School Supplies SG

Secondary 3 · 5 days · cohort camp

OBS Outward Bound — Secondary 3

OBS Sec 3 is a 5-day, mostly outdoor experience for the whole cohort. Expect kayaking, trekking, and overnight stays in basic shelters. Quick-dry clothing, a decent torchlight, and waterproof bags are non-negotiable.

← All camp packing lists

Before you pack

What OBS Sec 3 is actually like

Outward Bound Singapore runs the Sec 3 cohort camp — a key plank of MOE's National Outdoor Adventure Masterplan. Most cohorts do 5 days, 4 nights at the Pulau Ubin or Coney Island campus.

Programme rhythm

  • 5 days, 4 nights for most cohorts — exact length varies by school.
  • Daily mix of trekking, kayaking, rock climbing, group expedition planning and reflection.
  • Sleeping arrangements: basic tented shelters or bunk huts.

OBS provides

  • Sleeping bag, basic mess kit, kayak, climbing gear.
  • All meals on-site.
  • Medical care + qualified instructors on standby.

What parents buy

  • 5x quick-dry T-shirts and shorts — NEVER cotton (cotton stays wet for days).
  • Headlamp (hands-free) + spare batteries.
  • Dry bag (10-20L) for the kayak day.
  • Sleeping bag liner (hygiene layer over OBS-issued bag).
  • Insect repellent, sunblock SPF 50+, rain poncho.

Watch-outs

  • Pack 2x more plastic bags than you think you need — your laundry system for 5 days is wet/dry/dirty bags.
  • Old trekking shoes only. New shoes = blisters that ruin day 2 onwards.
  • No phones / smart watches allowed — bring a basic Casio for time, if needed.

Frequently asked

  • Is OBS Sec 3 compulsory?
    Effectively yes — it's part of MOE's outdoor education masterplan. Schools may grant medical exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
  • Can students bring their phone?
    No. Phones are surrendered at check-in. OBS uses radios + on-site comms; parents can be contacted in emergencies via the school liaison.
  • What if my child has medical needs?
    Submit medical declaration via the school 3-4 weeks before. OBS has medics on-site; epinephrine, inhalers, daily meds are taken at scheduled times.
  • Is there a cost?
    Yes, but heavily subsidised by MOE. Final amount comes from your school — usually under S$100 per student.

OBS Sec 3 packing list

5 days, mostly outdoor, weather-exposed. Quick-dry is the rule. Skip cotton.

16 items

  1. Torchlight / headlamp

    Headlamp is hands-free, better for camping.

  2. Insect repellent

  3. Water bottle (1L)

  4. Plastic bags · 10 pieces

    For wet clothes, dirty laundry, and rubbish.

  5. Wet wipes · 2 packs

  6. Toiletries kit

    Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, towel.

  7. Quick-dry towel

  8. Personal medication

    Plus Panadol, plasters, motion sickness if relevant.

  9. Quick-dry T-shirts · 5 pieces

    Skip cotton — never dries. Polyester or merino.

  10. Quick-dry shorts · 3 pairs

  11. Closed-toe trekking shoes

    Old running shoes work. Don't bring new ones.

  12. Rain poncho

  13. Sleeping bag / liner

    OBS provides sleeping bags. A liner is your hygiene layer.

  14. Dry bag (10-20L)

    For kayak / wet activities.

  15. Sunblock SPF 50+

  16. Cap or hat

Newsletter

Never miss a school deadline again.

Get our Racial Harmony, Camp and CCA checklists delivered before the rush.