集合, 22nd August

Hi Guides!

Friday's 集合 was not a combined one and the batches split up to carry out different activities.

For the Year 1s, they first had Obstacle Journey (OJ) and Physical Training in their respective COYs. There were two stations for them to complete. Their first station was to build a catapult in 15 minutes. Those not involved in building the structure were to do Physical Training. The Year 3s commented that they had generally started off well, but gradually became more chaotic because they had to repeatedly retie the lashes. Despite this, it was a good performance overall.

For the second station, it was the station where the Year 1s had to do Physical Training, whilst also being tested on their Guides skills such as starting a fire. Lastly, there was also a relay race. Generally, the Year 1s were relatively fast but there is still room for improvement!

Lastly, they were given some time to do their Craft Badge. They made many items using their creativity and their artistic skills, which was a very good experience for them because they had the opportunity to engage in activities different from the usual Guides activities. 

Thoughts from a Year 1...

We bonded a lot through this 集合. However, I think that we should have practised our lashes more and kept things organised.  It wasn't as tough as expected because it was fun and many of us bonded. Another good thing was that we cheered and 报时 a lot.

As for the Year 2s, they split up into their respective COYs and had Physical Training and Gadgeting, with a bit of Obstacle Journey elements. For the Gadgeting part, they were tasked to build a gadget according to the proposal in 15 minutes. In addition to this, they also had to do some Physical Training. 

Afterwards, they moved on to their next station where they did more Physical Training. The first part of the station was circuits. While doing the circuits, the Year 2s had to go up one by one to answer questions and complete penalties if their answers were incorrect. Next, they were tasked to solve the Guides codes while in Girls' style pumping position. Next, they had to be in Boys' style position while figuring out the trekking signs. 

Lastly, they had to build a multi- purpose creative gadget using the logistics given. Afterwards, they had Physical Training as penalties.

 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

To be honest, I was kind of scared as we never know how tough it would be. I was excited as well, because it isn't every 集合 that we get to do stuff as a batch. We managed to get through it together quite smoothly, although we lacked a sense of urgency and as a result, was unable to complete the multi-purpose gadget. I'm also really thankful that we got to have this PT session, as it got us thinking about what we really need to improve on and cherish the time we have during 集合 as there isn't many left before Annual Training Camp. More importantly, we got to bond through this PT, which is absolutely necessary in training camps as it would improve teamwork and communication, and not to mention in life, where trusty friends play huge part in self-discovery and improvement.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Overall, this 集合 has taught me a lot and I had fun, even though it was tough. I was proud of myself as I managed to persevere all the way. I also bonded a lot more with my batch as even though we worked as separate COYs, we cheered together. However, I think we can work on our attitude. From the activities, I've learnt that although it's good to have fun, it's also important to treat 集合 seriously. The morale of our COY was also low as we barely cheered while doing some of the PT. The Year 3s also had to constantly remind us to cheer and 报时. Moreover, I think we can definitely work on our lashes. I hope we can do better next time!

As for the Year 3s, they had to do Physical Training which comprised on Kallang Wave Pumpings and a few circuits. In general, there was constant cheering and 报时 and everyone was able to bond through this Physical Training.

Next, they went on to paint the Patrol Emblems. However, due to time constraints, the painting was not completed and would be left to another time.

Thoughts from a Year 3...

It has been ages since we have engaged in such an activity ourselves and not to mention, it was quite tiring. The ground was scotching hot but I cannot deny the fact that our performance was not the best. I believed that though we pia-ed through the PT, we should have had more tolerance and a better sense of urgency. Painting the Patrol Emblems was also quite honourable they would be displayed in our 团部 for many years to come. Hence, we put in effort to paint the emblems carefully. 

Hopefully, all the Guides have benefited from this 集合 and took the opportunity to bond with their batch mates. (:

Patrol Activity, 18h August

Hi Guides!

For today's Patrol Activity (PA), the Guides from COY 1 had a mini Obstacle Journey (OJ), while COY 2 carried on with their respective Patrol Activities.

For the mini OJ, P1 was paired with P5, P2 with P4, while P3 stayed in its original patrol. At the start, the Guides were given 9 minutes to retrieve their logistics. After that, they proceeded with their stations.

