Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Celebrate SG50 with FOCUS Adventure



We are deeply grateful to all Corporate Partners and Clients who have supported FOCUS Adventure over the years. FOCUS Adventure will pay it forward by contributing SGD50 to a “Youth Development Fund” for every successful programme delivered in 2015. FOCUS Adventure delivers on average of 650 programmes each year, together with its sister companies (Outdoor Adventures and CAMP CHALLENGE) we hope to contribute the targeted amount of SGD 50,000 by end of the year. Thank you again for your support and celebrating SG50 with FOCUS Adventure!

Certified Competent Facilitator (CCF)



Our Facilitator Joey is the first person in Singapore to attain the status of a Certified Competent Facilitator (CCF). This certification is awarded by the International Institute of Facilitation (INIFAC).

The requirements to attain CCF status requires applicant to submit a list of seven varied facilitation experiences, a set of written responses to showcase knowledge in facilitation and a simulated (videotaped) facilitated session to demonstrate facilitation practices. A team of Master Facilitators will then assess and grade the CCF applicant in these three areas. Only when the applicant achieved a certain knowledge and performance standard would he be awarded the CCF status.

The seven facilitation experiences Joey submitted are:
1. Committee handover session for a pharmaceutical MNC.
2. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for National Volunteer and Philanthropy Center.
3. Work-plan discussion for a consumer goods electronics MNC.
4. Brainstorming session for an agency from the civil service.
5. Work-plan discussion for a pharmaceutical MNC.
6. Strategic planning and review for National Volunteer and Philanthropy Center.
7. Visioning workshop for a local medical facilities.

The attainment of the CCF status by one of our Facilitators further demonstrates the effectiveness of the process facilitation services provided by FOCUS Consulting.

FOCUS Adventure’s Challenge Technology and Skills (FACTS) on 15 – 17 June 2015


The FACTS workshop allows us to gain in depth understanding of FOCUS Adventure unique approaches and practices used in Adventure Learning that differentiate us from the other market
players. The FACTS workshop gives us the opportunities to experience great real life examples of the learning concepts through the activities and with that, we are able to translate them into learning/debrief points. As an individual with the company, we are able to understand how our Facilitators facilitate and deliver effective and engaging learning programme for our clients. We also learn how we can customise our programmes to best meet various clients’ designed learning outcome.

Feedback from Participants:

•  Great course and Facilitator. Thanks Joey and Totok!
•  Awesome programme. Just wish we could stay longer and set another round of dry-run practice in. Awesome. Thanks!
•  Very experience Facilitator who brought the course to life and shared many important aspects of Adventure Learning.
•  Joey is professional and knowledgeable in his facilitation. He is dedicated and sincere in his training and sharing. He is a great and valuable asset to FOCUS Adventure. Keep it up.
 

Basic Officer Course 23 (BOC)



The Basic Facilitator Course is now being replaced and upgraded to Basic Officer Course (BOC).

The BOC is a selection and induction programme for the intake of all Officers level; from Assistant Managers all the way to CEO. Officers of the various units (Logistics, Safety, R&D, Business Development, SeaOPS etc.) hold leadership and management positions with the company. It is the start of the journey of a career that will take you to “places you have never been before”; the beginning of an exciting and meaningful career that will Challenge and Stretch your own limits to a whole new level.

Officers are selected based on educational qualification of minimum a Bachelor Degree (exceptions are given to Diploma holders who are pursuing a Degree) and individuals who possess the H.AI.R. Qualities (You may find out more about the H.A.I.R. Qualities on FOCUS Adventure’s website).

Besides FOCUS Adventure, potential Officers are also recruited through our sister companies,
Outdoor Adventures and CAMP CHALLENGE based on Vocations and put through this 7 days central training, selection and induction process. During the 7 days programme, potential candidates are constantly challenged at a mental, physical and emotional level. Candidates must demonstrate Leadership, Teamwork and the ability to Adapt and Innovate and make sound decisions on the ground. Candidates who are deemed not suitable will drop out of the course with no strings attached. Those who successfully finished the 7 days will be put through further training and development in the OJT phase depending on Vocations.

Individuals can also join the various companies as an Associate Officer if he/she possess specialist skills such as sailing or mountaineering and wants to be part of this Adventure on associate basis. However, passing the BOC is mandatory as the Associate Officers will carry the same leadership and responsibilities based on rank as the full time counterpart.




Here’s what our BOC graduates have to say about their experience:

Name: Gladys TAN
BOC 23 was indeed an experience for me. I was never afraid of heights however when I was attempting the High Elements as well as the Team Challenge Pyramid I realized the feeling was totally different. The element of fear was present because there was no support given, the only two support I relied on was my team members who were there to ensure my safety as well as the safety gears provided. I’ve learnt to trust my team members more and also the safety equipment provided. It was through constant encouragement and support from them which allowed me to push myself to complete the obstacles. Through this course, I am able to experience and understand what participants are going through when they attempt to complete the challenges. It was really sweet to see how everyone was kind to one another and how some of us have bonded really well after this course.

I definitely do not regret attending this course in fact I really appreciate how this course has allowed me to better understand my strengths and weaknesses. BOC 23 has given another perspective to FOCUS Programmes; it is impactful and meaningful. Lastly, I am thankful for having great team members as well as a great facilitator conducting the entire course, it is truly a wonderful experience!

Name: Jeff TAN
It is definitely interesting and at the same time fulfilling experience for me as I have been looking forward to attending this program. Going through the different activities ranging from the energizers, mobile adventure programs and low elements not only allow me to learn the important points of conducting and debriefing the activities, it also provided me the opportunity to feel how the clients feels. This allows me to better pace the experience of the clients during the facilitation. As it does to the client’s company, it too built the relationship between me and my fellow colleagues.

The high elements pushed me to challenge myself while the 25 metres Team Challenge Pyramid got me to understand more about my-self being a leader. The self-discovery of how encouraging I am towards my team mates, how determine I am to challenge my-self and how much patience I have while leading got me to reflect on areas of improvements for my-self. There’s a saying, how you play your game is a reflection of life. In a team, it’s never about one person and an individual can never be a leader when there is no one to lead.
In overall, I enjoyed the self-discovery and the moments where all of us got to seat down, chat and laugh about the common moments over a meal.

Name: Liping NAH
It’s truly an unforgettable lifetime experience that I have gained from BOC 23!  By going through the High Element and Team Challenge Pyramid (TCP), I have taken a step further to understand the importance of TEAMWORK.

The Pamper’s Pole left me with the deepest impression throughout the 2 days course! I can only hear endless words of encouragement from all my fellow colleagues when I’m up on the Pamper’s Pole.
Personally, I felt that BOC has given us opportunity to indentify our individual strength and weakness which we simply ignore on our daily life.

Overall experience in two words “Epically Awesome”

Name: Dianne TAN
BOC 23 was truly an experience! I had previous experience doing High Elements, (although it was years ago) but I thought that would be a walk in the park for me. However, the moment I stood on the ‘Balancing Beam’ and looked down to my team mates, I felt the real terror of the High Elements – 15m in height! And I am glad I made it through.

Team Challenge Pyramid was something I always looked forward to complete and I was given the chance to do so in BOC 23. Although we took a slightly longer time to complete as compared to the other time, I was glad that my team made it through together and none of us gave up no matter how much tears was shed!
BOC 23 was certainly memorable and I appreciate that the course had all of us bonded. The course also made me realised my strengths and how perceived fears will always be there, but if we take that one step, to inch forward, we will definitely overcome and achieve the ultimate goal!

“The True Test Of A Champion Is Not Whether He Can Triumph, But Whether He Can Overcome Obstacles!”

Name: Yongjun FOO
The Basic Officer Course (BOC) was definitely a great experience for me, being given the chance to stand in a participant’s perspective and actively participate in the wide variety of programs and activities conducted for us.

The most memorable activity for me has to be the Team Challenge Pyramid (TCP) located in Bintan, where it pushed my limits as well as put the team’s camaraderie to test. Standing 25m above the ground, the first thing I had to do was to control my own fear and brush away all the worried looks on my face, so that it can be a form of confidence booster and assurance for the rest of my team. Saying that, it was not an easy feat for me either, even though I love rock climbing and did bungee jumping before, my legs were trembling a little while going through certain parts of the course!
The skies were turning dark and I think the fact that the whole team is dependent on an individual’s performance helped to push us on. At the end of it, I am very heartened that the whole team managed to complete it together.

In overall, the whole course was truly enjoyable and fruitful for everyone.


Dragon Boat Expedition to Lazarus and St.John Island




 Overwhelmed by the cosmopolitan city life? Yearning for an island getaway but don’t have the luxury of time? Now you can paddle your way to the Southern Islands of Singapore! Why take a ferry there when you can team up with your colleagues and get to Lazarus Island, St. John Island or Kusu Island on a Dragon Boat?  Uncover the mysteries of the Southern Islands of Singapore and make your island getaway a unique and thrilling experience like no others!


As a competitive sport, Dragon Boating is considered one of the toughest sport as it is not only physically demanding but mentally challenging too. It is the only sport that requires the teamwork of 10 people practising the same paddling actions simultaneously! While it may be challenging competitively, it can also be a leisurely row of the boat at your own pace. At the same time, your fellow paddlers will learn to work together to make the boat move most efficiently! What can be better than having fun while fostering bonds at the same time?

Dragon Boating is also one of the oldest sports around. It has its roots in ancient China where it was once used for religious purposes as a way of appeasing the rain gods. Dragon Boat Races came about to commemorate an ancient warrior and poet name Qu Yuan. It has a history of over 2000 years!

Dragon Boat Sprints Regatta in celebration of World Water Day


On the 21st March 2015, Saturday, Singapore Dragon Boat Association (SDBA) organised the 100m Dragon Boat Sprints Regatta in celebration of World Water Day. World Water Day is an annual event to promote awareness on the importance of water and energy.

With a team of 14 people that included staff from FOCUS Adventure and her sister company, CAMP CHALLENGE, we competed in our first ever Dragon Boat race in both mixed and opens category.

Despite our hectic work schedule and unforeseen circumstances, we managed to clock our record timing of 0.36.819secs in the mixed category.  With room for improvement in timing, it will spur us on towards a better performance for our next race!

” Being the first race for the young dragonboat team, the effort and willingness to sacrifice the time and effort on Saturdays despite the Hectic schedule is commendable. “
- Jeff Tan, Assistant Manager, R&D

” Being able to participate in an actual dragonboat race was definitely a humble and an enriching experience for all of us! Our results were truly commendable and I believe that the whole team benefitted greatly from the whole experience. Looking forward to more races! “
- Foo YongJun, Facilitator

” The event brought the team closer and showed us our potential. Even though we did not make it first, but for a first race we performed quite well. Now with more trainings, I look forward to our next race! “
- Sasi, Manager, SeaOPS

Monday, 14 September 2015

FOCUS Adventure’s Challenge Technology and Skills ( FACTS )

The effectiveness of training programmes largely depend on the qualities of the trainer and facilitator. Thus, it is important for trainers and facilitators to upgrade their skill sets and knowledge. FACTS is a 3-day Train-the-Trainer Course for participants to learn more about FOCUS Adventure’s methods, techniques and processes in facilitating Adventure Learning Programmes. Through this course,  participants will learn how to design, customize and conduct Adventure Learning Programmes as well as ways to integrate Adventure Learning techniques into other forms of learning methods, such as classroom based training or coaching. This course is ideal for trainers and facilitators who are looking for new ideas and techniques to increase participants engagement.

Learning Outcomes
- Learn about FOCUS Adventure’s techniques and approaches
- Learn how to design and conduct effective Adventure Learning Programmes
- Learn how to customize activities to meet different learning objectives
- Learn how to apply Adventure Learning concepts into other forms of learning methods

Course Delivery Format
-  Indoors and outdoors activities
- Group discussion and activities
- Practice and feedback

Course is for
- Trainers, Educators, Coaches, Instructors and Facilitators
- HRM, HRD and L&D personnel interested to learn more about Adventure Learning
- Anyone in the people development sector

Course Date
- 1 run on the 15th to 17th June 2015
- Customised In-house training is available

Course Fee
- $1500 excluding GST
- Inclusive of 3 meals per day
- 10% Early Bird Discount (payment received 4 week before course commencement)
- Group Discount of 5% for two or more individuals from the same organization