Skills Training, 16 April 2021

Hi Guides!

During today’s 集合, we had Creative Gadgeting, Mass Change, Station Games Physical Training and played Captain’s Ball!

 

Creative Gadgeting (Plate Rack)

Reflection from a Year 2

On Friday's 集合, we did Creative Gadgeting. We had two ICs that knew how the structure we had to build looked like, which was a Plate Rack, and they guided us through how to build the structure. It was tough for the ICs as they needed to help all three patrols and give them specific instructions on how to build the plate rack. This meant that the communication between our group had to be strong and effective. Thankfully, we felt that the structure was built pretty well and that the lashes were up to standard. Even though it was our first time building a Plate Rack and without the Year 3s, we were happy that we managed to finish the structure and it was a small accomplishment for us. We enjoyed the Gadgeting part of this 集合 and hope to do more of them in the future!

 

Following that, we had Mass Change.

 

Mass Change

 

Reflection from a Year 2

Even though Mass Change was considered a short activity in 集合, I still feel that there were areas to improve on. Firstly, I think we could have improved on the speed of mass changing. Even though we were given 8 minutes or so to mass change and come back, we 过时 by a bit. This could have been because at the start, when we headed back, we walked instead of running. I also felt that as a senior, I could have educated the Year 1s a bit more on mass change and their importance because we did not really emphasise on it. As such, they could not quite keep up to the speed and in turn, took more time. Secondly, another reason that could have attributed to such is because we did not really 报时. Although at the start, we initially did so, but when we actually were changing, we did not really 报时 and only did so once or twice. However, as this is the Year 1s first time mass changing with us, I think it was overall still quite good. We also generally brought the correct things needed for mass change correctly.

 

After changing into a Physical Training kits, it is now time for us to start our Physical Training station games! Hopefully through this the 团 will become more fit and forge stronger bonds with one another.

 

Station 1: Retrieve the 白绳

According to the number of people in the patrol, the station master will throw the 白绳 in different directions across the level, and members patrol have to run to retrieve the 白绳 and then do the PT that corresponds to the number on the 白绳. Aim to retrieve the most number of 白绳 within the stipulated timing.  

Reflection from a Year 2

During 集合 on Friday, we did station games in the form of Physical Training. In the Station 1, we had to find 白绳 with numbers on them hidden around the General Science Lab area and those numbers correlated to what exercise we had to do. As this was the last station we went to, we were tired from the previous stations and hence we had a hard time finding the 白绳. However, we managed to do the Physical Trainings quickly, and persevered as it was the last station. We didn't have our Year 3s with us either, so we had to take good care of our Tear 1s. Throughout this 集合, even though we were exhausted, we cheered each other on as a patrol, which boosted our morale. We felt very accomplished by the end of the 集合.

 

Station 2: Core Muscle Training

In this station, a series of Physical Training exercises is given and we should complete the circuit as many times as possible.

Reflection from a Year 2

We were instructed to do various exercises to strengthen our core muscles in this station. It was a new experience for us as we had never done so much Physical Training at once before. Although it was tiring, we still had some moments of laughter, such as when someone accidentally said 两秒过 when it was actually 两分过, which somehow managed to boost our morale too. Our seniors were also very supportive and came to join us to do some of the exercises, which encouraged us and motivated us a lot. The toughest exercise was the 3 minutes leg raise, which really tests our core muscles as it was very difficult for us to hold that position for 3 minutes without putting our feet down. There were many times that we felt like giving up because it was really tiring but we still persevered. While doing these exercises, we also cheered a lot for each other to not give up even though it was tiring. We felt a sense of achievement when we finished the station. The station also taught us 先苦后甜 because we got to play captain's ball after the physical training session and it was a very rewarding and fulfilling activity.

 

Station 3: Roll the Dice

You would have to roll the virtual dice 6 times (XXXXXX) and match the number received to the following exercises : __ minute(s) of leg raise, __ jumping jacks, __ burpees, __ squats, __ buddha claps and __ crunches.

Reflection from a Year 2

For Station 3, it was the first Physical Training station that we did, which I think we did well in some areas, and others, not so much. The first thing that I think we did well was teaching our juniors how to do the Physical Training correctly. We were able to show them how to do, for example, wall squats, and leg raises. For leg raise , I think we did a good job in 报时-ing the time, as it was quite constant. However, I think we could have done better in remembering the various Physical Training exercises we had to do. As we had to roll a dice to see the number of a particular exercise we had to do, it was shown individually and while we managed to remember most of them, the last few exercises we actually forgot the number or activity we had to do. As such , we had to ask the IC repeatedly. We could also have had a better sense of urgency by quickly deciding on what exercises to do next, and doing them faster, because we could have completed it faster, and been able to do more. All in all, I think next time, before the start of activity, we could consolidate all the Physical Training exercises we have to do, and quickly do them, regardless of order.

