Pasir Ris Secondary School           15 June 2002 – 20 June 2002
Thirty students and six teachers from Pasir Ris Secondary School took on the Paka River Camp Challenge, specially tailored to bring out leadership qualities in the students

Day 1 and 2
Arriving at Paka River Camp at dawn, they immediately pitched tents amongst the tropical fruit trees before they sat down for breakfast. Their activities began with a gruelling 13 km hike through thick secondary jungle, unmapped streams and swamps.

Raft building exercise commenced after lunch. Five teams were issued life vests and ‘limited resources’ to plan and construct their rafts. The teachers invigilated the planning and building process. Rafts of varying designs were launched and participants had to transported themselves across the Paka River. Safety boats and guides were on hand to ensure the operation went on smoothly and safely.

After a quick shower and short rest, dinner was served! Later at night the participants had a discussion facilitated by HOD Ms Melinda Lim. Many thoughts were shared and students gained insights on good leadership.The students retired to a well-deserved rest, in anticipation of the kayaking adventure the next day.

Day 3
Participants and equipments were transported to the kayak launch site at Durian Mas. Due to torrential rain, the river had become swollen and was fast flowing. At 10:30 am kayaks were launched.

The 43 km of raging river was turbulent and unforgiving. The students fought hard to stay on their kayaks. They persisted and encouraged each other to persevere. Safety boats and guides were called on time and again to assist capsized participants. Several stops had to be made for lunch and rests on the river beaches.

The participants paddled on and on assisted by the fast flowing river that seemed in a hurry to meet the sea. Finally at 7.30 pm, the group sighted the lanterns set up at Paka River Camp. This welcomed sight signalled the end of the first day of the Paka River Challenge.

Day 4
The group were challenged to reach the river mouth by 4.00 pm. A distance of 28 km before they reached the ocean. The Challengers furiously paddled pass fish farms and rural scene. Local folks on the river banks waved and urged them on.

The group finally paddled under the Paka Bridge and entered the Paka estuary. Their elated shouts and screams could be heard far and wide. The realization that they had kayaked almost the extent of the Paka River and finally seeing the crashing waves and the blue horizon overwhelmed them.

A sumptuous barbeque and campfire awaited them. Around the crackling campfire, they reflected on their experiences for the past three days and sharing their personal feelings. The fire was reluctantly put out at around 11.30 pm and the beach became quiet again. They slept to the sound of lapping waves and a night sky flushed with twinkling stars.

Day 5
The participants checked into Residence Resort and then departed for Cemerong Forest Reserve for a day trip. The cold waters of the falls beckoned everyone. Under the watchful eyes of the guides everyone waded into the frigid waters chilling themselves to the bone.

Back at the hotel in the late afternoon and they became 'beach bums'. Their teachers had planned activities and games for them. A sumptuous buffet dinner was served at Seri Melayu Restaurant. The friendly boss was there to personally welcome them.

Day 6
After breakfast, they solemnly boarded the bus. With reluctance they left Paka taking with them everlasting memories of the river, the jungles and the physically challenging kayaking experience. The Paka River Camp Challenge will remain an unforgettable experience for these future leaderers.