Patrol Activity, 20th March

Hey fellow Guides! How have you guys been :-) On Monday, we had Patrol Activity (PA) as usual, with Patrols 2, 3 and 6 having combined PA while Patrols 1, 4 and 5 carried out their individual activities

For the combined PA between Patrols 2, 3 and 6, the juniors had a mini Obstacle Journey (OJ) consisting of 3 stations. The OJ started with an inspection, followed by the briefing of the storyline and the number of stations before the patrols went to the appropriate venues. 

This is the storyline:

As mountain climbing enthusiasts, you all need to train and prepare actively for your next big expedition in June(STC). Today, you will be completing tasks to help build up your endurance, stamina and skills. Treasure this 1 hour of training, and always remember to look out for one another. We wish you all the best, and train hard Mountaineers! 

Here are the details of the various stations and what how the juniors have reflected on their areas for improvement.

Station 1:

Welcome to the Physical Conditioning station, where we aim to build up sufficient stamina and endurance to ensure that scaling up the mountain will prove no challenge to all of you! 

Task: Patrol will split into two teams and there will be 2 starting points for the 2 groups, one start point is in front of class 1E and the other in front of class 1D. Each group is supposed to send one representative to run along the corridor and meet the other representative of the other group. Upon meeting the other representative, they will have to solve the Guides code given to them. The representative that does not manage to solve the Guides code is supposed to go back to their own starting point and carry out the forfeit stated on the Guides code. The other representative continues running and the other group sends out a representative. The game continues till one representative reaches the other groups starting point.

The forfeit written in guides codes are:

• 10 jumping jacks x3
• 45 second planking x2
• 15 squats x2
• Sing one line of Maboleh with the whole group x1
• 5 star jumps x2
• Lunge to the other groups starting point x2

Reflection from a Year 3…

I feel that this station was creative in teaching the Year 1s their tracking signs and letting the rest of us revise our skills. I was initially worried that I would panic and forget my tracking signs completely, but luckily the phrases we needed to decode was not that difficult and could be guessed. A point for the patrol to improve on would be to 照顾 our things more. We could do this by standing around our stuff to make sure they are in our sights. In conclusion, I really liked this station and it was my favourite station in the whole OJ.

Station 2:

Welcome to the Firelighting station, where you will be learning and revising your skills in fire starting and fire signals. During your climb, you will need to be able to produce a fire to heat your food and stay warm. You will also need to be able to signal for help from the alps, in the event your run into trouble, using a signal fire. Start your fires quick, to ensure there is time for a warm drink as a respite from the cold!

Task: Patrols are required to light 3 fires in the correct formation of a signal fire. The fires will be lighted on stoves using 木麻黄 and matchsticks. Patrols are then required to boil water using 2 mess tins over 2 of their fires to make Coffee and Milo drinks. 

Suggested Solution:

Why light a fire:

• a) Cook food
• b) Produce heat (To save calories from being used up in producing body heat)
• c) Scare away dangerous animals (Smoke is used to keep insects and pests at bay)
• d) Used to heat metals (To make tools and weapons, Sharpen sticks, Bake pots)
• e) Purify water
• f) Sterilise surgical instruments
• g) Provide comfort and boost morale
• h) Signal for help

How to light a fire:

• a) Place some sticks on the ground for the foundation
• b) Make a bed of tinder. (Arrange it in a C shape to give greater shielding from the wind and make the fire easier to ignite.)

Reflection from a Year 3…

The purpose of this station was to introduce fires to them immediately set up all logistics required for a signal fire. Since we were given 12 minutes to boil and cook the milo provided, we had hoped to light the fire within 3 minutes so as to enable the water to boil quickly and for us to be able to drink the beverage. In order to make things clearer for the Year 1s, we explained the purpose of a signal fire to them, demonstrated the steps to arranging the 原子炉, how the kindlings should be arranged inside each 原子炉 as well as taught them how to sustain the fire. We then proceeded to show them how to light a fire, before letting them try it themselves. It was heartening to see that they were all trying their best to light the 木麻黄 successfully. They also had a go at sustaining the fire. Initially, it was rather challenging to light and sustain the fires as it was windy. However, we made use of our manpower to shield the wind. We also made sure to look after our logistics to prevent them from getting kupped, and constantly 报时-ed so as to manage our time. However, due to time constraints, we were unable to boil the milo, which showed that we really needed to improve on our time management. Furthermore, our patrol morale was low—we were too fixated on the task and thus neglected cheering, which would definitely have lifted our spirits. Nonetheless, although we did not get to drink the drink, I'm glad that the Y1s learnt something new today and I hope that they will apply this knowledge in future 集合s.

