The Olympic Adventure

A new soul

2010-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

Now that you have rested, it is time to accept that you have to move on.

You have to move on after scaling sharp rocks, negotiating 52 km of uncompromising road and living off nature for 48 hrs.

You will never experience such a camp again.

All you have are good memories that you should try to actively recreate as you live your life.
The scars that you have tell a story that only a few would understand.

Everything that you have returned to is the same.

The difference is that you are ready to face the challenges coming your way with new found confidence.

The difference is that your new soul is faster, higher, stronger.

The difference is only 4 olympic days in Pahang.

What a big difference!

Finale

2010-01-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

The sporting soul of Resilience 2010.

Reprise

2010-01-22T08:58:00.000-08:00

Let's listen again

Stronger Each Day

2010-01-20T20:13:00.000-08:00

Facing Fear

2010-01-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

Faster 1 Cools Down

2010-01-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

After showing their determination and resilience during yesterday's cycling expedition under the scorching hot sun, Hermes Faster 1 gets to enjoy the cool breeze and refreshing water of Jeram Besu.

Treetop launch

View from landing point

Soaring through the air

Incoming budding Hermes

Going against the flow

River cruise

Team huddle

Apollo II

2010-01-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

Gearing Up

Safety checks

Pep talk

Kick off

Suspense

Cliffhanger

Success

Facing Fear

2010-01-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

A day in the jungle with the Athenians

2010-01-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

Later this afternoon we were fortunate enough to venture back into the depths of the Jungle and visit the Athena party. We arrived to a camp well set up for jungle survival with well built sturdy shelters and fires burning. The Athena apprentices were in buoyant mood listing all of the survival skills they had learnt over the previous days – it was clear we were in a well organised camp.

The pupils spent the afternoon competing in entertaining games using simple jungle tools such as leaves to capture and save water. The mood of the camp was cheerful and upbeat, although during discussions many conversations included the topic of food and how hungry everyone was.

This evening the Athena's students are dining on chicken which was prepared jungle style! After the afternoon activities, the pupils observed two skilled Orang Asli slaughter chickens for the evening's feast. The chicken combined with the bamboo rice also prepared by the students will certainly provide them with a well earned and much craved for feast.

Higher Rocks

2010-01-20T03:49:00.001-08:00

Highlights from Faster 2

2010-01-20T02:57:00.000-08:00

Day 3 arrives and the weather was perfect for a bike ride, Hermes, Faster 2 students had spent the night on the banks of the River Pahang. They awoke and enjoyed their substantial breakfast - stocking up on carbohydrates to provide them with necessary energy they would need to complete their 52 km cycle ride.

The group then proceeded to dismantle their tents and everyone took part in a warming up and stretching excercise to loosen and prepare their muscles for the long cycle ride to their final nights campsite, again situated on the banks of the beautiful River Pahang.

Hermes students made their way off the sandy bank onto the road where they met a massive selection of bikes and after much kicking and prodding of tyres, and testing of brakes bikes were chosen and the convoy headed off down the road, a little after 9 am.

The 52 km ride was intermitted with various water and food stops throughout the day, with the whole group stopping to enjoy lunch at the 22km mark.

>

Wearing a huge smile and punching the air with joy the first student rode into Taman Negara at about 4.30pm. It then took about 45 minutes for the remaining Hermes second troop to cross the finishing line.

It was certainly a jubilant atmosphere as the pupils that had already completed the 52km challenge stood and cheered in the remaining pupis as they enjoyed the satisfaction of crossing the finishing line.

After many cheers, 'well dones' and plenty of high fives, the group made their weary way down the lane to set up camp for their last night above the banks of the River.

Keeping Strong

2010-01-20T02:52:00.000-08:00

How far can you go?

2010-01-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

Race day for Faster 1

2010-01-19T11:13:00.000-08:00

52 km cycling expedition of Hermes 1-5

On your mark

Get set

Protective gear

Pit stop

Track

Final lap

Champion

What makes us Stronger?

2010-01-19T10:32:00.001-08:00

Our Home

Our Community

Our Fire

Our Resources

Our Industry

Our Hardwork

Our Privacy

Our Leader

Further quotes from olympians in the making

2010-01-19T09:21:00.000-08:00

Hermes 1

“I'm fine, don't worry about me! =)”
Erica Lee 3/1

Hermes 2

“Mum, the journey is great! Thanks for your support mum!
Soon Huat 3/1

Hermes 3

“It's so great to cycle together with my friends. Thanks Mrs Ong, and I believe that out future will be as excellent as this experience.”
Liu Yiying 3/2

“Happy birthday to my brother!”
Pavittar 3/1

Hermes 4

“To Mr Oh, you're missing a lot here, we are having so much fun!”
Sue Cern 3/1

“Good luck to temasek basketball 'B' boys and all the best for their upcoming matches!”
Benedict 3/4

Hermes 5

“I'm enjoying myself tremendously. Too bad you're not here, haha! The best weight loss programme in the world!”
Ms Fang Ci-Hui

“Mum, I'm fine. The cycling journey was tough, but don't worry about me. I love you!”
Kenneth Lu 3/5

Higher 19.01.10

"Camping in a cave is cool"!

"I hate leeches"!!

"The cave is a bit dusty"!?!?!

"Abseiling rocks, Rocks"..!

"The guides are patient and caring"

"The guides are cool"!!

"The cave is cold, hot and scary"!?!?!

"No comment" - Daphne Ang

"I wanna thank my mum, dad, older sister and I'd better include my brother"

Stronger

Athena 1

"Cooked potato never tasted so good before."
Yi Jun 3/6

Athena 3

"I find the camp very challenging, but overall it's fun getting to know about the Orang Asli!"
Nadhirah 3/9

"The camp has been rather challenging, especially cause we have to build our own shelter. However, it's very fun enriching our survival skills knowledge."
Jana Lim 3/5

Athena 4

"Never give up, even when your're failing. Teamwork is the key to success!"
Danial 3/3

"Never take anything for granted!"
Quan Heng 3/2

"Fire is essential."
Xin Yi 3/8

Faster 2

"This beats school"!!!

"Fun, Awesome, Fantastic"!!!

"I wanna do it again"...!

"Teamwork is unity"

"The current is strong in the middle!"

Faster 2 making their journey to their new campsite

2010-01-19T08:04:00.000-08:00

Faster 2 Checking into Pasir Tambang

Olympic adventures in Pahang continue into the night...!

2010-01-19T07:27:00.001-08:00

Nightfall of the first full day in Pahang witnessed the Apollo group take a hike through the Jungle in the dark. The students were gathered together and told to hand in their torches - light and sight were relinquished, they were to be relying on their other senses to make their way along the forest path! This experience gave them a unique opportunity to experience the jungle as an Orang Asli or even a Tiger of old.

Many of Apollo's apprentices were aprehensive at first and were well aware of the challenge that lay ahead of them - however the God Apollo must have been extremely pleased with his assembled groups effort, as they all came through the challenge with flying colours. Some students told me that they had never experienced the forest that way and they had never imagined it could be so loud!

Day II of Olympic Pahang Adventure

2010-01-18T22:08:00.000-08:00

APOLLO

The dawn of Day 2 saw the Higher group eagerly assembling in preparation for the day's activities. After a hearty breakfast and warm up exercises, they conducted an equipment check.

The four groups were divided into three and set out on to face the mornings tasks. The abseilers were given a safety tutorial and shown how to correctly descend a steep cliff.

Great fun was had and after all the students had attempted the 30 metre cliff they were last seen hurrying towards the second, 'taller' cliff for more exciting descents.

Another sub group of Apollo spent the morning climbing a stand alone limestone escarpment. The climb is both physically and mentally challenging rising to 12 -15 metres.

Two Apollo students were climbing the face at the same time and there was a great sense of Olympic Spirit. The students waiting on the ground were shouting calls of encouragement for the climbers to persevere and not give up, giving vital assistance on where to put feet and hands.

The last bunch of Apollos apprentices were last observed prepping their equipment and getting ready for an extensive hike through the jungle to the Kota Gelanggi caves.

HERMES

As the day moved on we caught up with the Second group of Hermes contenders at Jeram Besu just as they finished their lunches. They were heading out to either take a raft ride down the rapids or cross the river twice using a flying fox and then swimming back across using a guide line in the water. It was clear to all that great enjoyment had taken place during the morning excercises and there was great excitement regarding the afternoons activities.

I visited the flying fox group first who were a mixture of wet (abandonment) and dry (apprehension) as the groups were split where half the group had already had one go and the other half were awaiting their first turn. The merriment at the base of the flying fox stand was only interrupted by ear piercing screams of exhilaration as another student flew across the wide river.

To get back across from the other side of the river students had to cross the river using a guide water that led them through the base of rapids. As the students touched back on dry land talk was of strong currents and the need to hold onto the rope tightly.

Whilst the flying foxes were flying the other group were being given their water competence briefing.

After the initiation was complete I witnessed the Hermes pupils take to the water in their rafts and hurtle there way past where I stood on the bank.

When I caught up with them later they were a bundle of thumbs up and smiles in soaking wet clothes, it was clear a great time had been had.

Day One of our Adventure Begins

2010-01-18T16:50:00.000-08:00

Quotes from our budding Olympians

2010-01-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Stronger 18.01.10

"Stronger #1 Rocks..!"

"I feel like a million bucks"

"It ain't that bad..!"

"We suddenly love our mothers cooking..!"

"I want my bed."

"Eww! Oh my God! No Way! Get out!"

Bringing Olympia to You

2010-01-18T09:32:00.000-08:00

2010-01-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

So, the day of our Pahang adventure has arrived and it's time to head north into Malaysia and answer the call of the three Olympian Gods!!

320 intrepid students and 24 excited teachers left Temasek Secondary School at 7.30 this morning.

The convoy headed west out of Singapore and had a very smooth border crossing into Malaysia, transferring onto the ready and waiting buses. The convoy then continued on to lunch at the VIP Hotel where we gorged on a tasty buffet.

After lunch friends said their final goodbye to each other and climbed back aboard their own buses departing to their separate locations.

Hermes, Apollo and Athena were happy to observe all the groups arrive in good time and begin setting up their various camp sites and tent villages.

The Apollo crew are really well, adapting to their 'cavernous' new home. They were last seen this evening with their bellies full of chicken curry and settling down for the night ready for tomorrows hectic schedule of rock climbing, caving and jungle trekking.

The Stronger troop were also on fine form having set up camp on the banks of the River Pahang and settling down to a tasty dinner of chicken and rice. As we moved through the camp this evening talk was rife of the adventures that lay ahead of them as they left true civilisation early tomorrow morning and boat down the river to set up camp deep within the jungle.

Lastly I am pleased to report that the Hermes horde are also on cracking form having set up their respective camps and eaten a heartily.

Although a light rain had begun to shower the campers sleeping on the bank of the River it had no impact on dampening their spirit ready for their 52km bicycle challenge tomorrow.

Arise, students of Apollo! (Higher Group)

2010-01-08T04:18:00.000-08:00

This is a notice for all students of Apollo .

The time has arrived for you to travel to Pahang, Malaysia and compete in several trials to test your physical & mental resilience - will you "rise" to the challenge?

Apollo is the God of the Sun & Sky and will accept no half measures. He has formulated 4 challenges for you to complete.

Preparation is key in order for you to succeed and complete the Olympic God's "higher" challenges. It is vital that you bring with you the necessary equipment so that you are allowed to participate in all the tasks.

This is what awaits you followers of Apollo:

Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Jungle Trekking & Cave Exploration
Day 3 : Abseiling & Rock Climbing
Day 4 : Flying Fox & River Crossing & Water Rafting
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Please ensure you bring with you long pants and head torches. Both are vital tools for the Caving Arena (refer to provided packing list). Other tools in your arsenal MUST include: a steely nerve, determination, the ability for humour and the ability to support friends.

