Month: December 2023

‘Sleigh’ that Christmas calendar with thoughtful gifting tips and festive HomeTeamNS activities

Post author By Dennis
Post date December 13, 2023
No Comments on ‘Sleigh’ that Christmas calendar with thoughtful gifting tips and festive HomeTeamNS activities

Christmas is almost upon us, here’s how you can make the most of the holiday season and enjoy true festive feels.

TEXT: MORGAN AWYONG

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS, SHUTTERSTOCK

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the need to plan activities without overspending every December. But these gifting tips and the upcoming year-end events at HomeTeamNS clubhouses will help you score smiles from your loved ones.

CREATE MEMORIES WITH THESE CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES:

GO ON A CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE WITH OTAH & FRIENDS

Join Otah & Friends from now till Dec 31 as they embark on a quest, Operation: Santa Trap, to uncover Santa’s secret message. HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir Level 2 Atrium is now home to Otah’s Living Room, where it has been transformed into a treasure trove of clues, puzzles, and holiday cheer! Participants can look forward to an interactive journey to decode Santa’s message hidden amidst the seasonal décor and surprises planted throughout the clubhouse. Stand to win mini Otah & Friends plushies when you complete the scavenger hunt

Also, get to meet and greet Otah on Dec 23 at the following timeslots: 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 2:30pm

When? Until Dec 31
Where? HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir (Level 2, Atrium)

Otah & Friends showcase is part HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir 1 Year Anniversary celebrations. Find more information on other HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir 1st Anniversary activities and promotions here.

DELIGHT IN THE FESTIVE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT HOMETEAMNS-JOM BALESTIER

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at HomeTeamNS-JOM Balestier as we usher in the Christmas season on Dec 16. Engage in a vibrant array of activities, featuring entertaining games, a heartwarming movie marathon, the creation of gingerbread houses, arts and crafts, all leading up to an exclusive members’ lucky draw. Brace yourself for an authentically festive experience!

Hurry, there are limited Gingerbread House Building sets up for grabs! Register your interest for it here.

GET THE POPCORN READY FOR CHRISTMAS SCREENINGS

On Dec 22-23, HomeTeamNS Khatib’s Claus’ Christmas Party offers complimentary movie screening of iconic Christmas titles that are guaranteed to give everyone festive feels. Relive the zany but clever antics of Kevin McCallister in Home Alone, or enjoy a spirited life-changing fable in The Christmas Carol. Bring the entire gang then have a post-movie feast – think seafood, Japanese or Thai – at one of the clubhouse’s three restaurants. Members deals apply!

From 12pm to 4pm on Dec 22-23, your little ones can also make their own Christmas Ornaments and write Christmas cards for their loved ones.

HAVE AN ENCHANTING TIME AT A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

A magical time awaits at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok – literally – on Dec 17. From 3-4pm, magicians will mesmerise guests at lobby A with mind-boggling illusions and interactive magic tricks. Don’t miss the colourful creations of a face-painting artist and balloon sculptor. That’s not all, Otah is coming too. HomeTeamNS members or those who spend $50 at any HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok F&B outlets can redeem an exclusive Otah & Friends plushie.

Also, just for the kiddos, there will also be a colouring station at the clubhouse lobby on Dec 9-10, Dec 16-17 and Dec 23-24.

ENJOY A STAYCAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES

Many hotels in Singapore provide a perfect escape with cherished company. The newly-opened Pullman Singapore Hill Street has been designed around a railway junction theme – even the room corridors resemble carriages. The Singapore Edition by Safdie Architects, promises an understated elegant cocoon for couples wanting their me-time in the heart of Orchard Road.

HomeTeamNS members also enjoy extra savings at certain hotels.

• Frasers Hospitality offers up to 20 per cent off their properties till the end of the year.

• The illustrious Goodwood Park Hotel is offering exclusive rates until Dec 22.

