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31 January 2011

Hey guides! Here are reflections from various patrol activities. It is the first time we are having patrol based activity during official cca time and it is heartening to see that all of us had fun that day! :)


P1
My patrol went to the second level area above the general science lab area to tie our patrol’s baggage rack. We were given tasks to do such that we would be able to finish tying the baggage rack in time. When we finished tying the structure, we took a step back and realised that the structure was slanted, however we ran out of time and could not fix the problem in time. While listening to our seniors’ comments on the baggage rack, we learnt about what we had done wrong during the process of tying the baggage rack, the tightness of our lashes also have to be worked on. Also, we learnt that the rack was slanted as we did not keep our main pole straight. While tying a structure, we should take a few steps back to look at the how the structure was looking like to be able to amend mistakes in time.
Then, in guides uniform, our seniors then taught us how to jihe properly. She pointed out a few mistakes and told us what we were going to do next. We had a changing parade till we could assemble in the proper way. We have to learn from each time we assemble and, at the end, there was noticeable change in the way we assemble.
After that, from a sharing session where we share about our strengths and weaknesses, we also learnt about how guides was going to be like, and by sharing our strengths and weaknesses, we also learn other people's strength and weaknesses, this can help us to help each other improve

P2

For patrol activity, we revised our basic lashes and were required to build a kitchen dresser within thirty five minutes. Our patrol morale was rather low at the start, and our speed was rather slow too. It was only towards the end when we had constant cheering and a much better sense of urgency. Some of our mistakes were that our structure was a little unstable and some of our lashes were loose. We also learnt how to raft before dismantling the dresser. After that, we had patrol PT .:)

All in all, I feel that today was very meaningfully spent. We revised our lashes, giving us the chance to clarify any doubts that we had about the knots or lashes. We also were able to identify the areas that we had to work on, such as remembering to cheer and baoshi constantly. Today's activity also allowed us to understand one another better and help us bond closer together as a patrol.
Looking forward to the next patrol jihe together :)

P3
Hello!
For Patrol Activity last Friday, our first task was to tie a kitchen dresser within 35 minutes. We were very slow initially and had to ask for time extension. We learnt that we can be more efficient with proper manpower allocation. Another point to note is that we can try to think of ways to make use of all the mu we have, and not add additional redundant stuff. Instead, we can think of how else it can help to stabilize the structure.
Next, we were given 5 minutes to improvise a creative gadget on the spot, and 40 minutes to tie it. For this, our patrol decided to tie a baggage rack cum shoe rack. The structure ended up to be rather unstable, as it was only supported by 2 A架. Instead, we could have tried using tripods. However, we did complete the activity within the time limit this time round.
Overall, our lashes were generally tight, so good job P3! On the other hand, our patrol spirit was rather low. Cheering can boost our morale, thus it should be done loudly and continuous, and that is something that we have to bear in mind.
After this, we ran to the Y1Y2 block, and were given 6 minutes to mass change into our guides uniform. We exceeded our time limit, as we did not take not of the time and hence did not ask for a time extension. We should constantly keep track of the time to instill the sense of urgency in us. The seniors then went though the different guide etiquettes with us, and clarified our doubts.
To end off the day, we were again given 6 minutes to mass change back and put our coy tees in tuanbu. This time we managed to finish in time! I think our patrol improved throughout the day that day, so once again, good job!!

P4
Today, it is the first time that we are having patrol activity, The year 2s were told to take the logistics needed while the year 3s stay in the boy style position. This is to help the year2s have a sense of urgency to bring the logistics quickly. After they brought the logistics, we started our first game.
Our first game is to tie our legs to a junior/senior and go around tying lashes. This is to help us to bond together as a patrol and help us cooperate with each other better. We tied the tripod lash, square lash and diagonal lash respectively. Our patrol did a good job in this, and the seniors were all happy with us.
After this, we had a challenge to spend 40 minutes to tie an indoor fire altar. We cooperated with each other closely and tried our best. However, we had to ask for time extension and some items were taken away as we did not take care of them. We’ll improve on these aspects  We then did our forfeit, which includes running and jumping jacks.
After that we had our patrol corner. We played many games together and this helps us to be closer to one another. Overall this activity helped us to be more bonded and was really enjoyable!

P5
For patrol activity, our Years 4s timed and tested us on our lashes like square and diagonal. We also practiced our tripod lash and was taught how to tie and open the quadrapod.
Then, we continued on with building the baggage rack. Here we learned that to improve the stability of a gadget, we should increase more contact points with the ground or the main mu. Tying a cross across the base would also help!
Following on, we builtour kitchen table. Although it was a little fei jiao at the end due to the very bad standard of our tripod lash, i think overall we did well!

