Year 3 Obstacle Journey, 1 April 2016

Hello Guides! (:

This OJ served as a preparation for the year threes for their Patrol Leader Training Camp and so the year ones and twos did not participate in it. They were given 7 minutes to run to 团部 and backstore to retrieve their logistics and mass change into their OJ kit. They has to do this twice because they 过时-ed. Afterwards, the year 4s hid the 6配备 within the school compound and the year threes were given 10 minutes to look for them, but they took more than 20 minutes and had to do a forfeit.

 

Station 1：Mass Change

The patrol had to retrieve their PE attires from the classroom for mass change. The classroom was a simulated gas room and hence they would have to carry out steps to ensure they were safe. While mass changing, the patrol also has to arrange a pail of bamboo poles according to length. For the second mass change, they are to lay out their 配备 inspection-style. For any unlabelled items, the patrol has to do 5 jumping jacks.

Reflections:

Station 1 was directly outside 3C where we had placed our hangers with PE shirts, and this time as expected, we had to enter the simulated 'gas room' to collect our belongings, having a total of 4 minutes to mass change out of our OJ kit. This happened concurrently with the laying out of our logistics - gadget poles provided by the seniors, and the patrol had to depend on those who were faster in changing to arrange it by themselves for the time being. We changed in and out, each time completing a different task, which was innovative and slightly special as compared to our normal OJs. We had a 配备 inspection and as well, after mentally draining us for 3 consecutive times, we could finally call it quits and pack up to head for our next station. It was certainly tiring yet an extremely enriching experience as we learnt that one person's speed could affect the entire patrol's morale and efficiency. 

 

Station 2: Obstacle Crouse

 

At the start of the station, the patrol will first have to do 15 inclined pull-ups. Afterwards, they will then proceed to the monkey bar and go from one end to the other end via the ropes that are being tied to the monkey bar. Next, they will then climb the ladder from one position to another and then they will come down onto the canteen table. Lastly, for this station, they will have to either build a rope ladder or normal ladder and elevate their stuff over the wall.

Reflections：

When I first started out, I was having a lot of fun as it was fun to try the rope section. However, it was difficult to maintain my balance, and the station masters had to render some assistance in order to ease the difficulty for us. Next, the beam balance was quite manageable as it was not very high, and I could hold on to the poles to regain my balance. However, it was the following stage which was difficult. After climbing up a ladder, we were required to jump down from the highest step. Although we were allowed to hold the pull-up bar when jumping off the step, I was very afraid of heights, and when I looked down, I was extremely terrified. After several failed attempts to jump down, I sadly gave up because I was just too scared to go down. After this difficult stage, the commando crawl and jumping on tires was quite manageable. The building of a rope ladder and climbing on to the other side was also less difficult than I had expected. All in all, I feel quite regretful at the fact that I did not attempt the 3rd section of the station. If I were given the chance to do it again, I would definitely muster up the courage to face my fears and phobias

  

Station 3: Inspection and Barang Physical Training

In this station, the Y3s will be doing barang PT and inspection at the same time. Except for the PL and 2 other members of the patrol, the rest will start with barang PT first. Barang PT will be carried out as such:

-          For the first round of inspection → Running around the track while holding 2 thin mattresses above their heads, as a patrol, until the end of this round of inspection/ until they arrive back at the starting point.

-          For the second round of inspection → Leg raise with the 2 thin mattresses resting on top of their legs, until the end of this round of inspection.

-          For the third round of inspection → 站马 against the grandstand, hands stretched out and carrying the 2 thin mattresses, until the end of this round of inspection.

-          Subsequent (if any) round(s) of inspection → Running around the track while holding 2 thin mattresses above their heads, as a patrol, until the end of this round of inspection/ until they arrive back at the starting point.

 

For the first round of inspections, the PL of the station will stay with a pair and give instructions for the layout. The pair will then have to each lay out the 青木, as well as logistics from one 配备 (since each patrol will be having 2 for this particular OJ), and strive to complete the layout within the shortest time possible. After they are done with laying out, the station masters will take a picture of the layout, and then they are to pack everything back into the 配备. After which, one of the two in the pair will stay, while the other and the PL joins the rest in barang PT. Another pair will then take over to lay out the logistics. The person who stayed will take over the PL in giving instructions, and make sure that the layout is the same as the previous one. This cycle continues until everyone has done the inspection at least once.

