Be Prepared For Hike!
Objectives of going on a hike:
- To cultivate patrol spirit and patrol togetherness
- To know yourself better
- To put orienteering into practice
- To explore new places
Appropriate attire:
- Light-weight and comfortable
- Light- coloured
(so that drivers can notice you, not to scare animals)
- Layering of clothings
(adjustments made according to temperatures)
- Duck-billed cap will be fine
- Scarf
(identification purposes)
- Belt with working whistle, knife and rope
(if backpack does not have a hip belt)
Long Pants:
- Thick enough against scratching branches and insects such as mosquitoes.
- Extra room for easy-sitting and squatting
- Rugged and quick-drying
- Preferably pockets
Hiking Footwear:
- Choose a size that is slightly larger
(feet expand as they heat up over the course of the day)
- Softer shoes reccommended as they are easier on the hiking environment
- Light weight
Map and compass:
- Invest in a good waterproof map cover
- Map should be folded neatly to show required area
- Put the pacing chart on the other side of the map
- Hang compass on the neck when in use
- String of compass can be used to measure distance on map
- Bring along waterproof pens to mark checkpoints
Keeping a logbook:
- List of equipments
- Particulars of guides involved
- Checkpoint study- terrain, landmark
- Account of getting there- time, weather, distance travelled, experiences and feelings
- Flora and fauna seen
(this is useful for future guides taking the same routes again)
Tips for Hiking:
- Do not rush at the beginning; keep a steady pace
- Let slower people walk in front (to set pace)
- Members should tell leader where they are going and when will they be back
- Buddy system can be used
- Do headcount during every stop or rest
- Walk in a file of in twos
(easy for headcount and for walking on a road)
- Do not swing your hands when insects are buzzing around
- Do not gulp down a lot of water even if you are very thirsty, sip slowly
- Report sick if you are not feeling well
- Take a course in CPR and first-aid before the hike
- Carry a well-equipped first-aid kit.
- Practise orienteering before the hike
---------------------------------------
Hi all, today was the annual hike that we have. This time it was rural hike at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. The walks were energy-consuming but the encouragements from the patrol really helped alot, and the thought that you are one of the eldest there and have responsibility of taking care of the younger ones. P1 was very encouraging and constant patrol spirit could be felt, pushing us further on instead. It was a joy working with p4 too!
Throughout the hike, everyone bonded and cared for each other, which was a very nice experience already. So people dont harp on to the results :D 'Cos this experience was good and I hope everyone feels the same too! No matter what, it is always very heartwarming to see your patrol having fun together as one, sweating, moving on together, and no one is left behind. This feeling is one that every guide ought to feel, 'cos this is the spirit that oughts to exist everytime during guides! We walked together, we cheered together, we did things, TOGETHER!
It may be just a hike, but it is the efforts of many people and the participation of many guides. If you have not learnt something new everyday, you aren't truly participating. So.. Put in your true heart in every activity no matter what and try to give the best for it, and learn the best out of it! Also remember, a patrol's strength cannot be based on the points we got, or the placing we had at the end of activities. It depends on how bonded you all are after every activity, how much everyone has learnt about and from each other, and how fruitful the process it. These, then are the counting factors.
Hope everyone has enjoyed the hike! If there's any photos you all want to upload to this website, you may send to vanessa_sia@hotmail.com, lihui_wee@hotmail.com, selinachanjj@hotmail.com for free service!
Selina was here, have a nice day, and have a good rest after a tiring day!
No comments:
Post a Comment