Adventure camp for Stella Maris Boys’ Brigade

KOKOL, Manggatal – The 11th KK Boys’ Brigade Company of Stella Maris, Tanjung Aru had successfully held a 2-day 1-night camp on 14-15 July 2018, at Natai in Kokol Manggatal, about an hour car drive from the city centre.

A total of 42 members from the Junior Section as young as eight years old as well as the Senior Section and officers attended the camp.

It took about two hours of jungle trekking in beautiful lush green sceneries alongside the tracks and high slopes before reaching the waterfall. Members were excited as soon as they heard the sound of water flowing and with the blend of nature they forget about their tiredness and splashed into the water.

It was an amazing journey where it tested the members’ stamina but nonetheless a worthy experience for all. The fun did not stop as they were allowed once again to have an enjoyable time at the river after the jungle trekking. It was a fun camp day for them especially swimming in the freezing cold Natai River, just next to the campsite.

During night fall, the owner of the campsite prepared a space for the campfire. Members were excited with the lighting of the fire and the campfire started with a charade game led by Captain Neil Mah. Every group presented their interpretation of what they had learnt during the whole day.

Officers joined the fun by singing and doing action songs, the seniors sang our very famous local song ‘Original Sabahan’ and the whole night was filled with joy and laughter. During the Sunday church service on the 15th, members were welcomed by the parishioners of St Irenius, Natai. They were happy to see visitors coming to celebrate service at their chapel where young members were exposed to the village-style chapel.

The camp adjourned with a very special treasure hunt where members hunted for natural treasures such as fishes, frog, grasshopper and the rarest item which is baby shrimp, instead of solving puzzles and body activities. They were not only introduced to living organisms and the environment but also to nature conservation. The camp ended with a birthday celebration for July ‘babies’ with a chocolate cake for all.

“Yes, I would like to join 11th KK Camp again!” said members after returning from the camp. Camping has been a key part of the Boys’ Brigade for a long time, held as part of preserving the tradition started by Sir William Alexander Smith, founder of the Boys’ Brigade, to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values; Discipline, Obedience, Relevance and Self-Respect. They are asking for another adventure camp because for Boys Brigade, “The Adventure Starts Here!”. The 11th KK Company is inviting parishioners to our weekly parade at 1.30pm, Stella Maris Hall or contact 013-8798415 for further inquiries.

For more information on the place, log on to adventureculturalvillage.blogspot.com.  – Jeremy Chin and Rachel Natalie Lai