Last Saturday was Open House cum Outreach to Brownies and Cub Scouts. We were separated into the two groups, with most of us under Outreach.
For outreach, the guides were split into 20 different patrols, and after a few rounds of icebreaker games, we started on our stations.
For my patrol, our first station was the open house booths. The cub scouts and brownies were introduced to the transforming gadgets the guides had designed, and also the kitchen tents, flagpole and the gateway.
Our second station was the Gladiator, and the kids had lots of fun trying to push each other off the beam. They were pretty afraid at first, and most were hesitant to try. However, after constant persuading, they tried, and they enjoyed it. I could tell as they all wanted to go next, after the person playing.
The next station was 夜里行军. All except two kids had to be blindfolded while travelling through the obstacle course. It was a tough job leading the cub scouts and brownies through, as they were quite scared, and sometimes the table is shaky, and they are afraid to step on it. Some people moved too quickly while others moved too slowly, so the patrol was constantly broken. However, my patrol managed to complete the whole course, and they all seemed pretty happy that they completed it.
Next, we went to the electric fence station. The cub scouts and brownies had to advance through the electric fence without touching the raffia string, and collecting the items. My patrol managed to collect all the items, but we touched the raffia quite a lot. We still got the points though, and I think that they had a lot of fun crossing the electric fence. It was quite a challenge indeed. The Kim's Games required them to identify the orange skin in the box, the coke they drank, as well as use their fingers to 'read' the word in the box. The brownies managed to identify the orange skin and coke almost immediately, but had some trouble feeling for the word.
Our last station was the knots and catapults. The catapult was quite difficult, as the targets had to be hit for points. The ammo we shot kept going either over the paper, or next to it. Some didn't even manage to reach the paper. It was quite a challenge, but it was a lot of fun. After the catapult, we had to teach the cub scouts and brownies how to tie a square lash. They learnt it in no time, and managed to tie one without help within a few tries. Their lashes weren't as tight, but they learnt it really quickly.
After lunch we had Mass Games in various classrooms. 4 patrols shared a single classroom. The aim of the game was to get as many patrol members across the line of chairs as quickly as possible. It was a simple game of scissors paper stone, but there was a lot of excitement and thrill as many of them sped through the line of chairs. It was really fun, and one brownie even commented to me that this was the best game of the day, which made me really happy.
All good things have to come to an end, and after the mass games was prize giving. In first place was Patrol 14, with Patrol 9 and 18 in second and third place respectively. The I/Cs then announced that all of us had found the Allspark as we all completed the games together.
It was quite sad to have the brownies and cub scouts leave, as I feel that I've enjoyed my time with them. Despite there being frustrating times, and they kept complaining about having to climb many stairs, but I know that they're just children and we have to understand them for that. We have to be patient with them, as they have not experienced as much as we did, and we have to teach them. We have to find different ways to communicate with them. Through this Outreach, I feel that children may sometimes be a handful, but their innocence makes them too adorable to be held against.
Good job to all the I/Cs who planned this Outreach for us, and the cub scouts and brownies :)
Love Guides (:
31 May 2010
Open House 2010
Hello guides,
Last Saturday, we jihe-ed at 7.30 in the morning, all set for Open house. Along with around 10 other year2s and 3s, I was under our UG open house display at the 正心园which was also one of the stations in the Outreach programme, where us guides had set up several gadgets and a kitchen tent in the previous days. The theme of our open house display was Transformers, so all the gadgets had been designed according to that theme.
There, we were each allocated to a gadget, and thoughout the entire morning, we introduced out gadgets to parents, primary school students, brownies and scouts, and indeed many of them were very fascinated by our gadgets. (: Many seniors from guides and scouts also came to check out our gadgets, and we received many positive comments and also suggestions on how to improve in future.
At around 12, we broke into shifts to eat our lunch, and after that we took a break before taking down everything.
