Despite the long hours and difficult campers, Ahmad Lutfi shares why being a camp instructor is more exciting than a nine-to-five job.
Muhammad Iqbal
Published: 21 October 2015, 11:25 AM
Do you remember interacting with your friendly camp instructors during your school camps? Youth.SG met Ahmad Lutfi to find out what it takes to be a camp instructor.
Who: Ahmad Lutfi Maula Shamsudin, 25
Occupation: Camp instructor
Studied: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Mass Communications) at Oklahoma City University
Ahmad (centre) discussing ideas with other senior camp instructors on activities for upcoming camps.
Tell us more about yourself.
I have always dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, but it all ended when I tore my ligament on my left knee. I started becoming a camp instructor in 2006, right after my ‘O’ levels, because I enjoy doing outdoor activities that require a hands-on approach.
What is your job scope like?
As a camp instructor, I train the students in different areas, such as leadership and character development, team building and communication skills, and entrepreneurship training. On top of that, as a senior camp instructor, I attend meetings and try to win the contracts for the programmes we bid for.
Ahmad Lutfi (left, standing) leading a camp activity. Photo credit: Ahmad Lutfi
How long have you been doing this, and how has industry changed?
After working for nine years, I feel that the industry has changed a lot. Schools are now emphasising on character development and leadership training. From doing high elements and conquering your fears, it is more about trust and how willing you are to support and encourage your team mates.
What is your job’s biggest challenge?
Whenever I have to deal with difficult campers, it is important to gain their trust and respect. We usually have limited time to make real impact on the students. I have to try my best to make a real impact on the campers, so that they can enjoy while learning to overcome their fears and working with their camp mates during the camp.
Some youths followed Ahmad’s (wearing white and spectacles) footsteps to become an instructor. Photo credit: Ahmad Lutfi
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing students that I have trained returning as my trainers, and becoming camp instructors for the current youths. Similarly, they too want to inspire and make a difference in their students.
What motivates you in your work?
After every camp, we have a trainer appreciation activity where students write things for their trainers. Reading them motivates me to keep doing what I do.
Notes of appreciation keeps Ahmad going.
Educational requirements: There are no educational requirements. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a good grasp of conversational English.
Qualities: Having an experience as a camp facilitator or from a uniform group background is preferred. You also have to be self-motivated, enthusiastic, patient, energetic, willing to learn and to try new things.
Salary range: For part-timers, it ranges from $40 to $60 for a four-hour programme, to $160 to $200 for a three day two nights camp. Full-timers can earn $1,000 to $3,000, depending on your experience, job scope and education level.
Working hours: Working hours are not fixed. Programmes can range from four hours, to four days and three nights.
Career prospects/advancements/specialisation: You can be promoted to be an Assistant in Charge and eventually, Camp Chief. You can also specialise in sales to sell our programmes to schools or delve in human resource to get new trainers.
