Royal Rangers Selangor 7

By Commander Terence Ooi

Whilst everybody else is busy feasting on Chinese New Year cookies and collecting angpows, the AR Boys were off to Broga on their quest – to build the tallest tower (well, not really) and the sturdiest table (quite literally).

We zoomed our way from church on the evening of 23rd February 2007 (Friday) and arrived there just in time for supper, devotion and an early sleep. Knowing that the next day was going to be hectic and energy zapping, the boys made history by sleeping at 1030 pm. History beckoning, eh?! The 6 brave and bold commanders got busy throughout the night getting the nitty gritty details completed (ie. measurement of bakau wood, length and width of the projects and planning for the next day).

Day begun with devotion by Commander Koo on the topic of working together, unity and that all of us had a part to play in the body of Christ, totally apt for what is to take place ahead.

After a roti-canai breakfast, the boys were given a quick run-through and refresher on their lashing and also rope whipping. After that, Outpost Commander Terence gave a briefing on the two main projects for the day. One – an hourglass tower. Two – picnic table with back rest. After we were split into our respective roles and duties, the boys with full confidence and strength headed off to their field of work.

A group of boys were to de-bark the bakau. Removing the bark of the bakau requires patience, perseverance, strength and endurance – in which the boys showed tremendously, especially Acker Kwan.

Another group were the diggers and the planters. They were to dig holes one foot deep and plant the bakau in and then to make them sturdy. This work requires a lot of hard work, stamina, persistency and strength. Jonathan Chin led this group of boys and were done spiritedly. Brilliance is the word. The strength of the bakau rooted in the ground is amazingly rock solid.

Another role for the boys was of course the lashing part. Every boy was required to do this and they showed excellent teamwork and unity. A minimum of two boys to each lashing. Every wind has to be tight. Every turn to be strong. Each frapping to hold the lashing fixed. Our hands were already red by noon, where we took a break for lunch.

Although the sun was blazing hot, yet God allowed short term down pours and this totally cooled us off. Praise be to our Amazing God!

The table was steadily completed half hour before 6, while the tower half an hour later. We rejoiced as the first person stood at the top of the tower!!! This was an amazing feat taking into consideration that the hour glass tower was the first time being executed and that some boys were fresh from the Discovery Rangers last year.

Night time we had BBQ together with a good time of fellowship and not to mention lame jokes by none other than Christopher Tan!!! As the night peaks… it was time for WAR GAMES!!! The boys hurriedly set up the “battle field” in the open field and within minutes we were ready. “Ammo” shot, people “die”, teams won and tension arise. Ask any Selangor 7 AR boy to explain this game to you!

We all slept right after that but rudely awaken by the sound of Christopher playing his recorder!! !@#@!#!$$!@ The boys woke up blurry the next morning and after wash up and breakfast, Cmdr Bryan Eric shared during Sunday service. He shared about running the race and overcoming those obstacles we often faced in life. Boys were refreshed in the Spirit, Praise the Lord.

Next on the agenda were advancements. Commanders covered merits such as hiking, church history and Bible. From then on, the smell of green grass came begging to the noses of Adventure Boys. “FOOTBALLL!!!!” They all screamed! Kick and cross, pass and shoot, dive and tackle… the boys demonstrated their skill all around.

Shortly after lunch, we headed home. Still bursting with energy, we look back at the standing tower and our rooted table… Ahh, success… Thanks be to our Great God!

Follow this link to see more pictures of the Gadget Camp :Link