A Week in the Life: Kawan Athletics Training Camp Recap

“Arabella the haunted stairs, made everyone legs shake and some faces cry but looking back at it now, we made so many fun memories there.” — Lohshini (14 y/o)

Arabella the haunted stairs, made everyone legs shake and some faces cry.

Lohshini, third-time camper, played "Mdm. Lau - the problematic mom" in the team drama.

In her third year joining the Cameron Highlands training camp, Lohshini described this experience as the best one yet, not because it was easy, but because of how far she has come.

Last year, she cried before public speaking because she felt underprepared. This year, she returned as an independent assistant leader and proved that you don't need to feel fully ready to step up and try. Together with Caden, their group became one of the best in executing tasks. They were dependable, organised, and creative.

She played Mdm. Lau, the problematic mom, in the drama. Her group, Acts of Harmony, made a huge comeback by scoring 62 out of 75, the highest drama score of all teams, which helped them climb back to second place.

And yes, she slapped a coach on stage. We’re still laughing about it. Mdm. Lau, live in action: loud, dramatic, and unforgettable.

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Jehan, first-time camper, 183cm.

He came in quiet. Coaches and some teammates thought he’d stay that way, but by the end of camp, he was one of the noisiest in the group. He might be a little blur at times, but he surprised everyone with his calm presence and kindness.

One evening, he sat beside an 11-year-old boy who was homesick and quietly comforted him as the sun set. No drama, no big words, just being there.

That’s Tai Jehan: loud when he wants to be, steady when it matters.

“Having something to suffer in common really made a bond between each other.” — Jehan (15 y/o)

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“I experienced being more independent… I loved this camp and hope to go again next year!” — Zia (13 y/o)

Zia, first-time camper. A baker and a runner. She’s one of the strongest 13-year-olds in the team.

Reliable, focused, and quietly competitive. Everyone wanted her in their road relay team, and it’s easy to see why. She never complained, always gave her best, and just got the job done.

She’s also an all-rounder. She runs, bakes, plays drums and basketball, and still does well in school. And yes, the coaches are still waiting for those cookies she owes us.

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“Helping your friend doesn’t look like training. But it is.”

“Lunch was the most difficult for me because Coach KJ kept refilling my plate until I got so full I couldn’t talk.”— Ajay (13 y/o)

Ajay, first-time camper. Took on a senior’s challenge, got lost… but came back faster the next day. He’s the ace of the U13 boys and is the kind of athlete every team needs. Focused, fast, and always ready when it counts. A hot pick for the road relay team and always steady in training.

We made him race Jet, the 18-year-old boy, in the long run. He confidently took the lead, then confidently took the wrong road. Lost the race, learned a lesson, and came back the next day with the best U13 timing. He also ranked 4th overall among boys older than him.

He topped public speaking with a score of 57.5 out of 60. No long pauses, hit the time, and made the speech fully his own.

The biggest surprise? His drama performance. He played a character completely different from himself, and pulled it off so well that all the coaches were caught off guard.

P/S: Not sure if Ajay was training harder on the track or at the lunch table. Either way, he survived both.

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🔄 Lessons in Progress (Not Perfection)

We say it often: we’re not looking for perfection. What we want to see is progress, and this camp gave us plenty. Some came in quiet, some came in overconfident, some came unsure of where they fit. But one way or another, most walked away with something more than what they came in with.

🌱 Growth That Caught Our Eye

Nicholas (18) struggled to fit in, and honestly, he still found it hard even towards the end. The age gap, culture shock, and team dynamics made things tough. But halfway through camp, something shifted. He changed his attitude, started showing up for his team in drama, in games, and in his effort. It may not have been perfect, but it meant something.

Nicholas, if you're reading this, we know you said you're never coming back to camp (we heard you loud and clear 😂). But we’re still glad we got to spend that time with you. And no, we’re not sorry Jet dragged you into this.

Benjamin (11) got homesick as early as Day 2. He cried, but never once complained. Not a single message came from his parents to intervene. We respect his determination and the trust his parents gave us.

We’re also thankful for the tall giant (Jehan) who quietly sat beside him and comforted him when it mattered most.

By the end of camp, Benjamin didn’t just get through it. He grew. He became more focused in training and clearer about his goals.

Caden (15) and Lim Jet (18) are proof that growth isn’t always loud. Caden started his first year small and quiet. He even teared up in training when he struggled to perform certain movements. It was not a mistake, just something he could not do yet, and it left him frustrated and overwhelmed. Second year, still quiet. But this year, he bloomed. He took on the role of team leader, and his group worked well under his guidance. We were all surprised by how much he’s grown.

Lim Jet, once known as the worst group leader last year, returned this year as a mentor. And this time, he didn’t need a title to lead. He offered help when it was needed most.

Zia (13) struggled with plyometric hurdle drills, not because she lacked effort, but because her height made it tougher. She cried, but she didn’t quit. That’s what real progress looks like.

🤝 Quiet Support, Big Impact

Our mentors didn’t just stand by. Hong Xun was always there, even when no one asked, and we are forever grateful. Pei Yuan dedicated her energy to helping Group 1 and 4, always present when needed. Yan Han and Lim Jet continued to step in and guide, offering advice and support without needing a spotlight. And when it came to group games… these mentors went all in. No eyes see.

🎙 Quotes That Stuck With Us

“A win is a win.” — Jet, after Ajay took the wrong turn in the long run

“In the nut of shell…” — Ramiz, redefining public speaking one idiom at a time

We’ll end this blog post just like Ramiz did, maybe not perfectly, but with heart. Thanks for reading. See you at the next camp. ❤️