Apollo looks forward to welcoming you to the Higher Arena.

Athena Awaits! (Stronger Group)

2010-01-08T03:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Stronger participants,

I would like to welcome you on behalf of Athena, the Goddess of War, Heroic endeavour and Wisdom. The stronger Olympia Arena is ready and awaiting your arrival.

Your journey has been mapped out as follows:

Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Orang Asli Experience & Jungle Survival
Day 3 : Trekking Expedition
Day 4 : 4x4 & Waterfall
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Your endurance, mental attitude, team spirit and wisdom shall be tested upon your arrival. You will relinquish to all comforts and leave as one with the wilderness. You will build suitable shelters for you and your team. You will acquire and conserve water and food which is scarce.

Team Challenges

You and your team will challenge other teams in shelter building, fire making, hunting and hiking competitions.

Individual Challenges

Only the top 20 most fit and enduring participants will be selected to take part in the ultimate summit challenge.

Be Ready Be Prepared

The first rule of jungle survival is preparation. It is essential that you bring the following equipment without which, you may be disqualified from the competitions.

For trekking:
(1) Shoes and socks
(2) Long pants
(3) Small haversack

For Night Activity:
(1) Torch light and spare batteries
(2) Insect repellent (optional)
(3) Sleeping bag to keep warm at night (optional)

By order,
Commander in chief of the Athenian Army

NB
Please note that the schedule has slightly changed from the original agenda posted above.
The Athenian Army will still travel into the jungle and set up their own camp. During the first day they will be shown and learn essential jungle survival skills such as dart making for blow pipes and fire lighting... The students will then be given the chance to truly hone their survival skills the following day by using the new acquired skills learnt independently within their groups.

Reminders to all Hermes (Faster Group)

2010-01-08T03:42:00.000-08:00

This is what awaits you at Pahang

Hermes 1
Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : 52km cycling expedition
Day 3 : Flying fox & river crossin & water rafting
Day 4 : Ear cave exploration
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

Hermes 2
Day 1 : Journey to Pahang
Day 2 : Flying fox & river crossing & water rafting
Day 3 : 52km cycling expedition
Day 4 : Canopy Walk / Teresik Hill trekking
Day 5 : Homeward Bound

>You are reminded to bring the following items:

Compulsory items

Personal Head lamps/Torch lights
A pair of shoes suitable for jungle trekking

Do refer to the list of items given and ensure that all other essential items are brought along.

By order,
Commanders of Hermes I & II

Legionnaires of Hermes...

2010-01-08T03:21:00.000-08:00

Soldiers of Hermes I and II...

As your commanders, we hereby summon one and all to the Battle of the Faster Arena!

Now hear this: Is each and everyone of you physically and mentally ready for the battle ahead?

My dear soldiers, always be strong in heart, bold/resolute in courage and above all, undaunted in spirits! Together, we will conquer all odds and emerge victorious!

Viva la Hermes!!

The Gods

2009-11-03T22:42:00.000-08:00

Athena - Stronger Group

Apollo - Higher Group

Hermes - Faster Group

Sources:

( http://www.testriffic.com/resultfiles/14827athena-3.jpg)

( http://marvel.com/universe3zx/images/thumb/b/bd/Apollo.jpg/440px-Apollo.jpg)

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/f/f0/Hermes_(Olympian)_(Earth-616).gif)

Some background information on the immortal Olympian Gods that will be overseeing the trials and challenges set to test YOUR resilience.

2009-10-27T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hermes, son of Zeus and Maia, brother to Apollo.

Hermes was born in a cave on Mount Cyllene. He is the fastest of the Gods and is renowned for his swiftness and athleticism. He wears winged sandals, a winged hat, and carries a magic staff given to him from the mighty King of all gods Zeus. He is both cunning and shrewd and although he is known to have somewhat of a roughish behaviour he is still considered good of nature and kind of heart.

Hermes is entrusted with the task of shepherding the dead to the underworld and the delivery of dreams to mortals like you. He is known to often visit Earth and mortals can thank him for giving us such activities as racing and boxing

Hermes achievements include liberating Io from Argus the hundred eyed giant and saving Odysseus and his men from the Sorceress Circe after persuading Calypso to release him from her captive.

