Since it's a compulsory course for all sponsored students who are going overseas, we were kinda 'forced' to attend it. At the first place, I admit that I did felt unnecessary and lazy to attend it, just for the purpose of getting us students who are leaving this country, to always be patriotic and uphold Malaysia's image. By the way, JPA students who are going to Russia 2009 were assigned to Kem Bina Negara, Meru, Selangor.
A week without any classes, I just have to take it as a short 'vacation' to relax up my mind. Thus, my JPA buddies and I packed up our bags filled with clothes and necessary stuffs before leaving Kolej Cemara by boarding the INTEC bus.
Consider ourselves lucky, or otherwise, for just going to a nearby camp - Meru, Selangor instead of some other batches who got further places such as Langkawi. Well, it's not a long journey from Shah Alam and we merely reached there in about an hour.
Kem BTN Meru is located at a top of a small hill, surrounded with scenic view of greenery. I cannot deny the fact that this kem is quite well managed and the ourdoor scenery is amazing in some way, especially during the moment we went jungle trekking on the last day.
Pictures? Nah... I wasn't allowed to snap any photos inside the kem's compound. Even if I did, I wouldn't dare to post it up here. Just like any other NS camp, phones are not allowed.
There are a total number of 128 trainees, consisting scholars from JPA, KPM, Felda..etc. Everyone of us are from different parts of Malaysia heading to different parts of the WORLD soon.
Duration of camp is 5 days. Schedule totally packed with lots of presentations, speeches, group activities, marching, physical education and also many tea breaks! But one of the most torturing part is not the marching nor physical activities, but the long and tiresome speeches by the presentors.. till there were some of us slept in the middle of the speeches.
YES, some speeches are indeed meaningful and good but too long hours of laying my butt on the chair sure is torturing. So, one of the most enjoyable period in my schedule is during Physical Activities. There are tests and I am glad that I did pretty well - 11.38min for 2km, got A for breathing, push-up, jump-clap, pulse test, dizziness, fireman lift...the rest I can't remember. B for flexibility and rope jump - front and back (slacked-off accidentally that time, could have done better).
UNFORTUNATELY, we didn't get to try out "Flying Fox" due to the shortage of professional trainers that time, but only did falling-rope.
On our final day, we even took an examination in the hall.
The trainers are fierce for sure, but there sure are nice people. I just can't forget about Pak Mus' lame jokes and hilarious acts despite his sternness he used to show on the first day.
Overall, this whole camp is sure another great memory for me. I not only did learn alot more things about current politics and Malaysia Constitution, but also made a whole bunch of new friends other than JPA scholars.
Remember I once mentioned about 'vacation'? It finally turns out to be not-so-relaxing after all. Because everyday we only get to return to our dorm at 12am and gotta wake up at 5am..whole day packed with activities. The book I brought along remain kept in my bag untouched.
So, have the BTN mission accomplished? I will not doubt that some inspiring speeches and videos sure made me feel the spirit of patriotism.. Furthermore, I even gave my speech on patriotism in front of the audience.
Time flies, without realizing it, the course is over.
Now is the time to go back to square one and concentrate on studies again.. so many assignments and quizes coming up soon, that's my life as a student now.
-Ys-
