Flu and family dramas saw a few last-minute cancellations, so eventually it was 16 children ranging from eight to 15 years. All living in Malaysia, yet hailing from all over the world. It was a truly multi-national group. It was a truly multi-national group.

No handphones, no TV, no air con, no parents! On the go from 6am to 10pm, how could that be fun?

Well, it was. They got dirty, they got tired but they had so much fun; everyone made new friends and found talents and abilities in themselves they never knew they had. Camp Commanders Lorna Fisher and Juwanda Hassim ran the program, with Lorna in charge of equestrian activities and Juwanda in charge of the creative workshop. Ably assisted by the coaches and volunteers form the STCEC Pony Club, even the adults threw themselves into all the activities with gusto.

The campers stayed in dormitories that usually provided accommodation for visiting jockeys and grooms. Considerable effort from all departments at STCEC made this camp happen and every department worked hard to make it a success.

The lorry, fondly know as Lorry Airlines, picked everyone up at dawn. Juwanda’s arrival, departure and in-flight announcements reduced the children to fits of laughter, as they were ferried back and forth from the dorms to the equestrian center.

Each camper was allocated a horse of his or her own to take care of. The campers did all the feeding, mucking out, grooming and tacking up. They took the horses for grass as well as riding. For most of the children, this was their first opportunity to take care of a horse and everyone took on the responsibility with great enthusiasm. There were a few tears when the time came to say goodbye to their new-found hairy friends.

Juwanda as always had a variety of tricks up his sleeve and very quickly had everyone ready to take on all kinds of challenges; physical, creative, competitive, wet or dry, the children couldn’t wait to take on the next activity.

Divided into teams at the beginning of camp, the children competed for points in many areas to see who would be the winners. Points were awarded for tidy rooms and horse care as well as workshop activities, so every individual effort helped the team.

The teams chose their own names and planned their own presentations. On the final evening, parents and friends were treated to inspiring new versions of well-known fairy tales from the Funky Falabellas, Pony Horse Power and Horse Wise teams. Coaches and Pony Club volunteers all joined in the fray; much hidden talent surfaced that night!

On the last night, there was a great barbeque, thanks to Hazrin’s restaurant ‘Riah Café’ who did all the catering for us, followed by an awards ceremony. Malik Jeremiah, District Commissioner of the Malaysian Pony Club, came to present the awards and join in the fun. The parents were very enthusiastic audience and left dutifully carrying the dirty laundry at 10.30pm.

The final morning, as is now tradition, the camp finished with the Amazing Race on horseback around the equestrian center. Of course, there were Road Blocks that got you wet!

Everyone won! Achievement badges, special awards, carrot awards, team awards, thank you awards, everyone came home feeling a winner.
One camper summed it all up for me when she said, “I did so many things that I didn’t I could do, made so many friends and I had a pony of my own even if it was only for a weekend. Thank you.”

That’s what the Camp is all about.