Today we finally had a physical 集合 where we conducted Inspection and Obstacle Journey!
Inspection:
Since the juniors did not have physical Inspection recently, the Inspection activity helped them to recap on the standard timing and logistics for Inspection. They also learnt the importance of 照顾好人，照顾好东西 and this also helps them in building a greater sense of urgency.
Reflection from a Year 3:
We had inspection during 集合. It was the first time in a while and the whole thing was very chaotic. For the first round, we had two ICs that could see the layout of the 配备 and had to convey the layout to the rest of the 团. It was really messy and chaotic overall as we could not hear them properly due to them walking around and telling the patrols individually which led to the whole Inspection taking a lot of time and we had to keep asking for time extension. Other than that our things kept getting kapped and i felt that we could have worked on 照顾好人照顾好东西 better. During the second round of Inspection, the Year 3s could not touch the things in our 配备 so it familiarises the Year 2s with the things in our 配备. We made the same mistakes and other than that, our ICs got kapped too. On the third round of inspection, we had two volunteers step up to see the layout and instruct the other people to lay out the inspection. The ICs were too soft, leading to us having to run to them to ask about the layout which led to wasting a lot of time. Our ICs got kapped too so we had to step up and see the layout and lead the rest of the people. It was very chaotic as everybody was trying to tell their patrolmates the layout and due to the noise of the background, they have to shout which lead to it being very noisy.Overall, this was a good exposure to inspection for the Year 2s and the Year 3s as it taught us that communication is very important and that we need to be quiet to listen to the ICs so that the inspection could be more efficient.
Reflection from a Year 2:
The inspection that we did last Friday allowed us to learn to take care of our logistics better. During the inspection, everyone was busy, and as a result, a lot of our manpower and logistics were kapped by the seniors. From the inspection, we were able to understand where there was room for improvement and strive to do better next time so that fewer logistics and manpower would be kapped the next time. The inspection also helped us have a better sense of urgency. During the inspection, we constantly had to ask for time extensions. Sometimes, even after getting time extensions, we still could not complete it on time. We realised that the reason for this was because we had spent too much time and that we were doing things too slowly. We know that our sense of urgency is definitely something that we have to work on, and we certainly have to do things quicker in future activities. Lastly, the inspection helped us to realise that we need to 报时 more often. Even though there were 报时s every once in a while, they were mostly from the same people. We learnt that everyone needs to try to 报时 as often as possible, especially when we do not have anything to do. Overall, the inspection has helped us identify our areas of improvement, and we will surely try our best to do better in future activities.
Obstacle Journey:
Station 1 (First Aid):
The First Aid station allowed the juniors to revise on their first aid skills such as how to tie an elevated arm sling and how to check for a casualty's response within a given time. To add some challenge to the station, our juniors had to take turns to answer a question by the Station Master about Survival Skills. Hence, the juniors also had to take reference from what they have studied in the Guides Notes to be able to answer the questions.
Reflection from a Year 3:
For the first 集合 of 2022, we participated in Obstacle Journey. The first station for our patrol was the First Aid station, where it gave us another opportunity as Year 3s to revise our first aid course knowledge as well as teach the Year 2s once more on how to tie bandages. We managed to give the Year 2s a refresher on how to tie a jaw bandage and how to support a dislocated shoulder, using both the triangular bandage and roller bandage. It was a very smooth station to start off the games, promoting teamwork while we recap on basic first aid knowledge. Moreover, we managed to complete the station within 5 minutes, which gave us a huge boost in morale. The second part of the activity was to answer some questions the station IC gave on survival skills. We answered the questions quickly and confidently, a very positive sign that we had revised our guides notes. It was a very positive start to the first 集合 of the year, and I hope we can keep our 团’s morale just as high for many more months to come.