Captain’s Ball

Reflection from a Year 2

It was a very enjoyable game and we had a really fun time. We worked together and also thought of some strategies to do better, such as passing the ball to each other multiple times to get at least 3 passes before throwing the ball to the catcher to score a point for our team. We learnt how to cooperate with each other better in order to score more points and win the game. This allowed us to bond more with each other and also to be more united as a patrol. Our seniors were very kind and supportive too; they came up with a new patrol cheer, that not only included words but also actions, to help cheer us on. One of our seniors even came in to help us when we did not have enough players because the others were tired. This also encouraged us in the game and boosted our morale to do even better and win the game for our patrol. During the game, we not only bonded with our patrol members but also with our batch mates and juniors from patrol two. This helped us make new friends and also strengthen our friendship bonds with the people we already knew.

 

We hope that everyone learnt something from today’s 集合 and that it managed to train your physical strength!

 

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary

Patrol Activity, 12 April 2021

Hi Guides! 

The following are some reflections from the various patrol members during this week’s Patrol Activity!

 

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 1

Monday’s Patrol Activity was the best one we have had so far and we enjoyed it a lot. We had a mini station game within our patrol. We had foot drills and we got a chance to step up and teach our Year 1s simple commands such as “kekiri pusing” and “ kekanan pusing” and we also got to revise these drills ourselves. The most fun task we did was to draw a patrol animal/creature. We each drew one part of the creature and ended up with a cute creature that had wings, whale tail, pointed ears and many legs. We named it “Pinkovillea” because we drew it using a pink pen and named it after our patrol flower. It allowed us to use our creativity and also to help us to bond as a patrol. We also revised our trekking signs but we could not remember all of it. We should revise the guides notes more frequently, even when the seniors didn't ask us to read so that we can remember the signs and survival skills better and use them during activities which include things that were mentioned in the guides notes.

 

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 2

Monday's Patrol Activity was our very first Patrol Activity without the Year 3s and we really learnt a lot from it. We were given the task of building a swing. It was fun, enriching and tiring. We could have done better at the collection of logistics as we did not have a sense of urgency and took quite a while to decide which 木 to take. We were unable to reach the 黄木, but instead of thinking of ways to get it, we just stood there and did nothing to improve the situation. We will improve our sense of urgency during collection of logistics. We also took quite a while to tie our two tripods and did not allocate our manpower properly when tying the 顶脚s. As tripod is one of our weaker lashes, we will work on it by having lash trainings and allocating our manpower better for the future Patrol Activities and 集合s. We managed to complete the swing in the end and we all had fun playing with it. As seniors to the Year 1s now, we realised that we really have a lot to improve in and will try our very best to allocate the manpower properly, do our part and teach the Year 1s and be good seniors for them. We look forward to the next Patrol Activity.

 

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 3

Monday’s Patrol Activity was the last Patrol Activity with our current Year 4s. We built a quadpod kitchen table, which was a tripod with 4 spars, and a table. It was a fulfilling experience as we did not have our Year 3s to guide us like during previous sessions. From choosing our own logistics to building the structure on our own it was overwhelming at first. For instance, we took a long time to choose the spars, as we were too meticulous with the thickness of the spars. We could have taken a shorter time for this. We also had to lead the Year 1s who were unsure of how to tie a timber hitch, the equivalent of a clove hitch on the normal gadget poles we use. We had to teach them how to tie the lashes both tightly and efficiently while trying to complete our structure. We did not have many people during that Patrol Activity so the Year 4s stepped in to help us teach the Year 1s too. In conclusion, this pioneering experience with the Year 4s was definitely unforgettable and helped me to learn the importance of time and what to do in the phase of leading others.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 4

During Patrol Activity we built a See-saw. It consist of a quadpod, 定脚, seats, PVC tube, 麻布袋,tires and handles. We learnt that the quadpod should be tight as it is supporting weight. It also needs to open bigger in order for the seats to fit in. The quadpod should also be opened bigger so that when the See-saw goes up and down, the handles would not hit the 木. The seats and handles should also be tight if not it would be dangerous to sit on. The tires help to prevent the 木 to hit the ground directly and the 麻布袋 is to put inside the pvc tube. It was fun building the See-saw and we got to play with it afterwards. I think that we could have tried to work faster with a better sense of urgency as we took a really long time during the collection of logistics and did not have a long time to play with the See-saw we built. We also could have 报时 more often and try and include the Year 1s more. Overall, I still feel that this Patrol Activity was very memorable as this is my first time building a See-saw.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 5

