By Jenray Nicole Ruiz
On March 21, 2024, grades 5-10 students from Far Eastern Private School (Al Shahba) took part in the school’s long-anticipated annual “Outdoor Camping” to set forth on their journey to participate as scouts of the Philippines with a sense of pride and enthusiasm. The air was buzzing with excitement as each crew and patrol set foot into their designated busses, the energy contagious and the eager anticipation of adventure ahead noticeable in every conversation they shared on the way to the campsite.
Cradled by nature’s immense beauty, camping unfolds as a transformative journey, cultivating the untamed beauty of nature, and empowering FEPSians to further enhance and strengthen their teamwork, leadership abilities, and resilience through Outdoor Camping.
Upon reaching their destination, the “Sharjah Scout Mission”, the students eventually carried their belongings to their designated areas and assembled their tents and bases. The campsite was shared within the three sister schools. FEPS (Far Eastern Private School) Al Shahba and Halwan Branch, and the NFPS (New Filipino Private School).
As the sun had started to set, the night had just begun for the campers of each crew, and the patrol started preparing and cooking their meals for the ‘Boodle Fight”, highlighting the “Salad Competition”, where every crew and patrol collectively shared their efforts to create their delectable salad, aiming to impress the judges. Upon completing the taste and presentation assessments for each salad, every crew and patrol then commenced with their dinner, joyfully savoring their meals and interacting with each other.
The next segment of the Outdoor Camping Program was the “Ash Ceremony,” where all three sister schools, FEPS Al Shahba and Halwan Branch, along with NFPS, simultaneously gathered and stood side-by-side at the heart of the campground. In this ceremony, selected patrol leaders, along with the Senior Scouts Leader (SSL) and Assistant Senior Scouts Leader (ASSL), reenacted how Scouts ignited the fire of friendship using torches. With these torches, they symbolized the cohesive spirit that united together every member of the scouting community. The moving ceremony continued with the singing of the scout song along with the vibrant performance of the community dance.
Shortly after the Ash Ceremony, each school returned to their assigned camping areas. Each crew and patrol then commenced showcasing their enthusiastic yells and captivating skits before the judges, striving to get their attention and leave a positive impression. All members of each crew and patrol truthfully enjoyed performing their unique yells and skits alongside their fellow members, wholeheartedly embracing the opportunity to share their collaborative efforts as one whole team, signifying that it was an unforgettable night indeed.
In the morning, the Girl Scouts who had volunteered to jog around the whole campsite assembled in line with their designated patrols. They had the warm-up session and proceeded with the early jog alongside fellow patrols. On the other hand, the Boy Scouts also went on an early morning jog by each crew. Through engaging in this activity, each scout had the chance to start the day with proper care for their physical well-being.
The Outdoor Camping Activity has undoubtedly made a favorable mark on FEPSians, stimulating them with significant learnings. Through teamwork, nurturing leadership abilities, and fostering resilience, this enabled FEPSians to devote themselves to the scouting community and strengthen the camaraderie with our sister schools, with a sense of dedication and belonging.