Reflection from a Year 2:
For the first Obstacle Journey station, I think that we, as a patrol, did quite well in terms of hands-on bandaging and answering some questions about first aid. For the bandaging part, I got a very good refresher on how to tie the head with a bandage to support a broken jaw which I previously thought was just to be left alone. Moreover, I think we, as a patrol, figuring out things together was a very nice bonding experience. As people always say, a group of people that have been through a challenging time together will emerge stronger as one. While this may be an exaggeration for this activity, I think this principle applies to all other CCA sessions as well. In Guides, I believe that we will be met with many unprecedented challenges but I think that as long as we do not give up and work together, we will solve all crises. As for the answering questions part, I think we all did well in reading up on the Guides notes and retaining information from it as we all contributed our fair share. Overall, I think the first station was a very nice experience and we did well as we did not 过时.
Station 2 (Signal Fire and Water Filter):
The Signal Fire and Water Filter Station allowed the juniors to put the knowledge written on book to practice. The juniors were able to use 木麻黄 to light a fire, and also build an actual water filter, just without its contents.
Reflection from a Year 3:
During Friday’s 集合, we played station games. In one of the stations, we had to build a water filter and signal fire. For the water filter, we had to first tie a tripod, and then tie a Mickey Mouse lash from the bottle to the 木. As we have not built a water filter in a while, we had a bit of trouble remembering how to tie it, as well as what to put in the bottle to filter the water and its sequence of filling. On the other hand, we were more familiar with the building of the signal fire. Firstly, we placed newspaper on the ground and poured water over it. Then, we placed the three 原子炉 on the ground and arranged 木麻黄 in a circle in the 原子炉. We then lit matches and placed them in the 原子炉. To extinguish the fire, we poured water over it. Overall, we thought this activity was fun and interesting and this station helped us to revise the survival skills of setting up a water filter and signal fire.
Reflection from a Year 2:
I managed to recall how to light a signal fire in the one of the stations during last 集合. Firstly, we should lay out newspapers and pour some water onto the newspapers to ensure that the whole place does not catch fire. Then, place the 原子炉 on it. After that, shape the 木麻黄 into a circle and place it inside the 原子炉. Strike the match downwards to light the match and try to place the matchstick in the middle of the 原子炉 . Then pour water on it again. This is how a signal fire is formed. I think that this is an interesting way of lighting a fire and it was also my first time lighting a signal fire. I was initially scared at first but was surprised that my matchstick landed right in the middle of the 原子炉. I also recalled how to make a water filter in the last 集合. Firstly, we made a tripod, and then tied 白绳 to a bottle which was cut into half and had holes punched in. We then tied the bottle to the tripod. Even though it was not a complete water filter, we still learnt how to set up the water filter, before its contents were filled. I feel that this was a good experience as we were able to try hands-on to set up the water filter. Then, we had to fill the bottle with sand, stones, pebbles and charcoal to make sure our water is completely filtered and safe for human use and consumption. I think this activity was interesting as it is my first time making a water filter. I feel that it will be useful when surviving outdoors as humans can go without food for a while but will still need water. Hence, setting up a water filter can aid in survival as people can still obtain drinkable water.
Station 3 (Post-its Survival Skills):
The Post-its Survival Skills station allowed the juniors to revise their trekking signs and Guides knowledge. The patrol had to work together to look for the post-its, before tapping on their thinking hats to recall what the trekking signs mean.
Reflection from a Year 3:
Through last 集合's Post-its survival skills, I experienced and learnt a lot of things. Firstly, I had the opportunity to revise the content of my Guides notes. Secondly, I had the opportunity to do active recalling after revising our Guides notes as we had to recognise the different trekking signs. Some of the trekking signs was more unknown as they were hardly tested, such as “evening”, “pass by”, “enter here”, “leave”, “well ahead”, “beware of dogs”, 水池”, “安全”, which helped me to refresh my knowledge. Thirdly, I also enjoyed the game of finding the Post-its with my patrol juniors and batchmates. This served as a good opportunity for us to bond as a patrol as we have not had many 集合 sessions together. Furthermore, this allowed some of the Year 2s to step up and revise their trekking signs too. Moreover, I think all of us also thoroughly enjoyed the station, especially since it was led by our senior in the same patrol as us. She effectively helped us to ensure that everyone had a chance to recall our trekking signs by asking a variety of people to answer the trekking signs. All in all, I feel that this was a great bonding session for our patrol as everyone was involved in the search for Post-its and I enjoyed this station very much.
