Leon Aw (3A): Class-Bonding Activities

I have always believed that class-bonding activities are great. Whether it’s a group lunch after Cross Country or other larger-scale activities, they provide priceless opportunities for everyone to forge stronger friendships, which play a significant role in our student lives. To me, a class is a melting pot of personalities, and it is exactly this diversity of friends we can get to know that makes school so much more enjoyable.

As a member of 3A’s Class Executive Committee (CEC), I have had the chance to organise some class-bonding activities, one of the most notable being the “War Games” during the June holidays. It initially began as a class-bonding activity we had in my previous class, where we went to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to play various games using Nerf guns. Seeing its positive reception, I proposed it to 3A, and most of my classmates were on board. Afterwards, we began planning for the event during the June holidays.

The planning process was certainly not easy as we (the CEC members) had many things to account for to ensure War Games went smoothly. For example, we had to decide when and where we would hold the activity, as well as how many Nerf Guns were still needed. Hence, we created a Google Form to reach an agreement more easily. Furthermore, to decide what game modes we would have, we created a War Games Planning Committee with classmates who advised us on what activities our attendees would enjoy more. Shang Lok, another CEC member, and I even met at the park to decide on a specific field and ensure we had all the equipment, such as flags and Nerf Guns, to hold the event.

After a month of meticulous coordination, the day finally arrived. On 7 June, the inaugural 3A War Games began and turned out to be a success. We had a lot of fun running around and playing with Nerf guns in a battle-royale style. It was indeed physically rigorous to strategise and form alliances while constantly dodging bullets and shooting to eliminate opponents. However, through this activity, the eleven of us, including Alaric and Gideon, who weren’t even in our class, got to know each other better. We also switched the teams so everyone had the chance to work together with different people. Unfortunately, it started raining while we had our lunch break at the nearby McDonald’s. Nevertheless, we did not let this dampen our spirits as we spent the rest of our time chatting together while enjoying our food.

Ultimately, all the planning skills we had were put to good use. At that moment, I felt our class spirit was radiating stronger than ever before. Sure, it was tough to organise the War Games, but our efforts to pull it off were indeed worth it. It taught me that any class-bonding activity is possible, no matter how big or small, with the right amount of dedication. (Of course, safety and feasibility are still important to consider though, haha.) However, I would say that the incredible amount of satisfaction I had from pulling off this event was certainly more so because I saw everyone enjoying his time and becoming closer friends. That’s why I find my role as a CEC member so rewarding – it gives me opportunities to bring my 3A classmates together and forge a stronger class spirit.

That brings me back to my main point of why class-bonding activities are so important to me. Reflecting on my experience organising class-bonding activities has made me realise the true value of creating memorable and meaningful connections with my classmates in the two years we will spend together. Rafflesian life is stressful, but through class-bonding activities, we can really take a break and appreciate the friends we see in class every day. Who knows if War Games will become a tradition in the years to come?

It has truly been an honour working closely with Leon to organise the first-ever 3A War Games. Despite the outing being cut short by inclement weather, I believe that our tireless efforts and planning have paid off, as shown by the smiles of my classmates. They were extremely enthusiastic and supportive of the War Games event and many other CEC initiatives, and I am quite grateful for that. It is through War Games and class activities that the class spirit is invigorated, and I look forward to working with 2G 2023’s War Games organisers (Gideon and Alaric) to prepare and plan for future War Game sessions.~Young Shang Lok, 3A