Hey everyone.

No one should be reading this cause, well; all of you are suppose to be studying real hard for the exams. One more week till the exams! So here is just a quick debrief of the camp since I couldnt get to say anything after the camp due to the boy's game. Had to ref their game.

I think everyone did great. It wasn't easy as many of the year 1s have pointed out, but all of you managed to pull through. There wasn’t a need for an ambulance, so that was good.

On both sides, Year 1s and year 2s, both equally had torture throughout the whole camp. So year 1s, don't just think it was only you. Just in case you don't know what was going on, year 2s had 4 hour training on the 2nd day. It was when you year 1s were preparing for the Farewell. 4 hours with I think only 3 water breaks for the whole training. The reason why, is because they weren't able to perfect the move, eagle. Something which is nothing new to them. They have learnt this and been doing this for the past 2 months. There is no reason why it can't be done. On the 3rd day, before lunch, the year 2s were made to do the same drill, eagle. Yes, they did go through a couple of times. Year 2s, its not that I didn't see, I saw, but it has to be all the time that your move goes through. Failing to conform to my standards, which made me really really frustrated, it was fitness for them. A few runs up the hill and 50 push ups. My intention was actually 10 laps the hill, but after 4, I realized I'm pushing you girls to the boys standards. I apologize to those whom think I was harsh. I admit I was.

As for the year 1s, you girls had to spell out the longest number that came to my head. And as Xiao Wei said, I forgot what I said, well she is wrong. I know what I said. You can congratulate yourselves for doing so many push ups. It was seventy seven million, seven hundred and seventy seven thousand, seven hundred and seventy seven point seven. If I counted right, that's 93 MAN push ups. Give yourself a clap. Somehow after that punishment, the next day, the year 1s were very well organized and on their toes for the whole of the 2nd and 3rd day. So maybe I need to do that before every training.

Amazing Race. Hope everyone enjoyed themselves, both year 1s and 2s. Planning it wasn't that easy either and I think it was quite a success. Some teams were super scared, which was the whole point, others, not so much. Heard lots of screaming, lots of laughter, so that's good. We should all thank the J2s for this because they really put a lot of time and effort into this (even more effort than put in training haha). Unseen things like the logistics and the cleaning up after the whole event is something I want to give credit to as well. Well done!

2.4 morning run. I really did expect Janelle to run a 2.4. Just to let you all know, it's not my idea! Haha. Despite the length of it, I saw many of you trying to keep up which I felt was very heart warming. I was not happy with those who didn't really want to make an effort to catch up. I like to see effort being put in. I know who the faster ones are, and who the slower ones are. So I know who is putting in effort and who is not. Like Mr. Singh always tells me, "If the girls play around on the field, it will reflect back to what they do in class as well and also in their studies." And I agree with that! For example, Since all of you take Math, if lets say there is this problem which is difficult to do (taking the factor of time out) will you just skip it because it looks too difficult? Or would you try? Even if you don’t get it right, you might just get some marks for the workings that you did. So it doesn’t matter what life throws you, whether the matter big or small, trying is your key to success. I hope you know what I’m talking about.

Games. The games were meant as a team bonding thing and also to bring out the best in everyone. When you play a game, you see 3 groups of people. Leaders, followers and those who just can’t be bothered to play. But at the same time, I hope you enjoyed the games cause your beloved enthu coaches certainly did! The ladder game was the funniest for us. Somehow we just kept spoiling the game and cheating. Sorry to those who were taking it seriously.


After reading all the reflections, I think I must say that you girls have learnt a lot from this camp. Although somehow everyone keeps saying the same thing. 'we bonded during the camp', 'build ties that are greatly needed for our team to succeed', 'the camp had taught me the importance of teamwork.'' All the same!!! But I hope what you all say is true! This is the purpose and reason for the camp that we put in the proposal. 'First and foremost, this camp is to bring Touch rugby together as a CCA. To us, rugby has is no longer a CCA, but its become a part of our lives. And hence, this training camp was planned to achieve our most important goal, which is to be amongst the best in schools in Touch rugby. During this camp, not only will the girls take away life skill, but also to foster strong bonds required in a Team sport. This camp was planned in such a way that it brings out the best in every single team member down to the smallest games we have planned. At the end of this camp, NYJC Touch Rugby will not only be stronger as a team, but also as a person. With coaches playing nationally, we are sure that their knowledge and skills will be passed down to us.'

So at the end of the day, I hope that this (the above), my plan for u as a coach, would be accomplished someday. Maybe not at the end of that camp, but maybe the next, and the one after that. I have many dreams for team NYJC, many plans and many wishes. But as for now, study hard for the exams and do well! I will be planning a sentosa outing. Its called ‘The junket to the Beach!’ Something to look forward to! Stay healthy and good luck for your exams!




Love,
Your beloved coach
-Matthew-