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| Creativity
sparks learning |
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| Having
fun while learning to work as
a team. |
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| Man
has always been intrigued by the unknown. Not surprisingly,
it is the challenge of encountering uncertainty,
the thrill of adventure and the excitement of sparking
the imagination that has made the Tunnel/Cave/Maze
(TCM) the most popular and impactful activity for
participants at SPARKc @ Marine Parade.
The
first of its kind in Singapore and Asia, SPARKc
@ Marine Parade is a new adventure training centre
for young people aged 10 to 14. Its main goal
is to provide enriching leadership and character
development programmes that help children to learn
to be independent as well as interdependent.
When the centre was being built, the staff were
faced with the problem of how to minimise the
noise generated from a remote-controlled model
car circuit situated next to the centre. The engaged
contractor proposed erecting a two-metre high
wooden wall to keep out the noise. But the SPARKc
Project Team wanted to explore other options.
So they brainstormed and subsequently designed
the TCM, which not only helps to keep out the
noise, but can be used for SPARKc’s programmes
as well.
The TCM consists of four containers connected
by ducts. Different obstacles are built into the
training facility. Features such as emergency
exits, emergency lights and industrial fans are
in place to ensure the safety and well-being of
all participants.
The participants, who move in groups, have to
crawl, squeeze and make their way through the
TCM, which is not lighted. They have to share
light sticks and work with one another to negotiate
the turns and climbs in the TCM.
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| The
award-winning TCM provides a creative, challenging
and safe learning environment for young people.
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The
TCM serves as a fun, challenging and safe learning environment
where children can develop important skills and qualities
such as teamwork, commitment and responsibility.
Since its implementation in May 2001, over 5,000 participants
have gone through the TCM. Feedback has been very positive.
Besides bagging the NOVA Merit Award at the PS21 ExCEL
Award Ceremony 2002, the TCM has also won the Innovative
Programming Award given out by Outward Bound International.
This award is presented to Outward Bound centres that
have implemented innovative, effective and impactful projects
that fulfil the Outward Bound mission and have the potential
for replication at other centres worldwide. |
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| By
Outward Bound Singapore, People’s Association
Next: Enhancing patient care |
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| Related
Articles |
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THE
TCM EXPERIENCE
“It was challenging. It taught
me to work in a team and helped some
of my friends to overcome their fear
of darkness.”
- Shailesh Agarwal, 11
It required intense cooperation and
determination.
I loved it!”
- Navanitha, 11 |
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