Cameron Highland Training Camp 2026: 10 Days Away From Home
- Kawan Athletics
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Every year, we organise our annual training camp in Cameron Highland. Every year, our athletes and coaches sacrifice their time to be here. Some athletes miss school, some Form 5 athletes still choose to attend despite having SPM this year, some give up overseas holidays, and many spend part of their school break away from their families.
Over the years, Cameron Highland Training Camp has slowly become much more than just a training camp to many of our athletes. It is where they push themselves physically, learn to become more independent, take on responsibilities, build friendships, and create memories that stay with them long after the camp is over.
One parent shared that they spent quite some time deciding whether to allow their child to attend, especially with SPM approaching. As parents, it was not an easy decision.
What touched us most was what they said afterwards.
“This camp has proven to be highly beneficial and I believe serves as a valuable complement to SPM preparation.”
We had never really looked at our camp that way before.
As coaches, we often focus on the training sessions, workouts, and day to day organisation of the camp. Hearing a parent describe its value from a different perspective reminded us that the impact of the camp may extend far beyond athletics.
The lessons learned here: independence, responsibility, teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, and learning to live with others—are not tested in an examination hall, but they are lessons that will stay with our athletes long after SPM is over.
10 Days Instead of 7
This year was also our first time extending the camp from seven days to ten days. To be honest, we were worried. Would the athletes be able to cope with being away from home for so long while training in an environment that constantly pushed them physically and mentally?
Fortunately, they coped better than expected.
Of course, there were a few challenges. A small number of athletes missed home, while others discovered that they had underestimated the physical demands of the camp. Some struggled to complete workouts, while others found themselves dealing with sore legs after several consecutive days of training.
Supported Along The Way
This year's camp was made even more special thanks to the support of our sponsors.
For the first time, our athletes had access to OATSIDE Bars throughout the camp. They quickly became a favourite, with athletes grabbing them during breakfast, between training sessions, and some even having them for supper.
More importantly, it introduced a new way for us to approach fuelling and recovery. We never really had recovery bars readily available during training before, and this was the first time athletes could grab a quick bite between hill runs or workouts to keep themselves going.
We also held an OATSIDE photo challenge during the camp, and it was great to see the athletes get creative.
Apart from OATSIDE, our athletes were also supported by Runnoz Sport and Pasaraya TS Megah Sdn. Bhd., who sponsored additional camp shirts for the team.
A big thank you to all three sponsors for supporting our athletes and helping make this year's camp possible.
Beyond Training
Although training remained the main purpose of the camp, it was far from the only thing the athletes did.
Throughout the ten days, athletes took part in public speaking sessions, drama performances, group challenges, road relays, fun relays, room duties, and various leadership tasks. These activities were designed to push them beyond athletics and help them develop confidence, communication skills, teamwork, creativity, and responsibility.
For many athletes, some of the most memorable moments of camp were not necessarily the workouts, but the moments spent working together, solving problems, and laughing with teammates.
The Power of Saying Yes
This year, we introduced Choir as one of the group activities. The goal was never to sing in perfect pitch or put on an amazing performance. It was simply to get athletes from different groups to work together towards one common goal.
The first few days were far from perfect. The pitch was off, people laughed, and some were not taking it seriously. But day by day, something changed.
Athletes started practising together. Some stayed back to discuss how to improve, while others quietly worked on their own parts during their free time. Nobody was forced to do so. They simply wanted the performance to be better.
The person with perhaps the biggest headache was our very own "Director Song Jun Han", who somehow managed to bring everything together despite having to deal with different voices, different personalities, and different levels of commitment.
Looking back, what made Choir special was never the singing itself. It was the willingness of everyone to show up.
Even when they were tired after training, they still came. When asked to practise one more time, they did. When adjustments had to be made, they were willing to learn and try again.
That willingness gave confidence to the group leaders, assistant leaders, and to Jun Han himself. Because when people show up and buy into the process, leading becomes so much easier.
By the final afternoon, it wasn't just the singing that gave us goosebumps. It was knowing how much quiet effort had gone into making it happen.
If there was one lesson we took away from Choir activity, it would be this: being supportive matters, showing up matters, and small improvements add up.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple 'yes' to create something meaningful together.
Designed by our athletes, chosen by our community. 💙
Another tradition that continued this year was our annual camp logo competition.
Every year, athletes submit their own logo designs, and the winning design will be featured on the following year's team shirt. It is a small tradition, but one that gives athletes a chance to leave their mark on the camp.
This year, parents and athletes will once again decide which logo will represent Kawan in 2027.
🔎 We recommend clicking on each logo to view it properly before voting.
Which logo would you proudly wear on next year's official shirt? 👕
LIMA KAWAN
K.O.F 18 (Kawan on Firee!)
R. U. N (Resilience, Unity, Nurture)
KAWANHOOD
Looking through the submissions each year is always interesting, as every design reflects a different athlete's interpretation of the camp experience.
As you look through the logos, we encourage you to spend a little more time with each one. Look beyond the colours and shapes, and pay attention to the little details. Every stroke, symbol, and design choice was intentional and carries a meaning or story from the athlete who created it.
We hope you'll find the hidden meanings as interesting as we did, and perhaps even see the camp through the eyes of the athletes themselves before casting your vote.
We have always enjoyed seeing athletes contribute in ways beyond training, and this competition is one of those opportunities. After all, the camp belongs to them as much as it belongs to the coaches.
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