Kicking Off the Semester with Adventure: ODAIG 2025 Tryouts

Date: 29 Aug 2025

News Type:Event Highlights

School/Department: Office of Student Life

Participants and EXCO facilitators coming together as a raft in their kayaks, striking a fun group pose that captures teamwork and the adventurous spirit of the day.

Here’s to another year of great energy, teamwork and bonding through the outdoors.

As the August semester began, the SUSS Outdoor Adventure Interest Group (ODAIG) welcomed new and returning students with its Tryouts. This event was designed to introduce participants to ODAIG’s spirit of adventure and community by exploring the activities offered by each department, and having a first dip in ODA signature activities such as trekking, rock climbing and kayaking.

The day began with a city trek from City Hall MRT to Kallang Water Sports Centre, setting the stage for both exploration and bonding. Participants then launched into kayaking on open waters, balancing challenge and fun while encouraging one another on the water. Ice-breaker activities followed, sparking laughter and building camaraderie among participants before the day concluded with an evening of rock climbing at Outpost Climb, where participants tested their resilience and celebrated achievements together.

ngel Ng Yi Ting climbs a route on the high wall at Outpost Climbing gym, demonstrating focus and determination while embracing the challenge of the activity.

For many, what stood out most were not only the activities but also the connections formed. “I was motivated to join the ODAIG Tryouts to get a hand at activities I used to do in secondary school and meet new people that share the same interests as I do. As anticipated, the supportive ODAIG community and friends made along the way made my experience one to remember,” shared Angel Ng Yi Ting, a Year 1 Early Childhood Education student.

Chloe Lim Yu En smiles for the camera while kayaking, holding her paddle up and enjoying the moment on the water.

Chloe Lim Yu En, a Year 1 Psychology student, echoed these sentiments: “Being able to try out the various activities in one day really stood out to me and was one of the main reasons for signing up. The most enjoyable part was having had met people in the ODA community during the activities we did together.”

Participants, EXCO facilitators, and volunteer rock climbing members gather for a final group photo in front of the high wall at Outpost Climbing Gym, proudly holding the ODAIG flag.

Beyond the physical challenges, the Tryouts reflected ODAIG’s mission to create meaningful experiences that nurture confidence, connection, and growth through the outdoors. By bringing students together at the start of the semester, ODAIG continues to build a community that bonds through adventure and thrives on shared experiences.