Language Camp

Language Camp 24-25^th March 2007 @ STARP – A Reflection

 

            As I had revealed in class, I actually did feel halfhearted and unwilling to go to the Language Camp in STARP at first. The queuing-to-be-completed countless assignments that wait for me in campus are the answer why I felt that way. I just could not stop myself from thinking of the assignments when I left UTM that Saturday morning…

 

            First day of the camp, I was just like other facilitators, nervous and worried. But then, I was surprised to have the school (read: the students) welcoming manner. In mingling with the other members of HQ D, my nervousness slowly faded away and I started enjoyed the camp. As being the facilitator, I was happy to have a leader of HQ D, Hafiz, a Form Two student, who was very cooperative and high-spirited. He was even the leader of my group, Ghost Rider.

 

For my group, some of them were quite shy at first, but after the Hip Hip Hooray slot, where they had to form their group cheer, they gradually became excited. This was also because they had been motivated by me (of course!) and some of their other friends including Hafiz who were always interested in all games introduced.

 

The first sad episode was when Hafiz left us that night because he got to leave for the school program in Langkawi. However, the spirit he triggered the others stayed, and I really thanked him for that…

 

The best part of the camp that I liked the most was the Drama Presentation on the second day. I was amazed to see the spirit among the students in preparing and performing their drama. At first, I thought that we the facilitator would face problems in assisting and cracking our heads for the slot, but I was wrong! They were absolutely incredible!

 

Personally, I believe that no matter how exhausted I felt for the camp, my hard work paid off. I never thought that the students really valued us. This was proved by the farewell, the last sad episode of the camp to me. Yes, Mr. G, I agree with you. At that time, I could see the lighted bulbs on the students' head…

 

Alhamdulillah, everything went quite well. I did not expect for immense impact from the unremarkable me throughout the camp, but for the students whom still keep in touch with me till now particularly from HQ D.

 

To sum up, in the Language Camp, I have learnt more on:

(i)                Teamwork & Commitment – otherwise, the camp would not turn well!

(ii)              Creative thinking - in 'activating' the students (SPEAK UP for all the time… Go Ghost Rider!)

(iii)            Patience – for any tests and hardships…

(iv)             Positive thinking – everything has a reason to happen…

(v)               The importance of a real teacher…

 

In short, what I can say is: Language Camp in STARP was such a splendour!

 

 ^ct_aisyah^

Language Camp 24-25^th March 2007 @ STARP - My Contribution

 

            I had never thought that being one of the 'Material Girls' was pretty tough, as I never dealt with such experience before. As the head of the Material Bureau, I think my bureau was the busiest bureau since before the program started besides Equipment Bureau. At first, I had a hard time in handling the bureau as I need to consider many aspects such as the approximate number, the budget, and the safety of each and every single material needed. Nevertheless, with help from other generous facilitators, I was able to handle everything with minimum difficulties. Credits to all of you!

In handling the materials, I had to cooperate with every bureau and game master for any materials required in the bureau / game. After waited until the finalized confirmation checklist for the real number of participants as well as the materials, I tried to request for material sponsor from the HEP. At first, Puan Rozita seemed to bring about our application, but a few days later, I had been told by her that HEP would not sponsor any faculty program. So, on the dot I decided to ask from the faculty itself. Alhamdulillah, after a day waited for response, I managed to please En. Asram to give most of the materials needed. However, my partner and I still need to buy other materials at three different times such as glues, scissors, envelops, whistles, etc according to the keep-changing needs. Besides that, we had to arrange the participants' files and materials for all games, according to all HQs besides the HQ labels and facilitators' 'mail'. The problem was not because of the tasks assigned to us, but because of the big amount of materials that had to be taken care of. One good thing was both me and Mira have our own car!

During the Language Camp, we had to distribute every box of materials to all HQs, make sure all HQs and games went smoothly without any problem of the materials. Luckily, my HQ was just a stone's throw away from Bilik Mesyuarat (the room where we kept our materials). So, it was easier for me to deal with the materials especially when I received calls from any HQ or individual asked for materials. Here, I would like to take the opportunity to apologize to all facilitators from HQ D for my 'occasional disappearance' especially to my teammate, Sumi. "Sorry guys…"

            After the program, Mira and I still had to counter all materials. We were the last couple to leave KTF with lots materials left including the unwanted ones. Thanks to Ammani, Andrew, Noni and Ruby for helping us to get them off the bus.

            Last but not least, thank you again to all facilitators for your support and help in preparing the materials for the camp. Sorry too for our weaknesses in managing the materials. Anyhow, I'm sure you will agree with me if I say that, the camp was definitely a treasured experience that can hardly be forgotten!

^ct_aisyah^

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