the day the swirling wind blew everything off the table at moe changi coast adventure centre

on the 2nd day - 1 june 2006 - of the camp, at around 3pm, the siren was sounded. prior to that happening, the camp coordinator had been telling us that a storm was brewing and that we should be prepared for some interruption to the programme. all outdoor activities would have to cease.

the kayaking group had just finished their session in the sea. it was change-over time; the rafting group was supposed to get into the waters and the kayaking group would try their hand at constructing a raft.

the field cooking group had finished cooking their eggs and mixed vegetables earlier and they were given time off for a water break.

the other activities were still in progress when the siren went off. mr daniel lim announced for all the campers to seek shelter in their respective lodges. the anchor teachers and teachers who were assisting stayed with the children in the lodges.

the wind was so strong that it blew all the utensils off the tables in the dining hall. not a single item was left on the tables; everything went to the floor or onto the road. plastic bags, papers and plastic cups were swirled around.

this went on for about twenty minutes before the rain came. the heavy rain lasted for more than an hour before it petered to a drizzle. by then, we had to make a decision regarding the campfire to be held that night. some 470 parents had indicated that they would be attending. we had to disappoint the parents because the ground was wet.

this reminded me of a storm we encountered at the stretch of sea near changi many years ago. it happened while we were conducting a 2-day sea expedition during a school camp for secondary 2 & 3 students. we started from pulau ubin and were headed for pasir ris beach.

when the storm came, all the canoes capsized, including the singles used by the camp instructors. most of the canoes managed to stay together to form a raft but two were swept away, out to the south china sea. we had to sought the assistance of the marine police; the bumboat operators, who plied between changi creek and ubin, also came to our assistance. they managed to rescue the two canoes that were separated from the rest.