On overall, not many parents came to see our displays, although those that came seem to have been convinced to consider guides as a CCA for their children. I feel that we could have been more spontaneous in approaching and bringing the parents around our gadgets. On the other hand, I feel that we have done a good job of impressing the brownies with our gadgets. :)
I feel that most of our gadgets were very innovative and movable, something one would not usually expect. However, when building the gadgets, we should have had a greater sense of urgency and measure properly before building, as we had to rebuild some of the gadgets. Through these open house displays, I hope that many guides have gained some experience in gadgeting, and also exposure to the possibilities in gadgeting, and in future be able to come up with even better and more creative designs.
This was also the first time that year3s have taken charge of and planned a guides activity, and it was a great experience for all the ICs. Despite some hiccups in the preparations, it all turned out well.
On overall, it was a fun and enriching experience for all!
Happy holidays!
Love guides!
Last Saturday, we jihe-ed at 7.30 in the morning, all set for Open house. Along with around 10 other year2s and 3s, I was under our UG open house display at the 正心园which was also one of the stations in the Outreach programme, where us guides had set up several gadgets and a kitchen tent in the previous days. The theme of our open house display was Transformers, so all the gadgets had been designed according to that theme.
There, we were each allocated to a gadget, and thoughout the entire morning, we introduced out gadgets to parents, primary school students, brownies and scouts, and indeed many of them were very fascinated by our gadgets. (: Many seniors from guides and scouts also came to check out our gadgets, and we received many positive comments and also suggestions on how to improve in future.
At around 12, we broke into shifts to eat our lunch, and after that we took a break before taking down everything.
On overall, not many parents came to see our displays, although those that came seem to have been convinced to consider guides as a CCA for their children. I feel that we could have been more spontaneous in approaching and bringing the parents around our gadgets. On the other hand, I feel that we have done a good job of impressing the brownies with our gadgets. :)
I feel that most of our gadgets were very innovative and movable, something one would not usually expect. However, when building the gadgets, we should have had a greater sense of urgency and measure properly before building, as we had to rebuild some of the gadgets. Through these open house displays, I hope that many guides have gained some experience in gadgeting, and also exposure to the possibilities in gadgeting, and in future be able to come up with even better and more creative designs.
This was also the first time that year3s have taken charge of and planned a guides activity, and it was a great experience for all the ICs. Despite some hiccups in the preparations, it all turned out well.
On overall, it was a fun and enriching experience for all!
Happy holidays!
Love guides!
16 May 2010
Hi guides!
For last Friday's jihe, we first broke off into our batches and went for separate activities.
The year 2s went for the test for the Total Defence Silver Badge. It was a 15 minutes test and we have to rely on what we have learnt about total defence in Singapore to answer all the questions there.
Then, after the test, we are given time to prepare for our PDP item.
After our discussion, we went back to the gen sci labs to jihe with the rest of the company, and the activities for the day started (: It was a patrol activity that let us have some opportunities to teach our yr1s some skills. We were broken up into combined patrols for the activites: p1 with p8, p2 with p7, p3 with p6, and p4 with p5. There were 4 stations altogether.
For my patrol, first we went to the station at the obscourse. There, we first dinged girls style while two from each patrol come out and do 12 jumping jacks at the same time. It was quite a good job as the morale and spirits were high with us having constant cheering :D However, there we learnt to always listen to instructions given by the seniors, as due to our lack of attention, we ended up doing two rounds of jumping jacks even though we are only required to do one round. We did not clarify with the seniors regarding the instructions, and were not aware that only one round is required.
Then, the yr1s were taught how to use the compass to find the bearings of the given places. Some of them managed to have the chance to try finding the bearings themselves. Though due to the time constraints some did not have a go, it is hoped that all of them understood how to use the compass at the station.
Then, we proceeded to the red-tile area for the station on traditional games. We are required to tie a Roman Chariot with the mus and masheng given within the time limit of 6minutes. However, we exceeded and needed a time extension of 1 minute. This serves as a reminder for us to practice our lashes and make sure we can tie them faster, and also to revise the knowledge of tying a proper Roman Chariot.
