Reach Out's camp committee for 2006 sought to provide a different camp experience for both members and volunteers. After much consideration, we decided to have our camp at HOTBOYS kelong, which is situated in Sibu, Malaysia. Everybody was excited about the camp as most of us had never been on a kelong. Amidst the excitement, several safety precautions had to be taken before we embarked on the overseas trip because we were concerned whether the long journey would tire our members. However, everything went on rather smoothly. Upon reaching the kelong, members and volunteers alike were captivated by the tranquil and beautiful waters of the Sibu Sea, and everybody took only a while to adapt to the kelong.

'Pirates of Sibu' was the theme of the camp and members and volunteers were cast as 'pirates' on a treasure quest in Sibu Island (which is about 15 minutes from the kelong). The 'pirates' did an Ah-Go-Go dance before breaking into groups for telematches. Through games like 'Finding Ally', 'Poison Balls', 'Blind but not Deaf' and 'Water Fight', members learnt more about teamwork and communication. After dinner and shower, all of us gathered and sang under the stars.

Many members woke up early the next morning to catch the sunrise and some even tried to learn fishing from other holidaymakers in the kelong. After breakfast, members were taught Dikir Barat, which they enjoyed very much. Several holidaymakers were very impressed with our members and danced together to the music with us. We returned to Singapore after lunch.

On the whole, it was a fun-filled and relaxed camp and kudos must be given to our dear members for overcoming a few hurdles, e.g. boarding and alighting from the boat, climbing up and down the steep steps of the kelong not once but four times! Quoting our chairperson Huixin, the Pirates of Sibu will indeed be a milestone in RO’s history!