Upclose with Nature at Pelapah Waterfalls

Integrating our calendar into your Google account

HOW TO INTEGRATE OUR CALENDAR WITH YOUR GOOGLE ACCOUNT IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS

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Sharing Session by the Women's Everest Team

NATAS-SWET is about the experience of realizing a dream and the possibilities created by passion. After five years of training, climbing, intensive fundraising and weathering setbacks, the team knows that Mount Everest is more than just a quest for the summit.

Reaching the summit of Mount Everest symbolizes the pinnacle of human achievement. Our journey can be expressed as a universal metaphor for personal development, and as an inspiration for overcoming insurmountable odds with success.
The planning, managerial and technical dexterity, as well as the sheer determination required to execute an expedition are synonymous with skills essential for success and are necessary for anyone with a view to conquer his or her own “Everest”.

Be inspired by our historic quest to the summit and climb your own "Everest".

PAYM Policy Forum - "YOG - Ready, Get Set, Go?"

The first Youth Olympics Games is happening in Singapore in August 2010.

Are we ready for this international event? Come find out more!

Date: 7 Nov 2009 (Sat)
Time: 1330 - 1600
Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC Theatrette #03-03

Guest-of-Honour:
Mr Zainudin Nordin
(Mayor of Central Singapore District)
(MP for Bishan Toa Payoh GRC)

Light refreshment will be provided. Registration is free.

RSVP at bishantpyec@gmail.com

04 Oct: Mooncake Reunion

Every year around this time, the moon will be the biggest and the brightest. And yes, you guessed it...

In keeping with our tradition, there will be a mooncake reunion party! Watch this space for details soon...

26 Sep: Take a Walk to Singapore Quarry

We're doing a Singapore Quarry Walk (Bt Timah Nature Reserve - Singapore Quarry - Bt Timah Nature Reserve) this coming weekend. The Singapore Quarry, located within the newly opened Dairy Farm Nature Park, was an old disused quarry that is recently revived and turned into a freshwater wetland that is now home to insects, birds and fishes. So if you're free this weekend and looking for a new place with some fresh air, this is the place to check out with us. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of one of the new habitants of the area. The walk is expected to end by 12 pm. You are also welcome to join us for lunch after.

Date: 26 Sep 2009, 9 am
Meeting Place: Bt Timah Nature Reserve Visitor Centre
Wear: Covered shoes
Bring: 1.5L water, personal 1st aid/medication, whistle, snacks, rain gear, camera/bino,
RSVP: Vincent Choo zhihua75@yahoo.com.sg


You can read more about the Dairy Farm Nature Park here: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1003095/1/.html

27 Sep: BGM cum Movie Screening

Join us for our biennial general meeting and catch G-Force at a very special price of $4!

Toa Payoh Central YEC Biennial BGM cum Movie Screening
Movie: G-Force
Date: Sunday, 27 September 2009
Time: 10.30am - 1pm
Venue: The Cathay , Handy Road (next to Plaza Singapura)
Cost: $4/pax (passion card member)
Organised by TOA PAYOH CENTRAL CC YEC

Contact pl_yah@yahoo.com.sg for details

Documentary Screening - An Inconvenient Truth

Join us for the private screening of the thought-provoking
documentary. Learn what you can do to help avert a global disaster!

Documentary: An Inconvenient Truth
Date: 15 Aug 09
Time: 4.45pm - 6.30pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC Mini Theatre

Humanity is sitting on a ticking time bomb. If the vast majority of the world's scientists are right, we have just ten years to avert a major catastrophe that could send our entire planet into a tail-spin of epic destruction involving extreme weather, floods, droughts, epidemics and killer heat waves beyond anything we have ever experienced.

If that sounds like a recipe for serious gloom and doom -- think again. From director Davis Guggenheim comes the Sundance Film Festival hit, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, which offers a passionate and inspirational look at one man's fervent crusade to halt global warming's deadly progress in its tracks by exposing the myths and misconceptions that surround it. That man is former Vice President Al Gore, who, in the wake of defeat in the 2000 election, re-set the course of his life to focus on a last-ditch, all-out effort to help save the planet from irrevocable change. In this eye-opening and poignant portrait of Gore and his "traveling global warming show," Gore also proves himself to be one of the most misunderstood characters in modern American public life. Here he is seen as never before in the media - funny, engaging, open and downright on fire about getting the surprisingly stirring truth about what he calls our "planetary emergency" out to ordinary citizens before it's too late.

TRAILER

REGISTER FOR FREE

Games Night @ TPY Central CC

Guru gamers at The Singapore Boardgames Meetup are coming to teach us some really cool games!

Come play with us!

Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC (Activity Room 5 #05-03)

Register Free:
Although its free, please register. Your registration will help us to make Games Night sustainable. You can register over the CC office counter (latest on the actual day)

Register online here!

Our Location

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Board Games, Card Games, Party Games, WAR GAMES

This time, its bigger and better! Guru gamers at The Singapore Boardgames Meetup are coming to teach us some really cool games! Come play with us!

29 July 2009

Toa Payoh Central CC

Conference Room (4th floor)

Registration is required though but can be done online at http://one.pa.gov.sg/.

Search for activity code A14171803

Email tin797@yahoo.com.sg for more info

Volunteers Needed For School Camp

22 volunteers for the Spastic Children's Association School (SCAS) School Camp. Find out how you can help here.

WFP: Badminton

Join us for a night of fun filled badminton session. Free for PAssion member. $10 for non-PAssion member.

Activity: A14195019
Date: 4 Aug 09
Time: 8pm to 10pm
Venue: TPY Central CC MPH
BYO racquet (or borrow from someone)

Registration required but can be done online.

http://one.pa.gov.sg/CRMSPortal/CRMSPortal.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=CRMSPortal_1&_urlType=render&_mode=view&CRMSPortal_1_action=ACMParticipantMaintain&_pageLabel=CRMSPortal_page_1&IdProdInst=14195019&CWT=

2 STAR Kayaking Course

Keen in taking 2 STAR Kayaking at a discounted rate(#)?
Details as follows:-

Activity: A14177941

Course: 2 STAR Kayaking
Dates: 10, 11, 18 Oct 09 (Sat, Sun, Sun)
Time: 9.30am to 5pm
Venue: Changi Water Venture


Cost:
$54 (#)(Water Venture member)
$95 (PAssion Card Only)
$105 (Non member)


Registration:
- At TPY Central CC counter only.
- Fill in two forms. (email guohui@gmail.com for the forms or get it at the CC counter)
- Registration closes 8 Aug 09.
- NOTE that you can sign up for Water Venture and PAssion Membership at the Counter too. (Please register before signing up for a preferential rate.)

Mt Semeru Training Schedule

The organizers of the Mt Semeru have lined up the following training schedule. You are welcome to join us even if you're not going.

1. 15 Jul (Wed) 0730 pm - Staircase Climbing @ Blk 79D
2. 19 Jul (Sun) 0900 am - Bt Timah Hiking
3. 22 Jul (Wed) 0900 pm - Staircase Climbing @ Blk 79D*
4. 26 Jul (Sun) 0900 am - Bt Timah Hiking
5. 29 Jul (Wed) 0730 pm - Staircase Climbing @ Blk 79D
6. 02 Aug (Sun) 0900 am - Bt Timah Hiking

There will be a compulsory safety brief conducted on 22 July, 8 pm at the ARC Room. We will proceed to do staircase climbing after the brief.

Additional Session:

18 Jul (Sat) 0830 am - Bt Timah Hiking (Email guohui@gmail.com if you're coming)

TPAC Games Night

... is now a regular feature

every first Tuesday of the month...

Email tin797@yahoo.com.sg

POSTPONED -> Gunung Lambak Day Trip 18 July

Due to the volatile H1N1 situation, this trip will be postponed.
Do watch out for more updates about this activity in the future.

Mt Semeru Trip Briefing 1 July

For those who have signed up for the coming Mt Semeru Trip: There will be a trip briefing this coming Wednesday, 1 July 2009. Please be at the ARC at 745 pm. Your attendance is necessary.

Project IDentity 2009

Find out more about the project http://projid09.wordpress.com/

Free & Easy Wednesdays @ 79D

This is for those who

• have gained 5kg and want to lose weight
• want to maintain general fitness at absolutely $0
• want a break from their usual exercise programme
• are training for KK, Semeru, India, Lambak
• want to see their friends (its not the activity, its the company)
• want to go for kopi (and gossip) session after the climb

We are climbing this Wednesday (and several more Wednesdays) from 7:30 pm onwards till about 10:00 pm. If you're late, 79D is the place. How much load, how many sets, you decide! Climb on!

Gunung Lambak Day Trip 18 July

Gunung Lambak is a popular day trek destination with the locals and rises 510m above sea levels. The trek is an upward climb with lots of scrambling but should be completed in approximately 2-3 hours for a hiker of reasonable fitness. There is a radio tower and a shelter at the summit. From the summit, you will be able to get a birds eye view of the town of Kluang. Photo-opportunities are available with a sign that indicates that the trekker is at the summit.

Though this is considered a beginner's trail, it can be quite intense due to the steep climb (if you're less fit). Staircase climbing training is required to enjoy the trek. (You are welcome to join the bunch of us who are training for a few other treks or for general fitness at the 40-storey flats in Toa Payoh)

Gunung Lambak Day Trip

18 July 09 (Sat)

Register by 3 July 2009 (Fri)

0700 - 2230 hours

Kluang, Johor, Malaysia

S$35.00

Cost includes 2-way transport between Larkin and Gunung Lambak, dinner, and insurance. If you've never hiked with us overseas before, we will require you to get a tentanus jab and medical clearance from your family doctor prior to the trip.

Registration is now open over the counter at Toa Payoh Central CC only. Inquire within now or simply quote the activity code 'A14064446' when you register (You will need to provide your information in the overseas expedition form provided, so please make sure you have your passport information with you)

Itinerary (subject to changes):
0715: Meet at Kranji MRT
0930: Reach Larkin
1000: Bus to Kluang
1130: Early Lunch
1215: Head to Gunung Lambak
1230: Start Trek
1430: Reach Summit
1445: Descend
1630: Reach base. Wash-up
1700: Cab to Kluang
1730: Dinner
1900: Bus to Larkin
2100: Reach Larkin. Head for Singapore
2230: Home Sweet Home

Questions? Email guohui@gmail.com.

WFP? Can eat or not?

The Wellness & Fitness Programme (WFP) started in July 2005, soon after the end of the 12th Basic Outdoor Adventure Training Course by ever-energetic volunteers amongst the 12th BOATERS in the company and enthusiasm of their new found friends. Today, it continues to be organised by volunteers who are mostly ex-boaters.

The motivation behind was more than fitness. More than ever, it was purely to relive the moments that they have had together in the 3 months together, the friendship and the camaraderie which pulled many heart strings alike, with the added bonus of being able to get off and hike any mountain anytime a trip comes up or anytime they feel like a climb.

