challenge!
CHALLENGE 1
Partners in Pairs! Teammates from each team are paired up and tied to one another. Their objective is to locate envelopes that may or may not contain PREMIUM ingredients that can spice up their dinner during the Outdoor Cookout Finale! You definitely do not want to come out of this challenge empty handed.
CHALLENGE 2
The rivalry heats up in this fiercely competitive game of Tug of War! Watch as they strategise their way to victory.
As the sun rays shone brightly, conditions were brilliant to start a fire. It’s time to pick up some key survival skills from Scott as he demonstrated key steps to start a fire and the right ways to chop and saw wood. The students were intimidated by Scott’s quick work and started questioning if it could be done. Fret not, the students were determined, hungry(literally) and showed intent to work hard for their dinner.
Away they go! Gloves on, knives and Ferrocerium Rod ready! Both teams scattered and picked their spots to chop, saw and strike a fire. Team leaders were assigned, Isabella and Miles, started to delegate tasks to their fellow teammates - to saw enough logs and chop them into firewood and forage sufficient natural materials to start a fire. Not long after, many of them had successfully sawed and chopped off chunks of logs. It almost looked like they had been doing this for their entire life.
Exhausted from the physical activities, they persevered on and displayed immense character to start their own fire. With persistent encouragement and affirmation from their peers and trainers, they soldiered on. Spirits were reignited and eyes lit up as they pushed through till the finish line. Screams of joy could be heard as far as our residential neighbours around Ground Up Initiative (GUI) as both teams successfully started their fire.
What came after was something unexpected. Dark clouds started to form, and a massive downpour came down on the Yurt Camp. To our surprise, their spirits weren’t dampened as they persevered to cook their dinner under shelter. The show must go on!
Feeling inspired, many of them showed resilience and willpower to brave through the rain and keep the flame alive. The weather shall not stop them, as they have gone through a lot to get to where they are today. They threw logs, branches, twigs into the dying flame to sustain it. Alas, it was big enough to host a campfire. Everyone sat down around the firepit with their dinner in one hand and puffy white marshmallows on the other as they began roasting the sweet treats. Jokes were shared, memories made, and new friendships were forged. This will undeniably be a moment they will never forget.
All good things will inevitably come to an end…. It was time to say goodbye. As the rigorous three-day camp ended, the trainers gave a farewell speech to the students. Tears were shed and plenty of hugs were going around. It may be the end of the camp, but the beginning for most of them as they discovered a new profound love for the great outdoors. They leave the Yurt Camp acquiring new navigational and survival skills, possessing leadership attributes and a deeper understanding of camaraderie amongst peers.
Beyond Expeditions have always believed that everyone, young or old, can always grow to learn something new about themselves and others. We push people into adventures that are uncomfortable so that they can scale greater heights. Project Week 2022 has ultimately shown us that. If you’re up for it, come join us for future team building events or drop us an email! Don’t just stop reading here, Go Beyond! We’ll be waiting for your arrival….
FOR ANY ENQUIRIES:
Looking to plan a unique team-building experience?
Does the off-beaten path entice you?
Is the outdoor your element?
Drop us a message below!
