Patrol Activity, 25th July

Hi Guides!

Today the patrols had Skills Training.

This was a chance for the Patrol Leaders (PLs) to plan activities for their patrols to improve their skills.

P1 started off with patrol corner then headed to the field to build the kitchen shelter. Thereafter, they headed back to the General Science Lab (GSL) to practise their lashes. They also had to do Physical Training (PT) items for their mistakes in tying lashes. They ended with Fireman's Ladder, which is the traditional game of an individual flipping over a structure while 6 other people support the structure. The purpose of this activity is to build trust between the patrol, as the individual only has the people supporting the structure to depend on for her safety.

Reflections from a Year 2:

Today for skills training, we had Patrol Activity (PA). We started with a patrol corner. Then, we built a kitchen shelter. Next, we had a lash tying competition. Our Year 3s checked our lashes and we did Physical Training items for our mistakes. Lastly, we got to try the fireman's ladder. This PA was indeed very enriching.

P2 and P4 started off with building a Kitchen Shelter together at the field due to a shortage of manpower. Although it was tough and progress was slow, they managed to finish it in the end! However, they had to do 25 pumpings due to their slow progress. Afterward, P2 practised their lashes. However, they had to run 4 rounds around the GSL as forfeit for not having up-to-standard lashes. Although the punishments seem petty, do remember this is good training for you! :)

P3 started off with Inspection. They were given time to memorise the inspection layout. Afterward, they had to tie many gadgets such as Flagpole, Baggage Rack and Clothesrack within 1h 40 min. Although it was slightly tough, they still managed to do it!

P4 started off with building a Kitchen Shelter with P2 at the field. after that, they had a session to revise their lashes and ended with patrol corner. Good job!

P5 combined with P7 to build a Kitchen Shelter at the field together due to a shortage of manpower. They were given some time to look at the proposal before starting to build it. Although the amount of effort put in by the patrol to build the Kitchen Shelter was clear, things could have been done more efficiently and faster. After that P5 had an Orienteering session around the GSL where they found lots of food and Milo which they got to enjoy during patrol corner afterward. After patrol corner, they had a lash-tying session where they got to practise and revise their lashes.

P6 started with Fireman's Ladder. Although it was scary, the patrol still managed to overcome their fears and flip over the 'ladder'! After that, they had to build a catapult with spars.

P7 did Fireman's Ladder after building a Kitchen Shelter with P5 at the field. Thereafter, their built a Shoerack and Bashas. 2 Bashas had to be up by 3 minutes. For those of you who don't know, a Basha is an emergency shelter built with a poncho, 青头 and 中木.

Reflections from a Year 1:

Yesterday's PA gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and practise my lashes. I feel that I need more practice on 八字结. I also feel very encourages by my seniors as she say although we have very little people in our patrol as compared to others, we will be able to achieve the same things as them, this made me to persevere on although all of us were very tired. Lastly, I learn to keep my composure and not panic and do my best for everything.

P8 did Gadgeting, Orienteering, First Aid and Physical Training. Although they only had 4 people, they persevered and did their best! :)

P9 did Orienteering, practised their lashes, built a Baggage Rack, did some Physical Training and lastly then ended with patrol corner. It was a fun yet tiring experience.

P10 started off with tying Bashas. After that, they had Physical Training at the track which consisted of pumpings, lunges, jumping, and more. The pain is temporary; although it's tough, you'll hopefully emerge a better, stronger person. Then, they revised their lashes and ended with patrol corner. 

Overall, this Skills Training session was a good opportunity for the Year 1s and 2s to revise their lashes and familiarise themselves with various structures. Hopefully, everyone had a good rest after this session. :)

46th Anniversary Campfire and Cleanup, 12th - 13th July

Hi Guides!

Today was the day of the highly anticipated 46th Anniversary Campfire! All the Guides were buzzing with excitement as they went about putting the finishing touches on all the structures and decorations. Everyone worked hard and fast to ensure the success of the campfire. 

After lunch, the different committees went back to work before the dry run. The Songleaders and Emcees rehearsed everything once through and the Audio- visual (AV) equipment was set up. The Performance Committee also made sure that they were familiar with both the wet and dry weather plans.

Eventually, it was time for the dry run! The Year 1s, 2s and 3s watched the performance put up by the Songleaders and their enthusiasm was evident. They sang along and also performed their various batch performances. 

After that, the Guides had some time to wash up and have dinner with their respective committees. Next, the Guides went off by patrols to take photos at the photo booth which was fun and memorable! Everyone got copies of their photos as keepsake to mark this momentous occasion. (: The Guides also sang along to the Campfire songs to familiarize themselves for the actual Campfire. Everyone was truly enjoying themselves!