Station 3:

Welcome to the Seek Shelter station. While in the mountains, shelter from the cold and harsh elements are essential to ensuring your survival. However, you’ve only managed to bring along 2 dome tents and some groundsheets. Unfortunately, most of your patrol members need to cover their eyes with a piece of cloth to protect them from the harsh and cold wind. Brave through the elements to ensure you reach the peak!

Task: Patrol will be given 15 minutes to build 2 improvised shelters and 2 dome tents. Everyone in the patrol to be blindfolded and are not supposed to talk except the PL and the PS.

Reflection from a Year 3…

For station 3, we had to build 2 dome tents concurrently with 2 shelters. As the Patrol Leader for the station, I feel that I could have done much better by being more confident and giving clearer instructions especially since my patrol mates were blindfolded and not everyone was sure of how to build the tents, making the process even more difficult. Instead of just focusing my attention on building the tents, I felt that I should have looked at the bigger picture and also put aside time to help others as my patrol mates were not allowed to speak so they could not clarify any doubts. Being more confident could have also ensured better efficiency as I would have been less hesitant. I think that it was also important to keep the patrol morale up through cheering (which we did not do much of) to encourage each other along the way. All in all, although I felt that as a senior I could have done much better to lead the patrol, this station was still a good learning opportunity to help me better myself.

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 1…

During Monday's Patrol Activity(PA), we were first instructed to run around the General Science Lab area to search for post-it notes that our seniors (Y4s) had pasted within seven minutes. After that, we had to solve the codes on them within the remainder of the time, which was approximately 4 to 5 minutes. The codes which were deciphered told us what we had to do during the Patrol Activity. For the Year Ones(Y1) and the Year Twos(Y2), they were supposed to do Inspection. On the other hand, the Year Threes(Y3) were tasked to build a creative gadget that could elevate our belongings. We were given 23 minutes. However, at every three minutes, we were supposed to pick a number from one to five and our structure had to adhere to the instruction. At first we had decided to tie two tripods, however after a criteria was articulated to us, we realised that we had to change our plans. Despite the sudden change in structure, we still managed to tie finish our structure quite quickly, and I felt that the best part of the structure was the clothing line that we had to include. For the clothing line, we used a 长木 to put at the top and tied it downwards to the structure using 白绳. After our own batch activities within the patrol, we were then tasked to teach the juniors how to build a flag and others. Also, at every six minutes, one patrol member from each batch had to go do physical training(PT).  It was a very interesting and fun patrol activity.

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 4…

On Monday, we built a kitchen shelter and table. At first, I was tasked to build the kitchen shelter together with Lin Min and Clara who worked on the table separately. We felt that we didn't give our all as at first—we weren't fast enough and  we didn't have a sense of urgency. On the contrary, the Year Ones (Y1s) looked rather happy as they were able to learn how to build a kitchen shelter. This time, we took the time to guide the them through the building of the kitchen shelter every step of the way. After the activity, the Y1s feed backed that they have learnt not to leave our belongings too far from us, that the knots should be tight, to ensure the ends of the 麻绳 is tucked in nicely and not hanging out, to measure lengths properly, and to ensure that the 木 is be stable and upright before they take pacings. Additionally, I believe that the year ones learnt to have a better sense of urgency and constant cheering and 报时. As for the knots, they also learnt how to tie the 活结. They were also reminded that the first thing to do when building a kitchen shelter is to tie a 八字结 to all four corners of the green sheet and then attach it to the 青木 with a Clove hitch. Overall, I believe this patrol activity was beneficial to every batch as everyone were reminded of basic structures and knots and I personally learnt how to step up more.