Hermes will set the challenges for the Temasek representatives venturing into the Faster Arena.

Apollo, son of Zeus and Leto, brother to Hermes, Artemis, Ares and Hercules.

Apollo was born on the island of Delos in Greece. He is recognized as the God of light and is in charge of driving the daily sun across the Earth's skies. Apollo is known to ride a great chariot, carrying his silver bow and arrows.

Apollo is an extremely powerful God and one who requires great respect. He is renowned for his great medical and healing skills and, it is said that he can only speak the truth, and cannot tell a lie. However heed this warning. There is a darker side to Apollo, he is capable of furious anger and has the ability to bring great ill health to people and reign down immense plagues onto entire civilizations – do not disappoint him!!

Apollo is accredited with the slaying of the dragon Python, and with the aide of his sister Artemis he killed Tityos, a giant who rose up from deep beneath the Earth to try and kill his mother. Apollo also fought in the Trojan War, firing arrows, infested with plague into the Greek encampment.

The Pythian Games (a fore runner to the Olympic Games) were held in honour of Apollo.

Apollo will oversee the tasks for the Temasek students participating in the Higher Challenges.

Athena, daughter of Zeus, born from the Zeus' forehead.

Athena is Zeus' favourite daughter, born fully armed, with helmet, shield and spear! She is the Goddess of wisdom, war and heroic endeavor and is one of the strongest of all Olympian Gods with the ability to lift and carry weights of up to 35 tonnes!

Be warned, Athena is an extraordinary hand-to-hand combatant, swordswoman, and combat strategist. She is master of the sword, spear and shield and is the only child of Zeus allowed to use his mighty thunderbolt. Though Athena is a War-Goddess, she dislikes fighting without purpose and prefers using wisdom to settle disputes. Fortunately for us mortals, Athena is pure of heart and will only encourage fighting if it serves a just and fair cause.

Athena fought in secret for the Olympians in the Great Trojan War and aided Odysseus in returning home to Ithaca to reclaim his kingdom. She helped Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece and assisted him in the slaying of the dragon Ares. She also helped Hercules, her half brother during his legendary Twelve Labours.

Athena, known for her wisdom is never seen without her pet and companion Pallas, a grey owl usually perched upon her shoulder.

Athena will organise the activities for those students that will be undertaking the Stronger Trials.

The Olympian Gods request your attendance at Pahang, Malaysia.

2009-10-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

The mighty Olympian Gods of the ancient world summon you to Pahang, Malaysia for a series of competitions and tasks to test YOUR resilience!

Three, of the twelve mighty Olympian Gods have come forward and requested Sec 3, Temasek students, travel to Pahang, Malaysia and take part in a series of challenges designed to test character, spirit and resilience!!

The three, mighty Olympian Gods are:
Hermes – the fastest of Gods from the ancient world.
Athena – strongest of the Olympian Gods.
Apollo – the God that controls the sun and flies highest of all the Olympian Gods.

Have you got what it takes to please these Gods?
Are you Strong enough? Can you be fast enough? Can you soar high enough?
Travel to Pahang, Malaysia where the challenges begin...!

Getting into the swing of things

2009-09-22T01:13:00.001-07:00

And we're back! Safe and sound from the 1st Recce for the 2010 Camp of the Year.

This year's organising committee of the Sec 3 Resilience Camp went up to Pahang to assess the site for our beloved students. We're glad to report that all systems are (almost) good to go, save for some ground clearing for the campsites.

Trecherous terrains have been identified and will be dealt with by the time we go up for the 2nd recce in Nov.

Mr Fowler getting a crash course on jungle survival from the local guide.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Citius. Altius. Fortius.

2009-09-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

To be Faster,
To be Higher,
To be Stronger.

To be more Resilient.

It's not a race against time.
It's not a competition against foes.
It's not a test to find out who is the best.

It's an adventure to make you more resilient in body, mind and spirit.

and we'll be with you every step of the way.