This week’s Patrol Activity was mainly doing Creative Gadgeting and making a video to encourage our Year 3s for their Patrol Leader Training Camp. For Gadgeting, because only the IC for that period of time could see the proposal, and the proposal was shown to us in stages (i.e. did not show us what the final product was supposed to look like), so we were quite confused for a long time in the beginning as we had no idea what we building. This caused many problems, like the two 主木s at the side not being the same length and the diagonals being tied on the wrong places as we were unclear of many things. Thus, we realised the importance of planning ahead and planning properly with clear instructions. Our second activity was filming a video to encourage our Year 3s. Although no one really had any ideas at first, it all came together in the end when everyone put in their ideas and suggestions and the final product was quite well done, despite having little preparation. In summary, Patrol Activity this week was very enjoyable and we learnt new things and were given the opportunity to step up in the patrol.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 6

For Patrol Activity we did Fireman’s Ladder as part of Patrol 6's last Patrol Activity tradition. It is an activity that needs a lot of teamwork among each other. We had to build a ladder with 3 steps. However, we took a lot of time collecting the logistics because there was a lot of people at the backstore and we could not find any good  红木s, they were either too thin or cracked or had a way too big height difference. On the bright side, the building of the Fireman’s Ladder when quite smoothly and after that it was time to 起 the ladder. We did it successfully with at least 3 patrol members holding each side of the ladder. Then the time to flip ourselves over the ladder. As expected, the bolder ones went first and did it without a sweat. Unfortunately, the more timid ones like me took a lot of persuading and threats to convince us to flip the ladder. I, personally stood up the 3rd steps for 10 minutes while everyone was trying to convince me to jump. Alas, I gathered the courage to do it and flipped myself over. It was very scary for most of us as we had fear of heights. We also had to trust our patrol members holding the ladder so that the structure would not collapse and hurt the person climbing. This activity was overall very enriching for most of us but it helped us grow closer as a patrol and improved our teamwork. We also managed to teach the Year 1s new things and enlightened them.

 

Hope that everyone managed to have a whale of a time with their patrol during this last Patrol Activity with your Year 4 seniors :( 

 

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary

Skills Training, 9 April 2021

Hello Guides!

During 集合 this week, Group 1 built a Dome Tent, did Creative Gadgeting and had Inspection while Group 2 did Physical Training, did Creative Gadgeting and had a Bucket Leg Raise activity.

 

Dome Tent

 

Reflection from a Year 3

I feel that we did quite well building the Dome Tent on Friday in terms of speed. My patrol managed to 起 the Dome Tent the fastest and we were really proud of ourselves. Although we built it quite fast, we still felt that we can be even better as our fastest record was 1 minute. On the other hand, I feel that this was a really good opportunity to show the Year 1s how to build a Dome Tent as we were clear on what was to be expected, such as laying out the tent on the floor facing up first and putting the fly sheet last as well as the small details to take note of such as the fly sheet door needs to align with the tent door. Moreover, I feel that we managed to set a good example this round by doing it fast and correctly. This means that the Year 1s would be clear on what we would have to do should we need to build a Dome Tent in future. Lastly, we could have worked faster when keeping the tent as I felt that we were quite slow. Instead, we could have 报时 more in order to be faster. Overall, I feel that building the Dome Tent was a very good experience for all of us.

Creative Gadgeting

During this activity, we were told to build a creative structure which best represents our patrol.

Reflection from a Year 3

For Creative Gadgeting, we had to build a creative structure that signified our patrol. We were given this task many times but it was more difficult to think of something truly creative and unique as we always build similar structures for such activities. We built a 绳桥 inspired Baggage Rack with a 2 on top for an added identity that represents us. This design was an idea from my junior. We did 绳桥 during Patrol Activity before and she thought of the idea of using this aspect of Guides to explain our supportive relationship in our patrol among juniors and seniors which is also in line with our guides' vision and values. I feel that the Year 2s stepped up more and were able to effectively lead the Year 1s although they still needed slight affirmation and confirmation. However, I feel that as Year 3s, we did not step up enough to look at the bigger picture and this resulted in the overall instability of our structure. Despite having such a creative structure and innovative idea, I think we could have had a better sense of urgency and tie tighter lashes as most lashes were very loose, especially the A-架s which supported the structure. Although we managed to finish the structure in time, we could be a lot faster and allocate extra time to check lashes to ensure tightness of all lashes and increase the overall stability of the structure.