After evaluating our Roman Chariots, we then proceeded to carry people on it. The task was to finish 8 rounds within 9minutes, yet for my patrol, we only managed 5 rounds. We have to be faster the next time and improve our timing. Also, we have to work on making the lashes tighter so we do not have to use up time for re-tightening of the lashes in the middle of the transportation process.
After that, we went to the pltc campsite area for the third station. First, the year2s have to teach the yr1s on using the yuanzila and yuanzilu to light a fire. The task is to sheng huo and then to sterilise the forks given. For my patrol, we have already taught our yr1s about the yuanzila and yuanzilu, so we could proceed with the actual fire-lighting. However, we were unsuccessful due to the wet yuanzilu. We learnt to have the initiative to take the newspapers to dry the yuanzilu, or else a fire will never be lighted. Though we did not manage to sheng huo, we took note that to see if the fork has been sterilised, we have to watch for the appearance of bubbles on the fork in the hot water.
Then we were given 4min to let the yr1s tie a square lash each. Some of them did not manage to finish within the time limit, though their lashes were neat.
Finally, we went to 3S classroom for our final station - yelizingjun. Here, yr2s are supposed to lead the patrol out of the obstacles. For my patrol, quite alot of confusion was caused as the instructions given were not very clear, and also, we passed down the instructions too quickly even when we have not even completed a step. It was a lesson learnt so we will not repeat that mistake again. Then we were given information regarding first aid to memorise.
After arranging back the tables at 3S, we jihed back with the rest of the company and cheered for the yr4s who were getting their Gold badge. It is indeed something they worked hard for, and something we as juniors all look forward to getting, and it fueled our desire to work harder in guides.
Jiayous (:
After that, we were dismissed.
Love guides (:
10 May 2010
Hello guides :D
Here is a blog post from a year 2:
Last Friday, we had our usual jihe, however this time the year 3s were not around and so it was up to us year2s to lead the year ones. It was our first time leading the year 1s and we were quite nervous.
Firstly, we were given 7 mins to take our mu to tie a kitchen dresser and a baggage rack, according to our proposals we had drawn earlier in the week. However we guo shi-ed. We learnt to be faster in getting our mu and not to take our own sweet time. We also learnt that time extensions should be asked before the time is up, and not after the time limit is up.
After which, we were given 1 hour and 15mins to tie one kitchen dresser and one baggage rack according to our proposals. We were then evaluated by our seniors and we took note of the points that we had to improve on. Many patrol's baggage rack were not stable and the seniors had given some suggestions on how to make it more stable.
After that we had jie pt. We ran up to the fifth floor of junior high and ding boy style, girl style, leg raise, launchers, commando crawl and wheelbarrow.
After that we jihe-ed and broke off into our respective patrols for patrol corner. We bonded with our year ones during patrol corner.
After patrol corner we were dismissed.
Love guides :)
Here is a blog post from a year 2:
Last Friday, we had our usual jihe, however this time the year 3s were not around and so it was up to us year2s to lead the year ones. It was our first time leading the year 1s and we were quite nervous.
Firstly, we were given 7 mins to take our mu to tie a kitchen dresser and a baggage rack, according to our proposals we had drawn earlier in the week. However we guo shi-ed. We learnt to be faster in getting our mu and not to take our own sweet time. We also learnt that time extensions should be asked before the time is up, and not after the time limit is up.
After which, we were given 1 hour and 15mins to tie one kitchen dresser and one baggage rack according to our proposals. We were then evaluated by our seniors and we took note of the points that we had to improve on. Many patrol's baggage rack were not stable and the seniors had given some suggestions on how to make it more stable.
After that we had jie pt. We ran up to the fifth floor of junior high and ding boy style, girl style, leg raise, launchers, commando crawl and wheelbarrow.