Station 1 at General Science Lab (GSL) Level 2

The Guides were told to surrender their bottles. Next, they had to move around that level to find kindlings and twigs for fire- lighting. There were quite a few trekking signs to warn the Guides that certain water bottles contained undrinkable water and that some of the kindlings were wet. After that, they brought down the required logistics for fire- lighting and had to boil water. Overall, comments given were that the Guides did not take note of the trekking signs and took quite a long time to start the fire. 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

We were very careless and missed out on almost all the trekking signs. We also did not check whether the kindlings were dry. We could have been more careful. As we took all the kindlings, some of the kindlings we used were wet and it created a lot of smoke. In this station, we could have cheered and 报时 more often. 

Station 2 at GSL Level 1

This station was the gadgeting station. For this station, the Guides had to build a creative gadget to elevate both patrols' 配备 within 21 minutes. During this period of time, the Guides had to stop a few times to do Physical Training (PT) such as pumpings and 站马. Overall, comments given were that the lashes were generally still loose and the patrols did not take care of their logistics.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

We need to take better care of our things. A lot of things were taken from us at this station, namely one of our 配背s, a mallet, a water bottle and a 青木.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

The lashes were quite loose and the tripod was leaning to one side. Also, throughout this station, we lacked a sense of urgency. However, it was fortunate that the tripods were able to hold both 配备. Halfway through, we had to do some PT. This station re- emphasises on the guides motto "Be Prepared".

Station 3 on 5th floor of Block G

Firstly, the patrol First Aiders were asked to step out together with one Year One to be the casualties. After that, the rest of the patrol members were tasked to attend to the injuries of these three casualties, including transporting them back. Also, they had to simultaneously build an emergency shelter to cover the logistics.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

In this station, I think better manpower could have been allocated to help in treating the casualties. For the emergency shelter, although we did not manage to build the correct version, our idea was relatively feasible too. 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

To get to this station, we climbed a lot of stairs. By the time we reached the top, we were all panting heavily and had barely enough energy left to run. I think this shows that physically, our stamina is low and we need to train up on it.

Overall sentiments from a Year 2... 

I feel that we really put in effort for this OJ. Unfortunately, our skills were still not up to standard and there were areas for improvement. We should have clarified our doubts with our seniors if we were unsure of instructions. Our things were also kupped frequently, and one of our patrol members was even kupped at a station! Hence, I think we should be more observant of our surroundings and take care of one another and our belongings. Our lashes were also not tight and we should work more on tying them quickly and tightly. Our sense of urgency was there, but could still be improved on as we could have worked faster. Lastly, we did 报时and our patrol morale was here and there; we could have done so more constantly though! We will continue to work hard! :)

Patrol 6's Patrol Activity

P6's PA involved a little physical training, orienteering and building a kitchen dresser. While the rest of the Patrol was being instructed to choose the type of physical training and carry it out, a Year 1 and Year 2 had to go out and practice their orienteering skills.  Next, they were given a total of 50 minutes to build a Kitchen Dresser. Afterwards, they sat down in a circle and had Patrol Corner where the Year 1s and 2s were given a review of their performance.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

I think we have to read the Guides notes more thoroughly and probably practice on our orienteering skills at home. The physical training was manageable as we cheered as we cheered loudly to boost our morale. I felt that we could have done better, in terms of memorizing the proposal as quick and as sharp as we can. Some of us have to brush up on the tightening of lashes, though the basic skills of how to tie the lashes are already made known to us. However, as we look at our nicely completed structure, we would have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. I was proud of our patrol!

Patrol 7's Patrol Activity

The Year 1s and 2s were first instructed to bring the necessary 木 for a baggage rack. Other than a baggage rack, they also had to either improvise the baggage rack or build a separate creative gadget and were given 5 minutes to plan.  After that, they were told to do 60 Kallang wave pumpings, 20 star jumps and to run up to the fifth floor before ending with crunches around the GSL area. Next, they were told to pack a 配备 in 6 minutes and lay their logistics out afterwards. After doing so, they began the building of their structure. The next section for P7 was Orienteering, where they learnt how to find a compass bearing. This was followed by fire- lighting. 

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Although we were quick in laying out our items in our 配备, we did not compact our items and did not fold up our excess groundsheet not used. We realized that during camps, ten other patrols will also be carrying out inspection in a confined space. Hence we should be considerate and limit the space we used. Our structure had many many faults such as the tripods not being a equal length and baggage portion slanted. Afterwards although we improved on our structure, we did not improvise creatively. Overall, although PA was tiring, we learnt a lot. We promise to put in our best as our seniors put in effort in training us. I hope we will be able to do a better job. when it comes to maximizing man power and communication skills.

Patrol 8's Patrol Activity

During this PA, the Year 1s and 2s were required to build a Roman's Chariot and Kitchen Shelter, together with P10. Lastly, they ended off PA with Patrol Corner.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

Overall, I think we were not prepared enough for the PA and we did not have good leadership as Year 2s and we were quite slow as we exceeded our timings. There is room for improvement and we will strive for that. In future, we should have a better sense of urgency and do better.

Patrol 9's Patrol Activity

P9 did First Aid and were tested on the distress signals. Also, they were tasked to build a Kitchen Table. Afterwards, Patrol Corner marked the end of PA.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

When we were building the kitchen table, I was appointed as the Patrol Leader and i felt that it was quite tough leading the patrol. I will continue to improve and do well for future 集合! Building the kitchen table was quite difficult but I felt a strong sense of accomplishment and satisfaction after I saw the finished product. It was very enriching and we tried to cheer and 报时 as much as we could despite concentrating on the task itself. Together as a patrol, P9 did a good job :)

Patrol 10's Patrol Activity

P10 combined with P8 to build a Kitchen Shelter. Lastly, they had Patrol Corner to end off the PA and review the Year 1s and 2s performance.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

This PA was pretty eye-opening and challenging for me as it was the first time the Year 2s got a taste of leadership. We were not able to get the kitchen shelter up as we were basically very ill-prepared for the activity. Moreover there was a lack of sense of urgency, causing our progress to be very slow. Therefore,  I have learnt that it is important to be  prepared and give clear instructions to better lead the Year 1s.

Initiatives and celebration, 15th August

Hi Guides! 

Today was initiatives and celebration for the success of our 46th Anniversary Campfire!

First, COY 1 and 2 separated and went to their respective classrooms for their initiatives, planned by P3 and P6 respectively. For COY 1, P3's initiative was to create individual and patrol lava lamps, while P6 planned to colour salt to be displayed in jars. 

Everyone was generally enthusiastic about the initiatives and happy to be able to do activities outside of usual Guides activities. Generally, the steps were also simple and easy to follow, hence, the Guides are able to recreate these items any time they wish to!At the end, many had really pretty bottles of their very own Lava Lamps (COY 1) and coloured salt (COY 2). These initiatives really serve to enrich the Guides and inspire them to be more creative. (: 

Thoughts from a COY 1 Year 2...

When we did the lava lamp, we did not have much decorative materials along with us but we still made the best out of it! =D We were given dyes of colours like red and green. The steps were simple: fill the bottle with water, add some oil, then some dye, decorate your bottles, amd lastly, add some salt. We could then see colorful bubbles bubbling their way up. It was beautiful though the effect was short term ♡. Some of our hand were also stained with dye too. All of us had lots of fun making the lava lamp together and also bonded as a patrol. 

Thoughts from a COY 2 Year 2...

The initiative held during yesterday's 集合 was pretty fun and enriching. It had taught me a more economical and easy way to do Sand Art. By colouring salt with chalk would also allow us to have a have larger variety of colours which would give us a better combination of colours when the coloured salt is poured into the bottles. 

After initiatives ended, it was time for the celebration. Everyone was in high spirits and the seniors even came back to enjoy the celebration too. It was really heartwarming to see all the Guides gathered together, singing Happy Birthday to Girl Guides and savouring the dinner and cake provided. 

Our 46th Anniversary Caqmpfire was truly a success and worth the celebration, and all of this would not be possible without the leadership and guidance of the Year 7s who came back to plan the Campfire, as well as the unwavering support from the Guiders as well as all the Guides and many others whom have helped along the way. 

Hopefully, all the Guides have gained something from today and enjoyed the celebration whilst reminiscing their wonderful campfire moments. (: