Experiencing Teamwork and Growth at the Secondary One Annual Camp

Written by: Low Eugene (1A3)

This year’s Secondary One Orientation (SOO) officially kicked off on 2 January 2025. It began at the iconic Hwa Chong Clock Tower, where we were warmly welcomed into the school by our seniors. Day 1 focused on introducing us to the school’s rich culture and heritage, as well as giving us the chance to meet our new classmates from different walks of life. Personally, I really enjoyed getting to know everyone — it felt like a fresh start in a new environment.

However, Hwa Chong Institution is enormous, and many of us got lost on the first day. That experience motivated us to quickly familiarise ourselves with the campus, and before long, we knew the layout like the back of our hands.

Over the next two days, we spent more time with our seniors, who acted as our buddies. We played icebreaker games in smaller groups, and one of the most memorable moments was the cheers competition, which is a long-standing tradition in Hwa Chong. There were challenges too, such as remembering names and learning how to work with new classmates, but overall, it was a fun and eye-opening way to begin our journey.

Later in the term, during Week 10, we took part in the Secondary One Annual Camp (SOAC), which brought its own set of exciting experiences and challenges. This year, the campsite was moved to Sentosa, which many of us felt was a big improvement. The activities were fun and pushed us to work together as a class, strengthening our teamwork and bonds.

One thing I appreciated about SOAC was that it took place during Sabbatical Week, just before the March holidays. It gave us a break from our academic routine and allowed us to relax and reset. At the same time, we had to adjust to unfamiliar situations. Sleeping on hard floors was uncomfortable, and having limited time for showers made us realise how much we take simple things for granted.

Despite these challenges, the camp was a meaningful experience. It helped us grow as individuals and as a class. The memories and friendships we built during SOAC will stay with us, marking an unforgettable end to our first term in Hwa Chong.