Reflections：

The first physical activity assigned to us was to carry mattresses above our heads together with our spars and jog around the field. This activity was rather challenging due to our uneven heights, with the mattress constantly on the verge of sliding off our heads. The spars on our shoulders made this harder as we had to ensure that both the spars and the mattress didn't slide off of us but alas we each only had two hands and we had to try our best to balance the logistics we had on us. For the second physical activity assigned, we were required to do leg raise with the mattresses on our shins. Though leg raise by itself wasn't very straining, the additional weight on our legs meant that not only did we have to keep our legs up, we also had to support the weight of the mattress, making physical intensity of leg raise itself increase by two fold. Lastly we were assigned to 站马 with the mattress above us. We did this with our backs against each other but due to our height differences, the mattress threatened to slip off a number of times. As for the inspection, it was a bit challenging to deliver the layout due to a bit of stress as well as the different view of the layout from the 'leader's' POV and the listener's POV in terms of orientation and such. Overall, though it was exhausting, it gave us an experience of how it felt like to work under stress and physical strain. With it being our first station, we found the subsequent stations a lot less tough, making the entire obstacle journey a rather fun activity that we had mistakenly been dreading. 

 

Station 4: Acid River and Minesweeper

In this station, the patrol would be tasked to build a structure to transport 4 of their patrol mates across with all of their logistics. The suggested solution to bridge the gap caused by the ‘acid river’ is to build a rope bridge in the time limit of 15 minutes. This activity is concurrent with a mindsweeper activity where the in the midst of the building 1 year 3 has to come out every 2 minute to start choosing her path on the minesweeper. Every incorrect box landed will cost her one question. A correctly answered question will enable her to take another move forward.

 

Station 5: Firelighting, Orienteering and Distress Signals

At the start of the station, the patrol would surrender one of their 配备s and would need to answer a question. If they answer the question correctly, they would  be entitled a chance to ask the station masters a yes/no question if they need to confirm their doubts for the later part of the station.

 The patrol would be given 12 minutes to complete 4 tasks.

(1)  Find the extra logistics needed

-          Signal Fire: 1 solid fuel holder

-          Boil: A bottle of water

(2)  Set up a signal fire (juniors should wet the kindlings/solid fuel used to produce more smoke to attract attention)

(3)  Boil drink found based on bearings given

(4)  Layout 2 distress signals according to scenario

 

The Year 3s would be given a forfeit if they fail to do the following tasks:

(1)  Unable to start a fire within 5 minutes: 25 burpees and 45 seconds of planking

(2)  Unable to locate the right items: 1 round of lunges and 10 burpees

(3)  Unable to layout correct distress signals: 20 jumping jacks and 10 squats

(4)  Time extension: 2 rounds around the corridors

 

Reflections:

Although we managed to light the fires quite quickly, we did not light them at the open space and only realized the mistake after we lighted the fires. As the PL for that station, I felt that I could be more decisive and decide whether we should quickly move to the open area to relight the fires or not. This way, the patrol would be more convinced and clear of the actions they should take instead of hesitating whether they should be doing something or not. I learnt that I have to be loud and convinced of my own instructions in order for the patrol to be acknowledge my instructions. We could also be more familiar with our Guides notes to prevent mistakes such as laying out the wrong distress signals. Overall, I felt that this station helped us to prepare for the upcoming PLTC by reminding us the details we have to take note of during future OJs.

 

Station 6:

For this station, the patrol will be asked to select the logistics that they think they will need to build the structure to transport the 2  配备s from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. In order to get a specific logistic, the patrol has to complete a certain physical activity to get it. After getting all their logistics, the patrol will then have to build a structure to transport their 配备s from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor. 3 people will be sent up to the 4th floor. They will not be allowed to throw their logistics to the 4th floor. 17 minutes will be given to them in total to retrieve the logistics and transport the 2 配备s. 12 minutes into the task, the patrol will be tested on Bee Attack. They will have to stop what they are doing and run 10m straight away from the station master.

The physical training consisted of:

-麻绳-- 1 round lunges-营绳-- 25 burpees

-深蓝木-- 20 jumping jacks

-Tyre-- 15 squats

 

And that was the end of OJ! (: Hope the y3s had some valuable takeaways!

Patrol Activity, 28 March 2016

Hello Guides! (:

 

P1 Bougainvillea

We gathered for Patrol Activity (PA) to engage in some gadgeting activities once more. However, this task had a twist to it - as we split up into two groups to build one gadget each, but every patrol member had to be blindfolded with the exception of the two PLs in charge. For my side, we were building a simple baggage rack, but the tying of the two tripods and 顶角s already took up more than half of our time limit as we approached the task with a slow speed. Even though we did not face a shortage of manpower, we needed to increase our sense of urgency and some of our lashes were loose. The structure was also not stable but we were still proud that we managed to finish it within the time limit, despite the few extra time extensions given. Next, another batch of 2 Y3s volunteered to be the PL for that activity, which happened to be splitting up into two groups again to build two catapults in total. We just followed the proposal we were shown and directed our patrol to build the structure. It was a good chance to build up on our foundation and train the Y1s on their hard skills. Then, using our newly-made catapults, we had a mini competition to shoot a paper ball, and the losing party would have to run around the entire GSL twice, as a form of physical training and punishment. It was fun to watch some of our patrol members rally with each other and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in this PA activity.

 

P2 Ixora

For this PA my patrol and two other patrols had PT. We had to complete three PT stations in an hour. Before the stations, we had to get two 青木 and pack our 配备 according to the packing list given. I believe our sense of urgency can be improved as we ( all three patrols）过时ed a bit. There was a bit of confusion over who should take the 青木 and who should pack the 配备.  For the first station, we had to do 200 kallang wave crunches and burpees. It was more tiring than expected as we hardly ever did crunches and were not used to the strain. We then did 5 minutes 站马, but we had to balance a 青木 with a bucket of bricks attached to it while we did it. Singing guides songs helped to pass the time and all three of us managed to pia to the end. Finally, we did lunges one round around the F block. Although the exercise were fairly simple, it was quite challenging for us at they all focused primarily on the abdominal muscles. It was still a good time to train up our physical fitness though.
For the second station, we did circuit PT for 15 minutes. We drew lots to decide which PT we would be doing. We did 20 jumping jacks, 10 squats, 1 minute of planking and crab walked one length of the G block.  We managed to do the circuit seven or eight times. I feel that we could have gone faster as we spent quite a bit of time transitioning between the exercises at first. Our third and final station was suicide run. This was, in my opinion, the toughest PT station. We had to run without our 青木 for the first 6 minutes, and after that we took turns carrying one 青木 each until the time was up I think we did quite well for that station, because we aimed for more than 22 rounds, and we achieved 37 rounds in total.

Overall the PT was tougher than usual but it is important to train our fitness especially with PLTC around the corner and KYB is a part of PLTC.

P3 Jasmine

We gathered for PA to engage in some gadgeting activities once more. However, this task had a twist to it - as we split up into two groups to build one gadget each, but every patrol member had to be blindfolded with the exception of the two PLs in charge. For my side, we were building a simple baggage rack, but the tying of the two tripods and 顶角s already took up more than half of our time limit as we approached the task with a slow speed. Even though we did not face a shortage of manpower, we needed to increase our sense of urgency and some of our lashes were loose. The structure was also not stable but we were still proud that we managed to finish it within the time limit, despite the few extra time extensions given. Next, another batch of 2 Y3s volunteered to be the PL for that activity, which happened to be splitting up into two groups again to build two catapults in total. We just followed the proposal we were shown and directed our patrol to build the structure. It was a good chance to build up on our foundation and train the Y1s on their hard skills. Then, using our newly-made catapults, we had a mini competition to shoot a paper ball, and the losing party would have to run around the entire GSL twice, as a form of physical training and punishment. It was fun to watch some of our patrol members rally with each other and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in this PA activity.

P4 Orchid

For pa , the y3s of P2,P3 and P4 were separated from the rest of our patrols and were tasked to complete a series of 3 physical training stations with our 配备 and two green spars. As its name suggests, this activity was relatively exhausting, though for P4, the intensity of our exhaustion decreased throughout the entire course, seeing that we were blessed with a favourable sequence of stations. Our first station, the most energy consuming, was 16 minutes of suicide run where we were to run back and forth for 16 minutes with our logistics aka our 配备 and our spars. Though it was tiring, P4 Y3s ran at a pace where everyone could keep up and it was in those moments where one could really feel true patrol spirit. Our next station was a series of physical trainings, starting with 200 kallang wave burpees and crunches, followed by 5 minutes 站马with our logistics and a pail of bricks and ending with lunges. Though not as exhausting as the first station, we did face some challenges such as balancing the spars on our knees when we were doing 站马 since some of us were more vertically inclined than others. Our last station was a circuit of various physical trainings which we were to do for 15 minutes. Since it was our last station, we tried to put in our best effort to do it well. When the course, though only of three stations, finally ended, we were tired but satisfied. Through this physical training session, we got to experience true 'ohana'. Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind. In those strenuous activities we went through, we went through them together and that was one of the key takeaways i got from that PA session.

P5 Sunflower

Today, we 集合-ed at the GSL to Valerie, before being broken off to take 1 深蓝木, 2 红木, and 4 青木. Then, we had to build a kitchen shelter near the small grass area at the Senior High Block. We immediately started to layout the canvas sheet and 木, and everything went well initially. However, later on, we face problems such as shortage of space, and hence had to 倒 and move our structure several times. This was extremely inconvenient and contributed to our lack of time. Another problem was that when we were ending the square lash on the 深蓝木, there was not enough space for the frapping, hence we did not finish the lash, and left the remaining string dangling. This was a mistake as it interfered with our two main guylines, and thus we also had to 倒 the structure and finish the frapping. When we finally managed to 起 the structure, we were relieved. We immediately went to take the pacings and 打进 the arthurs. Although we had to spend much time teaching the year 1s and reminding the year 2s what to do, it was overall a smooth process with some hiccups when the string might occasionally snap. However, in the end, we managed to finish the kitchen shelter within the time limit and time extensions. After that, we were given feedback that our guylines were too loose, and that we had to 抽 tighter next time. We also learnt that the 青木 should be aligned diagonally to the 红木 when we 抽, so as to get the perfect angle. After listening to the feedback, we were broken off to 拆 and keep the logistics.

After the activity of the KS, the patrol was split into year 1s and 2s, and year 3s. The year 1s and 2s did something similar to a treasure hunt where they had to search for items around the GSL. The year 3s, on the other hand, mass-changed 6 times, with a diminishing time limit every time. Although it was tough, we felt that it was good practice.

All in all, the PA helped us to learn more things and train up our skills even better! :)

 

P6 Morning Glory

During PA, the first activity was to test our gadgeting skills as well as our leadership skills. After we took the logistics, the Y1s and 2s were blindfolded. Only the Y3s could see and knew what to do, but could not help tie the gadgets. We had to divide our manpower to build 2 A架s, 1 tripod and 1 quadpod, and also tie the 定脚 for all of them. It was quite slow as it was difficult for the blindfolded members to tie lashes and there was also lacking morale and urgency. The number of gadgets and people to oversee was also more than us, so it was also difficult to coordinate the building of everything, but we managed to finish everything although we needed time extensions. However another problem was that many of the lashes were very loose and took a very long time to tie. Even though blindfolded, we should be able to maintain the speed and quality of our lashes so we needed to take note of that. As the Y3s, we also should have reminded the rest of the patrol to keep a sense of urgency and morale and tried to lead more efficiently and faster so that we do not need so much time to do relatively simple tasks. We had to do a forfeit of running around the GSL 15 times.
After that we had to build a dome tent and an eight men tent. However, we were very slow in doing so as the Y1s did not know what to do and the Y2s were also unsure. We also could have been clearer with our instructions and allocated manpower better. Overall, we had a lot to improve on as we could not even finish the 8 men tent.
Finally we did PT in circuits of toe touches, jumping jacks, planking and pumping. We definitely could have cheered more to keep up the morale but it was generally okay.