JOIN A FUN AND CREATIVE WORKSHOP TOGETHER

Learning new skills together can be an incredible bonding experience, and there are many creative, crafting workshops that have sprouted up in the past few years. From gorgeous wooden earrings to leather accessories and even glassblowing lessons, Seek Sophie’s offerings can produce some real artisanal stuff.

Over at Klook, create tufted rugs, bath bombs and terrariums. You could even create a signature scent for others in one of the many perfume lessons.

HomeTeamNS members can consider classes at H&H, where they get 10 per cent off, and create customised phone cases, fluid bears, or painted plaster dolls.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS GIFT:

DIY YOUR OWN ADVENT CALENDAR

Advent calendars have become really popular recently and are actually extremely easy to make. You can create 25 origami boxes (bonus savings for using free gift wrapping from your shopping) and buy an equal number of gifts to put in them. Not as handy? Use pouches instead or recycle nice paper bags. It’s also a wallet-friendly option.

You could place sweets, stationery items and small toys for kids. For older recipients, try a mix of vouchers, travel-sized amenities and premium treats like chocolates. Make the final box something special for Christmas day!

ENJOY HOMETEAMNS MEMBERSHIP EXCLUSIVE CHRISTMAS PROMOS

Stretch that dollar even more with your HomeTeamNS membership and snag extra discounts to partner brands with festive-friendly gift ideas.

From the cutest backpacks to the most whimsical toys, Puttot offers a curated selection that is sure to be cherished by any parent and child – now at 10 per cent off for members till Aug 20, 2024.

Also, HomeTeamNS members can enjoy 18 per cent off purchases on SHEIN’s platform until end-July 2024 and gain priority queue access to their upcoming pop-ups.

The Bloom Box offers 10 per cent off their many floral arrangements, and Lisse Cakes is offering the same for all their cakes. They are even throwing in a complimentary set of six cupcakes to sweeten the deal.

For house parties, pick up some coffee capsules from Tag Espresso. The playful packaging makes it a beautiful gift. Best of all, you don’t need to own a coffee machine to enjoy their delicious brews, now available at a 15 per cent discount.

If you prefer a bottle of wine, One Cellar offers an extensive range of tipples. They’re offering S$20 off your first purchase of S$100 and more. So, let’s toast good bargains, great times and the best of company this December.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the App Settings.

Family Time Club Buzz

The only school holiday activity list you need

Post author By Dennis
Post date December 8, 2023
No Comments on The only school holiday activity list you need

Aqua Adventure features a 114m indoor water slide, the longest in Singapore.

It’s the school holidays, and while Singapore may be small, we’re always full of fun options for the entire family.

TEXT: MORGAN SWYONG

PHOTOS: HOMETEAMNS

As parents go on leave and children wave farewell to their teachers, December offers many opportunities to gather and have fun. Even without the Christmas-New Year double-header, there are still plenty of other activities to make December a thrilling month for kids of all ages. Here are some to kickstart your year-end plans, along with budget options to keep wallets happy.

STEP INTO YOUR DISNEY DREAMS

Suitable for all ages. Tickets needed for visitors aged 1 year old and above. Prams not allowed.

Whether you grew up learning about the circle of life from The Lion King, or your kid is a big fan of Elsa in Frozen, the Immersive Disney Animation event at Sands Theatres will tickle all your interest. Giant projections and clever sets help immerse visitors into their favourite Disney shows. Sing along with Elsa or be transported into iconic scenes from classics like Aladdin, Big Hero 6, Zootopia and Encanto.

DIVE INTO MUSICAL WATER ADVENTURES AND CHALLENGES

Recommended for ages 10 and above (participants need to be above 125cm and 30kg). Children under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Aqua Adventure at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, Singapore’s first integrated indoor water park, promises many hours of thrills. Featuring the longest indoor water slide in Singapore, the 114m double slide and 85-metre blackhole tube are must-try features. Other highlights include wet rope courses and a dry netted obstacle area.

Hype up your aquatic adventure experience with their Weekend Jams every Saturday, where you can splash into the rhythm with specially curated themed music. Upcoming jams to look out for include Reggaeton, Emo Nite, Disney Classics, and Christmas Special.

Also happening every weekend, try to outpace each other on the Climbing Wall and Aqua Course Speed Challenge for a gamified challenge. Thanks to the sheltered venue, you won’t have to cancel plans if it rains.

Bonus: HomeTeamNS members enjoy exclusive members’ rate from $36 per pax if you get the Aquatic Duo Pass or Aquatic Five-O group bundle. Get your ticket here.

MAKE YOUR GREAT ESCAPE

Suitable for ages 13 and above.

Escape @ Science Centre features three fun escape rooms that will challenge you mentally and physically. In Museum of Mankind, you hunt down a plant to save humanity from aliens. In Shangri-la, you’re teleported to a mythical metaverse to restore an ancient artefact. Or perhaps you’d prefer to save your friend from a mad scientist?

Bonus: HomeTeamNS members enjoy 10 per cent off Science Centre and KidsSTOP Annual passes. Get more information here.

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT

Laser Quest is suitable for ages 7 and above (participants need to be at least 122cm); TactSim admits those 14 and above.

Battle it out at Laser Quest at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok! It combines the games of Hide-And-Seek and Tag with high-tech laser guns, special lighting and high energy music. It can also accommodate up to 10 players per game.

Coined as Singapore’s first indoor PVP airsoft, TactSim at HomeTeamNS Khatib is perfect for the exceptionally thrill-chasing enthusiasts. Equipped with specially designed arenas to maximise your gameplay experience, put your teamwork and communication skills to the test. The adrenaline-filled competitive shooting sport comprises of various game modes and categories catered to all levels of airsoft enthusiasts.

Bonus: HomeTeamNS members can enjoy exclusive member rates at S$4.04 per game for Laser Quest and starting from S$21.80 for TactSim. Get your ticket for TactSim here and Laser Quest here.

TEE OFF AT BOAT QUAY

Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Kulnari brings together three unexpected elements: Miniature golf, mystery solving and a bar! The Kulnari team there has created a mystery game that runs in parallel to your golf game. Enjoy a cocktail (or mocktail) at the 9th hole and strategise your next leg. Located at Boat Quay, the experience recreates a 1920s Singapore setting. Finish the day with an optional invite to Quay House, where you can enjoy Asian tapas.

GET CRAFTY

Suitable for ages 3 to 12.

If your young ones are into crafts, T-Play Khatib and T-Play Bukit Batok offer free sessions throughout the month when you visit the indoor playgrounds. Visit Peranakan themed T-Play Khatib to learn how to create some 3D fruits such as strawberries and grapes from now until Dec 10. T-Play Bukit Batok offers aviation and space themed fun, and from now until Dec 17, kids can learn how to create and design their own rocket and aircraft.

Bonus: HomeTeamNS Child members enjoy exclusive members’ rate at $10.09 per entry. Get your ticket for T-Play Bukit Batok here and T-Play Khatib here.

SCORE A TURKEY

Suitable for ages 9 and up.

Visit StarBowl at HomeTeamNS Bukit Batok to score a different kind of turkey – that’s when a player scores three consecutive strikes. It’ll take some practice, but with its affordable prices, you won’t rack up a hefty bill. Since it’s open daily from noon to midnight, it’s extremely easy to book a session.

HomeTeamNS members get a special discounted rate starting from S$2.20 a game. (Note: Prices are not inclusive of shoe rental and socks.) To book, call: 6564 7500.

HIT NEW HEIGHTS AT A GIANT PARK

Suitable for ages 7 and up (participants need to be above 125cm ). Children 12 and below should be accompanied by a guardian.

With its gamification system and augmented play, Action Motion at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir is a popular destination for those looking for a physical challenge. Hit the Valo Climb bouldering wall for a fun interactive Augumented-Reality (AR) game play or clamber up the more traditional Ascend Lab climbing walls to work those arm and leg muscles. You can also take on the two-storey Rapid Action obstacle course and try to set the fastest times to get your name on the public scoreboard and earn points. This December, accumulate your points and exchange them for an array of cool gadgets and accessories.

Bonus: HomeTeamNS members enjoy exclusive members’ rate from $30.03 per pax if you get the Duo Pass or Squad Pass group bundle. Get your ticket for Action Motion here.

MAKE A COLOURFUL SPLASH

Suitable for ages 6 and up.

At Splat Paint House, you don’t need to be an artist to create a colourful masterpiece. Ready your canvas, pour out some paint, and let the random nature of motion take over as you splash out your art. Use the supplied tools – and your creativity – to flick, splash or spray your designs. For an additional twist, ask about their UV paint parties. The splatters take on a neon life of their own, and after 48 hours, you’ll have your own painting.

CLIMB AND PLAY

Suitable for ages 8 and up. (participants need to be above 125cm and maximum 120kg). Children are recommended to be accompanied by a guardian.

Adventure HQ promises hours of thrilling fun. The stations include Singapore’s longest indoor slide, a two-tiered Indoor Challenge Ropes Course and an Urban Climb Wall. Don’t miss the Fossil Labyrinth, Singapore’s first 165m-long indoor artificial caving that challenges you to crawl and climb in the dark. Cloud Climbs is a netted structure visitors can climb up. Make it to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of Adventure HQ.

Bonus: HomeTeamNS members looking to play and climb as a family can buy the all-access buddy or bundle package, which includes two or five all-access passes respectively for just $36.34 per pax onwards. Get your ticket for Adventure HQ here.

In The Force

Why I don’t regret leaving Australia to serve National Service in Singapore

Post author By Ben
Post date December 4, 2023
No Comments on Why I don’t regret leaving Australia to serve National Service in Singapore

SC 2 Athalla Rajendra Prayata takes pride in the country he calls home, as well as his role in ensuring Singaporeans’ safety and security.

When I received the letter informing me that I had to return to Singapore to serve my National Service (NS), I knew that it was time to usher in a new phase of my life as a more responsible adult in the country where I spent my formative years.

I was born in Indonesia, but moved to Singapore when I was one, and am a Singapore Permanent Resident. My family and I lived here for 12 years before migrating to Australia, where I was exposed to a different lifestyle. There, I enjoyed outdoor activities amid natural landscapes such as mountains, beaches, and lakes. Nonetheless, I’m proud to call the Lion City my home. This is where I enjoyed growing up in a safe and secure environment, as well as built a strong academic foundation.

Despite having previously lived in the country, I am still trying to cope with its fast-paced and highly efficient environment. One of my biggest challenges has been communicating in Malay with my NS peers, as my mother tongue is Bahasa Indonesia. Inevitably, I tend to mix up both languages, much to the amusement of my Malay friends in Singapore and Indonesian relatives. I often watch Malay shows to get better at the language, though my sentences still include English words whenever I speak — it reminds me of Singlish!

While training at the Home Team Academy upon entering the Singapore Police Force (SPF), I had a close group of batchmates with whom I would joke around with to keep our spirits high. Thanks to their support, I was able to grow accustomed to the tough training regime and graduate from the academy.

I am currently a Community Engagement Officer of the Community Policing Unit at Tampines Neighbourhood Police Centre. Here, I help raise awareness of the latest crime trends and crime prevention measures by conducting house visits and delivering talks to the public. This posting has been a great opportunity for self-development as it has enabled me to further fine-tune my public speaking skills, which I had honed while hosting events and delivering speeches back when I was a student counsellor in Australia.

One of the highlights of my role as a Community Engagement Officer is conducting talks at schools. Evidently, it’s important for residents across all age groups to be aware of crime prevention tactics and the different ways they can reach out to the police when they require assistance. Being able to help prevent others from falling prey to crime gives me a true sense of accomplishment as it allows me to play my part in keeping Singapore safe and secure.

Overall, NS has helped me to develop better social skills, understand my strengths and weaknesses, and grow out of my comfort zone. In fact, I often tell overseas relatives who are curious about NS about my eye-opening experience that has helped me to mature as an individual equipped with skills to overcome life’s challenges. They always look forward to hearing stories of my time there. Serving in SPF has taught me to always remain positive even in the toughest of times. Not to mention, it has provided me with practical working experience before I embark on my tertiary education.

Beyond serving NS, I’m happy to have been able to reconnect with the culture and people of Singapore. I look forward to exploring different parts of South-east Asia to broaden my horizons and learn about different lifestyles.

Interested in serving beyond your obligations? Consider the Volunteer Extension Scheme, which allows PNSMen who have completed their NS liability to continue serving beyond their statutory age. PNSMen (With NS liability) who have passed their statutory age of 40 years (Junior Officers) & 50 years (Senior Officers) may apply.

Like our stories? Subscribe to our Frontline Digital newsletters now! Simply download the HomeTeamNS Mobile App and update your communication preference to ‘Receive Digital Frontline Magazine’, through the app settings.

Tags singapore police force, national service, Home Team NSman, SPF community engagement officer

Club Buzz

6 School Holiday Camps For Your Kids To Learn Something New

Post author By Ben
Post date December 1, 2023
No Comments on 6 School Holiday Camps For Your Kids To Learn Something New

Aid your little ones’ holistic development through these engaging camps themed around innovation, art, science, mental wellness, and nature.

The year-end school holiday runs from 18 November to 31 December 2023 — it’s time for your kids to enjoy a well-deserved break and have fun exploring outside the confines of their classrooms. What better way to nurture their sense of wonder than by signing them up for fun and educational camps, including those at HomeTeamNS’ signature school holiday programme, SkillFest December 2023? This year’s edition is lined up with activities that focus on innovation, while stoking their sense of adventure through a slew of action-packed challenges at various HomeTeamNS clubhouse attractions.

Let your curious young learners explore their interests, develop useful skills, and forge friendships — while creating lasting memories of a holiday they’ll want to brag to their schoolmates about.

1. DELVE INTO GLOBAL INVENTIONS AT HOMETEAMNS’ SKILLFEST DECEMBER 2023

Pique your young learners’ curiosity with ‘Around The World with S.T.E.A.M,’ the latest edition of HomeTeamNS’ SkillFest that is themed around science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Over the course of three days, children will learn about the inner workings of boomerangs, bridges, steam engines, and more at attractions across three HomeTeamNS clubhouses. Besides learning about remarkable human inventions, solving puzzles and conducting experiments, they can look forward to working as a team to conquer obstacle courses at Adventure HQ’s Urban Climb Wall and Ninja Course, engaging in immersive team challenges at LaserQuest, and putting their endurance to the test with Rapid Action and Valo Jump at Action Motion. You can choose to sign your kids up for a single day or purchase a 3-day bundle SkillPass. Camp fees will include a T-shirt, activity booklet, lunch and snacks.

WHEN: 4, 5 & 6 December (9am – 6pm)

WHERE: HomeTeamNS Khatib, Bukit Batok and Bedok Reservoir

FEES: SINGLE-DAY SKILLPASS: $80 (for HomeTeamNS members); $110 (PA/SAFRA members); $130 (non-members) per child aged 8 to 12 years

3-DAY BUNDLE SKILLPASS: $210 (HomeTeamNS members); $260 (PA/SAFRA members); $300 (non-members) per child aged 8 to 12 years

2. BECOME A MASTER CODER AT WONDERSWORK

Want to channel your kids’ obsessions with their favourite games and cartoons towards something productive? Sign them up for WondersWork’s LEGO robotics coding camps. In the three-day Pokémon Master Trainer Challenge, students will learn to build and code a robotic exoskeleton hand to catch Pokémon. Alternatively, in a two-day camp, young coders get to programme their favourite Pokémon and Minecraft characters to team up and fight zombies. All materials, robot kits and other equipment will be provided, along with lunch and a drink.

WHEN: Pokemon Master Trainer Challenge Lego Robotics Coding Technology STEAM camp: 20 November to 10 January (10am – 3pm)

Minecraft X Pokemon VS Zombies STEAM Lego Robotics Coding camp: 23 November to 12 January (10am – 3pm)

WHERE: WondersWork at Great World City

FEES: Pokemon Master Trainer Challenge Lego Robotics Coding Technology STEAM camp: $590 per child aged 5 to 14 years

Minecraft X Pokemon VS Zombies STEAM Lego Robotics Coding camp: $438 per child aged 5 to 14 years

3. DISCOVER ART THROUGH SCIENCE AND SUPERHEROES AT ARTARY – ACADEMY OF CHILDREN’S ART

Whether or not your child loves art, ARTARY’s two-day school holiday workshops will open their eyes to the beauty that lies hidden in nature, as well as nurture their creativity beyond the average school art lesson. They’ll get to don a lab coat and discover visually stunning cells through a microscope, learn about the human anatomy, and paint a psychedelic X-ray. At the Cartoons & Superheroes workshop, they can recreate their favourite superheroes in stained glass and lead a ‘task force’ to battle fictional criminals. Students can bring their own refreshments for a 30-minute afternoon break.

WHEN: 23 November to 15 December (11.15am – 4pm)

WHERE: Various ARTARY centres islandwide

FEE: $298 per child aged 5 to 12 years, $268.20 for enrolled students with ARTARY

4. BAKE FESTIVE TREATS AT BAKER’S BREW STUDIO

Cultivate the aspirations of little fans of hit TV series Junior Bake Off at the three-day baking camps organised by Baker’s Brew Studio. They’ll learn how to safely create delightful festive treats — including Snowman Cookies and the Reindeer Bento Cake at the Mini Bakers camp for four- to seven-year-olds, or Snowflake Pull-Apart Cupcakes and the Present Surprise Cake at the Junior Bakers camp for seven- to 12-year-olds. Besides the goodies they’ve baked and decorated, the children will get to take home a skill worth flaunting at upcoming Christmas parties.

WHEN: 18 November to 30 December (10am – 12pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm)

WHERE: Baker’s Brew at Paragon Shopping Centre

FEE: From $288 per child aged 4 to 12 years

5. TRAIN LIKE AN OLYMPIAN AT CAMP MOVEMENT BY SPORTS SCHOOLING

Held at the academy established by Singapore’s very own swimming champ Joseph Schooling, Camp Movement is all about developing active, confident kids through sports and movement. Participants will kick off the camp by learning the fundamentals of sports science, including how to engage key muscles and avoid injuries, before trying out sports such as tennis, swimming, and karate. There’s even a dance class. The four-day programme culminates in an exciting mini-Olympics and awards ceremony that celebrates each child’s achievements.

WHEN: 20 November to 14 December (9am – 12.15pm)

WHERE: Centre for Movement at NTU@one-north

FEE: $420 per child aged 4 to 12 years

6. COMMUNE WITH NATURE AT FOREST SCHOOL SINGAPORE

Who says there aren’t opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in shopping mall-glutted Singapore? Forest School Singapore wants to help your children connect with nature and in the process, build their confidence, resilience, and sense of responsibility. Its three-day camps will allow children to explore the lush Clementi Forest and the 66ha Rifle Range Nature Park, where they may spot wildlife such as the Long-tailed Macaque and Sunda Colugo. The school also endeavours to help foster environmental awareness in children as future custodians of the planet.

WHEN: 20 November to 22 December (9am – 12pm or 9.30am – 12.30pm)

WHERE: Forest School Singapore Hutan Campus at Mayfair Park

FEE: $198 per child aged 4 to 12 years

Tags Family activities, HomeTeamNS events, SkillFest, school holidays, educational camps

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