Secondary 1 & 3 Outdoor Adventure Camp

Toughness Realised

OBJECTIVE

To take education beyond the classroom walls and into the great outdoors - not only challenging students physically but also fostering resilience and camaraderie.

Clementeens embark on the Outdoor Adventure Camp in both Secondary 1 and Secondary 3, and it is a unique opportunity for our Clementeens to discover their inner strength and resilience. Over the course of three days, they face challenges that push them out of their comfort zones, helping them realise just how tough and capable they truly are.

Imagine cooking under the open sky and kayaking along the serene waters—students experience the thrill of outdoor activities and create lasting memories. From assembling their own rafts to learning essential outdoor survival skills like mapping, navigating, cooking and rope-tying, this camp equips them with practical skills that go beyond textbooks.

The camp is not just a three-day adventure; it's the beginning of a support network that will accompany students through their CTSS journey and beyond. Secondary 1 marks their transition to Secondary School, and in Secondary 3, students enter new classes. The camp provides a perfect setting for new classmates to bond through overcoming adversity, laying the foundation for a pillar of support that will help them navigate the challenges of their secondary school years.

The iconic Secondary 4/5 Night Hike is an unforgettable journey under the stars that mirrors the perseverance required to navigate through the challenges of Secondary 4/5, especially as our Clementeens approach their national exams.

Clementeens challenge their mind and teamwork skills in the Amazing Race segment. Puzzles, clues, and collaboration come together to create an exhilarating experience that prepares students for the strategic, out-of-the-box thinking required in the culmination of their academic journey.

As they navigate the night together, students come face to face with their fears and overcome challenges as a unified class. This shared experience strengthens bonds that go beyond the surface, teaching students the importance of collective perseverance through the impending national exams.

At CTSS, we hope that our Clementeens will transform challenges into opportunities for growth and unity. ]ust as they conquer the darkness, they will face and triumph over the hurdles in their studies with resilience and determination.

The Grit Festival is an in-house workshop for Secondary 3 Clementeens that combines engaging activities and insightful lessons on resilience.

The crowning jewel of the Grit Festival is our unique Human Library. We gather inspiring adults who have faced challenges in life to share their lives, triumphs, and failures with our Clementeens in a cosy, interactive small group setting. Students read a brief synopsis of the story that will be shared before selecting their chosen speaker, all without knowing the speaker's name. This results in some eyes widening and jaws dropping when the speaker walks through the door - And students learn to never judge a book by its cover. This interactive session allows students to hear firsthand about real-life challenges, broadening their horizons and providing valuable insights into overcoming obstacles.

The categories in our human library include:

• Relationships: Navigating the complexities of personal connections.

• Education and Failure: Learning from setbacks and using failure as a stepping stone to success.

• Illness and Disability: Moving forward in the face of health challenges.

• Self-Concept: Figuring out who you really are.

• Mental Health: Addressing the importance of mental well-being.

• Dealing with Loss: Coping with grief and moving forward.

• Growing Up Tough: Overcoming adversity during the journey to adulthood.

At CTSS, we believe that developing grit is essential for our students to thrive not only in their Secondary school years but throughout their lives. The Grit Festival is a pivotal part of our mission to broaden Clementeens' horizons, nurturing young men and women who embody adaptability, self-discipline, perseverance, integrity, respect, and empathy—the core values that define us.

Beyond inviting inspiring external speakers, our very own CTSS teachers have also shared their personal journeys of overcoming adversity and striving for success. Over the years, we have had the honour of hosting remarkable individuals such as Paralympians Mr Tay Wei Ming (badminton) and Miss Gemma Rose Foo (equestrian), who have brought pride to Singapore through their achievements. We were also privileged to welcome Ms Lim Lee Lee, a 2022 recipient of the Goh Chok Tong Enable Award, whose story of courage and perseverance continues to inspire. Among our educators, Ms Penny Chong, a visually impaired teacher dedicated to guiding secondary school students, exemplifies the true spirit of grit and determination that the festival seeks to celebrate.

Students with Ms Lim Lee Lee, 2022 Goh Chok Tong Enable Awardee

Paralympian Miss Gemma Rose Foo, equestrian talking about her determination to pursue equestrian despite the challenges she faces, 

and the strong support from her family and SportSg