We look forward to our next patrol activity!

P6
First, all of us had to do 站 马步 against the wall, while two people will step out each time. One would be tying a lash the other would be playing charades with the rest of the patrolWe had to finish 7 words before the person tying ties finish. Through this activity, I learnt that, at times, we must be creative and think out of the box. We must also be quick in decisions so as to not waste time.
Next, we were given something to comb the area for 37 sweets. There was a piece of paper with a letter of guides code attached to each and every one of the sweet. We were given a few minutes to decode the message and unscramble the letters and make out the sentence. All of us were focusing on unscrambling our own words and as a result, we exceeded the time limit. If we had better communication, things would have turned out more smoothly.
The decoded message was "We can finish a kitchen dresser in 40 minutes." We could make up what we were supposed to do before decoding the message due to the keywords. When we were tying the kitchen dresser, we took care of our logistics. However, we need to be more familiar with the basic gadgets and practice our lashes.
Lastly, we had to think of a creative gadget and tie it. Upon brainstorming, we decided to do a limbo dance gadget. In the process of tying, we found out what we should have done instead to make the gadget a better one. We thought of how we should act on our mistakes right on the spot instead of leaving to the next time to correct it. Creativity and practicality of the structure are equally important.

All in all, it was a memorable patrol activity and I really enjoyed it -- the process and all I've learnt. I look forward to the next jihe as there are endless things to learn and knowledge to be gained!

P7
Last Friday, our guides activity was quite different from what we did usually. Instead of having activities as a jie, we separated into our own patrols. This way, we got to spend more time within our own patrol and learn/improve skills and develop stronger bond between the patrol.
Firstly, Amanda asked us to take the gadget poles required for building shoe rack, kitchen dresser and baggage rack. From this skills training activity, the yr2s can improve on their tying of lashes and also know the structure better; while the yr3s got a chance to become the PL and learn to lead and give out instructions. Although at times we were not very sure of what to do, and needed to be reminded to ask for time extensions and time keeping, it was overall a good practice as we all gained something from it. We also demonstrated patrol spirit when we helped each other and cheered each other on during punishments or tying structures.
Then, we had patrol PT. It was quite a tough one because we had to carry our bags while training. However, all the encouragements from the seniors spurred us on, and although we were all tired, we cheered to keep our spirits up. Practices like these also build up our stamina, and prepares us for physical exercises in the future.
Overall, I think last friday's patrol corner is a successful and fun one, and we all gained knowledge and learnt something new. We also bonded more as a patrol. :)

P8
For last week’s jihe, we first had to ding boy style while 2 people go out to tie lashes and the yr 4s will give us the number of gadget poles depending on the quality of the lash. We had to collect all the gadget poles so that later on in the activity, we will be able to tie a kitchen dresser and portable shoe rack. After tying all the gadgets, the yr 4s had a surprise for us and it was giving us 3 bananas, a packet of m&n to make a dessert. We shared them after dismantling the gadget
We learn that cheering is very important as it will keep the patrol’s morale high and the need to persevere and finish tying all the gadgets despite the lack of manpower. We should also always remember to keep track of the time and ask for time extension 5 minutes before the time is up.

P9
On 21 January, we had our first patrol activity during jihe. For P9, we tied our creative gadget. Before jihe, we drew up a proposal for the patrol activity and we decided to make a toliet for the creative gadget. We went to the lvl 5 empty space and we started by practicing our basic lashes first. We were timed for our different lashes.
Then, we went on the tie our creative gadget. We quickly arranged the mu in order and started tying. We managed to adhere to the time limit and we tied a stable and useful toilet. However, our toilet was not very appropriate as the person using the toilet would have difficulties sitting on the toilet bowl. This was a point that all of us had to improve on. Our basin was not feasible too as we added it at the last minute and the design of it was not good and stable.
From this creative gadget, the year 3s learnt how to lead the year 2s and we improve our patrol spirit and became more bonded. After that, we went through the li jies and practiced our marching. Before this patrol activity, the year 2s did not know how to march but after learning the different commands, I am sure their marching skills improved. 
As we still had time left before jihe, the year 4s asked us to tie a baggage rack. Usually, I would have thought that it was impossible as we did not have any proposal and we did not prepare beforehand. However, we managed to tie on the spot and it turned out quite well. We were impressed as we really improved a lot since we just joined guides as in the past, we would not be able to tie a baggage rack in a short time without proposal.
From this jihe, I learnt many things, like leading, marching and I also realized that I had improved a lot through these years. 

