The participants of the recent BRATs Year-End Journey bonded over many shared new experiences, with off-roading getting everyone’s votes as being the most memorable. But as in all BRATs experiences, the challenge is in translating their experiences into articles, photographs and videos. There were also lots to discover and learn, and grow in the process. Here’s what some of the BRATs had to say about the unique adventures they enjoyed together:

“The highlight of the journey for me would be the jungle skills challenge in Kenong Rimba Park, because it made me realise how much I still need to learn about life: that not everything can be learnt from a textbook, and that yes, watching TV (or more specifically Discovery Channel) has its educational benefits!” – Koh Aun Qi

“I gained a lot from the experiences throughout the trip. I’ve learned how to be more creative, more observant of our surroundings, more open-minded and of course learn how to listen and respect other people’s ideas and opinions. One last thing, I also learned not to be afraid of anything. Believe in yourself!” – Suhaili Abu Bakar

“Contrary to what most of my campmates would say, I would choose the frog hunt on the second night as the highlight of the journey. I have been to the jungle before, but have never really ventured into the darkness. The experience was both exciting and nerve-wrecking, the former due to the chance of seeing nocturnal wildlife, the latter due to the chance of being bitten by noctunal wildlife. It came true, I was bitten by a Baby Buffalo Leech on the way back to camp.” – Tristan Toh

“The whole journey has definitely been an eye-opening experience for me. First and foremost, I had the opportunity to forge friendships with such fun and amazing people. The highlight of the journey will definitely be the trip to the Lata Berembun waterfall. Though the ride up to the waterfall was rough and bumpy, we enjoyed every moment of it. It was undoubtedly the ride of our lives. The whole trip was just astonishing. The waterfall mesmerized me. It showed us how beautiful nature can be.” – Tan Yew Chong

“The experiences I gained from the trip have taught me to put myself in others’ shoes before I judge them. I believe that everyone is different and special in their own ways. It is of course human nature to form first impressions; however, throughout the trip I tried to understand different points of view before judging anyone. Sometimes, what we discover about others in the end may be different from what we initially thought. It is always easier said than done but I’m still trying, and I believe it will make me a better person.” – Gun Chin Ling

“It was my first time camping outside and sleeping in a tent. Sleeping on uneven ground wasn’t that bad after all! The food here is good too. I ate lemang for the first time and learned how to make it too.” – Foo Jen Yin

“My favourite part of the camp has to be the jungle survival skills sessions. Its the ‘bomb’! Learning how to make traps using jungle resources is a once-in-a-life-time experience.” – Kok Vee Vian

“Well, the thing I was hoping for most before the camp was to have clean toilets, seeing the way the jungle is. Incredibly, my wish came true, because after a short game one afternoon, the losing team had to clean the toilets. Dream come true!” – Gregory Pareira

“After the past few days I can say that the jungle is NOT the place for me. Nevertheless, this experience of camping in caves and avoiding leeches (ugh) has opened my eyes to a lot of things. Sounds cliched, I know, but I managed to learn some things that might come in handy in the future, so I guess the experience was worth it.” – Natalie Chang

“The 4x4 ride was super awesome! It’s really a once-in-a-lifetime experience and everyone will remember it forever! And the waterfall was so pretty!” – Calvin Low

“The frog hunt at night was great! We were knee-deep in the river by the cave to catch frogs (failed...). But it was a new thing for me. And I learned how to trap animals for food!” – Lau How Tian

“I would definitely encourage my friends to attend BRATs camps in the future because the fun AND equally stressful series of unforgettable events will surely mould a wholesome individual. Trust me.” -Amir Syakib Haron

“BRATs is a learning experience that you can never get at any other camp. The camp is perfect for teenagers wanting to know more about the world of journalism and new media.” -Hong Kah Mun

“Sometimes, it’s not easy to get along with so many people especially when doing assignments. And you can’t say what’s on your mind as it might be taken the wrong way. I learnt to give and take with everyone, and just take it easy.” -Andrea Choong