The EQuip Leadership Camp 2024 embraced a fresh and meaningful approach by integrating a theme inspired by the movie Inside Out 2. This year’s camp underscored the idea that effective leadership starts from within, emphasizing that leaders, like everyone else, are human—complete with emotions that guide their decisions and actions.

For the first time, Student Development (SDev) empowered student leaders to take the reins in planning and running the camp, with SDev staff providing support as facilitators and managing logistics. The camp’s focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) reflected the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Participants explored how understanding their own emotions could help them better manage their clubs and the diverse working styles of their members.

 

Day 1: Connecting and Understanding

The camp began with icebreakers and team-building activities designed to establish trust and connection among participants. Leaders from various clubs came together to share their expectations and set the tone for the days ahead. A surprise fire drill added a spark of excitement, while the lessons that followed laid a foundation of self-awareness, highlighting the core leadership values of empathy, communication, and resilience.

The first day ended with an early wrap-up, allowing leaders to rest and recharge for the challenges to come. This moment of pause reflected the camp’s theme: understanding that effective leadership requires balance—between drive and rest, ambition and reflection.

 

Day 2: Stepping Beyond Comfort Zones

Day two was the most physically and mentally challenging, pushing leaders to step out of their comfort zones. Clad in maroon EQuip tees, participants travelled to HomeTeamNS to tackle high and low-element challenges. These activities emphasized not just physical strength but also emotional resilience, as leaders had to communicate and collaborate effectively under pressure.

Beyond the physical tasks, traveling and working in teams deepened bonds, reinforcing the importance of emotional intelligence in building strong relationships. The day continued back on campus with an Amazing Race, further testing both the participants’ teamwork and endurance.

The night’s highlight was a 5km night walk near Bukit Batok hiking trail, where leaders reflected on their leadership journeys and vulnerabilities. They were encouraged to discuss questions such as their greatest achievements and what they would like to change within their clubs. This exercise allowed participants to express themselves openly, recognizing that great leaders are also those who understand and embrace their emotions. The day ended with a comforting cup-noodle supper sponsored by SDev, a moment of shared connection after a long, challenging day.

 

Day 3: Reflecting and Celebrating Growth

On the final day, participants had the opportunity to reflect on the leadership theories they had learned throughout the camp. The afternoon brought the much-anticipated campfire performances, where each team demonstrated the theme of the camp through skits. Each scenario involved real-life situations student leaders might face—such as leading an exco meeting for the first time or navigating budget approvals—and portrayed different emotions, from joy to frustration. These skits symbolized the complex emotional landscapes leaders navigate, reminding everyone that leadership is as much about managing emotions as it is about managing tasks.

The campfire, set against the scenic rooftop of Block A, created an intimate and reflective atmosphere. Participants gathered around a makeshift fire, sharing stories and celebrating their collective growth. Prizes were awarded to the winning teams, and the camp ended on an energetic note with a group Zumba session, leaving leaders refreshed and united.

 

Through the EQuip Leadership Camp, participants were reminded that great leadership begins with self-awareness and emotional intelligence. By learning to recognize and manage their emotions, they became better equipped to lead with empathy and resilience.

If you’re ready to embark on your own leadership journey, join one of our SIM clubs today! Register with your SIM email via this link: https://forms.office.com/r/pR6A2mtStc