Since 2006, the NUS Psychology Society has been conducting our annual Psychology Camp, providing a platform for freshmen to know like-minded peers and seniors and familiarize themselves with NUS and FASS. While gaining exposure to the discipline of Psychology, participants also get the chance to forge bonds and make new friends.

This year’s 4D3N camp embodies a circus theme, hence the name “Cirque du Psycho” (pronounced cirque – du – seek-o), meaning ‘Circus of Psychology’ in French. Sixty campers were split into groups led by enthusiastic seniors, with each group adopting a circus act as its theme, such as the Lion Tamers, Sword Swallowers and Unicyclists.

Our campers stayed in Eusoff Hall during the camp and went to places within and around NUS campus for our activities. The station and war games helped to bond the campers and tested their team dynamics. Photo Hunt brought them on an exploratory journey across all the faculties. Amazing Race introduced useful facilities around NUS to the campers as they navigated their way from one landmark to another. All these activities successfully cultivated a strong sense of camp and team spirit among our participants.

Besides having fun outdoors, our camp also incorporated indoor activities, such as CORS simulation session conducted by friendly seniors, Professor’s talk by our NUSPsyche’s advisor, Dr Ryan Hong, as well as a sharing by seniors, some of whom have graduated and specially returned to share their experiences with our campers. The highlight of our camp was the Murder Investigation, in which campers got to interview suspects and plan a skit which will showcase their investigation’s outcome. On Finale Night, everyone, dressed to the nines, congregated to watch the skit performances. The atmosphere climaxed when the murder plot was re-enacted by the original crew, bringing the entertainment value of the night to an all-time high.

One noteworthy tradition of the camp was our Ribbon Ceremony on the last day, where everyone shared about their experiences and reflections about the camp, then took home a piece of ribbon, which signified the bonds fostered during the camp. The camp committee who were usually busy with managing the activities also took the time off to join their groups and share about their thoughts and feelings.

As Psychology Camp 2010 came to an end, we bade each other farewell with a heavy heart. Nevertheless, it was heartening to see everyone leaving with smiles on their faces, taking with them the memories and friendships formed from the camp.

NUS Psychology Society