Even though BOAT was over, the spirit of BOAT remains. This marked the beginning of their adventure journey (and more to come) together in the Toa Payoh Adventure Club as even closer friendships were forged. Activities were wide ranging and anything goes as long as there was interest.

Free-spirited adventurers they were. From yoga to jogging to badminton, swimming, rock climbing, blading and even training for marathons and adventure races together. Basically, this is a non-structured programme and we welcome you even if you do not know us.

Badminton Session

We have not forgotton about our ever popular monthly badminton sessions. We are proud to bring this back to you at no cost. Bring your own racquets and come on down for a smashing good time~!

Mark this date in your calendar now. See you on 07 July 09, 2000 - 2200 hours @ TPY Central CC MPH.

Your RSVP is required. Email guohui@gmail.com.

The Starlight Club

The Youth Executive Committee (YEC) have just launched a community service club – “The Starlight Club”, under the youth group on Sunday, 15th March 2009. In their efforts to promote greater inclusivity in the community, the YEC have initiated a pilot project to establish and provide support to youths with special needs in the community (i.e. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) by:

1. providing the liaison between special schools and community to ensure that youths with special needs continue to have meaningful social activities and social support after they leave schools;
2. organizing suitable activities for different activity groups of beneficiaries;
3. connecting existing community support groups with beneficiaries.

The YEC are looking for young people, or the young at heart to contribute their time and efforts to assisting youths with special needs and youths at risk to integrate into the community

To know more about YEC and The Starlight Club, please visit YEC’s websites at

• http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central
• http://starlightclub.multiply.com

What's Next?

BOAT is over. What's next? Gunung Lambak. Its the "Bukit Timah" of the locals there, only three times higher. A great workout anytime. Shouldn't we be scaling greater heights? Definitely. We'd like to take it slow and to think big but start small. A few of us will be visiting Semeru, Kinabalu and India come August. We've got many interesting programmes lined up. Check out our calendar to find out more!!

New Web Address

This blog will bear the following URL with immediate effect.
http://toapayohadventureclub.blogspot.com/

TPAC Games Night @ ARC

Date: 17 June 2009 (Wed)
Time: 7pm to 10pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Central C.C. @ ARC.

Who will be there: Tin, Waiman, Huixia, Vincent(12th BOAT), Jo & Poh Kiat.

Games we have:

• Settlers of Catan,
• Aquarium (?)
• Ugly Dolls
• Poker
• Jenga
• Twister
• More...

Bring your own:

• Food!
• Chocolate!
• Games!
• Please do not bring Mahjong (wait police catch)

Who can come: Anyone! Come and make some friends! Bring your friends!

Footnote: This is a casual gathering, please leave a comment on http://tpadventure.multiply.com/journal/item/68 or email tin797@yahoo.com.sg so we know how many to expect.

14th BOAT Graduation

we have survived

congrats to all 14th boaters

[PAYM] - Come join us at the PAYM Policy Forum @ Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC: Dialects in Singapore - The "Forgotten" Tongue on Saturday, 27 June 2009

The Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committees invite you to:

PAYM Policy Forum
Dialects in Singapore -
The "Forgotten" Tongue

Have YOUths lost their dialects?
Should learning of dialects be advocated in Singapore?

Guest-of-Honour:

Mrs Josephine Teo

Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC

Adviser to Bishan-Toa Payoh GROs

Event details:

Date: Saturday, 27 June 2009

Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm (Registration starts at 1.15pm)

Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC, Theatrette, Level 3

93 Toa Payoh Central

Toa Payoh Central Community Building

Singapore 319194

Registration:

For enquiries and registration, please email bishantpyec@gmail.com

by Wednesday, 24 June 2009.

Let's Play Badminton!

We had a good first 2009 badminton WFP! There were a lot of enthusiatic players. So mark this on your calendar now!

Date: 7 Apr 09 (Tues)
Time: 2000 - 2200
Place: TPY Central CC MPH
Activity: F&E Badminton in 2 courts!

RSVP to guohui@gmail.com

Say HI to the 14th BOATERS

HI!

WFP >> Badminton

Join us for a night of badminton fun! Two courts have been reserved specially for us to play all we want. Hurry, because courts are limited! RSVP with guohui@gmail.com

No RSVP, No Play.

See you on 24 March 2009 @ Toa Payoh Central CC Badminton Court, 8 pm!

3 more days

Only 3 More Days! Are you all ready and geared up?

Thank you for all the emails and responses that have been coming in.
Our online registration has officially come to an end.

If you would still like to be part of this happy family (and we do have 4 vacancies left). You will need to register personally at the Toa Payoh Central CC.

The Orientation Camp is starting this Saturday!
Get ready for an adventure of your lifetime!

14th BOAT Orientation Update

Come 7th Mar, we will be doing this for the fourteenth time.

For those who have registered, do bear with us a little while longer as we are collating all the necessary names, contact numbers and email addresses. If you do not receive a call or email from us on the 4th Mar, please email 14thboat @ gmail.com immediately. Remember to leave your contact numbers so that we can return the call. Alternatively, do call the CC @ 6252 1249. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

For those who have yet to register, hurry and register for the course by the 1 Mar because we will be sending out all the relevant information on 4 Mar and we do not want to miss you out!

See you @ 14th BOAT!

BOAT Registration is closing...1st Mar 2009

We would like to remind you that the closing date for registration is 1st Mar 2009. As the number of participants for this course is limited to only 40 and the next 15th B.O.A.T is in Year 2011, we urge you to register early to avoid disappointment.

Registration can be done at the Toa Payoh Central CC (or your nearest CC) counter or online via http://one.pa.gov.sg/ (Use Internet Explorer if possible as it does not work well on other browsers)

If you got some time, check out our pictures and videos of past BOATs (and our other adventures) at : http://tpadventure.multiply.com

Hesitate no more. 2 years is a long time to wait.

LOVE in the ZOO - Sun, 22 Feb (8am - 3pm)

Mini Treasure Hunt

This is a mini treasure hunt for you! Sorry, there are no prizes for guessing.

Have you figured it out yet?

Check out our posters at New Balance!

If you happen to be shopping at one of the 3 New Balance concept stores located at Velocity, Junction 8 or Raffles Shopping Centre, do check out our B.O.A.T. poster and flyers there!

14th BOAT Course Preview

Email 14thboat@gmail.com

Happy Moo Year!

http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central/ is up!

http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central/

Register for 14th BOAT now

We have a course preview coming on the 6 Feb at Toa Payoh Central CC. The organisers will be there to answer any questions you may have. Registration for both the course preview and the course can be done online via http://one.pa.gov.sg/.

If for some reason you are unable to find it, you may want to use the keyword, "B.O.A.T. Preview" for the preview or "14th BOAT" for the main course and do a search under Toa Payoh Central CC.

http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central/

Our official website is facing some technical issues right now. We are looking into it and hope it will be up in a jiffy. We apologize for the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.

• If you have queries regarding 14th BOAT, please do not hesitate to email 14thboat. gmail.com immediately.


• For all other queries, you may email toa_payoh_central@paym.org.sg


• Alternatively, you may call the CC at 6252 1249 between 0930 am - 0930 pm.
  
  

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/

14th BOAT Poster

Sometimes, in order to experience the finer things in life, we have to go back to the basics. Join us for an unforgettable taste of the great outdoors and embark on a journey of discovery about nature, friendship and most importantly, yourself! For more than 30 years now, more than 500 participants have gone through this programme run by volunteers with a passion to share their love for the outdoors! Through experiential learning and self discovery, you gain an insight to outdoor adventure. Forge strong relationships with team-mates as you conquer a mountain together! The Basic Outdoor Adventure Training (B.O.A.T.) Course is an award-winning programme conducted by the Toa Payoh Adventure Club. It achieved the prestigious People's Association Special Award for introducing a wide range of outdoor activities for novice adventure enthusiasts.

14th BASIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRAINING
07 March 2009 ~ 14 June 2009
Members: S$320; Non Members: S$325
Send your inquiries to 14thboat@gmail.com now
Register over the counter at Toa Payoh Central CC now!!

Click to view larger version

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We wish you more good years ahead!

14th BOAT Course Preview (A13323119)

If you're interested to find out more about the course, do drop by on 6 Feb at the Toa Payoh Central CC. Register for it now because vaccancies are limited. See you there!

http://one.pa.gov.sg/CRMSPortal/CRMSPortal.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=CRMSPortal_1&_urlType=render&_mode=view&CRMSPortal_1_action=ACMParticipantMaintain&_pageLabel=CRMSPortal_page_1&IdProdInst=13323119&CWT=

(By the way, I think the url works better on IE)

We have a new web address!

This is the new website address: http://14thboat.blogspot.com.
Bookmark us and drop by often for updates!

14th Basic Outdoor Adventure Training (A13210784)

The long awaited BOAT Course is here again. Expose yourself to the world of camping with new found friends, trekking with Mother Nature, navigation, campcraft, ropework, abseiling, sports climbing and the likes...Make new friends, its now or never. Don't miss the BOAT~!

Register at the CC main office now. We have a banner outside the CC, just opposite the Toa Payoh Central Library. Visit Toa Payoh Central CC (6252 1249) to register now. Vacancies are limited.

Email 14thboat@gmail.com for more info.

14th BOAT

14th BOAT... .
...coming soon :)

Are we forgetting someone Special?

From PAYM Policy Forum

The Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC Youth Executive Committees invites you to:

PAYM Policy Forum
Are we forgetting someone Special
- Is there a place for the youth with special needs in Singapore?

How much does the mainstream society understand about the youth with special needs?
What are the challenges faced by the youth?
Can the youth with special needs be vocationally active?
What form of support can the community offer to these youths and their families?


Event details:

Date:
Saturday, 22 November 2008

Admission:
Free (Join us for dinner after the Forum)

Time:
5.00pm – 7.00pm (registration starts at 4.15pm)

Venue:
Toa Payoh Central CC, Theatre, Level 3
93 Toa Payoh Central
#01-01 Toa Payoh Central Community Building
Singapore 319194

(Opposite Toa Payoh Community Library)

Our panellists

Guest-of-Honour: Mrs Josephine Teo
Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC


Mrs June Tham
Executive Director, Rainbow Centre

Mrs June Tham has devoted more than 20 years to the education of children with special needs. Mrs Tham joined the Margaret Drive Special School as its Principal and Executive Director in 1989. The school came under the umbrella of Rainbow Centre (RC) in 1992 when the latter was founded.

Rainbow Centre (RC) is a voluntary welfare organisation with a mission to enhance the quality of life of children with special needs through education and training to enable them to achieve their fullest potential.

Mrs Tham spearheaded the growth of RC by developing two purpose-built special schools, expanding the early intervention programme to serve more children. She also started the Training & Consultancy Unit to train teachers, professionals and parents.


Mr Adrian Yap
Winner of The Amazing Race Asia Season 2

Adrian’s innate hearing disability has not stopped him from being a high achiever. In the recent “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2”, Adrian and his partner emerged the winners, proving that his disability does not get in his way.

Apart from his thirst for challenges, Adrian also enjoys picking up different languages. He is also an ardent fan of ancient Chinese and Asian history.


Registration

For enquiries and registration, please email toa_payoh_central@paym.org.sg by Thursday, 20 November 2008

or register online at http://www.pa.gov.sg/

Activity Code: (A12998063)

North Eastern India Sildeshow by Seng Hock

Date: Jun 4, '08 8:00p
Location: Toa Payoh Central C.C.

Silde show by Seng HockThe North-Eastern part of India is a melting pot of minority tribes and cultures. The area has long been closed to outsider for its sensitive and strategic location. Its culture is very much intact but will change as the region opens up in recent years.

Check out our multiply for more details
http://tpadventure.multiply.com/calendar/item/10149

Photography Sharing

Date: 5 Dec (Wednesday)Time: 7:30pmVenue: Toa Payoh Central C.C., Ground floor discussion room.

A showcase of works by 5 awesome photographers during their trip to Indonesia, professional standard but presenting to us FREE!

Beautiful beautiful photos! How beautiful? Look at the attached poster.

great huh!
details http://tpadventure.multiply.com/journal/item/46/
Come support okay!

ABSEILING PROFICIENCY COURSE LEVELS I & II

The Toa Payoh Adventure Club will be organising the long awaited Abseiling Proficiency Course again.

ABSEILING PROFICIENCY COURSE LEVELS I & II
APC1 (28, 29 July 2007)
APC2 (4, 5 Aug 2007)
Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC
Cost: $160 (member) / $180 (non member)

* Course includes both theory and practical lessons.
* All equipment will be provided.
* Saturday lessons will start in the afternoon (2pm)
* Sunday lessons will be for a full day (9am - 6pm)
* Attire: Long pants and covered shoes mandatory.
* Certificates of Proficiency will be issued upon course completion.

Hurry, there are only 20 places! First come first served. Do register by 21 July 2007.
Register @ the Toa Payoh Central CC office NOW.

PROJECT C.A.N. 2007!

Toa Payoh Central CC Youth Executive Committee &
NUS Students¡¯ Community Service Club proudly presents,
PROJECT C.A.N. 2007! ~ Collection in Aid of the Needy

PROJECT C.A.N is here again! Representing the theme "Collection in Aid of the Needy", or Project C.A.N for short, this annual NUS Student Community Service Club project aims to stir up the spirit of volunteerism among our youths, and at the same time, provide assistance to the those who are needy in the central region of Singapore. Altogether, we hope to collect 8000 canned food items to benefit 300 households. Project C.A.N. will be made up of the following three phases and we hope you can sign up as a volunteer to join us in spreading the warmth!

C.A.N. COLLECT: To be held on the 15th July, this will be a door-to-door collection of canned food and volunteers will be split into as many as 15 groups, with each group handling about 6-8 blocks of flats. We’ll be collecting from the central neighbourhood (Ang Mo Kio, Toa-Payoh, and Thomson) this year.

C.A.N. CHALLENGE: To be held from the 20th till the 22nd of July, this will be a joint effort between NUS Community Service Club and 3 NTUC Fairprice. Booths will be set up at 3 NTUC Fairprice outlets, to challenge the public to donate canned food generously to benefit the elderly and needy, and at the same time bringing greater awareness of the existence of the poor.

C.A.N. DISTRIBUTE: The final phase of our project - we hope to bring a beautiful conclusion to it all. We will go to the flats of our beneficiaries to distribute the canned food we have collected.

More information @ http://can.nuscsc.net/

13th BOAT Course Preview

If you're wondering what B.O.A.T is all about, then you got to come and find out from the very people who have been through the course itself, straight from the horse's mouth.

Register for the BOAT Course Preview online now.

10 Jan 2007, Wed, 8pm

Toa Payoh Central Community Club

Mini Theatre

Bring yourself, bring your friends!

See You There!

All ex-BOATers are welcome to join us.

13th BOAT Registration

13th BOAT Registration is now OPEN.

Visit http://www2.paym.org.sg/toa_payoh_central

or

Email 13thboat@gmail.com

for more information!

BASIC ICE CLIMBING COURSE @ China

Toa Payoh Adventure Club will be organising a course presentation on: -
BASIC ICE CLIMBING COURSE @ China

Activity Code: A20060239
Date: 30/11/2006, 8pm
Venue: Toa Payoh Central CC, Mini Theatre
Cost: Free-Of-Charge

You can register at the CC Counter or click on: http://160.96.187.35/NASApp/cconline/activityDetail.do?activityCode=A20060239&cccode=5790

This course is designed to equip the participants with the basicskills of ice-climbing. Upon completion of the course, participantswill be awarded with a Certificate of Competency endorsed byOutward Bound Singapore and the Singapore MountaineeringFederation.

The course content will include:
• Introduction to climbing gears;
• Using of crampons, ice axe;
• Walking on ice, Belaying;
• Climbing Techniques; and
• Safety and Risk Management.

Course Dates:
08 - 15 February 2007
20 - 27 February 2007

Course Duration:
10 days (2 days in OBS; 8 days in China)

Course Capacity:
12 Participants

Course Location:
Beijing, China

Speaker:
Mr Raymond Lee

My 12th BOAT Overseas Expedition

12th BOAT's "Overseas Expedition @ Mt Ophir"

Wow! Finally, friday arrived! Can't help feeling so excited about the final trek that even a huge hiccup at work dim dampened my excitement. Stepping into TPAC room, some of my friends are already there, some was packing their bag while some was distributing food items. After the briefing by the in-charges, we gathered our enormous bagpack and set off to MT Ophir.