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 5…

Monday's PA was split into three main sections. The first part consisted of us building an 8-man tent without arthurs. Every 3 minutes, we would have to answer a question on survival skills, trekking skills or first aid. I feel that this portion of PA was well planned as I, being a Y3, was still slightly unsure about this structure before PA and was able to familiarise myself with it in preparation of PLTC.  The second part consisted of orienteering. The Y2s were quite familiar with these skills as they had recently learnt it in Modular PE and thus they taught the Year 1s the basics of orienteering. After that, we had some practice in order to find a clue on our next activity, which is the third part. The third part consisted of us building a prototype of a chair using gadget poles. Luckily, we had a good idea but what I feel could have been improved was our manpower allocation in order to complete the structure more efficiently. Also, another thing we could have done is to 照顾好东西. Due to our negligence, our 木 was taken away without us noticing by our seniors. We should have taken more care of our belongings and logistics. Overall, I feel that this PA taught and revised many skills. I look forward to more PAs where we able to continue to do so. 

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 10th March

Hi everyone! On 10th March, Friday, we had 集合, and the task was for each patrol to build an element in a playground—patrols are not allowed to have overlapping structure designs. One week before 集合, the Year 4s were to submit proposals on the playground design that they have come up with. Here are some of the reflections from the Year 3s on what happened during 集合, as well as what structure they came up with.

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 1…

On Friday, most of us when to 集合 with trepidation in our hearts. The patrol members in Patrol One(P1) actually knew what we would be building already as we had seen the structure on social media—we were tasked to build a bridge in two hours. Once we broke off, everybody scrambled to get the logistics required to build each of our structures, which would all be combined to form a playground. It was rather hard to do as we had to make several carbon copies, thus lot of time had to be spent on doing so. Eventually, we were able to complete our structure although we had gone overtime. After which, we were allowed to take photos with our structures and rotate to play on the other structures in the playground. I particularly liked the Viking Boat structure as each batch took turns sitting on it while other batches pushed them as the sides. When each batch set on the Viking Boat, we sang some cheerful sings like the opening song for Little Einstein, the alphabet song and the Christmas song. It was a very interesting and fun experience.

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 2…

Our patrol was building a Viking ship as part of the playground that the whole 团 was building together. We were given 2 hours in total to complete our structure. Our structure was rather difficult to build as we had to tie spars near the top of the structure where none of us were able to reach. This meant we had to get tables from the canteen and borrow a ladder which slowed down the process of building because only a few people at a time could stand on the tables and ladder. Though it was very hot and tiring, we had a lot of fun and it was the first time we built such a structure and it worked as well. However, some things that we could improve on would be our sense of urgency. We were mostly taking our own time especially towards the end of the structure which resulted in the need to ask for time extensions multiple times. I feel this is very unacceptable as not only did we take so long to build the structure, we also took a long time to 拆 the structure—both of which could have been prevented if we remembered to 报时 more. However, on the whole I am rather pleased that we finished the structure and it was fun playing on other patrols’ structure as well!

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 3…

For Friday's 集合, we had pioneering as a company, and it was our first pioneering session with the Year 1s around. We had to build a structure that was part of a playground and P3 built a monkey bar. At the beginning, we exceeded the time we were give to take the 木s due to poor communication and poor allocation of manpower so I feel that this aspect can be improved. Furthermore, we had to redo the main frame three times as we did not pay close enough attention to the tiny details like the protrusion of the 木s and the 2nd frame which was a carbon copy of the first was not aligned properly. I’ve learnt that we should take note of such things so that our structure would not look sloppy and messy, and it would also save us a lot of time to focus on the rest of the structure. Besides the set backs along the way, I think our monkey bar turned out nicely and I think that we were all proud of it. Going around to play at other patrols’ structures was also really fun as we got to see what the rest built and all of them were really creative. All in all, this 集合 was extremely enjoyable and I'm glad that despite the problems faced, everyone managed to stay cheerful and keep up a high morale.

