14th BOAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is the organizer?

The BOAT course is proudly organized by volunteers from the Toa Payoh Adventure Club (TPAC), sub-club of the Toa Payoh Central CC Youth Group and supported by the People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM), as well as the People’s Association Water Venture (previously known as PA Adventure Team)

What is the B.O.A.T. course?

B.O.A.T. stands for Basic Outdoor Adventure Training. This has been the flagship program behind the success of TPAC for the past 30 years. Held biennially, the course is designed
with the aim of providing keen adventure seekers with little or no experience, the essentials of
camping and hiking in the great outdoors.

For its continuous efforts, TPAC won the PAYM Excellence 2000 Award in Adventure Training in 1996. The BOAT programme has also been recognised for its achievements in the PAYM
Special Awards in 2004.

What's in it for me?
Because… …

• You get to know like-minded people and expand your social circle
• You want to develop personal interests and learn basic outdoor skills
• You get lots of fun and excitement you’ll not forget for a long time
• You get to improve your fitness levels (and body physique)
• You get to re-discover yourself and see things from a new perspective
• Care for the environment and minimum impact hiking.
• Opportunities to use your new-found skills in community services
  

What is the max/target group size I can expect?

40 participants. Do register early to avoid disappointment.

What is included in the course fees? What is excluded? Any hidden costs?

Where necessary, meals, insurance, transport, misc fees are included. THe course fees DOES NOT INCLUDE Personal Equipment, Final Overseas Expedition and optional programmes. A course book will be given to all course participants.

Do you have a detailed program listing?

The detailed program listing will be distributed during the Orientation programme. In brief, the programme takes place on Wednesdays (8 pm - 10 pm), some Saturdays and Sundays (9 am - 5 pm approx). Actual timings may differ according to the nature of activity conducted.

Activities include ropework, campcraft, outdoor cooking, topography, map reading, hiking, camping, abseiling, sports climbing (optional), trip planning and more.

Typically, what is your participant profile?

Our participants are mostly young working adults who come from all walks of life with diverse backgrounds. The youngest boater was a 16-year-old student and the oldest, a retiree in his 50s looking to enrich his life.

Can I skip the physical conditioning sessions?

Hiking can be a physically demanding activity that requires some fitness levels. The organisers reserve the right to stop you from going on an expedition if either your attendance or fitness levels (amongst other things) becomes a safety concern.

Why is the course so long?

It is value-for-money! There are many aspects to outdoor adventure, which we would like to cover. And we try to incorporate them in one concise package while allowing participants to fully understand the concepts and put them to practical use at a comfortable learning pace, while having the time to train for a physical hiking activity.

Where can I go from here?

Join TPAC for future trips or organise one for family and friends. You can also look forward to pursuing your adventure interests in areas such as abseiling, sports climbing, kayaking etc. We are also on the constant lookout for volunteers with a passion for the community.

Who are your trainers? Are they certified?

The abseiling programme is conducted by certified abseil instructors and the trips are led by experienced expedition leaders.We are also governed by stringent safety guidelines imposed by PA. Our facilitators are also first-aid certified. Above all, 99% of the volunteer fcilitators have gone through the BOAT programme themselves and can most certainly identify with you!

Will I get a certificate for joining this course?

A certificate of completion will be awarded to participants who complete the course with at least 75% attendance (including physical conditioning sessions).

Where will the activities be held?

Theory sessions will be held at the Toa Payoh Central CC. Practical sessions will be held at various locations in Singapore and West Malaysia depending on the lesson.

Are there make-up sessions if I miss a few sessions?

There will be no make-up lessons. However, the facilitators will be more than happy to share with you what you have missed. You can also ask fellow boaters. But we know it ourselves, nothing beats being able to be present to listen for yourself.

Do I have to be very fit?

Fitness is definitely good to have, but not compulsory now because it can be trained over the
3-month period. We will be incorporating a series of weekly physical conditioning exercises
just for you. You should seek your doctor's advice if you're above 45 or have any pre-existing
conditions or have not exercised in a long time.

I can’t swim.

Our activities are pre-dominantly land-based. Where necessary, we use personal flotation
devices (PFD) for all water/sea-based activities, and are compulsory for all swimmers and
non-swimmers alike.

I have no prior experience in outdoor adventure at all.

You have come to the correct course! This course is designed for the people with no/little experience in outdoor adventure.

I’m by myself. Is this ok? Can my friend join?

Ask as many friends as you’d like to. You’ll also make many new friends along the way. It’s the perfect opportunity to understand yourself and your friends better.

What is the age limit?

There is no age limit. We welcome everyone, young and old, as long as you do not have a limiting condition that prevents you from taking part in the activities.

Any other pre-requisites?

• An open mind and a positive attitude
• The willingness to learn and share
• Care for others and the environment

Do I need to be a member?

This course is open to public. However, the rates differ slightly if you are a PAssion card member.

How do I register?

You may obtain a copy of the registration form from the office or download a copy from here. Registration is done at the Toa Payoh Central Community Club office. You may quote the activity code (A13210784) when registering. Opening hours are from 9 am – 930 pm daily except public holidays.

Payment can be made via cash or crossed cheque made payable to Toa Payoh Central CC YEC. Please write down your name, activity code, title and date at the back of your cheque for our reference. You may also opt to fax in your registration and send in your payment as soon as possible. The system will automatically cancel the registration if we do not receive payment within 7 days. Do call to confirm that the fax has reached us.

You may send in your cheques to:

Toa Payoh Central CC YEC

c/o Mr Samir Basrawi

Toa Payoh Central Community Club

93 Toa Payoh Central Singapore 319194

Tel: 6252 1249 Fax: 6354 4950

Can I withdraw my registration after submission?

All registrations are non-refundable without a valid reason and subject to the organiser’s discretion on a case-by-case basis. In the event of withdrawal, notice of withdrawal must be made in writing or email. Cancellation charges apply.

When is the deadline for registration?

21st February 2009 (Saturday)

I’ve registered. What should I do next?

The organizers will contact you 1 week prior to the commencement of the program. Please check your email regularly for updates or check back here often

I need more information.

There will be a course preview and slideshow presentation on the 06th February 2009 (Friday). You may also like to take the opportunity to have all your queries and concerns addressed during this session or sign up for the course.

For more information about the course, kindly:

• Email 14thboat@gmail.com
• Call Toa Payoh Central CC @ +65 6252 1249
• Visit us at :
  http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central/
  http://tpadventure.multiply.com/
  http://14thboat.blogspot.com/