As the dust (or more accurately, mud) settles...

As the muscle aches wear off, the mosquito bites stop itching, and the dust (or more accurately, mud) from the last Introduction Weekend settles, we stop to reflect on what we’ve learnt, the relationships we’ve built , the new things we’ve discovered about ourselves and the bad habits we hope to leave behind.


Now, that all seems nice and peachy written down, and no matter how much the Raleigh staff members (and our parents) try to believe that’s what we participants are doing, the truth is we are more likely to be cursing staff members for the treacherous trek, giggling at the thought of the absurdity of some activities/games (Giants, wizards and dwarves, anyone? Special thanks to Adrian for letting team Bravo know what its like to be cockroaches killed by Ridsect), and revel in the moments where we didn’t have to listen to the coordinators righteous instructions for at least a little while (who knew being stuck in the middle of a large body of water on a shoddy raft would be the most serene thing ever?)

In order to talk about my Raleigh experience thus far I’d have to start at the last thing we did, which was get on the bus and fill up those cliched survey forms. I had the privilege of getting to know a number of the staff members prior to IW through Reaching Out and maintained contact with some of them. While filling out my form it seemed impossible to write model answers that one usually does for these kind of things, it seemed a too ludicrous considering the kind of people I’ve discovered the Raleighians to be. Not to mention how unhelpful those type of responses would be. Instead, I gave honest and individual specific responses, which I know for a fact entertained many of the staff. (webmaster: yes all the forms gave us a big laugh!)

The best way to give a serious reaction was to give an unserious one, since that was exactly the way the staff really reached us and made us think during IW. No doubt they were serious when necessary, one would expect no less, but as young people who have pretty much grown up being told what to do by being talked down to, it was refreshing and effective to be looked in the eye and be spoken to from the same level.

‘I’m Only Happy When It Rains’ by Garbage with one of my team coordinators (the lovely Miss Siaw Ling). A team mate of mine also taught my whole team (Bravo) the ‘Worm Song’ that we sang so much during the trek some actually hummed it as they went to sleep. Yes, we were very musical indeed.


Although there was always plenty of joking and teasing going on, the amount of respect and admiration we participants have for the staff members is undeniable. This was confirmed during the trek and towards the end of it, when the river water levels rose, there were injuries and people were so cold they could barely move. It was amazing that the situation was always organised and under control, handled completely by young people (yes, I mean ALL of you). It made us think what we were really capable of too, if only we wanted to be.

So ultimately, I believe whatever IW was intended to achieve, it managed most of it. Even though groups of us sit at home thinking this experience was really different from other camping trips and team building activities in the way that everyone was just plain freaky and nuts (in the best way possible), the truth is through the insanity, I believe the real message of Raleigh really got through. As staff make crude wagers on how many from IW are to continue with Raleigh, know that you’ve piqued the interest of most, have convinced at least one to carry on (me) and hopefully impacted more than just a few.

To my team (Bravo!) and cuckoo coordinators, Siaw Ling and Lymun (we’re still talking about you guys!) your support truly meant the world. To all the staff members, coordinators and facilitators, on behalf of all the participants I’d like to say a big thank you for a great time. We hope to see you soon and take the opportunity to terrorise you from now onwards with our annoying sprightliness and barely feasible ideas. Blame yourselves.

Personally, as someone who has been apart of many volunteer/environmental organisations led by boring governmental geezers, the crazy/stalker/loony/screwball/unhinged/nutty Raleighians seem like the best deal ever. If you’re the kind who’s pretty straight laced or timid, a few lines from a George Michael song comes to mind :

‘...And I’m dancing with the freaks now, I’m havin’, havin’ so much fun...
Yes I’m dancing with the freaks now,
We’re havin’, we’re havin’ too much fun...’

And if you’re a participant, I sincerely hope that even if you can’t make it to an expedition, don’t just let go of this. It really is a chance of a lifetime. (webmaster: If you learn 'this' much in IW, you'll gain 10X more in expedition!)

All my love, and have a good year everybody.

Lali