Soon, the guests started streaming in and the ushers took their positions. The Guides whom were not ushers took the time to roam around and take photos. All the guests looked happy and excited, and they also marvelled at the majestic structures! 

Finally, the guests settled down and everyone did the Adigi Cheer together to welcome the guests. Then, the Campfire officially begun. The Emcees started off by introducing the guests of honour and allowing them to light the Campfire. It was such a spectacular sight, seeing the wires on fire and the flame burning so brightly. As mentioned by the Emcees, it represented our passion for Guiding, which was so true. 

Then, the Songleaders sang the first four songs, which was followed by the Lion Dance by the Dunman High Crane Scouts Troop and the batch performance by the Year 3s, which was to the song "Carry You" by Union J. After that was the Company Cheer which lived up the spirit of the audience.

Next, the Songleaders continued the next few songs and then it was time for the medley of songs, which was the batch performance by the Year 1s and 2s. Everyone sang along to "Long Live" by Taylor Swift and the mood was really hyped up!

Then, the Songleaders continued with some of the most popular Campfire songs such as Cannibal King and a popular song from Frozen called "Let It Go". These songs were really well received by the audience who couldn't help but sing along. :) 

After this section of songs, some guests went up to stage to try to guess the items placed in boxes. Afterwards, everyone participated in a game of "Limbo Rock" which proved to be quite challenging!

The next section of songs marked the peak of the campfire. During this juncture, the Firewood Committee promptly added firewood such that the fire became larger and brighter. The Songleaders then led the excited audience to sing and dance along to the songs. The audience even ran around the campfire during the song "A Thousand Legged Worm", which is always present in campfires and is ever so popular with the audience! 

Everyone sang along to the 团歌 and this really gave the Guides a sense of pride and belonging to the Dunman High Guides family. Following this was the video made by the Special Event Committee which allowed the Guides to reminiscence the various memorable Guides activities.

The next section of songs took on a much slower pace because it was slowly progressing to the end of the Campfire. The song "朋友" was one of the crowd's favorites because it really reflected the theme of the Campfire- The Tie that Binds. Many old Guides were also reminded of the friendships forged during their memorable time in Guides. 

Following that, was the Campfire Yarn by Ms Tang which reminded the audience to truly treasure the time spent in Guides. Next, was the appreciation for the various teachers of the four Uniformed Groups. 

Last but not least, the final songs of the Campfire became much slower in pace and much more relaxed in nature. Everyone swayed along to the songs such as "细水长流" and "Auld Lang Syne". It was such a heartwarming end of the Campfire as the Campfire was declared closed. Everyone's hard work and effort for the past few months made this Campfire such a success! The guests were obviously pleased and appreciative of the effort put in by the Guides.

After the Campfire ended, it was time for clean-up and supper before lights out. The Guides had some time to spend with their patrols to bond. Finally, lights out was at 12 midnight. 

Songleaders

The next day, the patrols had to clean- up. It was tiring at times but everyone pushed through and worked together to complete all the tasks. 

This Campfire was so well- received, it really was a hallmark in the history of Dunman High Guides. Hopefully, everyone will be present at the 50th, 55th and 60th Anniversaries as well as many more in the future! :)

Thoughts from a Year 1...

We had a photo booth session before the whole campfire started. As guests started to come in, the Guides, Scouts, NPCC and SJAB also arrived. During campfire we had songs, games and even performances. Our batch (Year 1s and 2s) performance was pretty good and although I didn't perform, I helped to sing the songs of the performance. We also had an inspirational yarn by Mrs Tang. It was about friendship and with the touching music background, it was really inspirational and touching.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Although we have spent many Saturdays preparing for this camp fire ever since the start of the June holidays, I do believe our efforts for the campfire has paid off. It was satisfying to see the many happy faces of the old Guides as they view the booths, reminiscing their guiding days. This camp fire too provided me the chance to think on what it means to be a Dunman High Guide and our Guiding promises. To be a Dunman High Guide is to be a Guide who always gives it her best. I am proud to say I am a Dunman High Guide. Although we have evolved over the years from our structures to our activities, our sister spirit still remains. This campfire has fostered even closer bonds and friendships between my fellow Guides. I am thankful to be able to take part in the celebration of our 46th anniversary!

Thoughts from a Year 2...

It was finally the day of the long awaited campfire. Everyone was working hard under the hot sun for the final dash for the campfire at night. It was really nice seeing the old Guides coming back and taking pictures together. Although everyone was very tired after the campfire, it was all worth it. Being able to take part in this once in five years campfire, I am grateful to be able to learn many new skills and forge stronger ties with my juniors and batchmates.

