Student Activities Week

Some 150 students took part in a leadership programme at Sai Kung Country Park. Not only did the programme challenge their physical strengths, but also stretched their minds. Cheung Wing Hei and Ho Manda Hiu Ting of 4A, Kwan Ka Kei of 4E and Leong Ho Wai Clarence of 4F share their expectations, experiences and learning from the programme.

Expectations

Ka Kei: I expected it to be physically demanding as we would have to carry a heavy backpack and spend five days hiking and camping on the outskirts of Hong Kong.  

Clarence: I considered it a chance to relieve myself of schoolwork and enjoy five days of blue sky, autumn breeze, soft grass, tall trees and so much more nature has to offer. 

Wing Hei: Actually, I expected it to be merely a harsh hiking trip. Being physically weak, I thought I would not enjoy it much.

Unforgettable Experiences

Wing Hei: I found it unforgettable being a navigator at night. I had to find the way through the dense bushes in order for the group to arrive at the campsite. I had to bear the responsibility and expectations of the group, not to mention the impossible task of map-reading at night. 

Manda: We kept groaning on the first few days and were intimated by the mountains that seemed more like cliffs than hiking trails. We couldn’t sleep well because of the bruises all over our bodies, blisters on our hands and feet, as well as the sore on our backs. But the activities have helped develop our physical ability, endurance, adaptability and team work. 

Ka Kei: We were overwhelmed by frustration and fear. There were voices in our minds telling us to give up when facing endless pathways on steep slopes. The most remarkable experience for me was our group bonding. When we were worn out struggling through rocky paths, we shouted encouraging phrases to raise the morale. At night, we would sit in a circle and share our reflections on the experience we had during the day. 

Clarence: What I felt most deeply is the benefits of actively taking up responsibilities. When I volunteered to help out with cooking, I felt satisfied that I was able to contribute; when I challenged myself with the job as a navigator, I acquired a better sense of direction and advanced my skill of map-reading. The moment we decide to give is the moment we begin to receive.

Learning and Reflections

Manda: The experience has greatly boosted my confidence, helping me to face challenges bravely in future. At first, I could not even walk properly carrying a backpack half my body weight. Now I can run with it! If we do not try, we would never know our limits. Very often, our limits are far beyond our imagination. 

Ka Kei: We tend to think that things are too hard for us simply because we haven’t done it before. We have to step outside of our comfort zone and explore our challenge zone. 

Clarence: On the last day, we were asked to stand on a stone post and make a promise about something we would change in our lives. Right there and then I came to realise the purpose of the programme: to rethink our lives, confront challenges and convert them into valuable experiences.