My first time experience as a camp instructor for sec3

My confidence broken. Lack of command and control.

This sounded negative, but I guess it summed up how I was feeling and performed as a 'camp intructor' for a 3D2N sec3 'leadership' camp @ Sentosa ( 25th-27th May)

Originally, I thought this was a leadership camp, the students were leaders in their own way, and my role there is more of a facilitator, helping them in their learning process. I was half right - half wrong.

Reality : My group required more command and control; discipline need to be enforced; they lack initiative in doing things.

What I expected of them : Some ppl in the group to take the initiative and lead the group into doing things ( For example : deciding on a group name; group cheer ; group indentity, using a piece of cloth )

What they expected of me : To decide for them everything ; I was their 'leader' ; I give them instructions and directions ; I initiate the cheer ; I get them excited and fired up. I decide on what they are going to perfom for the talent nite.


It was during the camp that I realised that there is a mismatch of expectations. This wasnt the camp that I envisioned to be, thus I was not mentally prepared for the camp. My role there is more like 'an orientation grp leader' , the kind that will psych the grp members up, get them excited, conduct games and activites for them, debrief them ( if they are interested to listen in the first place) , make sure they cross the road safely, collect food for them....., do a head count whenever we gather for the next activities....

In some way, I kinda of disappointed my group, because I was not a 'strong and decisive' leader in their eyes, someone who can exert a certain amt of control over them and that they are willing to obey. ( This wasnt what I wanted anyway; I never wanted to treat them like my army men)

Nevertheless, this camp taught me several lessons; it exposed my weakness, areas that I need to improve if I were to become a better teacher/instructor

1. Building rapport

This is one area that I need to improve on.... Although I managed to build some rapport with some of my group members, but it wasnt enough.

I ought to initiate more 'small talk' with them, ask them more questions.....

Without this rapport established , its very difficult to get them to do things for me when I ask them to...

2. Command and Control

This is the situation : My group obeyed my instructions in the 'Do nots' ; but they will be lacklustre in the 'Dos'

For example :

a. Whenever I try to gather the group, there will always be some 'lost sheep' wandering around
b. When I ask them to sit/stand in 2 'rows', there will always be some standing in 3s or alone
c. When conducting activites for them, there will always be someone interested in playing, watching by the side.

My mistake was that I did not address the issue ; make a stand when the situation arose. I chose to ignore it. I did not enforce the basic discipline.

This revealed my non-confrontational nature. I mustt change else I will not be able to establish command and control in classroom/PE settings....


"How the group behaves/respond is a reflection of your ability to command and control ; lead them" --- This is very true, hence I need to improve on this aspect

3. Show more energy, life !

If my group is feeling very low morale; low energy, then it is a reflection of me having low morale and energy.......quite true to a certain extent....

There were times that I did feel a bit disappointed with myself and with the group...why I cannot motivate..psych the group up as compare to the other camp instructors....But I am learning from them.....

4. Appoint leaders ; Delegating responsibilites...

This is something that I did not really do. I only ask the group to decide on certain things , but did not appoint leaders to decide for the group.

I should have appointed leaders / ICs to

- report strength to me
- make certain decisions for the group ( etc decide on group name...talent-nite item)
- lead cheers
- go and find the 'lost sheeps' back


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This camp really taught me a lot of things, areas to improve on.....

I guess my methods/style needs further finetuned and must be modified to suit the maturity level of the group.

Shall think/find out more of more games and activites for younger children/teenagers.....