Thoughts from a Year 3...

People started streaming in in groups and it was heartening to see the ladies reuniting and catching up after countless years. No words could express this as well as our campfire's theme, "The Tie that Binds". The time spent in Guides was truly a wondrous piece of unforgettable memory as it could bring old Guides back together even after so many years when they have became adults and started their families. The thought of reuniting with my lovely, beautiful sisters years down the road led me thinking how fortunate I was to join the Dunman High Guides family.

The campfire was a magical one, bringing back the old Guides' memories through the various touching songs and video. One I could not forgot was when we cheered our Company Cheer with gusto. The old Guides too could remember our Company Cheer as they cheered along with us, making us feel as though we were one. It was a moment when everyone was filled with pride! They also returned us a cheer which I think was used in the past and unfortunately, not passed down.

Time passes and a batch at a time will pass down. However, the Dunman High Guides spirit will not cease to exist but be carried on, passing down from batch to batch. “一日童军，一世童军". Looking forward to the 50th Anniversary campfire!

Campfire Preparation, 11th July

Hi Guides!

This marked the last Campfire Preparation before the official Campfire begin on Saturday. Every single committee was hard at work, finishing up their respective tasks and structures. Everyone worked together by staying cohesive and pushing through any obstacles faced.

Generally, the Year 3s were given more opportunities to step up and lead as the new leading batch and many seized the opportunities. The sisterhood was also evident throughout the preparation because the Guides were enjoying themselves despite how tough the preparation was. It was really enriching for many and eye- opening for the Year 1s who got this chance to complete such grand and majestic structures.

Thoughts from a Year 3...

Campfire preparation was really fun as we all toiled hard for the campfire's success. I was in Gateway committee and was given opportunities to climb this unique and majestic structure to built the platform and it was an enjoyable and thrilling process. Throughout the preparation, I also felt that I was given many chances to step up and lead to my delight. It truly boosted my confidence as a leader.

All the Guides are clearly excited for the long- awaited 46th Anniversary Campfire! Hopefully all our hard work paid off, making the campfire a success. :)

Campfire Preparation, 5th July

Hi Guides!

Today we had our Campfire Preparation, which started off with a lecture. Firstly, Cassandra started off this final series of lectures, which was entitled "Dunman High Girl Guides- Our Future". She wanted everyone to write down a few points on what should be improved in the current company, so that they could collate the feedback. After that, she asked the Guides to write down their dreams on a piece of origami paper, so that in the future, they could look back and remind themselves of their goals that they had set out to achieve during their Guiding journey. Afterwards, to make it more memorable, the flower patrols were to fold a flower and the bird patrols were to fold a crane. 

Thoughts from a Year 3...

I think this activity is beneficial, especially because we are the new 领导层. It really helps us to prioritize and plan our goals for the company. As the leadership batch, I feel that we have to step up a lot more to improve the standards while also constantly reminding ourselves of our individual goals. This would make our Guiding experience so much more fruitful and worthwhile! :) 

Afterwards, An Yi, a Year 7 Rover, gave the next lecture. She told us about her experiences in Guides and about the bonds forged during that period of time. She also touched on how she initially felt like quitting but eventually motivated herself to stay on. Throughout her lecture, she emphasised on the spirit of Guiding and the "Tie that Binds". 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Her lecture was very inspiring and from it, I learnt the importance of the sisterhood in Guides. I hope to bond more with my patrol mates and my batch mates during my time in Guides. 

Next, Pin Qi told us about her stories in Guides. She left Dunman High but returned for 集合 every Friday because she missed Guides. It showed the spirit of Guiding and that the bonds she forged in Guides were so important to her. Through the photos she showed, everyone had an insight as to how Guides was like in the past. 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

She was very funny and entertaining! Her lecture was upbeat and interesting. I also learnt a lot from her because she showed her love for Guides and it makes me proud to be in this CCA. :D

Lastly, Mdm Lim gave the final lecture. She played a few songs that were sung at a previous Dunman High Girl Guides Anniversary Campfire. Along with the photos she showed, we saw how Guides changed over the years. She remained close to her Guide friends, highlighting the sisterhood and friendships in Guides.

Thoughts from a Year 1...

Girl Guides was very very different in the past and it is interesting to see Dunman High Guides change over time. Perhaps in the future, we can also look back and see how times have changed. However, I believe the friendships in Guides will remain!

After the lecture series came to a close, the Guides were separated into their various committees. The Pioneering Committees made use of their main frames built the previous Campfire Preparation and continued to finish their structures. As for the Performance Committees, they were busy preparing for the first Dry Run of the Campfire. The Songleaders and Emcees rehearsed, while the other members of the Performance Committees set up the Audio Visual (AV) Equipment. The remaining committees helped out with Pioneering. 

Next was lunch and after lunch, the Committees continued with preparation. The Dry Run was set at 3.30pm, where those not performing would be the audience. The Performance Committees helped out with Pioneering before the Dry Run. 

During the Dry Run, the Emcees went through the entire flow of the Campfire and the Songleaders performed a few songs, so that the other Guides would be more familiar with the songs during the actual Campfire. 

After that, we had clean- up. The main frames remained with the other spars were kept. Everyone helped out to make things efficient and quick. After that, there was a debrief and we were told about the booths during the Campfire which we had to be familiar with if there is a need to direct the guests. 

Overall, substantial progress was made and the Guides are enthusiastic about campfire!

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Campfire Preparation has been tiring but meaningful, especially the lectures. Also, doing pioneering was good because it helped to train my skills. I also got to experience different things from usual PAs and 集合 because the structures are more grand. Generally, it's very fun and enjoyable.

Campfire Preparation, 4th July

Hi Guides!

During this Friday's 集合, all of us got into our respective committees to aid in the preparation for the nearing Anniversary Campfire.

The Pioneering Committees went to the field and continued with their activities, which revolved around finishing up the main frames. The Firewood Committee as well as a few other Committees went over to help the Pioneering Committees. The remaining committees continued their preparations such as the Decorations-souvenir Committee who were doing the souvenirs for the various guests for them to take back something as a memento. Meanwhile, the Songleaders rehearsed to ensure that they were familiar with the songs and actions so as to make the campfire look spectacular. 

After that, the batches were given time to rehearse their batch performances before the Dry Run on Saturday. There was a general improvement and the batches were more cohesive. Everyone had a clearer picture of the performance and it was less messy as compared to previous times.

Overall, everyone managed to work together and were efficient. There was good progress made during this 集合. Also, everyone is pumped up for the 46th Anniversary Campfire! (:

Thoughts from a Year 1...

Pioneering is quite new to me but I have learnt a lot from this Campfire. I have improved on my lashes through these Campfire Preparations because I have many opportunities to tie different lashes. When I am in doubt, I can always ask a senior for help and it really shows "The Tie that Binds", which is the theme of this Campfire.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

All of us did our best in our various pioneering structures despite the hot and sunny weather and the tiredness everyone experienced. We doubled up our speeds as there was insufficient time as we needed to end on time so we could return back homes to rest so we would have energy for tomorrow. This was the last few campfire preparations and all of us had improved and also became more familiarized with what we had to do. It served as a learning experience for all of us too. :)

Thoughts from a Year 3...

Everyone really felt like a part of this campfire and hence everyone put in their best to ensure that it would be a success. The progress was generally a great improvement from previous sessions! However, the Year 3s can definitely step up as the leaders more often. 

Campfire Preparation, 30th June

Hi Guides!

For this Monday, we had campfire performance preparation. It was a session for the Young Adults (YAs) to check on our progress of the performances for the upcoming 46th Anniversary Campfire.

Firstly, we split into our different batches to prepare out batch performances. Then, the Year 3s performed their dance item for the Year 1s and Year 2s. The Year 3s danced to the song Carry You by Union J. Next, it was the Year 2s and Year 1s' turn to perform. Soon after, the YAs gave us time to practice again. 

After that, a YA brought the Year 1s and Year 2s to the open space on Level 2 of Year 3 and Year 4 Block. She practised the transitions between items and also ran through the whole performance with them. Meanwhile, the other YAs altered some of the dance steps in the Year 3s' performance. 

At last, we ran through all the performances once. It started with the Year 1s and Year 2s' performance, followed by the Year 3s' performance. At the end, the YAs gave us comments on our performances. 

Thoughts from a Year 2 about the performance...

During the practice, it was quite hard to get the cooperation of everyone at the start. However, after sometime, everyone understood how to perform the items. On the second time, the Year 1s and Year 2s fared much better. I think that the Year 1s and Year 2s can improve by practising more on our singing and synchronisation in the performance.

Thoughts from a Year 3 about the performance...

Initially, our dance was very messy and uncoordinated as we had very few practices together. A lot of people were unsure of the dance moves and it turned out pretty chaotic. However, since we were given time after that to rehearse the dance over and over again, there was a significant improvement in our dance. Practice makes perfect and I'm sure that we will continue to improve as long as we all try out best i the next few rehearsals.

Hopefully, we will be able to put up a better performance this Friday!