Two weeks before the CLDS start, there is a briefing about the seminar at St. John Ambulance Headquaters. Due to some family problem, I didn’t attend for the briefing. I would like to say sorry for that.
On 19 August 2006, I arrive at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Bintang Utara, Taman Shamelin Perkasa at 8.15 a.m with my friend. I was shocked because I didn’t expect so many SJAM members from other school join this seminar. On the same time, my friends and I keep on wandering what will happen later. While waiting all of the members to arrive, we stand together and try to memorize the SJAM song ‘Berkhidmat Bagi Manusia’ because all of us scare that we will be punish when we don’t know how to sing if we ask by the officer to sing the song.
On 8.30 a.m sharp, all of us went for registration. Everybody gets a tag that must be wear throughout the camp. After that, we was ask to fall-in and there was a spot-check. Everybody needs to take out all of their belongings. All the handphone, sharp materials and mp3 are not allow to bring. All these items had been kept into the plastic bag. We are just allow to use our handphone during dinner time only. After that, a short briefing about the rules and regulations was given by Mr. Tan Gengta and he introduced all the committee members. On the same time, Mr. Woo ask all of us to pick a name from a box. All of us is an angel for the name that pick by us. We need to give he/she moral supports and make sure he/she is happy all the time in this seminar. There is a small paper provided for us to write to he/she.
After that, everybody was ask to put our luggage into our dormitory and 15 minutes later we need to get to the lecture hall. I was wandering on that time because I still don’t know who is in my group. On the same time, I introduced myself and get to know everyone of my roommate while arranging my luggage. On 10.15 a.m, the first lecture was given by Mr. Howard. This lecture is about the objectives of CLDS and SJAM organizational structure. After that, we given 15 minutes break and the second lecture was given by Mr. Wang. This lecture is about management of record. Everybody taken down some notes about the two lecture. On 12.30 p.m, we given one hour for our lunch. On that time, I get to know all of my group members. They are very friendly and funny. I was very happy on that time. Everybody introduced themselves and I said sorry to them because I didn’t attend for the briefing and didn’t bring any materials to make the lantern. After our lunch, we gether together at the skylight. The first team building or known as Traditional D’Light was started. Every group needs to make a lantern with our own materials and the rotans stick was provided. My group and I start to discuss about the lantern and start to make it. After one hour, we still can’t managed to finish it and we given half an hour break. Then, Dr. Aston was arrived and he talks about the sport injuries. On 4.15 p.m, the foot drill section taught by Mr. Chang was started. The foot drill section was very tiring because it is very strict and we need to pumping once we make mistake. Mr. Chang keep on want us to bared in our mind 3 words when foot drill, ‘Discipline, discipline and discipline.’ After the two tiring hours, we all went 4 wash up and had our dinner. The next talk was given by Mr. Michael, known as ‘The Journey’ and one hour later there is a workshop where we need to fill in some forms. After that, there is an orientation night where everybody must take part in all the games. I get to enjoy all the games. After that, we was given some time to finish up our lantern before tomorrow and we celebrated some of the members’ birthday. The birthday cake was bought and sponsor by Mr. Chang. On 1.15 a.m, we get back to our room and the light must be off on 1.30 a.m.
The first day was over and 6.00 a.m the second tiring day started. Everybody wake up on 6.00 a.m and wash up. With such a tiring condition, we need to do some physical fitness on 6.30 a.m till 7.30 a.m. After that, we went for wash up and have our breakfast. Then the third lecture started given by Mr. Mutho known as Store And Brigade Duties. Continue with forth lecture given by Mr. Woo known as the balance sheet. Everybody seems very enjoy this two lecture. After that, the team building 2 was started. It is the most enjoyable and unforgettable team building that I tried before. In this team building, every group needs to get through four station. Every station was given one item to keep. We must not lost and break the items. If not, our marks will be deducted. The most challengeable was the third station. We need to craw under the raffia strings. If the hair or head touches the strings, the whole team need to do it again. On the same time, the committee was pouring water and flour to us. It is really really hard but I enjoyed the game. After having the tough time, we get to rest for a while and have our lunch. After that, again Mr. Michael gives the fifth lecture about the uniform parts. Then, Mr. Woo gives a talk title ‘Creativity is Infinity.’ The talk is really fun and funny. Mr. Woo search a lot of funny and creative advertisement. Everybody laugh about it. On 4.00 p.m, foot drill section start. It is the same as yesterday but the difference is that everybody need to give command including the cadet and again Mr. Chang keep on remind us about the 3 words, ‘Discipline, discipline and discipline.’ After that, we went for wash up and have our dinner. Then, there was some motivational games. On 9.30 p.m, everybody needs to change their clothes for the ‘Get Together Nights’. When I get down to the skylight, I was shocked. All the members including the committee wore such a beautiful and colourful shirts. On that night, every team needs to present a sketch and make a bridge with newspaper. Our team failed to make the bridge but when we make the bridge we make a very good teamwork and communication. We didn’t scold anybody and we take it as a challenge.
On day 3 which the last day of CLDS, the physical fitness was canceled due to we sleep very late on yesterday night. We wake up at 7.00 a.m and wash up. Then, we have our breakfast and a talk was given by Mr. Michael entitle ‘What’s Next’. After that, we had some break to change our uniform. The final assessment which mean written exam was held at the school canteen. The questions are quite hard. Some of it I can’t managed to answer. Following by the foot drill assessment for the corporal and sergeant. Then, we have our lunch and we need to pack our luggages. We was given a feedback form for us to fill in during our lunch. On 1.45 p.m, everybody work hard by cleaning up the school compound and arrange the chairs for the closing ceremony. Some officers give out their speeches and certificate were given during the closing ceremony. Then, we take a group picture. On the same time, everybody take their group’s contact number so that can keep in touch and friends forever. I left the school on 5.30 p.m.
Well, after attended this seminar, I have learn a lots lots of thing and the most happiest thing is that I get to know a lots of friends. In CLDS also, I get to know and feel the real meaning of leadership, communication, teamwork, planning, discipline and respect. In future, I hope I can teach my juniors about what I have learned in CLDS.
