6 Tips for Pesta

Pesta can be an overwhelming experience for those going for the first time. Even those who have experienced it before find each Pesta to be different. As the biggest Boys' Brigade camp in Malaysia (and quite possibly the world), it should be treated as a once in a lifetime experience.

To allow for a more meaningful Pesta experience, here are some of my advice:


1) Do not stick to your own company
The main objective of the Pesta is to have fellowship. It is a shame when people are split into squads and
stay silent for the whole Pesta until they go back to their company dorms. Open up and make new friends! Who knows, the new friendships you find may be more meaningful than the current ones you have.

2) Don't go on social media. Go SOCIALISE! 
Somewhat related to tip #1, but one which requires emphasis in this time and age. I hope you didn't pay and travel all the way to Kampar just to be starring at your phones, posting status updates and taking selfies, rather than enjoy the atmosphere of Pesta. (Tip to organisers: Have a mandatory phone check-in (by company) where participants surrender their phones to their officers. This will prevent anti-social behaviour.)

3) Your company isn't the only one in the world
Scenario:
Person A:   Hi, I'm John. Please to meet you.
Person B:   Hello! My name is Derp from the 3rd Company!
Person A:   ....

Thinking your company is the (insert number)st/nd/rd/th in the world is quite ignorant and will probably be pretty embarrassing. Please be sure to mention the full company name instead of just the number. For those of you who will encounter such cases, just give them a nice smile with tiny frown on your lip and be nice.

4) Keep an open mind and be willing to accept differences.

Pesta has much diversity, with people from different backgrounds and company culture mixing together.
Some might wear their badges differently, drill differently, have different approaches to decorum (respect and protocol given to ranks) - some companies may not even practice this at all, and so on. Even singspiration (or praise and worship) styles are different, as BB is made of various denominations. The key is to not judge and respect, even appreciate the differences. Comparing and looking down on others will probably make your Pesta stay a distasteful one.

5) Mind the language barrier
There will lots of noticeable languages, from Hokkien (Penang State companies) to Foo Chow (Sarawak State and Manjung companies) to Hakka (Sabah State companies) to Cantonese (Ipoh and the Klang Valley companies) and  of course English which is actually the minority in the "dan lain-lain" (etcetera) category. If you can speak Mandarin, no worries! You're all set. But if you are a banana like me, speak slowly and use simple English with others. Be patient and understanding to your fellow camper, and they will be likewise. Do not make the mistake of arrogantly thinking that your language is the "better" one. Be humble and a good sport.

6) Go with an expectant heart
Be excited! Don't drag your feet on your way there, hoping for the 5-6 days to pass by quickly. Enjoy this event as much as you can. There is always something new to take home (not just talking about a physical thing, but a learning experience). Don't leave without a finding a memorable and significant experience.


Other tips: 

• There will be long queues for everything, such as food, toilets and so on. So be early! 
• There will be no late night fire drills like the ones in the NCOs' Training School (unless a real fire happens. Smell for smoke).
• Always be prepared. Be helpful to one another (regardless of company). Listen to the officers. 
• Drink lots of water. Many people fall sick in such camps due to a lack of fluids. Carry a bottle at all times. Bring some panadol too just in case the heat causes headaches.
• Carry some tissue or wet wipes and a fanning device when watching competitions. It will be hot and sweaty. 
• Be sporting in a group, especially for games.
• Bring a notepad and pen for all the phone numbers and Facebook IDs you need to copy down.

That's all the advice I can offer. 

HAVE A GREAT PESTA!