It was about 3am when we reached our campsite at the foot. Everywhere is in pitch dark, with our touch light as our guiding lamp. The thought of having only 3 hrs of beauty sleep expedite the process of meeting zhou gong. Was giggling in my dream that luckily i wasn't the one who need to wake up early to prepare breakfast for the 3 days. ;p The thing of sleeping in outdoor is that even though the ground is hard, maybe sometimes having some inclination, well, worst still, i hate most is a damp tent, i really enjoyed the feeling of waking up in the forest with full satisfaction to the sense of hearing and viewing the nature.

We took the Asahan trail up Mt Ophir. The terrain is not that steep or difficult which i thought it is. The only part which was still fresh in my mind is the steep rock which i used up all my arm power to pull my rope with all my strengths which i realised on that night with aching body. Oh yes, except for a small rain that occured along the way, the next very very minor event that i experienced is bumping my head against a fallen truck. ha ha... was busy watching my steps on the ground that i forgot my to see upfront. hai... really cannot multi task. "Dr Chu" was pretty nice to apply ointment on my head but without STERILISING his hand! We reached our second campsite in late afternoon. After pitching our tents, we settled down to prep and cook dinner. Our menu for Day 2 is hainanese chicken rice (er... without chicken) and streamboat! I had my fills compared to camp 2, perhaps is due to not being the in-charge for food this time round. 'Beautiful' is not enough to describe the surrounding. That moment i watched the whole process of sun set. I really wish for this scene to appear infront of me everytime when i am feeling down. It was so serene. That night i couldn't sleep well, maybe is due to the very cold temperature, was actually shivering but do not dare to tell leslie coz he warned us to bring enough clothing or else he will strip us and place a guy in sleeping bag together with us if we experienced hypertermia.

The next morning, we woke up early to climb to the submit. If only we can camp up there, we can have sun break in front of us too. The afternoon sun was blazing hot. After taken lots of photos, we proceed to our next destination, the square pool. Personally, i felt that this portion of the hike is more siong, esp when we need to cross some danger spots e.g. KFC (Killer For Climber). Wow, no words can describe that, i was like "Oh my god" whenever i saw one cliff followed by another cliff. I knew that i have to mobilise my whole body together with my brain. In short, i am a very lazy person, i would prefer partial usage. :p But it was very fortunate that i have this gang of friends or faciliators to set up safety point here and there and the effort they put in in running up and down to help those weaker ones. It was pitch dark when we reached our 3rd campsite. After analysing the danger in trekking at darkness and the trail ahead, we decided not to camp at the square pool but further away. At this moment, everyone is so tired that what they wished for is not food but zzz...

Finally, we trekked down to the opposite side of Mt Ophir. The end is always sweet and bitter. The former is due to we have suceeded in climbing Ophir. The latter is the fact that we might not get together again to do this adventure as a whole group. But whatever it is, like what Yuchze sang in our bus ride home,

for you my dear friends
i'll be always on your side
当你很想远离痛苦寻找爱
with you, my dear friend
越过高山和大海
勇敢面对危险
(we're)on the road again

BOAT Reunion 2006

BOAT Reunion - 07 Oct 2006 - registration deadline extended!

Hey BOATERS! The deadline for registration has been extended to the 05 Oct 2006! What are you waiting for? Come on down to the CC and register in your groups of eight or click on http://160.96.187.35/NASApp/cconline/activityDetail.do?activityCode=A20060190&cccode=5790

See you very soon!

Love,
Toa Payoh Adventure Club

BOAT Reunion 2006

Dearest BOATERS,

“Do you remember the fresh smell of grass in the morning,the ferns and the mossy rocks along the path we climbed together.Do you remember the stars at night, the fireflies and the warmth of the campfire.Most of all, do you remember the singing, the sharing, and the laughter?"

It’s been a while.. Let’s meet up soon!

Let’s catch up with dinner, a nostalgic candlelight campfire, and a cosy tea and mooncakes chit-chat session.

On 7 Oct 2006, Saturday
From 7.00pm to 10.00pm
At Toa Payoh Central CC, 3rd Floor open area & Mini-theatre
Dress Code - Your B.O.A.T T-shirt (Highly recommended)

Register with your fellow B.O.A.Ters NOW!!

• Hammock Package @ $12 if you sign up alone.
• 4-men Tent Package @ $40 per group of 4

(Register online at http://160.96.187.35/NASApp/cconline/activityDetail.do?activityCode=A20060190&cccode=5790 or at CC counter).

• Expedition Package @ $64 per group of 8 (Register at CC Counter Only)

See you real soon!

Go to our yahoogroup for more details.

Let's Go Rainbow Waterfall

Rainbow Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Malaysia where waterfall drop vertically splashes down, reaches the bottom as mist and forms a rainbow when the sun is at a certain angle.

Join us for Rainbow WaterfallTrek on 22 to 24 Sept 2006 at

Sungai Lembing, Kuantan (Pahang).

Registration closing date: Sun, 10 Sept 2006

Sungei Yong Waterfall Abseiling

Sungei Yong Waterfall Abseiling
30 Sep 2005 - 02 October 2005
by Josephine Poh
Toa Payoh Central YEC Adventure Secretary

Did you know that no two trips are the same? The different elements of a trip never fail to make it so, each time, you a different surprise too. Sungei Yong is not an extremely spectacular waterfall but what it has to offer is relatively unspoilt nature within close proximity. It is located at the north face of Gunung Belumit, Kluang (Johor) and has a 2-step water that is 80m in height at its highest. Sungei Yong is also a destination ideal for beginners to apply the skills they learnt.

Being technical in nature, all participants had to be sufficiently equipped with abseiling proficiency skills for when you are down there, its nothing by you, your rope and your equipment. This was a trip organized as a motivation for taking up the Abseiling Proficiency Course for some of us. And for the rest of us, it was just a chance to just go for a trip and be surrounded by nature.

Things were much simpler for me since I did none of the planning, though I did attempt to change the food plan so that we could have something more satisfying after a long day.

It was pitch dark when we arrived at our base camp (entrance of Belumut) for the night. On seeing such a large group of 20 of us, the “caretakers” at Belumut simply took the opportunity to earn a few quick bucks out of us and offered the porch of their home to us for the night.


We set off after breakfast and our last chance to visit a "civilized toilet". The hike to the waterfalls was a short one. Nothing strenuous or exhausting but we had to cross a small gully by balancing ourselves on beams strategically placed. Rumor has it that there are tigers in Sungei Yong. The recce team confirmed it. We saw the fresh tiger footprints on our way in and out.

Because it had been raining the night before, our safety officer decided that the large volumes of water made it impossible and dangerous for canyoning. We settled for one with less vertical descends. The way down was extremely slippery and at some places, bore sharp edges. It was very difficult not to slip. We had to be really mindful about where we stepped or placed our hands. Our technical team set up two lines and with the safety precautions in place, we were all ready to go. It was a good experience for the first timers and also a whole new experience for repeat canyoners. The terrain was stepped, so it felt like walking down a staircase at certain parts.

Though there was a lot of free time while waiting for the lanes to be available, it was not wasted. And those who found their spot in the sun had a wonderful time sun bathing and napping at the same time. With the sounds of the water flowing in the background, smell of the lush green forests and air that cannot be fresher, this is what we also know to be a "natural spa", perfect for unwinding and relaxing. We had the luxury of some splashing good fun in the waters before heading home too.

It was rained cats and dogs! Still, I think we ought to be thankful for the good weather for heaven has been kind to only allow it to rain only towards the end of the day. Till then, I will always remember the 10 packets (100) of hotdogs we had in those 2 days!

Pengarang Weekend Cycling

Pengarang Weekend Cycling Trip, 16 - 17 July 2005
Serene Giam (12th BOATER)

Hitting the road again on a gloomy day, our first overseas trip after 12th BOAT started off at Changi Village, where we rented mountain bikes and helmet from our usual supplier "Mr BIKE". Threats of an imminent rain were a trivial issue to us as we have already gotten used to hostile weather during our adventure course. Venturing in good spirits, we headed for the jetty.

We made a painful decision to leave two of our members in a separate bumboat as each boat could only take 13 passengers. As expected, the bumboat ride was a wobbly one due to the waves caused by the drizzling rain. The whole journey took 15 minutes longer than the original schedule because we had to make a detour due to an on-going land reclamation project. We started taking pictures of one another to past time. The photo of the day was one, which featured three pairs of hairy legs standing on the deck. Till today, I believe the "models" do not know about its existence.

As a safety precaution, we have assigned buddies for those who are weaker in cycling; it was definitely a relief to me. After some warm up exercise, the group rolled off at 11:20am along the small fishing village of Pengarang. The rain had gone. Cool breeze and countryside scenery embraced us as we cycled along a flat, tarred road. This reminds me of a scene taken off from a popular Thailand movie, "My Girl" where a group of teenagers cycled care freely in a quiet country surrounding. Along the way, we "met" our support vehicle, with our backup rider in it.

In the first quarter of the journey, one of our biker’s tyre was punctured by small pebbles. Our "repairman" took out his repair kit and spare tube and he started a repair operation for the bicycle. Soon we continued our journey to Sungai Rengit town. Flashes of kampong and sea view greeted us but nothing can be compared to the friendly waves of the village folks. Perhaps that is the reason why we missed our correct turn and ended up in a dead end, which was quickly rectified.

Being inexperienced, panic finally got to me and upon reaching the busy town; I braked suddenly, nearly crashed into a stationary vehicle and fell. My angels (read: first aiders) came to my rescue. After lunch at a seafood restaurant, we continued with the next quarter of our journey but this time round, the backup rider took my place. The view out of the car window was definitely less satisfying than riding in the open with the nature. How I wished I could be out sweating with the rest when cycling up the slope!

At about 4pm, gentle winds from the sea welcomed us to Tanjong Sepang resort. Some stayed in the resort to rest while most of us continued to cycle along the relaxing and quiet country atmosphere, with tall lalang grasses brushing our legs. The serenity of the sea seemed to be inviting us to have a dip and we gladly accepted. We walked to the "rock island" which was about 50m away from the beach and sat down to feel the sea breeze blowing lightly on our face before we our volleyball competition by the beach.

Perhaps sensing our tiredness, the kind resort owner helped us to set up the BBQ fire. Soon after, we had a table of fish, prawns, hot-dogs, chicken-wings, fried rice and fried bee-hoon for dinner barbequed by our diligent guys. It was a surprise birthday celebration for 2 of our members on the trip, Ridzwan and Joyce. We had secretly bought a cake Kota Tinggi town. Group pictures were taken and memories were kept.

Unlike our usual trekking activities, we skipped the washing up parts as they were taken care by the owners. We enjoyed the luxury of bathing and chit chatting into the night.

The next day at 8 a.m., alarm clock (someone's voice) woke us up for a scrumptious breakfast of mee goreng, nasi lemak, curry puff, milo and kopi. We stayed around to chitchat after breakfast with topics ranging from sharing of cycling expertise e.g. when to change gears to sharing of traveling experience.

With heavy footsteps, we left the resort in the late morning and continued the same way back to Sungai Rengit town. Along the way, the back-up rider was activated again as one of our riders was overcome with tiredness and fatigue.

As the sun began to set, we are back at the Changi Village hawker center for a reward of ice kacang.

An Overseas Expedition - A Participant's Perspective

Overseas Expedition, A Participant's Perspective - 20 to 23 May 2005 12th BOATER Soon Tze Chien

On the same day that Buddha gained his enlightenment more than 2,500 years ago, the team from Toa Payoh Adventure Club (TPAC) 12^th Basic Outdoor Adventure Training (BOAT) achieved our own pinnacle. We conquered Gunung Ledang, more popularly known as Mount Ophir, after three months of intense preparation. At 1,276 m above sea level, it is considered the sixth toughest mountain to climb in Malaysia with its challenging mountain trails and cascading waterfalls.

After repeated attempts of forcing my backpack into our bus storage area, it dawned on me that this was not going to be an easy trip, if this beginning was any indication. Especially when the gods had never favoured us. In our earlier attempts at defying the elements, we were drenched by rain, chased by bees and bitten by blood-sucking leeches.

It was already 4 am when we reached our campsite for the first night. It was no mean feat to wake up after only three hours of sleep. And instead of becoming a grouchy monster, we had to be like guardian angels. For our entertainment group had come up with a brilliant game to spice up the trip – making each of us the guardian angels of two "mortals", people we had to be nice to, no matter what. And so I did. I offered my unsuspecting "mortal" my unwanted ration to lighten my own load.

Even though the facilitators did the ritual known as "chilli bawang", where they poked an onion and a chilli over a satay stick to fend off the rain, the dreaded rain hit us nonetheless. If there is indeed a "rain god" in our team, that person must be our team’s guardian angel, sending us through difficulties to make us stronger.

All of us braved the cold to reach our camping ground near the summit at Asahan Trail, a scenic area overlooking the sunset. And what a dazzling sunset it was! The forest cover was shrouded in a sea of clouds. As the sun slipped down the horizon, the sky turned from yellow to red to violet. I realised then that if the rain had not come and cleared away the clouds, we would never have seen the setting sun in its full brilliance. Behind every cloud, there is indeed a silver lining!

As the cicadas started their rounds of mating calls, we started our games for the night. We played the "Human Jackpot", "Guessing Numbers" and acted out a self-improvised sketch "Love Generation 2005". As the last sketch concluded, the participants were left with the closing line: "In 12^th BOAT, it does not matter who you love, what matters is teamwork."

But to some, it did matter. For it was in 12^th BOAT that some participants found love. As the moon cast its pallor of light over us, the lovers sneaked off for their rendezvous. As one of those guys whom Cupid had chosen to save his arrow, I joined a few other forsaken team mates in lying down and enjoying the stars, pretending that it did not matter.

The dawn of the new day was spent sitting down with two special friends and enjoying the peace. That peace was transient, but the memory of it will last a lifetime. Before long, the camp came alive. Some started cooking oats on the Indian pots. Gals and guys wrapped tightly in their windbreakers were brushing their teeth under the icy cold water. After our breakfast, we started our warm-ups. The warm-ups soon became really hot when we learned an alternative occupation - pole dancing from our very own professional.

We were by then raring to go. Singing and teasing punctuated the walk but there was still a final challenge waiting for us before the summit - a steep cliff face where each of us had to hang onto the ropes for our dear life.

When we saw the panorama at the summit, all our efforts seemed worth it. We jostled to pose for photos. Some brought out their cherished celebration drinks. There were slapping of backs and heightened laughter. We were finally here.

The climb down via the Sagil Trail was no less exciting. At KFC (Killers-for-Climbers), participants who feared heights found that their fear was not enough to stop them. Another lesser fear was to fall on me. I had to borrow a sarong because I had torn my pyjama pants in the most strategic area. Luckily the tear was small enough to be stitched back. But the tear to my image would probably take a while longer to fix.

After a laborious 12-hours trek, we eventually reached an open area in the pitch dark. To our disappointment, that was not a designated and approved campsite in Mount Ophir. *Sigh* We BOATers were dry on water and drained out both physically and mentally. Morale was near rock bottom. We heaved a sigh of relief however when the guides informed us that the actual campsite at Square Pool was fully occupied and we could stay and camp at our current location. Despite our exhaustion, we still chatted for the last night.

From there to the ground, it was an easy 3-hours climb in the morning. We stopped at the waterfall to enjoy our "Jacuzzi". As the rush of water washed over us, the grime and worries evaporated, leaving us rejuvenated.

As our bus moved off for the ride back home to Singapore, our eyes were drawn to the peak of Mt Ophir for the final time. A flood of images flashed across my mind: physical training, day hike, night walk, abseiling, kayaking, camp at Changi, camp at Panti and finally this overseas expedition. I was shaken from my reverie by the team belting out songs and yet another scene of two hapless guys "kissing".

It seemed remarkable that just three months ago, these people were strangers to me. I see them now as my special fireflies, illuminating my path and brightening my heart. We had shared, laughed and cried together. How can I not miss you all? I definitely will.