BEING a journalist can be pretty awesome. How awesome? Well, 30 lucky teenagers found out for themselves last week at the BRATs Johor Baru 2015 young journalist camp.

The teenagers, selected from across Malaysia, were brought together at Mutiara Hotel Johor Baru for four days of workshops and exciting field assignments, where they put their journalistic skills to the test.

Some of the participants putting their new-found photojournalism skills to the test.

They were split into three groups for their assignments, with R.AGE journalists Ian Yee, Lim May Lee and Vivienne Wong each mentoring one team.

Chiew Kek Whye and Cindy Chow, the husband-and-wife duo behind Kedai Dobi Shanghai, showing #TeamIan some old family photos. Kedai Dobi Shanghai has done laundry for the past four Sultans of Johor.

The assignments included a trip to Legoland Water Park, where they interviewed the incredibly well-trained professionals who keep the park fun and safe at the same time.

#TeamMayLee interviewed the performers behind Lego Friends, an interactive musical that will be running until July 19 at the Legoland Malaysia’s City Stage.

They also learnt more about the history of Johor Baru by exploring the historic Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, where generations-old traditional businesses and trendy cafes sit side-by-side. We’ll be releasing their stories, photos and videos over the next few weeks, both here and at the BRATs website (rage.com.my/BRATs), so stay tuned!

The BRATs interviewed the highly-trained lifeguards who not only help keep the Legoland Water Park safe, but also fun!

BRATs is a young journalist programme organised by R.AGE. It was established in 1993 as a community service project, but has since grown into Malaysia’s top young journalist programme, producing countless journalists and media professionals over the years.

To find out how you can apply to join the programme, go to rage.com.my/bratsrecruitment.