Jarod Was Awarded His Red Shirt!

Jarod attended the VELOCI-T (Victoria Enhanced Leadership / Outdoor Camp Instructor Training Camp) from 11 to 15 November 2013. This is a  5-day outdoor camp held locally at MOE Adventure Campsite at Changi for 2 days and immediately overseas at Mawai Eco Camp, Malaysia the following day for the next 3 days. Selected Secondary Two students, nominated through CCA teachers will undertake leadership positions the following year are trained to run camps and conduct activities commonly carried out during outdoor camps. Being a Prefect, it was compulsory for Jarod to attend the camp.

This is a rather trying leadership camp with strenuous physical activities like making an expedition on rafts and braving a water obstacle course. They also learn the The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership through hands-on activities and undergo rugged adventurous activities.  After the camp is concluded, the participants’ performances are reviewed and if found suitable, promoted to the rank of Junior Leader and are then awarded Red Shirts.

 

Jarod indeed spent five memorable days in the camp and talked enthusiastically about cheering all the way during a 15km trek and eating a huge live red ant when challenged. He also volunteered to be the flag bearer for his Scorpion tribe. Although he lost his voice when he came back, his spirit was very high. As parents, our only challenge was to wash and dry all his PE attire as he came back at 8pm that night and had to report the following morning at 7am.

Early this week, he was informed to attend a Passing Out Parade for VELOCI-T on 30 November 2013. The participants were rather anxious about the outcome of the evaluation as they exchanged many messages on their Whatsapp group the night before.

Yes, Jarod did receive his certificate and his Red Shirt. His next target is to get the Black Shirt which is the rank of Senior Leader. We are certainly proud of his achievement and he is also an inspiration to Ashley who aspires to be a Prefect too!