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 4…

Friday's 集合 was fun as we got to bond together and play games made by different patrols. My patrol did the 'playhouse' which was supposed to be a slide, but we ended up not being able to build a slide due to the lack of time. However, I feel that it was commendable that both the year 2s and year 1s took the initiative to cheer, which was very encouraging and contributed to the patrol morale. Getting the 木 and putting them back was a team effort amongst the patrols as we helped each other if we were unable to balance the 木 properly. In this way, we were able to bond as a 团 and I believe that everyone benefitted in one way or another in this 集合.

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 5…

During Friday's 集合, we did quite exciting activities! We had to reenact a playground using spars and my patrol was in charge of building a see-saw. To me, it was quite fun and creative. It really reminded me of my first ever Passing Down Parade in 2015, where we basically had to reenact a city or town using sparse as well and my patrol was in charge of building a gateway. Both activities have me the same feeling of satisfaction and amazement when I saw each of the patrol's structures all together to create one beautiful scene or setting! I hope that we will have more 集合s like this one where we can all work together to achieve great results!

Reflection from a Year 3 from Patrol 6…

My patrol had to build a mini obstacle course with spars in 2 hours. Initially, we had trouble trying to get all the 木 required for our structure, as there was a shortage of 木. However, we managed to sort things out with the other patrols and immediately started work. As it was a hot afternoon, everyone was working slowly and we seldom cheered, which resulted in our low patrol morale and this caused us to work even more slowly. To make matters worse, we had started later than the other patrols due to the earlier conflict with the number of 木s. I felt that as a senior, I could have encouraged the juniors to work faster and to 抽 every lash with more force, so that we could reduce the amount of time spent on 重打-ing the loose lashes. I could also have cheered more to empower everyone to work faster, instead of chatting with my patrol mates, which really decreased our level of productivity. However, there were some juniors who tried cheering and it was really heartening to see that they were trying to help the patrol as much as they could. After all the structures were completed, every patrol was given 4 minutes to try out each structure. I felt really pleased with our structure as it seemed relatively stable when we tried it out. However, my patrol's structure 垮-ed halfway when another patrol was trying it out, which was really embarrassing as it showed our lack of competency in our lashes. During 拆掉, everyone was working slowly which resulted in us 过时-ing and our PLs had to plank for us. I strongly feel that we could have tried harder to work faster so that our PLs would not have to get punished for our mistake. Overall, it had been a fun 集合 session and I'm glad that the juniors tried their best.

More photos:

Published by:
Chen Wei
48th Batch Secretary

Patrol Activity, 6th March

Hello fellow guides! This is a late post, but on 6th March, Monday, we had Patrol Activity (PA) as usual with our individual patrols. Here are some reflections from the juniors!

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 1…

On Monday, we brought down kindlings to the General Science Lab(GSL). After which, we were instructed to bring down the logistics required for Outdoor Cooking. At first, our structure was incomplete so we had to rebuild the entire structure in a shorter time period. However, I felt that the lashes for our second structure were actually less tight as compared to the first one. The Year Fours(Y4) then taught the Year Ones(Y1) how to start a fire. However, the kindlings were wet and despite many attempts, we were unable to keep the fire going, so we switched to using 原子蜡 instead. Finally, we were able to roast marshmallows over the fire with the limited time we had left. All in all, I feel that we need to pick our kindlings better and to make an effort to dry them if they are damp, so that we will have an easier time starting the fire.

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 2…

For Monday’s PA, we were tasked to build creative gadgets which included a signal tower and a baggage rack. For the signal tower, we were fortunate to be given a proposal to follow. Thus, it was rather easy to build and the design is cool too since the quadpod lash was tied in the middle of the gadgets poles instead of tying typically near the top of the gadget poles. As for the baggage rack, we had to make some modifications based on certain criterion. Firstly, we had to make use of ponchos and secondly, we were not allowed to build it with an A-架, a quadpod or a tripod. This not only got us thinking of how to build structures out of the norm, but also tapped on our soft skills which we had developed over time in guides. However, the structure that we built was very shaky. From this, we learnt that we should add a lot more diagonals to stabilise the structure, especially since the main frame was not very steady.

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 3…

For PA on Monday, we built an indoor fire altar followed by outdoor cooking. As we had already built a fire altar many times before, we were sure of how to build it and managed to build it within the time limit which I feel was a good improvement from the past PAs, so we were able to have a good start. I feel that we should really keep this up as it helps with efficiency and allows us to have more time to do other things. For outdoor cooking, we made butter chicken, cheese sausages and banana smores. One challenge we faced was that the kindlings picked were wet as it had been raining for the past few days and this led to us spending too long trying to start and sustain the flame, which eventually led to our chicken being uncooked and inedible. As seniors, I feel that we could have been more proactive and reminded the juniors to dry the kindlings. Nonetheless, this was a good learning point as it taught us to not overlook even the minor details as they are equally important and crucial. Finally, when the flame was stable enough to cook the sausages and warm up the bananas, it truly felt like a triumphant moment. Although not everyone got to taste the food, I believe that we did a good job with the cooking (besides the raw chicken). All in all, the PA was enjoyable as we worked well as a patrol together to get the job done although there were certain unexpected bumps along the way.

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 4…

Monday's PA ended a little late because of the rain. During PA, we went through some basic structures like the baggage rack before we started the fire and prepared the food for Outdoor Cooking. Since I was not involved in most of the process as I could not go near fire, I washed the cutlery and prepared the food instead. This time, since the proposal and food were done and bought by the Year 3s, this gave us a taste of what it was like doing a proposal and putting it into action.

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 5…

On Monday, we did several activities. Firstly, we built a baggage rack with a meaningful improvement of rafting half bamboo so that items could be placed there. To me, this was symbolic as it was the first time we had the Year Ones do creative gadgeting with us so it was quite cool! After that, we had to run around Block G to find post-it notes with the guides code written on them. Then, we would have to decipher the code (which had items required for inspection written on them), after which we would be able to send one person to 团部 to take 5 items. After we had collected the items, we did inspection. During the first round, the Year Ones and Twos were blindfolded and the Year Threes were not able to actually layout the items but had to direct the Year Ones and Twos to do so for them. To me, it was quite challenging as we did not really know how to go about handling this or how to direct them. From this, I felt that we could have had better strategy in terms of how to go about leading the inspection. Lastly, we had to do certain activities based on a scenario where we were stranded, dehydrated and some of us were injured. So, we had to build two dome tents, treat three people and make Milo. I feel that this part of PA was considerably well done as were able to complete the tasks on time.

Reflection from a junior from Patrol 6…

For the first part of PA, we had to build a baggage rack in 40 minutes, according to the proposal drawn and with the 木 we had collected. As the PS of this activity, I felt that I could have done a better job to step up and help the PL in leading the patrol, instead of communicating with the PL through whispers. It was rather chaotic initially, as we had forgotten some crucial points, such as 对-ing the 脚 of the main frame to the curb, and ensuring that both main frames were exact copies of each other. It was also due to our poor time management and poor manpower allocation that our structure did not turn out stable. We had spent too much time completing the main frames. As we were too focused on completing the task, we also did not manage to maintain a high patrol morale, which may have resulted in us working slowly. Next, we had to build a volleyball net in 10 minutes, according to a proposal, for our volleyball activity. I was assigned as PL for this activity. I felt that I could have done a better job in giving out firm instructions to every individual so as to prevent people from slacking off. I could have also spoken up more, instead of letting the PS lead the patrol entirely. Furthermore, the structure did not turn out stable as the A-架s were not spread wide enough. As we were in a hurry, I had neglected the netting of the structure thus resulting in the netting being done wrongly. Despite all this, one notable point is that the juniors tried their best to cheer loudly and 报时 constantly, which made me feel really grateful. However, regretfully due to time constraints, we were unable to play volleyball. Lastly, we had to build a dome tent. However, the twist was that everyone, except the PL and  PS, had to be blindfolded. After a few minutes, it was clear that the PL and PS were struggling, so the Y1s were allowed to take their blindfolds off. I felt that since I was blindfolded and had nothing to do, I could have taken the initiative to cheer for the patrol, since the PL and PS were preoccupied with guiding the others. This would have boosted the patrol morale and we could have completed the dome tent at a faster speed. All in all, it was a fruitful PA session and I'm glad to have picked up some tips from this experience.

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary

Centenary World Thinking Day, 4th March

Hi Fellow Guides! Last Saturday, our whole 团 went to the Botanical Gardens to celebrate the annual World Thinking Day with other Girl Guides from all over Singapore as well. It was a large-scaled event and many of us had a lot of fun during the celebration. Here are some reflections from our guides who will be sharing on what they felt about the event on a whole! :-)

Reflections from a Year 1:

This picnic is a new experience for me as I have never seen so many people picnicking together. At first, I was very excited and was in very high spirits. My patrol and I shared the food that we bought. On top of that, we also bonded through talking and taking photos. However, a while later, it started to rain, and our spirits were dampened by the unpredictable weather. Although my friend and I decided to step aside to get a glimpse of the stage hoping it would lift our spirits, it did not as the weather was rather discouraging and caused much inconvenience. Nonetheless, I feel really grateful to be given this opportunity to have a picnic with my patrol and everyone else in girl guides and I hope that we can do this again.

Reflections from a Year 2:

I felt that the Centenary Celebration World Thinking Day at Botanic Gardens was very fun and enjoyable. Even though it rained throughout the whole event, we held our umbrella up, which created a magnificent view. The event which I found striking to me was the fact that we broke a Singapore record, which is the biggest breakfast picnic turnout in Singapore. We were sharing food that we brought as a whole 团 and I felt really contented sitting with my patrol mates and passing food around to fill our empty stomachs. The performances were also entertaining as the choir formed by many guides and brownies from other school sang many songs. The guides and brownies from all the different schools also created a blue and brown ocean on the fields at Botanical Gardens, and it was truly an amazing sight to see all guides and brownies over Singapore gather together to make this happen. On top of that, this event created an awesome patrol bonding time as we sat together with our patrol members and had a lot of time to talk to one another, which made this event very fruitful to me. Hence, I felt that I really enjoyed this event immensely and I am looking forward to attending more interesting events like this.

Reflections from a Year 3:

The centenary walk at Botanic Gardens was really enjoyable as we got to spend time with each other and celebrate 100 years of guiding which is remarkable. Although the walk started out with a heavy rain, it was still fun as we got to spend time and talk to each other—something we do not get to do very often. After the walk, we sat down on a grass patch and had a picnic among all the guides from other schools. Even though the rain got heavier, the ground got even more muddy, and we almost completely drenched, I liked how no one was really complaining and instead, we were all enjoying one another’s presence and the food which we all brought to share for the picnic. Furthermore, we managed to break the Singapore record for the largest number of people having a picnic together and I found this really special as we would not have been able to do it without everyone's teamwork and unity. It was not just among us Dunman High guides but also included guides from other schools and countries as well. During the celebration,  they also mentioned previous guides who went on to achieve great things in life like Ms Lee Li Hui, the first Singaporean woman who scaled Mount Everest in 2009 who said that joining guides helped her be more confident outdoors. I feel that this can be a learning point for all of us and teach us to embrace the guiding spirit a little more.

Reflections from a Year 4:

I feel that this year’s World Thinking Day celebration was more interesting than previous years as it was held in Botanical Gardens unlike previous years where it was held within schools. Although it started raining not long after the programme started, it was still really memorable as it was my last Thinking Day celebration and we really got to bond with our juniors more. There were also programmes that I feel were really interesting such as the centenary walk and the breaking of a Singapore record. The programmes were also quite nice and meaningful such as dance performances by Brownies and Guides as well as the the showcase of past Guides who made significant contributions to Guiding and the society. I believe that the event would be more fun if we could have been more enthusiastic and shown greater participation in the activities. Overall, I feel that the event was quite well planned as it is not easy to plan programmes for Brownies, Guides, Young Adults and Guiders all over Singapore. I feel proud that I could be part of this celebration, especially because this year marks the 100th year of Guiding in Singapore. 

All in all, it was an extremely enjoyable event for all of us and we would like to thank the planning committee for taking the time and effort to put up such an amazing event! :D

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 3rd March

Hi Fellow Guides! Last Friday, we had a fun 集合 with 6 stations planned out for the company, and it was truly an extremely enjoyable and out-of-the-box activity. Here is what happened.

First of all, Guides were given the following instructions:

“Guides are now tasked to go on a treasure hunt to find 6 hidden precious treasures, however there are many others who want the treasures equally as much. Your time is limited, but first you need to make sure you will be prepared for the journey into the unknown. Now you have 5 minutes to get whatever tools you deem necessary for the treasure hunt, all except solid fuel. No additional walking sticks (spars)  are required, the terrain is not too bad.

5 minutes to pack 配备 -

Each patrol has a checklist of 6 items to collect from the different stations as stated in the package, however the station locations are not given. Instead, there are clues of all the stations given to the PLs and they will have to decode the clues. All the necessary logistics should be with you already.

If 2 patrols arrive at the same station, the patrol that had arrived first will have priority, the patrol that had arrived later will have to come back later. (The instructions to respective stations will be written on paper and placed at the station)

You know the treasures but you don’t know where they are and you don’t know how to get them. With nothing in hand, 德明女童军 are you prepared and skilled to find the treasures? You have until 1700 to collect all or as many treasures as possible. 集合 back at GSL at 1700. Your amazing race starts now.

Note:

If Guides do not solve the Guides code by 20 minutes, the decoded version will be revealed”

Afterwards, they embarked on the various stations according to their respective station order.

Station 1:

Patrols will have access to all the logistics in 团部 to build a creative gadget that represents their patrol. After building the gadget, take a patrol photo with it. 

Reflection from a Year 3…

For station 1 we had creative gadgeting outside the 团部, and the task was to build a gadget that would best represented our patrol. Keeping the requirements in mind, we chose to build a tripod with a flower/star on it made out of 中短木s, because we are from P3 Jasmine, and stars shine in darkness. In this aspect, we hoped to present our hope to be able to be resilient and do our best as a patrol even when faced with challenges. The tripod provided stability for the gadget and it was also a representation of how we are able to support each other in times of need. Even though there were no station masters, I liked how we made it a point to 报时 and cheer constantly without being told to do so. This station was also relatively different from the usual stations and I felt that it trained us to think out of the box instead of always being so structured and only knowing how to build the same, typical gadgets we always build. All in all, I think it was a fun station.

Station 2:

“You found some dirty water and the eggs that you have been searching for! Follow your checklist, not a part of the egg (including the inside) will be wasted. So now what?”

Suggested Solution:

Water filter: 

1. Line the cut bottle with fabric

2. FIll the bottle with materials in this order: sand, gravel, pebbles, rocks

3. Pour the muddy water into the filter and collect filtered water with the mess tin

Firelighting: 

Guides are to collect dried bamboo leaves, twigs and other kindlings from the surrounding area to boil. (Solid fuel can only be used in the event of wet weather). Matchboxes will come from their individual 配备s.

Outdoor Cooking:

Guides to hard-boil the eggs and peel off the shell. After which they will eat the eggs and collect the peeled egg shell as a treasure, they can store the peeled egg shell together with the package they were given from the start.

Reflection from a Year 3…

It took us a while to find station 2. The first sign we spotted was a mask hung deliberately on bamboo. Later on, we found the materials provided in a box. I believe that the juniors were great at this station as they remembered how to filter water, with the sequence of putting the rocks and sand in in order. A year 1 volunteered her hair tie to hold the cloth in place as well which was pretty sweet. Afterwards, we boiled the water and egg in front of the stairs by the walkway. From this activity, I could feel that our patrol mates who prepared the fire and held the water over the fire to drip slowly were fast and patient, which is really commendable. While it was very hot and some had to squat most of the time to tend to the fire, no one complained about the uncomfortable situation. Instead, we were all working hard and trying our best at this station. I appreciate that everyone was attentive and had a sense of urgency throughout this station, helping each other out and always looking for ways to help each other. 

Station 3:

“Build a shelter that can fit half your patrol, then take a patrol photo.”

Suggested Solution:

Enlarged emergency shelter using spars and groundsheet.

Reflection from a Year 3…

During Friday's Patrol Activity (PA), I had the greatest impression on Station 3 which was at the General Science Lab (GSL). 1.5. The cryptic message actually meant the staircase between the first and second floor of the GSL. There, we were tasked to build an emergency shelter that could fit all of the patrol members inside and materials were provided at the staircase to aid us. However, we decided to tie 白绳 onto ponchos instead and tie it to the staircase. Not only would it be faster and easier to build, it would also be faster to dismantle. After we had finished, everyone went underneath and took a patrol photo. It was rather cozy and we got to bond with the year ones while teaching them the leashes in a fun and interactive way.

Station 4:

“These are some of the tools you have to create an elevated platform on which Sleeping Beauty can sleep on. After she falls asleep take a selfie/ wefie with her on the bed (not just the empty bed).”

Reflection from a Year 3…

This station really tested our creative skills as we are supposed to build a bed. Fortunately, we were able to think of a suitable elevated bed quickly. However, we were rather slow in tying the quadpod as we lacked a sense of urgency since no time limit was given. In accordance to this, I feel that we should have maintained a high sense of urgency even when it is nor enforced so as to ensure that we are able to work efficiently at all times. A problem we faced was that the mattress wasn’t able to fit properly in the quad pod as we didn’t measure it before tying. This was a careless blunder as we should have taken note of the measurements since it would affect the whole structure. Nonetheless, it was a good station to test our creativity skills and our ability to meet the aim of the station. I feel that this station was quite different from the usual structure building as it required us to apply our skills and be creative. It was also one of the most interesting stations I have ever done.

Station 5:

“Construct your own patrol hopscotch (unique!) using these tools

Record a video of all your patrol members playing your very own hopscotch!”

Reflection from a Year 3…

Initially, we had trouble figuring out the clue to this station. However, with the quick thinking of a patrol mate, we managed to make it to the open area beside 2D and 2E. Our task was to build a creative patrol hopscotch, and film a video of every patrol member hopping across it. We found another patrol there but as they had finished their hopscotch already, we immediately started work on our own hopscotch with the leftover 木, so as to avoid time wastage and be able to complete more stations. After observing the other patrol's hopscotch, we realised that many of them tripped over as each square was relatively small. Thus, we decided to increase the distance between each horizontal 木 for our hopscotch, so that it would not pose a safety hazard to our patrol members. I felt that our patrol morale was fairly high as we had managed to complete 2 stations before that, which lifted our spirits. We constantly cheered and 报时-ed. It was rather fun and as it was not a rigorous station and furthermore, we had the opportunity to bond with our patrol mates. Within minutes, we managed to complete our hopscotch and immediately tried it out. As expected, we hopped across it without much trouble due to the wide area available for us to hop on. Overall, it was a relatively enjoyable station as everyone got to share our creative ideas.

Station 6:

Patrols are to learn the Centenary dance and look for Elaine/ Melanie to present the dance to them. However Elaine/ Melanie will always be on the move, thus they will have to look for either one of them. After Elaine/ Melanie approves of the dance, they will sign on the checklist and their treasure is redeemed. (Elaine/Melanie: Company Leader and Assistant Company Leader respectively)

Reflection from a Year 3…

The centenary dance station was a station to ensure that we knew how to dance to the song in time for the actual centenary celebration. I feel that the process of learning the dance was fun even though our dance was quite a flop when we showed it to Elaine. Our movements were awkward and we definitely had no ace dancer in our patrol to begin with, but I find that that this made it even more fun. We learnt the dance from scratch together, messed up together, laughed together, and it was a memorable and enjoyable experience that we had created—together. Although we all should have revised the centenary dance on our own instead of relying on activities during CCA to get us familiarised with it, I still think that an experience where we’re all learning together- and from each other- isn’t all that bad either.

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary