H-Explore 5, 2022



Harvest Academy Exploration Camp in Penang!





H-Explore is an annual event meant to provide students with a comprehensive outdoor education experience and encourage them to develop problem-solving skills as well as promoting appropriate peer interactions and teamwork. In addition, the activities conducted throughout the programme were also aimed at developing students’ prompt response over instructions. 30 participants joined this year’s H-Explore at White Resort, Balik Pulau for 4 days and 3 nights, from 26th to 29th July 2022.


Upon arrival at the camp, the students were assigned to their accommodation. Then, they gathered in the hall for a briefing on camp rules and programme flow, and ice-breaking. Students worked together in their sports houses; Jupiter, Mars and Venus to create their house flag and cheers. Throughout the four days, the houses were given the mission to protect their flags. Points from different activities, participants’ merits and demerit points were accumulated throughout the programme for the best house award.





On the first day, campers participated in three activities organised by the camp; Sea Rescue, Spider Web and Obstacle Race, where their teamwork and strategic thinking were tested. In the evening, they played Three-way Water Balloon, a fun twist on dodgeball and water balloon. The campers also went on Night Walk where they were blindfolded and the partner in front was the only person they had to trust and hold on to.


The next day, the campers began their day with morning exercises and outdoor activities. They played Bell Hunter, a game of hide and seek with bells tied to their legs. Then, they challenged themselves to build rafts using inner tubes and PVC pipes! All houses managed to build their rafts and went on to race on the lake. Later in the afternoon, campers played indoor games and scavenger hunt that tested their teamwork, communication skills, and problem-solving skills. After dinner, campers enjoyed campfire night, where they bonded through singing, sharing food and drinks and playing games. After that, the campers gathered at the field near the lake to enjoy stargazing and sleep outdoors.





The day after offered more fun activities as the campers tried to cook outdoors with only the tools given to them. Many of the campers showcased their creative problem solving, tenacity and teamwork to complete their dishes within the allocated time. Then, the campers participated in the camp’s activity – Leaky Barrel- before they built model boats using cardboard boxes for Cardboard Boat Building Challenge. The challenge was only using cardboard boxes, tape and scissors to build model boats that could float and race on the lake. Many campers applied the buoyancy knowledge they learned in Physics class to design their ships. Later in the evening, the campers gathered at the hall for house performances with the theme – unity. Each house delivered entertaining and colourful performances.





On the last day, the campers joined the last activity conducted by the camp - A Frame - where their teamwork and physical strength were challenged. After that, all campers gathered in the hall for the closing ceremony. The campers performed singing and dancing, and the camp was concluded with a drama by the Taekwondo team and a special invite, Mr Lee, the CEO of Harvest Academy. The awards were presented by Mr Lee, which were the Best House (Mars), Best Male Camper (Ooi Yan Zhe), Best Female Camper (Nur Alisha Binti Ahmad Mohzani), Progressive Award (Kee Wei Lun and Ong Weng Kang) and Survival Award (Jasson Ng).


Overall, the programme was a success in providing the students with a comprehensive outdoor education experience and encouraging their problem-solving skills. The campers were seen to develop positive and supportive peer interactions and built strong teamwork throughout the four days.