After that we jihe-ed and broke off into our respective patrols for patrol corner. We bonded with our year ones during patrol corner.
After patrol corner we were dismissed.
Love guides :)
Hello guides :) Below is a blog post by a year 1.
Friday's jihe was fun yet tiring at the same time. I appreciated that our seniors put in a lot of time and effort to plan all the activities for us. When we went to fetch mu, I learnt that time is very precious to us, and we have to be quick in whatever we do. We exceeded the time limit given to us and we were punished, however this taught us an important lesson.
We built a kitchen dresser and also baggage rack within 1 hours and 15 minutes. We started slow and there was inconsistent bao shi throughout the whole session. All patrols managed to finish tying their gadgets and then our year 4s from our patrol debriefed us.
Although during PT, I am not very good in running, I also learnt that I am not the only one doing it, and my patrol mates are in it with me together. I did not give up as my patrol mates encouraged me. Alot of Year 1s dread PT but I look forward to it as I can train myself to be more fit, and at the same time bond with my batch.
Love guides! :)
Friday's jihe was fun yet tiring at the same time. I appreciated that our seniors put in a lot of time and effort to plan all the activities for us. When we went to fetch mu, I learnt that time is very precious to us, and we have to be quick in whatever we do. We exceeded the time limit given to us and we were punished, however this taught us an important lesson.
We built a kitchen dresser and also baggage rack within 1 hours and 15 minutes. We started slow and there was inconsistent bao shi throughout the whole session. All patrols managed to finish tying their gadgets and then our year 4s from our patrol debriefed us.
Although during PT, I am not very good in running, I also learnt that I am not the only one doing it, and my patrol mates are in it with me together. I did not give up as my patrol mates encouraged me. Alot of Year 1s dread PT but I look forward to it as I can train myself to be more fit, and at the same time bond with my batch.
Love guides! :)
6 May 2010
Year 3:
PLTC seemed to pass so fast now that you look back at it, but I feel that it was certainly one of sweat, laughter, tears and joy. We learnt the importance of communicating among and between the patrol to make the camp successful. Although there were many mistakes made during PLTC, but it is from those mistakes that we can learn and better ourselves. I feel that we have progressed not only individually, but we have also grown and matured as a jie. At the end of the day, what is truly important is not the results but the lessons and experience that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
PLTC has indeed been a great experience for all the year threes. The effort and thought put into the preparation for the camp and the camp itself was indeed worthwhile for the experience we gained. From the first to the third day, we learned the importance of having a sense of urgency and very importantly to take care of our patrol mates and ourselves in the midst of trying to complete different tasks.
From camp development, we learn that in order to make camp d' successful, we have to be flexible and allocate manpower properly so that camp d' can be more efficient. We should not always be so rigid but instead change as the situation requires, we should not insist on sticking to plans when it is not feasible at all. In addition, we must always remember to help other patrols when they are in need. After all, we are all a jie and only as strong as the weakest link.
During lectures, we also learnt and try out how to cope with different situations that we may meet. The important thing that many of us failed to realise was the situation we were in and neglected the time factor. Thus, we should be more aware of our situation and surroundings so that we can solve the situation more effectively. In addition, we also gave thought of what leadership means to us, and what type of leader we really wanted to be. We were given a chance to set our goals of what we want to achieve and think of ways to achieve and work towards it.
PLTC seemed to pass so fast now that you look back at it, but I feel that it was certainly one of sweat, laughter, tears and joy. We learnt the importance of communicating among and between the patrol to make the camp successful. Although there were many mistakes made during PLTC, but it is from those mistakes that we can learn and better ourselves. I feel that we have progressed not only individually, but we have also grown and matured as a jie. At the end of the day, what is truly important is not the results but the lessons and experience that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.
Love guides:)
Year 3:
Time really files, from 2 years to PLTC, it was down to 2 hours. We were all tense and excited, unsure really what to expect for PLTC despite hearing rumours from our seniors, not knowing whether to take them seriously or they were plainly exaggerated to scare us. Jihe-ing with the entire tuan at the basketball court was probably one of my most memorable things for me during PLTC. Everyone was panicking inside and others were rushing to get some last minute stuff. But then deep down inside we were all wondering how our lives would be for the next three days, under the hands of our seniors.
But it was only the start, the start of a test that we were to be put through for the next three days and which would really test what we’ve learnt from guides and the effort we’ve put in for the past three years, one of which many of us dreaded.
But now that PLTC has ended, many of us miss the times we spent together. With our patrol, our course leaders, during the activities or meals times were there were both serious and stupid moments. We all missed those times and for some regretting that it was not cherished enough. Many of us long to relive PLTC but we know we can’t so it’s just time to think back and remember those memories and then work together, harder, as a batch to bring the company to greater heights with the knowledge we’ve gained from PLTC.
This PLTC, I’m sure we year 3s learnt a lot. It was a test of our leadership, skills and endurance. Although it was often both physically and mentally tiring, but I’m sure all of us pia-ed on and we didn’t give up. Each time we successfully completed a station or kept within the time limit for mass change, we all felt that sense of satisfaction and contentment which spurred us on to do better the next time on. Similarly, each time we screwed up or felt that we had disappointed our seniors, and most importantly, ourselves, for not pushing harder, we’ll try to think of ways to improve and not repeat it the next time round.
Through this PLTC, we also became more bonded as a patrol and as a jie. We got to know our patrolmates better and it was crucial in helping us complete our PLTC. We improved as a jie and ultimately on the last day we were all surprised by the speed we cleared up and how we all worked together to make it possible.
Lastly, all this would not have been possible without all the planning and help from the teachers, seniors and duty personnel. And we would like to thank all you guys who made this PLTC so memorable for us :D
Love guides!
Time really files, from 2 years to PLTC, it was down to 2 hours. We were all tense and excited, unsure really what to expect for PLTC despite hearing rumours from our seniors, not knowing whether to take them seriously or they were plainly exaggerated to scare us. Jihe-ing with the entire tuan at the basketball court was probably one of my most memorable things for me during PLTC. Everyone was panicking inside and others were rushing to get some last minute stuff. But then deep down inside we were all wondering how our lives would be for the next three days, under the hands of our seniors.
But it was only the start, the start of a test that we were to be put through for the next three days and which would really test what we’ve learnt from guides and the effort we’ve put in for the past three years, one of which many of us dreaded.
But now that PLTC has ended, many of us miss the times we spent together. With our patrol, our course leaders, during the activities or meals times were there were both serious and stupid moments. We all missed those times and for some regretting that it was not cherished enough. Many of us long to relive PLTC but we know we can’t so it’s just time to think back and remember those memories and then work together, harder, as a batch to bring the company to greater heights with the knowledge we’ve gained from PLTC.
This PLTC, I’m sure we year 3s learnt a lot. It was a test of our leadership, skills and endurance. Although it was often both physically and mentally tiring, but I’m sure all of us pia-ed on and we didn’t give up. Each time we successfully completed a station or kept within the time limit for mass change, we all felt that sense of satisfaction and contentment which spurred us on to do better the next time on. Similarly, each time we screwed up or felt that we had disappointed our seniors, and most importantly, ourselves, for not pushing harder, we’ll try to think of ways to improve and not repeat it the next time round.
Through this PLTC, we also became more bonded as a patrol and as a jie. We got to know our patrolmates better and it was crucial in helping us complete our PLTC. We improved as a jie and ultimately on the last day we were all surprised by the speed we cleared up and how we all worked together to make it possible.
Lastly, all this would not have been possible without all the planning and help from the teachers, seniors and duty personnel. And we would like to thank all you guys who made this PLTC so memorable for us :D
Love guides!
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