by Mr Ronald Embon Escorpiso
(Student Leadership Coordinator)

Putting people outside their comfort zones bring out the 'type of leadership' they have. This was the leading rationale for Bina Bangsa School Balikpapan setting up the leadership camp outdoor for this Academic Year 2022 ' 2023 with the theme, 'BBS Student Leader: One Who Knows the Way, Goes the Way and Shows the Way.'

The 2-day-1-night leadership camp served as the final stage of the school's improved screening process for the prefect selection. 26 prefect aspirants, from both Primary and Secondary levels, successfully passed Stage 1: Application and Screening and Stage 2: Panel Interview and the Camp. This year's camp was held at Kebun Raya Balikpapan, a known conservation area of different plant species under SKPD Dinas Lingkungan Hidup (DLH). The event was held last 24 th -25 th September 2022. Day 1 did not go as planned as the whole camp was flooded by the heavy rainfall. But this cloudburst set out a chance for some students to take shower, run, play in the rain and even jump in muddy puddles for the
very first time in their existence. While waiting for the rain to stop, Mr Ronald and Ms Vanessa taught some Filipino games like luksong baka, luksong tinik, bato-bato pick (with split), which were joyfully played by the campers. As the concern in the tents got noticed, most of the prefect aspirants showcased their skills and brilliant ideas in solving an emerging problem. They tried to patch in their wet tents with the stuff they have, which magnified their sense of being resourceful and strategic. This proved that challenges unleash the best and worst in a person, but in this case, it
highlighted the best in them. The first official Camp activity commenced after lunch with the activity
Building Tower. This activity required teamwork and strategy as they designed the tallest and most stable tower using the provided materials. MrPJ processed the experience by sharing that stability comes from the base wherein in any organisation or group, the leader is the one who takes the role of a 'base', keeping the whole organisation strong and steady despite all odds. This was followed by Pass the Message which taught the students the importance of proper giving of instructions and the ability to read their members' nonverbal gestures. Yell Making and Presentation showed their team's creativity and unity. The highlight of Day 1 was the Dinner Cooking

Contest that awakened the master chefs in them. Most of them admitted that they never tried even once to cook any meal. This activity allowed them to face their fears of using a knife, turning on the stove, putting meat in boiling water and cooking oil and getting burned. Product? Scrumptious meals that were shared and partook by everyone! At night, the three candidates for the Head Prefect position, Fatima, Stella and Tisha, all from Secondary 3, delivered their platforms for the members to gain insights
about them and their plans. The night was cold and peaceful, no more storm. Day 2 boomed everyone with a very radiant atmosphere! After breakfast, campers had stretching and warm-up before walking-jogging to the man-made lake where the Amazing Race began. Each group must
accomplish the tasks in the five stations put up around the whole venue. Each game/activity further honed their leadership skills. Exhaustion was visible on their faces, but all the teams triumphantly finished and returned to the campsite. After washing up, Mr PJ gave a talk on Bullying, letting them
suggest ways how they can help in addressing this issue. The leadership training finally came to end. All 26 campers were officially recognised and pinned as the newest set of BBS Balikpapan
Prefects. Afterward, they elected the Head Prefect, Vice-Head Prefect and Secretary.

The results for the Prefectorial Board election for A.Y. 2022 ' 2023 were:
Head Prefect : Tisha Aurelia Yu
Vice-Head Prefect : Stella Cynthia Jaya Oey
Secretary : Fatima Mujib Modak

This leadership camp became the venue for the students to develop their leadership skills, promote teamwork, enhance communication skills and sharpen practical skills which are all substantial qualities of effective leaders. Congratulations to our Prefects 2022'2023! Bear in mind, be the one
who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.