Scholars on Induction Program

OBS Here They Come

Small yet dynamic, a group of 10 scholars took on the challenge of this 3D2N camp in June 2007.

No man is an island; the power of Lincoln watch increases tenfold when they are put together; this bond is so strong that it is impenetrable.

Allow them to relive their memories and savour those unforgettable moments.

A team charter to call their own…

L ive and Let Live
I nclusive
N ever Say Die
C ommunicate
O pen Up
L isten
N othing is Impossible

The valuable lessons learnt…

Listen and see things from others’ viewpoints.

I was impressed by what other members had to say about the discussion topic as I did not see the topic from their perspective. Hence, through listening to them, I was able to think through the issue from another angle. (Clifford, Prisons)

Communication is the key.

I think that clear communication is critical for a team to overcome any challenges that come its way. (Ming Feng, Prisons)

Open up and venture into unknown territory.

Open in the sense that I will embrace the challenges, open in the sense that I will welcome people into my zone, open in the sense that I will listen more. (Ying Ying, Prisons)

I learnt about the situational leadership model, which is about displaying different styles of leadership in varying situations. During the activities, I have learnt how to view problems from various angles, and at times, take up the role of a follower so that I can observe other kinds of leadership styles. (Han Sheng, Police)

I have learnt that playing the role that is essential for optimal performance of the group is more critical than playing the role one desires. That is how a team works, ideally. (Kai Ling, Police)

Why this OBS is exceptional…

This time round, I went through the course with a group of leaders. The feeling is definitely different, as everyone has the initiative to do things. It was more of how well we got things done rather than merely completing them. (Han Sheng, Police) When we put different people together for three days, we get different team dynamics and this is what makes the OBS experience unique in its own rights. Everyone reflects and shares so openly and works together as one Lincoln . (Ying Ying, Prisons) This camp was designed not just to impart us with leadership skills; it was also a time for us to display and share our leadership skills. We were clear about these objectives and everyone participated with utmost enthusiasm. With that level of commitment, all of us achieved the various objectives easily and in return gained a lot of knowledge. (Ming Feng, Prisons)

United we stand, divided we fall

Throughout the three days, all the eleven of us had for company were each other. By participating in these activities, we definitely had the opportunity to see the strengths and weaknesses in everyone. (Clifford, Prisons)

Live and let live.

Nevertheless, living together allowed us to find out more about each other and gave us a taste of our future colleagues (as well as course mates)! (Luke, Prisons)

Living with each other for 3D2N enabled us to discover the idiosyncrasies of different individuals and in the process gain a fuller perspective of each person in ways that classroom-based, non-residential camps cannot. (Mark, Police)

Other than the circumstances which demanded us to work as a team, the initiatives shown by everyone in engaging one another was exemplary. The lighthearted chats throughout the nearly five-hour journey united us. (Wei Xiong, Police)

So near yet so far…

Pulau Ubin gives people a very rustic and peaceful feel, as compared to the fast-paced and urbanised Singapore . (Clifford, Prisons)

The camp brought us back to basics by placing us in an environment free of technological gadgets, creature comforts and other material distractions. This allowed us to temporarily put aside our different commitments and get in touch with our inner selves. (Luke, Police)

Embarking on the highly anticipated expedition…

Inclusive means that no one is left out. It was interesting to see that no one wanted to take the captain’s position, a role which was the most relaxed. Instead, everyone wanted to be a rower as we were enjoying ourselves and wanted to do our part in winning the race! (Clifford, Prisons) Our island-wide rowboat expedition was both physically and mentally draining but we kept our morale high by singing, laughing and cheering each other on. As we covered distance, we grew increasingly determined to return to base camp before sunset. (Luke, Police)

Never say die, despite all the obstacles ahead.

There were many times when I really felt like surrendering to fatigue, to throw in the towel. However, a closer look around gave me the strength to hang in there. My peers who were equally tired were still rowing with all their might. Their actions and optimism were able to bring out the best in me. (Ying Ying, Prisons)

Fond memories to look back on…

We were given an ambiguous storyline with 5 different characters, and were told to choose the character that we wanted to be most. We have to give reasons why we chose that particular character, and after which, we had to try to influence others to change their choice and choose the character that we chose. During the sharing, all of us opened ourselves up and spoke our mind. I think that session really made us know more about both our inner selves as well as others. (Han Sheng, Police)

Nothing is impossible, as long as we try.

Attempting to navigate my way out of the cave-like structure in pitch darkness helped me to gain confidence, while going in again as a team led us to trust each other in an unfamiliar environment. (Luke, Police)

Every experience is equally memorable! From washing plates to expeditions to height activities! (Wee Boon, Police)