Reflection from a Year 2:
Last week's 集合 was very fun overall as i like Obstacle Journey a lot. The first station I had to participate in was station 3. We had to look for eight post-its hidden around the classroom and solve the trekking signs written on them. I thought that the seniors hid the post-its quite well as it was quite difficult to find them. However, we persevered and managed to find them. This is a great activity to help us recap on the Guides Notes and also trekking signs, as we seldom have the chance to revise our trekking signs. Through searching for the post-its with my patrol, I felt that it was a great opportunity for us to bond. Overall, last week's 集合 was very enjoyable as it was a fun way to remember the basics of Guides and recap the Guides Notes through the post-it station. I will remember the hard and soft skills taught to improve myself next time there is 集合.
Station 4 (Draw It!):
The Draw It! station allowed the juniors to learn the importance of giving clear instructions to the patrol so that the others following the instructions can carry them out smoothly. One patrol member had to step up to give instructions on how to replicate a drawing passed to her, and the other patrol members had to draw based on the instructions given.
Reflection from a Year 3:
Station 4 was quite interesting as we were asked to draw a picture according to instructions given by our patrol mates. This was quite difficult as it not only tested our drawing skills and our memory of the guides logos, we also had to listen carefully to the instructions given. Whoever was giving the instructions also had to make them as clear as possible. I found it really difficult to understand the instructions without looking at the photo of the drawing but I feel that this activity helped all of us as a patrol to learn how to give clearer instructions with directions and specific details. I think this also helped the Year 2s to become more familiar with the guides logos and pick up effective communication as a soft skill. I think this would be useful for them when they start stepping up more to lead the Year 1s. For the Year 3s, it also helps us learn to give clearer instructions to our juniors and listen to each other more when directions are given. I think this would also be very useful when we carry out Inspection so that we can listen to the ICs and the ICs would be able to provide clear instructions. I feel that this activity would also be quite a useful activity for future Yearn1s to be familiar with the guides logos and learn the importance of communication since this is also a relatively simple activity. Overall I found this activity to be quite meaningful and effective.
Reflection from a Year 2:
During the first 集合 of 2022, we had Obstacle Journey. The first station we participated in was station 4, which was about someone describing a picture, and everyone else in the patrol trying to draw out the picture. Through the station, I learnt that it is really difficult for us to give explicitly clear instructions, and yet it is difficult for us to do things without clear instructions. During the 2 rounds, I drew in the first round and described in the next round. Both jobs were not easy, and they both had difficult parts to them. For the drawing, if the description was not clear, we would be very confused about the position, orientation, or even how to draw the specific thing. This is an example of miscommunication, which can happen in daily life. For example, the miscommunication between the person describing and the people drawing is similar to the miscommunications between colleagues in a workplace, possibly causing something to go very wrong. However, it was also definitely not easy to describe the picture well. Everyone has different interpretations of the same word, which causes everyone's drawings to be different The person describing has to find a way to describe something so clearly such that there will be no misinterpretations, which is not an easy task. Although I tried my best when I was trying to describe the drawings, I definitely could have been more clear in my descriptions, for example, adding in more details. I feel that both parties have to play their part in communicating to avoid miscommunications. For example, the person speaking has to be as clear as possible, and the person listening has to listen attentively and ask questions to clear any doubts. This station game helped me to learn more about how to avoid miscommunications, which is an important skill to have in our daily lives. Thus, this station was a very fun way to learn about miscommunications and the consequences of them.
Station 5 (Physical Training):
For this Physical Training Station, we aim to help our juniors slowly build their stamina as we have not had physical 集合 for quite some time. Through doing Physical Training, it gave the juniors a chance to bond as they cheer each other on while doing the PT sets.
Reflection from a Year 3:
Obstacle Journey Station 5 was the Physical Training station and I felt that it was quite fun. The PT we picked and had to do was run 1 round, 10 jumping jacks and run another round. We also had to answer questions related to survival skills every few minutes as well. I felt that the PT was not too exhausting and it really helped to boost our morale, as it was our first station, and helped us to bond more as a patrol. I was happy that we managed to answer the questions on survival skills correctly. However, I felt that as Year 3s, we could have involved the Year 2s much more when answering the questions so that they would have the opportunity to learn and are able to pass down the knowledge to the Year 1s when they arrive. During questions like “list 3 sources of water”, we could have let the Y2s list sources of water they knew and give hints to help them when they did not know. This would give them a chance to learn more from this OJ station. Another area we could have improved on was more constant 报时, this would not only boost the morale more but also help us keep better track of time. Overall, I felt that this station was fun but not too tiring, and really helped us to bond more as a patrol.
Reflection from a Year 2:
During the experience in the PT station, we did various activities such as running around the block as well as doing jumping jacks. Despite the activities being slightly challenging and exhausting, we were glad that we managed to overcome them as a patrol. While we were doing the activities together, our seniors encouraged us to count together as a patrol and surprisingly, it got our minds of the fact that we were doing the strenuous activity and instead, made us feel more bonded with each other. We could really feel the team spirit of the patrol too. We also found this station extremely fruitful as it was the first station that we did and we had to answer questions related to Guides. Originally, we did not know the answers to the questions, however, our seniors patiently guided and taught us. It was also very enriching as we learnt things such as how to treat an open fracture and different sources of water. This station made us feel more bonded to each other. However, we felt that we could have 报时 louder and more constantly to help keep the morale up. All in all, we found this activity very enriching and wonderful.
Station 6 (Creative Gadgeting - Shelter):
This Creative Gadgeting station not only allows the juniors to work under pressure, as the given timing was quite short, they also had to learn how to make use of their surroundings effectively, such that their shelter could stand on its own. Besides, we also added a handicap midway, whereby the Year 3s could only tie with one hand. This aims to train our juniors to be quick on their feet and to work faster so that they can still adapt and complete their structures on time.
Reflection from a Year 3:
During last Friday’s 集合, we did Obstacle Journey (OJ) and one of the stations was the Creative Shelter Station. We were instructed to build a shelter using the 木 and 白绳 provided, as well as some of the chairs or tables in the classroom. During the station, we had to cooperate with our Year 2 juniors and instruct them on what to do, so that we could split the manpower equally. Also, the Year 4 seniors gave us a condition, which was to only allow the Year 2s to use both their hands to tie, while the Year 3s could only use one hand each. This helped us communicate better with our juniors so that they could understand what the rationale of the shelter was. We also managed to relatively 报时 more often and get our Year 2s to 报时 more as well. We could also recap on some of our basic lashes with the Year 2s, including square lash and diagonal lash. I believe that this station allowed my patrol to come together and bond, and also improve our teamwork and communication skills, which is crucial especially in Guides. All in all, I do look forward to future 集合s and Obstacle Journeys with my patrol as it is meaningful.
Reflection from a Year 2:
For the Creative Shelter station, we had built a structure that consisted of two A-架s, with one 木 that was tied to the top of the two A-架s using a square lash. We had laid a poncho on the top of the 木. We also tied two 木s to the side of the A-架s to 顶角. At first, we had managed to allocate manpower in a way so that all of us were doing something instead of standing at one side doing nothing. However, after we were done with both A-架s, we had spent quite a bit of time already, and had to rush the square lash that tied the 木 to the top of the A-架s. I feel that I could have tied the A-架s faster as well as tighter so that I could have more time to properly tie the square lash. Another thing that I think that we could have improved on was 报时. I think most of us were either too focused on doing our task or forgot about 报时, and so there weren't a lot of us that 报时. Other than that, I think our allocation of manpower and also our teamwork were acceptable during the station.
We hope that everyone managed to recap on their Guides notes and the standard logistics for an Inspection. More importantly, we hope that everyone is able to transition smoothly back to physical CCA and enjoyed today’s 集合.
Published by:
Pok Jing
53届 Secretary