 

Inspection

This is the first time the Year 1s are conducting inspection. It serves as a really good opportunity for the Year 2s and Year 3s to explain to them how we usually do it.

Reflection from a Year 3

During 集合 on Friday, we did Inspection as part of the activities planned for us and I think we carried it out a total of 4 to 5 times. It was a good chance for the Year 1s to learn about what an Inspection is, and for us to refresh our memory and set a good example for our juniors as to how a proper and standard Inspection should be carried out. At the start, I felt that it was pretty hectic as there wasn’t really someone who was clearly stepping up to lead the patrols. The Inspection was especially difficult because we had to not only listen to the instructions given, but also look out for our patrol mates so that they would not get kapped. I felt that I should have stood up more and reminded the Year 1s and Year 2s to look out for each other more. Towards the end of the Inspection, I felt that there was definitely an improvement in our sense of urgency as we were able to complete our inspection in the given time.

 

Physical Training

There were a total of 3 stations in which we had to complete our Physical Training. This is to mainly train our stamina and bond with one another.

Reflection from a Year 3

The Physical Training activities were useful in training our mental resilience as well as emotional support provided within the patrol. Physical Training was definitely tiring. As such, it trained our mental resilience as we needed to be strong mentally to finish the activities. Although it was a tough activity to complete, it was important for us to adopt a positive mindset and persevere throughout. With this strong determination to complete the Physical Training activities, it has definitely helped us to build our mental resilience and to not give up easily despite the challenges. Additionally, team support was also crucial in helping us in completing these activities. Cheering together also helped further motivate us and push one another beyond our limits to complete the activities together as one patrol. With this support provided to each other, it definitely encouraged us to complete the activities and boosted our patrol’s morale, which made the Physical Training activities easier for us to complete. During the activities, we also supported each other by waiting for one another and going through the activities together instead of doing so individually, which was really heartwarming and something important a united patrol should possess.

Shield and Weapon Building

 

Reflection from a Year 3

After Physical Training, we combined with the other 2 patrols to build 3 weapons or shields in total. I feel that it was good that we spent some time at the start to discuss what each patrol was going to build so that our ideas would not overlap. As only Patrol 4 knew how to build the Catapult, they did that while Patrol 5 built a weapon, and Patrol 6 built a shield. Overall, I feel that our performance was pretty good as we managed to finish the structures within the time limit, and the lashes were also quite tight. However, I do feel that we could have worked faster with a better sense of urgency. In all, I feel that this activity was very fun as we have not done such an activity before. As such, it challenges us to be creative and to think out of the box in order to use the logistics that were provided.

Ferris Wheel

Reflection from a Year 2

This 集合 was the first time we got to “plan” our own activities. It was the day after our vaccination, hence we could not do any strenuous activities that were planned. As a group, we decided that we should try to build a Ferris Wheel as it was something we all had not tried before and wanted to do. However, our arms were aching due to the injection, consequently, our lashes were looser and the Ferris Wheel was not up to standard. The first challenge we faced was confusion on how we were to build the Ferris Wheel. Other than the IC, we had no clear image of where to begin building the Ferris Wheel as we had no experience in building this structure and we did not have our seniors with us. This uncertainty led to many problems such as us not taking into consideration the width of the Ferris Wheel blades as well as the PVC tubes; insufficient gadget poles for the blades; we also forgot to add the third blade. At around the halfway point, our Year 1s joined in. We had to instruct them what to do while building a structure we were new to, adding another difficulty. However, overall it was a good experience. We were able to complete the Ferris Wheel and managed to provide assistance to the other patrols. Furthermore, our Ferris Wheel managed to spin well and our Year 1s were also exposed to a new structure.

Bucket Leg Raise

This activity is to train our leg muscles as well as to promote bonding between the patrol as it requires teamwork to ensure that the bucket does not fall.

Reflection from a Year 3

The Bucket Leg Raise was a very interesting and creative activity. As a patrol, we all had to do leg raise with a bucket filled with water placed in the center.  At the same time, we had to ensure that the bucket does not tilt or the water will spill on us. There are rules to this activity such as both legs have to be on the bucket. Among the patrols, we had to compete to see which patrol could keep the bucket still for the longest period of time. We learnt a lot through this activity. For instance, if we do not communicate well with one another, someone might place too much strength on the bucket and it will tilt. Therefore, this activity has taught us the importance of effective communication. I also love how our patrol motivated one another not to give up. I believe the communication and encouragement was what allowed our patrol to hold the bucket for the longest time.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the activities for this 集合 even though some of the activities were planned were not able to be carried out and had to be replaced with other activities. Rest well!

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary