I know this is kind of really kinda overdue, but its better late than never!
As Camp Snitch comes to a close on the 9th of June 2010, I hope all of us - Juniors and Seniors alike - have gained some knowledge and brought home some lessons.
For the Juniors, I do hope that you understand that behind all the strenuous activities, and constant punishments metered out by your Seniors and DMs, are some learning points that we as seniors wish to drive into your heads. Leading a club like the SAF is no easy feat; let's take it from the example of Camp Snitch. This camp has seen us seniors sacrificing large amount of time to ensure that every aspect of the camp is carefully planned, and without a doubt, such a heavy commitment does come at a price - time spent with your other friends, your academics, sleep... and the list goes on. It might seem tough, and from an outsiders' perspective, perhaps a torturous waste of time. But as the Camp Commandant for this year's leadership camp, I beg to differ.
Knowing that you have a team of hardworking individuals that are willing to go the extra mile - it goes a long way. Being aware that you have a team that backs you up does alleviate concerns that you might be losing out to your fellow peers in other aspects of your JC life. Just as you're forking out time to ensure that every detail of the camp is prim and proper, the fact that tasks are delegated and the "burden" is shared makes it all worthwhile. Instead of dreading the process, you will start to enjoy it. And when you see all your hard work finally in motion and applied, satisfaction will be what you get at the end.
The point I would like to make here to you, juniors, is that life is full of challenges, and you will see that facing them alone sometimes (or more often than not, i reckon) is extremely taxing and stressful. Homo sapiens were built to be sociable creatures, and we draw motivation from others of our kind - we depend on one another for survival, that's a fact. Know that you have your friends around you, and don't be afraid of opening up to them. Embrace your fellow teammates and likewise allow yourself to be embraced by them, and I assure you, projects, proposals, trainings - such processes will no longer be a "burden"; instead, it will all become a process of which you will enjoy and share the joy with your fellow team.
The JC term is short, at only 2 years. Make full use of it. Be part of the team, and strive to build a strong identity, and be part of a club which you can be so proud to belong to.
Seniors, well. What can I say. You guys have been an awesome bunch! Thanks for all the contributions - our hard work has finally paid off. It has been nice having you guys around, and well, thanks for putting up with my crappings for the past 1.5 years. Though this is our final project together, I do hope that the SAF has found a place in your heart just as it has in mine.
THE EXCOs. I know, I'm probably not the best example of a leader of exemplary characteristics, but hey, I DID MY JOB. As the saying goes,"If you want get things done, always give it to the laziest - because he'll always find the easiest, simplest way to get it done." Hahaha! All the recees together, late nights, dinners... they have all been a wonderful experience for me, although what I seem to put across with all my grumblings and complaining doesn't seem true. Its just me okay - i really appreciate every single minute we spent together. Don't take it to heart! Given the chance, I will really love to work with you guys on another project. BUT OF COURSE... after our academical obligations, that is. :)
Last but not least, TEACHERS. Ms Choo, Mr Pang, Ms Tan, Mr Tan. The running of the camp wouldn't have been so seamless without the inputs from you guys, especially from Ms Choo, who has never failed to review all our proposals and give us valuable feedbacks both before and during the camp so we can better facilitate the running of this year's camp. Kudos!
And for the juniors, perhaps I didn't make out why Camp Snitch is Camp Snitch, and why the tagline "Beyond Basics" stays, here's what I wanted to say in BLACK AND WHITE (pardon me if i was unclear on Wed - I've always been a guy who couldn't really put across what I wanted to say verbally: the EXCOs can be witnesses.)
Snitch = Goal. Tough to obtain, but if you do... Sweet Victory.
Camp Snitch: Set your goals. Pursue them.
Beyond Basics: Once you reach it, don't settle for it. Strive for a higher goal.
Alrighty then, that's all I've got to say. Remember our club's Vision:
Fun. Fitness. Family.
have fun, stay fit, stay bonded. Its the happenin' SAF, yo!
"This is where we leave; its up to you the determine the direction from hereon. Walk on."
Your (Outgoing) President,
Samuel Chia
