Year 1s' Welcome Party!

Hello guides,

Today was the welcome party for the Year 1s. We played Amazing Race – Guides Edition, which consists of 4 stations.

1. Station 1: [夜里行军]
Guides will be blindfolded and led by their PL across the obstacles. This station requires good commmunication skills between the patrol members as the PL can only take care of a few people, so those at the back will not know anything. Also, this game builds trust among the members as they have to rely on one another to cross successfully. Those who acted by themselves would have found it difficult to cross the obstacles, and sometimes injuries will occur if they fall. There should be constant 报数 to ensure that nobody is taken away.

2. Station 2: [Human Knot/ Name Game]
These 2 games are pretty simple, as they are aimed to boost patrol spirit and also help one another to remember everyone's names. The Human Knot requires a little bit of strategic thinking, and can be a little time consuming. However one should not just train their body but also their mind, so that they can be quick on their feet. The Name Game is a fun and interesting way for one to learn a new name. The alliteration of the first letter of your makes it easy for others to remember your name.

3. Station 3: Tug of War
This station is a test of patrol strength and cooperation, and emphasizes on the importance of teamwork. No man is an island, one cannot survive on her own without friends. Friends can help you and give you support, and friends are also important for personal growth. Through this game, the guides have learned how to work together as one to achieve a common goal. A patrol with a vision has the highest chances of becoming he best, so we should always aim for something to help us move forward.

4. Station 4: Knots & Lashes/ Scissors Paper Stone
The short 10min lesson on square lash is an introduction to the Year 1s on what guides do. We learn the different knots so as to construct gadgets that will help us when we are camping, such as shoe rack and baggage rack. Apart from tightness of the knot, speed is also very important. So as new guides, Year 1s should spend some time to practice on the knots so that you can catch up to your seniors. The last game is not much of challenge, except the part where the Year 1s have to tie a square lash as forfeit. If you are able to tie one, it means you have listened to your senior when she taught you and have tried your best to remember the steps. This is a giant leap towards your guiding life. Keep it up!

Overall, every patrol did very well, especially the Year 1s, who showed enthusiasm and active participation in all the activities. We can plan many things, but only with your participation and positive can you enjoy the activities and make them work. So everyone please continue to giev it your best in everything you do so as to get the best out of it.