P10
Last Friday was the first time that we had activity in our own patrols and not as whole company together and combining patrols.
After we were broken off to do our activities in our patrols, we started with the building of our creative gadget. It was a combination of a shoe rack and a kitchen dresser and we had drawn up a proposal beforehand. However, even though the gadget was created by us and therefore we should be very familiar with it, however we still could not finish the whole thing in time. Moreover, throughout the whole tying process, our cheering was not very constant and we often lapse into silence.
Next, after we had untied the whole structure, we were given another proposal and told to tie the gadget with the gadget poles provided. It was a clothes rack for us to hang clothes on. The clothes rack was something new that we have never tried before. This time, our attempt was slightly more successful in that we were able to adhere to the time limit given. While tying, we had to make some adjustments with the mus used as we realized that we were not tall enough to hit the longer mus in to the ground and had to change and hence lower the whole structure.
Finally, our last task was tent pitching. The seniors had taken out one of each of the tents that we have in the tuanbu, and they taught us how to pitch them. There were the dome tent and the eight man tent. In comparison, the dome tent was very much easier and less complicated; we only had to slide the rods into the slots on the tent and the tent is up. The eight man tent required slightly more work. It is different from the tents that we used during ATC as it does not have a ridge in the centre to hold the sheet up, but only had two vertical poles as support. We had to tie ma shengs at the four corners and along the sides as well.
From the jihe, we learnt a lot of new things. It is not necessary bad to have activities only amongst our patrol as the whole idea of a patrol is to allow us to bond and get to know each other. We look forward to the next jihe.

11 January 2011

Orientation 2011

Hi guides,
after a month of prep in December, orientation finally was concluded on the 8th of January where all the scouts and guides came down to showcase the best of our cca! Below are some posts from our guides:


from the OICs;

On Saturday, we had cca orientation for the year1s, which was the time to showcase our cca to them. It was the time where we were able to share with them and their parents about what guides is all about and why they should join guides.
In order to prepare for this day, we had orientation preparation on the 20th, 21st and 23rd of December. These orientation preps were used to try out the different structures that we were going to have on the actual day. It also included the trying out the games and outdoor cooking and the making of the banners and posters which were used and pasted around the school.

The first orientation prep day started out slow as many of us were new to the committees and were not sure of what we had to do for the respective gadgets or structures. It was also the first time for the year2s this year in many of the stuffs we did, which includes doing traditional games for the first time or tying structures using spars. There were many mistakes and confusion on the way but these are all areas and points which are meant to be improved on and taken note of at the next orientation prep.

For the second and third day, things went on more smoothly as we were getting used to our respective task for the specific committees. There were also a lot of improvements made since the first try and things got better along the way. During these two days, performances rehearsals were also conducted with and without audiences to allow the performers to get a feel of how it would be on the actual day. As the days progressed, the performers got better at their respective traditional games and also managed to shorten their timings from the first day. Overall, it was great effort put in by everyone through these prep days, where we were able to try out and modify our original ideas and designs such that it would turn our better at the end of the day.

Soon school started and the actual orientation day was drawing near. We stayed back on the 6th and also 7th of January to prepare for the actual day. On 6th, the main frames of the structures were done such that it would make things faster and easier on the next day when erecting the structures. On Friday, everyone stayed back to get all the things up and done, which includes the games, structures and also the different decorations around the booth. Not only that, performance rehearsals with other UGs were also conducted to ensure that the whole programme would flow well and be interesting to the year1s. The day soon ended and most of the stuffs were ready for the next day.

On the 8th of January, we gathered in school at 7am to have some final touches to our structures and booths. By 8am, we were all in our full guides uniform and ready to welcome the year1s and get to know them better. The ushers played an important part throughout the cca exhibition as they were the ones who brought the year1s around the area and explained to them certain parts of the structures and to also answer their queries about guides. The year1s seemed to have fun playing the games prepared for them and also the experience of climbing up to a two-storey kitchen shelter and the platform on the gateway.

Hope everyone had fun during cca orientation and also got to know more year1s through this short interaction time with them. As what Mrs Poh says, since we have put in our best for this cca orientation, it is already good enough. The outcome does not matter, but it would be a bonus for us if more year1s put guides as their first choice for cca.

It was a good start to the new year and for the first activity for year. Jiayous for the rest of the jihes in future!

From the performance team;
For orientation this year, there were three performances from the guides and scouts, which were monkey climb (sheng qiao), fireman’s ladder and sour grapes. Monkey climb is an all-guides team, sour grapes was an all-scouts team, while fireman’s ladder was a team made up of both scouts and guides. Before the start of the actual preparation days from orientation, the performance team met up in school on the 17th to try out the structure. As there were many who were doing it for the first time, we wanted them to be able to get a feel of how to climb the structure as well as to get them prepared for the preparation days. Although it was the first time for most of them, they picked up fast and were able to cross the structure well without falling after a few tries. The timing may be slower for the first few times, but after awhile they got better at it.

On the first day of preparations, we started off with warm up, and then brought the structure to the MRL where we trained for the 3 days. Warm up is very important, as without it, we would get muscle aches very easily and hence be unable to perform to our best potential. Initially, the pace was very slow, such as when tying the ding jiao. As the performance team, moving quickly is also very important. When we run in and out, getting into positions and when we jihe, we have to be very quick. It will show the energy in us, and that will further impress the year 1s!

Not only that, morale is really very important to the performance teams. With a low morale, the year 1s would not feel the fun aspect of guiding and especially since we were to perform on the spot and the year 1s would judge us by that, having a high morale and energy is especially important.

On the second day, the pace of things was faster. The day before, the performers were told to reflect on themselves and think of areas they could improve on. We also bonded more, and as a performance team, team work is the most important. Even with one missing person, we would not be able to carry out our performance. We had to work together, like when placing the mattress and setting up the structure. We also timed ourselves to allow us to know our own timing so we could improve. I could see that everyone put in their best effort to perform well and challenge themselves to cross faster.

2 days later, we had a performance rehearsal, one without audience and one with the scouts and guides acting as audience. This was to get us prepared for the actual day where we had to perform in front of the year 1s and some parents. Overall, I could see that all the performers, every single one of them, put in their best effort and trained really really hard despite all the pain and muscle aches.

On the day of CCA orientation, all the performance teams put up an excellent and amazing performance and literally ‘wow-ed’ the audience! Performance is not only about impressing others, but also learning new things and having fun while bonding with the rest of the guides!

From a year 3;
On the 8th of January, we had our annual CCA Orientation, which was to give the new year 1s an overview of what we do in Guides and Scouts. For this orientation, we were split up into various committees, such as gadgets, gateway, kitchen shelter, performance, outdoor cooking, mini games, and publicity, and we had several days of preparation for this day during the December holidays, such that things would run smoother and we would be well-prepared for it.

We had 3 days of prep, and we tried to make use of our time in these 3 days to practice hard for what we are supposed to do. I was in gadgets comm., and for us, we had to take note of certain features of the gadget (kitchen table). For example, the barbeque pit and seat should be tied at a comfortable height for the year1s, such that they would not have troubles using the features. Another thing that I learnt was that we should take note of the protrusion of the spars. However, I think that the most important was that we should’ve tied tighter lashes by chou-ing more and holding tension, such that the gadget would be more stable and safe. Furthermore, we should always make use of our time extensions instead of taking them for granted. In general, I think that all the guides and scouts had practiced equally hard for the orientation day, in order to ensure that it was a success.

Finally, on the actual day itself, our efforts paid off as many of the year 1s seemed rather interested in what we had to showcase to them, and some even asked questions regarding the activities. When the year1s came down to the area, the scouts performed lion dance for them, and after that, we did the adiji yell to welcome them. Next, the ushers brought them around the Guides’ and Scouts’ area to tell them more about what we do and to make them feel more welcomed. Many of them were impressed after knowing that we built the gateway, kitchen shelter and kitchen tables ourselves, and at the mini games area, we could tell that they had a fun time playing the games, especially the Gladiator. Lastly, after 6 classes finished touring the UG area, we had the performance. The hard work and practices of the performers paid off too, as the performances were really good, and the year1s appeared to be really engrossed with them. As for the 2nd batch of students, some of their parents came with them to watch the performances, and they too, seemed to have a good impression of our CCA. Hence, I think that we had done a pretty good job for this CCA orientation, and thus, this shows that practice (orientation prep) makes perfect! As the theme for this year’s orientation was ‘Painting your Rainbow’, we hope that, through joining Guides and Scouts, the Y1s could find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. (:

After the year1s left, we started to clean up. The orientation seemed to be rather successful, and I think that this orientation was very meaningful, not only did I have a chance to brush up on my skills; I also realized that hard work always pay off. (:


Lastly, from OIC Chai Ning;
To all guides: While you were encouraging new y1s to pick up the paintbrush and join scouts and guides, hope that all of you had fun painting a part of your rainbow during orientation as well (: