Hello fellow guides! On the 5th of May, we had skills training, where we tried out something rather different from our usual activities. We set up 6 stations, but this was unlike any typical Orientation Journey or Physical Training. It was a set of stations to target every patrol's needs, provide opportunities for patrol bonding, as well as to sharpen the juniors' skills. It was like a "mobile Patrol Activity". The purpose of this is so that all patrols and all Guides will be able to learn/ revise most hard skills with the PLs’ knowledge of the exact area of improvement needed for the patrol, learning can be focused and specially crafted for the respective patrols’ needs. Station masters are not needed as the respective Y4s in each patrol will be the ones teaching the Guides. Logistics at the stations will not be an issue as at any point in time a patrol will be at every station. Otherwise, it will only be a few minutes of unattended logistics which will be neatly kept at the stations during patrol movement.
Station 1: Flagpole and Dome Tent
At this station, the patrols will build a flagpole and a dome tent within the allocated time for each station.
For this station, our PL split us into 3 groups, with an equal number of Y1s, Y2s, Y3s and Y4s. We were first tasked with building a flagpole in 10 minutes. Unfortunately, we had to ask for a time extension due to the lack of practice in building a flagpole. At the same time, the Y1s also got to learn how to build a flagpole and hopefully they were more enlightened about the process. I felt that we could have cheered more to boost the patrol morale as the other Y3s were rather flustered, which probably resulted in our inability to complete our task within the time limit. There wasn’t much 报时 too, which also attributed to our poor time management. In the end, my group was the first to complete a decent flagpole so we proceeded on to the dome tent immediately after. The dome tent was relatively easy to construct thus it was no surprise when the Y1s jumped at the chance to help connect the poles and slot it into the black holes, while we explained the steps on how to build a dome tent to them, and the important aspects of it, like the zip of the flysheet being aligned to the tent door. We did not have much trouble while building the dome tent so we managed to finish it quickly. However, the challenge lay in the folding of the tent and flysheet. We weren’t really sure on how to fold the tent so we just followed our gut and compressed it with every fold, with the help of the Y4s. In the end, we successfully folded the tent correctly and placed it back into its bag. Overall, I learnt much from this station and many thanks to the Y4s for helping me along the way when I was unsure of many things.
Station 2: 8-men tent and emergency shelter
At this station, the patrols will build an 8-men tent and an emergency shelter within the allocated time for each station.
I found this station very useful as this was the first time we were building a 8-men tent. The seniors were rather patient a took us through the steps on how to build it. However, we were very slow and lacked a sense of urgency, causing us to 过时 repeatedly. In then end, our tent was not very stable and was sagging slightly as we had already 打进 the sides without finishing 抽-ing the guylines. Overall, we all learnt a very important skill and gained new experiences.
Station 3: Baggage Rack
At this station, the patrols will build a baggage rack within the allocated time for each station.
At Station 3, we were tasked to build a baggage rack. The seniors instructed us to do it step by step. This way, we could teach the year ones how to build a baggage rack and also revise our own skills. However, I felt that we could have a greater sense of urgency as we moved rather slowly. We could also 报时 and cheer more frequently so that we would work faster and have a better morale. All in all, I felt that the station was useful as we were able to relearn our skills and know the proper way to tie a baggage rack.
Station 4: Inspection
At this station, the patrols will have inspection within the allocated time for each station.
At Station 4, we had 3 rounds of inspection. In the beginning, when we arrived at the station as saw a pile of gadget poles and 2 配备s, it was very daunting and I think we all felt scared and nervous. As there were three rounds, each of the year 3s got a chance to step up and lead the patrol and I felt that it was a good opportunity to train us to not only step out of our comfort zone, but also learn to be more confident when leading juniors. Just like any other inspection, it was extremely hectic but I think that we managed to keep things in check as we were calm and knew what to do. Even though I felt that we took a little too long, seeing how we had to ask for time extensions, I think it was good practice for PLTC. All in all, I think we all learnt a lot from this station and it really was a good learning opportunity for both us and our juniors.
Station 5: Fire Altar
At this station, the patrols will build a fire altar within the allocated time for each station.
My patrol went to station 5, which was on the raised platform and we found logistics such as zinc plates, bricks and 木. We had to build the two different types of fire altars but we could only build one as there was no space to build the one that needed to 打进. I did not encounter much difficulty building the fire altar as it was a structure that was I already knew how to build from previous 集合s. Even though I already knew how to build both the fire altars, I found that this activity was very useful as it cleared any doubts we had about building fire altars and refresh our memories which is very important as it could be very dangerous if the fire altar was not build properly during OC. I feel that we should should have more of such activities to sharpen our gadgeting skills.
Station 6: First Aid, Orienteering, and Songs
At this station, the patrols will practice first aid and orienteering, as well as learn new guiding songs within the allocated time for each station.
For this station, we revised orienteering and learnt some new basic FA skills that were covered in the Guides Notes. I think this station was very useful as it taught us how to deal with splinters and heat injuries etc. Splinters are extremely common in Guides so it was very fitting that we would be able to treat it. Also, since Guides is mainly an outdoor CCA, it is extremely important that we learn how to properly treat heat injuries, but what was better was that we learnt how to prevent such injuries from happening in the first place. What was different about this station was that we were able to sit down and properly learn how the steps to treat these injuries instead of being under pressure or time limits which helped us to absorb the information better.
Published by:
Chen Wei
48th Batch Secretary
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