Skills Training, 17 January 2020

Hi Guides!

During this week's 集合, we built 2 Creative Gadgets, a Baggage Rack and a Kitchen Table.

Part 1

For the first part of the session, each patrol had to build 2 Creative Gadgets and a Baggage Rack. However, there was a twist to it: After 20 minutes, they would have to shift from GSL Level 1 to GSL Level 2. This was to test how they would adapt to an emergency situation and how fast they would react. For the 2 Creative Gadgets, only the assigned PL and PS of the patrol were allowed to look at the proposal drawing, and instruct the patrol based on it. 

Reflection from a Year 2:

On Friday’s CCA training, we had a gadgeting activity. Firstly, we used wooden poles of different lengths, some half-bamboo poles as well as 白绳 to build a baggage rack and two other Creative gadgets. This is where we put all our knowledge on the different types of lashes to skill. With the limited amount of time we had to complete 3 structures, we had to have a good distribution of manpower, as well as the speed to tie the different lashes. The two creative gadgets was where we add some creativity to the structure. We had to think of how to build the structure and how many poles we would be using. This is important as we only have limited resources available, hence, we needed to know if we have enough to be able to build the two structures. Other than that, we have to also guard the resources and take care of one another, to prevent getting ‘kap’. We need to develop the skill to be aware of our environment as we do not know what may be happening around us.

Reflection from a Year 3:
The first part of 集合 was when we did gadgeting. We were supposed built a baggage rack, chair and a creative gadget. However, due to us not working fast enough, we did not manage to complete our creative gadget. On the other hand, as we did not have enough 木 that we needed, we made use of what we had which I think was good. Adding on, our lashes were also quite tight and the structure was stable. I feel that we should improve on our time management and cheer more often. For the first 5 minutes as we did not have the 木 we needed, we had to go round asking from other patrols if they had extra of the 木 we needed which wasted quite some time. Hence, I think we should have started on the chair first instead of waiting to tie the baggage rack. Overall, I feel that we did well on this part, but we could have done even better if we had word faster.

Part 2

After completing the first part, the Guides retrieved the required logistics to build 4 Kitchen Tables. The 团 was split into 4 groups, with a selected PL and PS for each group. 

They were allowed to give themselves a timing for how long they needed to build the Kitchen Tables, so as to see how realistic they were when approaching this task.

Reflection from a Year 2:

We were separated into 4 groups and had to build a Kitchen Table. In my opinion, I felt that manpower was not used to it fullest potential as at any given point in time, there were quite a significant amount of people not engaging in any activities. This slowed down progress drastically. It was due to us Year 2s not taking the initiative to go and ask our seniors as well as not being aware of the surroundings. Our lashes were also not up to standards as most of them are lose, resulting in the structure becoming unstable, making it unsafe. During the time when we collect and return the 木, the distribution of manpower were uneven. Majority of us went to collect the 木 while only a handful went to 团部 to collect the other necessary items to perform our task. For example, we had to ask for a couple of time extension as we forgotten to collect the helmet. For our 报时 and cheering, we often have to be prompted before we 报时and cheer. Therefore, we 过时 by 20 minutes and passed the standard timing to build a Kitchen Shelter.

Reflection from a Year 3:
I was the PS for my group during the Kitchen Table building. I have familiarised myself with the structure and learnt how to look at the bigger picture and not be so focused on the details, but make sure the structure is stable and everyone is safe. I also learnt how to allocate manpower better, and give tasks to those not doing anything. However, I do think that our lashes can be improved and we have to train our Year 2s better, such that they are ready to welcome new juniors. I also think that we can be more meticulous, as because we did not pay attention, the seats turned out to be slanted. I also learnt to learn to adapt to new situations and to leave enough space for people to sit at the Kitchen Shelter.

We hope everyone has learnt something from this 集合!

Published by:
Heather

51st Batch Secretary

Year One CCA Exhibition, 10 January 2020

Hello Guides!

We kick started the decade with Year One CCA Orientation on 10th January! We teamed up with the Scouts to prepare for the big day! Before the actual day itself, we had several preparation sessions to ensure that the process would run smoothly. The committees involving Guides are: Gateway, Kitchen Shelter, Gadgets and Games, Outdoor Cooking, Decoration, Fireman’s Ladder and 绳桥 “Monkey Climb”. 

We started 集合 at 10.30am to finish up the details and practise for the performance. After everything was ready, we changed into our Guides Uniform and had flag raising in front of the Gateway. 

Soon after, the Year Ones arrived at the MRL, where we stood in line and welcomed them with an Adiji Cheer. After they were seated, the performances from the 4 Uniformed Groups began, including our very own Fireman’s Ladder and 绳桥 committees!

Then, the Year Ones were free to explore the MRL area where the Uniformed Groups had set up exhibits and stations! We had ushers to show them around and tell them more about what Guides is all about! 

Here are some thoughts from members of each committee about Year One CCA Orientation and Orientation Preparation:

Reflections from a Year 2 in Gateway:

I feel that my OP Gateway experience has been a meaningful one. I’ve learnt plenty of things. For instance, I’ve learnt about how we need to constantly 报时 and have a greater sense of urgency when doing things, especially when it comes to building large structures like the Gateway, so as to be able to finish building the structures on time. Additionally, I feel that everyone has an important part to play in building the Gateway as it takes a lot of manpower to be able to build the gateway. Although progress was slow during the first few sessions, I feel that we have improved throughout the OP sessions. At first, a lot of us had trouble tying tight lashes, so we had to 重抽 our lashes quite a number of times. We had to redo the mainframes and ladders as well. We also did not constantly 报时, which resulted in us not being able to accomplish much during the first few OP sessions. However, at the end of the OP sessions, I think that everyone has improved a lot. The OP sessions have definitely helped me improve in many ways. Overall, it has definitely helped me improve my lashes and sense of urgency. It has also allowed me to learn the importance of doing things step by step, like how we have to build the gateway or 拆掉 the Gateway step by step, so we can complete things on time and prevent injuries.

Reflections from a Year 3 in Gateway:

Orientation Preparation was a rewarding experience as we got to practise our lashes and revise them. It was also a unique experience as we do not usually get the chance to tie large structures using spars on a normal 集合. Furthermore, we got bond with the scouts and get to know one another better. During the first session, we were disappointed in ourselves mainly because we were unable to complete the proposed structure for the day due to the fact that we lacked a sense of urgency and did not constantly 报时. At the end of the first session, we were only able to complete the two towers and the skeleton of the bridge. However, during the following few sessions, I felt that we have made an improvement as compared to the first session. At the end of the Orientation Preparation, I felt that all the efforts put in by everyone in the comm was worthwhile as we got to see the excited and impressed faces of the Year Ones as they climbed the gateway. Furthermore, everyone in the comm felt a sense of accomplishment as we got the chance to proudly display our gateway. The Orientation Preparation was indeed a meaningful one and I can’t wait to meet the new Year Ones.

Reflections from a Year 2 in Kitchen Shelter:

Being part of the Kitchen Shelter committee, we practiced and familiarised ourselves with the steps of building the Kitchen Shelter as well as training our lashes. During the first session of Orientation Preparation, the events did not go smoothly as our skills of tying the lashes became rusty over the long holidays due to the lack of practice. Hence it reduced efficiency and slowed down our progress significantly. We also had to redo the main frame multiple times as it was not aligned properly and the measurement were off by a few centimetres. This made the final product unstable and shaky, seeing. from the entire structure tilting at an angle. As a few more sessions, our lashes became tighter and the time to tie them decreased as well. Our sense of urgency greatly improved despite the exhaustion and we 报时 constantly. The final structure we showcased to the Year 1s was stable and upright. It was satisfying to see the Year 1s enjoying themselves when they climb up the structure. We did introduce to them some information on the process of building it and the usage of it.  We interacted with several Year 1s and enthusiastically explained to them our CCA and promoted it. During 拆掉, we untie the lashes quickly. Checking for others before we 搬 the 木 down to prevent any causality, making sure it was safe. The manpower was distributed evenly, making the process faster and more efficient. However, we did not take “清理场地” properly, we were released later. All in all, orientation preparation was a tiring yet fun experience.

Reflections from a Year 3 in Kitchen Shelter:

To be honest, I really enjoyed OP sessions building the Kitchen Shelter. Although it was harsh on our palms as we needed to tie fast and tight lashes throughout the day, I felt satisfied and accomplished to see us getting closer and closer to finishing the KS. Also, I deeply understood the importance of cooperation as well as communication through OP as only when the entire committee work together will we be able to accomplish the KS. In addition, instructions from the ics have to be clear in order for the committee to understand what we are supposed to do. Furthermore, I also learnt from the seniors who were around KS on how to tie tighter lashes and not lose tension. Last but not least, my main motivation to work fast and well was for my ICs. I felt that they are putting in a lot of effort for this OP and they really believed in us. Hence, I did not want to disappoint them but instead, wanted them to be proud of us. All in all, this OP is really memorable and I enjoyed working with my committee a lot as I love the team spirit!

Reflections from a Year 2 in Gadgets and Games:

I feel that OP was a success and that we managed to achieve the goals of OP. We managed to attract the Year 1s to the stations and hopefully encouraged some year 1s to join uides. Through OP, I feel that I have improved on my lashes and got to know more about the structures we built. I also feel like I have gotten to know the Scouts and Guides more. I enjoyed op as I find it very useful. OP can help us improve our skills. I also found OP meaningful as we were encouraging more Year 1s to join Guides.

Reflections from a Year 3 in Gadgets and Games:

I feel that OP was a success as we were able to build everything we set out to build, while improving our lashes and building a wider variety of structures at the same time. We were able to attract a number of Year 1s to our swing which held up even after many Year 1s trying it out and we were able to build our dustbin successfully even though it gave us some problems at first. I enjoyed OP as it was a meaningful experience as we were able to tide through difficulties together as a committee and improving ourselves at the same time.

Reflections from a Year 2 in Outdoor Cooking:

During this OP, I learnt many hard skills and soft skills. I understand now that in order for the  to stand upright, accurate measurements must be taken. I also learnt how the start and sustain a fire with kindlings and charcoal, at the same time looking out for my own safety. As for food preparation, we need to be careful around fragile foods and not waste ingredients so as to not waste money. For soft skills, I learnt how to communicate better with Scouts and my Guides seniors. I learnt to have a better sense of urgency as we not only need to complete our part of OC but also help other committees as it is a group effort. I learnt more about teamwork and to allocate manpower properly. We also need to plan things out properly to be prepared for different outcomes like when we ran out of certain ingredient and when it started raining. We had to follow the wet weather plan and shift our cooking location. During the sessions, I was reminded to take care of our hygiene at all times and take safety precautions. We must be aware of our surroundings and be alert. I also learnt to be resilient and to keep trying because we had to consistently perfect the dishes to ensure it would be presentable to the Year 1s. From there we had to adapt to the changes to the recipes. Overall, I enjoyed myself during OP OC and it was very memorable.

Reflections from a Year 3 in Outdoor Cooking:

In Outdoor cooking committee, we built a Kitchen Shelter, Fire Altars, started fires and cooked. Though the things we did were simpler than what other committees had to do, we still learned a lot through these OP sessions.  In terms of hard skills, I learnt much more and gain a lot of experience in building a good Kitchen Shelter. I discovered many small details that i have to take note of when building a Kitchen Shelter. For example, the 红木 should not be tied too closely or inside the canvas sheet, if not the canvas sheet would have no space to stretch out fully and thus not taut even after 抽-ing the guylines. Secondly, the arthurs for the 青木 at the corners should be facing the diagonally opposite 红木 before being 打进. For starting a fire, i learnt not to hold a matchstick pointing downwards as fire spread upwards and holding it this way may burn your finger easily. Instead, we should hold it horizontally. I think I made improvements in maintaining a fire after these OP sessions. Hence, I felt that OP allows me to recap and further enhance my basic skills. In terms of soft skills, I learned the importance of perseverance. At the start, our crepes were super salty and our brownies were not presentable and not even edible. However, we persevered and made improvements to it every single session. For the orange brownies, we tried many different ways to separate the orange flesh from the peel without destroying the peel as we needed it to contain our brownies, even the teachers gave us ideas but it still failed. However, we continued to explore different ways and finally we succeeded in taking the whole orange flesh out perfectly from the peel and it was really satisfying. All in all, OP was a great learning experience for me, we also bonded much more with the scouts and our juniors and seniors. I am proud of what we have presented to the Year 1s and I hope more Year 1s will join our family this year!

Reflections from a Year 2 in Decoration:

My experience in Decoration was a fun, fulfilling and interesting one. personally, I love art, thus Decoration was perfect for me. we made boards, flowers out of plastic and made the kitchen shelter, gateway, outdoor cooking station as pretty as possible. During the OP sessions, we had to help other committees as they needed help and we had excess time. in Decoration, I learnt that perseverance is important, if we are unable to make the board, we must pull through and make it over and over again until it is perfect. I also learnt the value of teamwork as in Decoration, I will be unable to do all the work myself. My teammates’ cooperation definitely speed up the process and we were able to complete all the decoration pieces in time. Last but not least, I learnt that meeting deadlines and being punctual is important, if we had not met the deadline for the decoration pieces, the entire place may look empty and will affect everyone. Therefore, my experience in Decoration was enriching and exciting and I hope to be able to learn more and contribute more during the next OP session next year.

Reflections from a Year 3 in Decoration:

For OP'20, I was part of the Decoration committee. It was a pretty good experience as I got to try out things that I have never done before, such as hand painting. It was fun helping the Year 1s paint the picture that they wanted. While preparing for the actual CCA exhibition, I faced many ups and downs. I was happy that we managed to complete all the things that we were supposed to do and made sure that they were presentable. We painted boards, made photo booth props, bantings etc. We used all these to decorate the site to make it look more attractive. However, we also faced challenges along the way. We did not complete the decoration in the given timing and when we 过时, we did not ask for time extension. From then on, we worked more quickly and have a higher sense of urgency. We also asked for time extension before the time is up. Also, after the boards were painted, it did not look like what it was supposed to be and thus, we had to repaint the whole board. Overall, this OP allowed me to learn many valuable skills and I also got to bond more with the scouts and understand them better.

Reflections from a Year 2 in Fireman’s Ladder:

I feel that OP was a success as we attracted a lot of new year ones that are kind of interested in guides and have a high chance of joining. I learnt how to flip from the FML smoothly, safely as well as in good form. I really enjoyed OP overall even though we’ve had our minor set backs such as 过时 and obstacles like that. I want to improve by increasing sense of urgency. Throughout OP at first we would practice our flipping with mini dry runs and performance forms and position. then we would help other committees to complete their work. I understand that in performance committees we can’t be flipping for ten hours so I was willing to help others. From OP I also learnt that in order to make it work, we have to work together in cooperation and listen to our seniors. We should not complain and just do the things we are assigned as everyone is feeling tired as well. I look forward to next year's OP!

Reflections from a Year 3 in Fireman’s Ladder:

As this is my 2nd year in FML, I was more familiar with what I have to do and was more confident in flipping, so I was able to flip faster and keep my legs straight. As this was the first time the Year 2s are involved in OP, they weren't very sure regarding what to expect or do. I am very glad that I was given this opportunity to guide their way through OP and help them along the way. I feel that through this OP, I got to bond with the Year 2s and learn more about them, especially with the Year 2s in FML. My ICs were very patient and friendly, so I was not afraid to ask them any questions when in doubt. I feel that OP has allowed me to improve in many ways like lashes as we had to constantly 抽 the lashes on the ladder to ensure it is stable for us to climb and flip on. Another way I felt I improved on was being able to work with others more easily, such as the Scouts and other batches. I am really happy that we successfully completed OP'20 and I look forward to next year's OP.

Reflections from a Year 2 in 绳桥:

From OP'20 in 绳桥, I learnt that perseverance is key to success. At the start, as we always did not have full attendance, it was difficult for us to train and familiarize ourselves with how the actual performance is going to be like. Some of us were also injured, or had blisters and bruises. We would get tired after climbing a few times, and therefore could not continue practising. We were also very far from our goal of a timing of 2 minutes. I feel that all of us felt discouraged, but we still tried our best every time. Eventually, after making adjustments to our performance order and roles, we managed to reach our goal as both performances were under 2 minutes. Another important thing is peer support. As I missed the first two OP sessions, I did not know how to climb while the rest did. I felt bad as I kept on falling down. However, the seniors were there to help me or encourage me along as I climb across the rope. After many tries, I eventually managed to climb across the rope by myself.

Reflections from a Year 3 in 绳桥:

During 绳桥 this op, i am really proud of our progress and improvement as we managed to cut our performance timing by almost a minute. I believe with more effort, we can do even better next op. Everyone truly put a lot of effort into the practice. I am happy to have gone through OP’20 with my batchmates and I got to know my seniors and juniors better. I really think OP really bonded us as a committee and I can really see the hard work put into the performance. With everyone’s effort, I can really see how everybody contributes to 绳桥 . I really hope our juniors will continue to persevere through all the difficulties faced and come to love OP. I hope to become more familiar with the 绳桥 structure and logistics. I am extremely grateful for all the support and encouragement from the 团, other UGs, and our seniors. I look forward to Orientation Preparation next year and I hope to help 绳桥 achieve even more.

We hope everyone learnt something from this year’s OP and that the Year Ones had fun during the CCA Exhibition and want to join us on our Guiding Journey! 

Published by:

Heather

51st Batch Secretary