Skills Training, 28 April 2023

 Hello Guides!

For today’s 集合, we built an Indoor Fire Altar and had Outdoor Cooking using the structure we built to cook up delicious dishes!

Indoor Fire Altar

This activity aims to familiarize Guides on how to build this structure and use it for their cooking. Guides have to make sure their structure is functional and practical for the Outdoor Cooking activity later.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P5

We did Outdoor Cooking as a patrol during 集合 that day. We had to collect the logistics needed before building an Indoor Fire Altar. For this structure, it was relatively different from the Outdoor Fire Altar as it did not require the 中木s to be 打进 into the ground. Instead, we replaced that step by tying two Tripods. Through this tying of the structure, we got to learn more about the new standard structure and the steps to build it. We also made sure to constantly 报时 to keep track of the time. However, through this 集合 we also learnt not to take the time extensions for granted and that we should always keep track of our time to ensure that we do not 过时. As it was our first time building the Indoor Fire Altar, we took quite a long time. We also faced many difficulties such as not having the required logistics to build the tripod. Hence, we wasted a lot of time waiting for the logistics. Through this activity, we bonded as a patrol and also got to know each other better as we were tying the structure. Overall, it was also a new and exciting experience building an Indoor Fire Altar and having Outdoor Cooking with my patrol mates.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

Last 集合, we built our Indoor Fire Altar using the logistics we got from 团部. However, there was a miscommunication as to how many 木 we needed to bring and our patrol ended up not bringing enough 木. Therefore, we had to wait for another Year 3 to bring us our 木 while everyone else started on their tripods already. We felt ashamed of ourselves for not taking enough 木, but I think that this was a learning opportunity for us and that we will now ensure that we remember to take all our 木 from 团部. We had a lot of fun building the structure, and it was nice to see the Year 1s learning how to build an Indoor Fire Altar. In fact, it was also the Year 2s first time building an Indoor Fire Altar. It was interesting seeing the differences between building a Fire Altar indoors and outdoors. After building, we began preparations for cooking. We all made sure we had something to do. Some of us began washing the dishes and cutlery, some of us started preparing for the fire, and some started cutting the food and putting them into the washed bowls. We all worked well together and ended up managing to cook many dishes. Our first dish was noodles, our second was sausages with egg and cabbage, and I think we cooked a few more dishes of noodles after. It was heartening to see all of us standing around each other eating our food. This experience was definitely very enjoyable.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P4:

During last Friday's 集合, we did Outdoor Cooking. Thus, many of us thought that we were going to have to build an Outdoor Fire Altar and mainly revised on how to build it and the logistics for it. However, due to impending rain, we were required to build an Indoor Fire Altar instead of an Outdoor Fire Altar. As most of us had not built an Indoor Fire Altar before, we were unfamiliar with the exact steps of how to build an Indoor Fire Altar and the logistics required. Even after we clarified some of our doubts with the seniors about how to build the Indoor Fire Altar, there were still many mistakes made during the building of the structure, causing us to have to retie many lashes and redo the measurements. Furthermore, many of the main lashes like the tripod lash and the lash supporting the zinc plate were not tight enough and had to be re-tied, and we ended up wasting a lot of time on things that could have been done once and done well. Thus, we learnt that we should work a lot harder on the tightness of the lashes rather than the time taken to tie them as the tightness would matter more during the building of a structure. In addition, we should familiarise ourselves with all the standard structures, and not only the ones that are commonly used, to save time in the future in case they are needed. 

Outdoor Cooking

Guides have to use the ingredients they have requested to cook up delicious meals using their survival knowledge!

Reflection from a Year 1 in P2:

On Friday, our seniors organised Outdoor Cooking, and we had a whale of a time. Before that, we had to pick up twigs and sticks to sustain the fire, which was planned ahead of time. Our blood, sweat and tears preparing for the Outdoor Cooking definitely paid off! When we started, we faced some issues trying to tie lashes for the structure, and we did not collect the logistics fast enough, causing us to be very behind on time, and it was inefficient, as we had a lack of manpower. We had a hard time tying the lashes quickly, but fortunately, some kind souls from Patrol 6 came over to help! They lent us a helping hand and soon, we finished the structure. However, there were still obstacles that we managed to overcome. For example, when we finished preparing to light the fire, by pouring sand and putting bricks in a square, with some twigs bent in a circle. The problem we faced was lighting the match, as the fire was put out immediately when it came into contact with the twigs, and we suspected that it was as it was wet. But we overcame that obstacle when we decided to put in solid fuel and after a few tries, hence, it took a lot of determination and resilience. In the end, we cooked delectable dishes such as French toast and instant noodles! We even “borrowed” some marshmallows from Patrol 4 and toasted them, which was scrumptious with the crackers. Unfortunately, we did not cook the Oreo cake that Kayla and Natalie suggested, but we still had fun cooking. After the cooking, we worked together to clean up. Some of us washed the mass tins, and cutlery, some of us 拆掉 the structure, and some of us returned the logistics, which made the process fast and efficient, especially as Cheryl and Kayla returned from their respective activities. Overall, we feel that we could have done better by having a better sense of urgency and being more efficient in doing things, so as to be faster and do a better job.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P6:

We had Outdoor Cooking during 集合 last Friday. Unlike the Outdoor Cooking sessions we had before, we had to build Indoor Fire Altars instead of the usual Outdoor Fire Altars. The Indoor Fire Altar does not have an extension on the side for the garbage bag like the Outdoor Fire Altar. We went as a patrol prior to this 集合 to collect the kindlings, which includes 木麻黄, thin twigs and thick twigs. The 木麻黄 and thin twigs are used to start the fire as they burn out faster, while the thick twigs are used to sustain the fire. We managed to cook all of the dishes we had planned to cook which we thought was quite an achievement. We felt that we could have a better sense of urgency and 报时 without being reminded to do so. Despite it being the first time we built the Indoor Fire Altar, we felt that we could still have worked faster and clarified with the seniors about what the structure was supposed to look like so that we would have enough time to cook our dishes. We could also have washed the dishes a bit faster and could clear the soot from the mess tins with the help of the toothpaste and aluminium foil we put on the mess tins before we started our Outdoor Cooking. All in all, we felt that it was an enjoyable experience.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

Outdoor Cooking is no doubt a highlight of our guiding life and I think that this was one of the more successful ones. In this Outdoor Cooking session, a lot of us have learnt a lot. The first is how to build an Indoor Fire Altar due to the wet weather. An Indoor Fire Altar is a rather rare standard structure that we get to build so this was a good opportunity to try it out. This time, we also managed to sustain the fire rather well and we all took turns to try blowing the fire, an essential skill but not a very popular one because of the smoke. This Outdoor Cooking session was also particularly memorable as we tried out a new dish, soup. We added cabbage, carrots, msg seasoning, garlic and onions. I think it is safe to say that all of us enjoyed the soup and the Maggie Mee. We also had a lot of fun cooking, with some interesting roasted vegetables and food combinations like Maggie Mee in Nutella.  It was also nice to just savour the moment and talk to one another, something we do not usually get to do a lot during 集合 sessions. Overall, this Outdoor Cooking experience was one to remember and I am sure all of us have bonded through it.

Hope everyone enjoyed cooking, eating and bonding with your patrol mates!

Published by:

Yuanxin

54 届 Secretary

Skills Training, 21 April 2023

 Hey Guides!

Today, we did Kitchen Shelter and Dome Tent!

Kitchen Shelter

This activity aims to familiarise the Year 3s and Year 2s with this structure and introduce the Year 1s to this new Pioneering structure. We hope that the Year 3s will be able to step up and lead the patrol in the building.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P6:

I think that the building of the Kitchen Shelter was a very fun, pleasant and beneficial experience. As Year 1s, we could learn the skills necessary to build a Kitchen Shelter and what things we should take note of when building the structure. We can also learn the logistics required to build the structure. Through this experience, we could work with the other guides in our patrol and build teamwork. Our seniors have taught us how to build the Kitchen Shelter properly. During this activity, we were constantly reminded to 报时. From this experience, we have learnt to constantly 报时 to keep track of time and not overrun the timing given to us. Our seniors have also taught us how to tie new lashes, such as the Mickey Mouse lash. For the Mickey Mouse lash, we have to ensure that it is facing the structure. We have also learnt that when 抽ing the structure, we have to ensure that we must all 抽 at the same time and use our whole body weight to tighten our lash. We have also learnt that we must 顶 properly to ensure that the 红木 does not slant. We have also learnt that when tying lashes, we have to be quick and at the same time ensure it is tight. In conclusion, building the Kitchen Shelter was a beneficial experience that allowed us to learn many new things.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P4:

On Friday, it was our first time building the Kitchen Shelter with the Year 1s. So many of them were confused about what to do and thus there was a lack of communication between us. There ended up being a lot of manpower wasted. It took us around 30 minutes to 起 the structure, which was way longer than it should have taken, as we had to redo the square lashes due to the fact that we did not tie a 八字结 to the canvas sheet. 

This was also a lack of knowledge we should have known when we revised the Guides notes. I learnt that the lack of knowledge may have let the Year 1s lose respect to the Year 2s and that it is very hard to earn it back. The next time a Year 1 approaches me to ask me questions, I will make sure I have already revised the Guides notes and I can answer their questons confidently. Furthermore, we were not clear on whether to put the arthurs diagonally towards the 木 or not, and how many steps to take as pacings. This resulted in a lot of time being lost as we had to redo a lot of these. Lastly, I believe we did not work with a sense of urgency, even when the seniors told us to hurry up, which they did more than once. We should have 报时d more and cheered more to increase morale and our sense of urgency.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

For the building of the Kitchen Shelter during last Friday's 集合, I felt that there were still a lot of hard and soft skills that could have been improved on. Our sense of urgency was not up to standard as we were unable to 起 the structure even after 20 minutes had passed and it could have been improved if we had worked faster and tied our lashes tightly and correctly. I think we should also have been completely familiarised with the Kitchen Shelter as it is one of our standard structures. We could have taken better note of the different details such as how the “X” of the Mickey Mouse lash should be facing inwards when we 起 the structure. I also learnt how to lead and give out instructions better as a Patrol Leader. When we 抽 the guylines, the Patrol Leader should stand in the direction of the canvas sheet and shout out instructions to everybody to hear so that everyone is clear of whether the canvas sheet is taut enough. Overall, I feel that there is a lot that we can improve on and we also learnt a lot through the building of the Kitchen Shelter, which we can apply during the Patrol Leader Training Camp (PLTC) for Year 3s.

Dome Tent

This activity aims to help the juniors revise on how to build a Dome Tent and teach the Year 1s how to pitch a tent.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P1:

Last Friday, we built a Dome Tent. I think learning to build a Dome Tent was pretty interesting as I had only built a Dome Tent once before during Modular PE which was a while back. Since we, the Year 1s did not really know how to build the Dome Tent, our seniors told us what to do. We laid out the Dome Tent on the track, then put the support sticks through the hooks diagonally across the tent and worked together as a patrol to set up the Dome Tent. After the Dome Tent was standing, we put the waterproof cover on the tent. My senior then tested me and my other Year 1 patrol mate on what we had to do when we were supposed to build the Dome Tent. What I think we did well on was working together well building the tent relatively quickly and trying to help each other when needed. I think that we could work better on time management as we still needed to ask for a time extension. We could also 报时 more because I think we were forgetting to 报时 a lot during that 集合 session. If we had 报时more, we could have had a better sense of urgency and finished building the Dome Tent faster. We could even cheer more as I felt that the other patrols were cheering way more than our patrol throughout our entire activity. Through building the Dome Tent, I learnt that teamwork is always very important and we all need to be focused on the task at all times.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P5:

During this activity, we had to assemble a Dome Tent. Personally, I feel that while my patrol did well, there were definitely areas for improvement. In the beginning, it was very hectic and messy, and I found it slightly confusing. While we had prior experience doing this, it felt rather foreign at the start, and I think that in the future, we can familiarise ourselves more with such things. However, we pushed through and managed to complete it in time. 

As we had finished earlier than some other patrols, I think that we could have moved to help them instead as there were many of us holding the tent down (more than needed). If we had moved to help the other patrols, we likely could have completed it faster as a whole 团.

I also think that we could have had a greater sense of urgency and cheered more during this activity in order to keep morale up. Doing so truly does make a huge difference, so in the future, we can try to work faster and cheer more frequently. 

All in all, this activity was very enriching and taught me a lot about working together not just as a patrol, but as a 团.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

During 21 April’s 集合, we were required to build a Dome Tent in 10 minutes. My patrol quickly got to work because 2 of us already knew how to make the tent and we verbally gave instructions to everyone else in the patrol. The Dome Tent was not a difficult structure to complete and we quickly managed to complete the Dome Tent in 7 minutes. When we finished, some of us went into the tent to experience what it was like and some of us were showing the others how to use the tent. Afterwards, we went to help other patrols with their Dome Tents. After multiple time extensions, in the end, we took a total of around 15 minutes to finish the Dome Tents. Although we managed to complete the tent very quickly, I think we should have taken more initiative to offer help to other patrols quicker. We also could have 报时-ed and cheered more to boost morale. Overall, I think this was a good activity to teach everyone how to build a Dome Tent and get them familiar with the Dome Tent. And I hope we can build the tents faster and improve on our knowledge of the tent. 

Hope everyone learnt something new today!

Published by:

Yuanxin

54 届 Secretary

Skills Training, 14 April 2023

 Hi Guides!

For today’s 集合, we did Inspection, Baggage Rack and Creative Structure.

Inspection

Inspection aims to train the sense of urgency and communication of Guides. Guides can hone their soft skills and step up to lead the 团.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P4:

On Friday, we had our first Inspection. As we had never experienced it before, we were a bit lost at first. However, as we continued, and with the guidance of our seniors, we got better as a patrol at the accuracy of the layouts and we helped more while arranging them. During Inspection, we realised that there were a lot of kapped logistics and even kapped manpower from other patrols. Through this, we learned the importance of taking care of our patrol mates and our logistics, as they are important and can really make a difference. During Inspection, we also learned the names of the items in the 配备, such as the groundsheet, ponchos and survival kit. We were given little time for the inspections, with only 3 minutes to arrange the layout, and 30 seconds to 1 minute to pack everything back into the 配备. Our Year 3s had to ask for time extensions repeatedly so that we had time to complete the layout. This really trained our sense of urgency as we had to work fast so that we would not 过时. Inspections are still new to us, so it seems difficult now. However, as time goes by, we feel that we will get more used to the inspections. As inspections are currently a new experience for us, we hope to get better at it.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

On Friday, we had to do Inspection. We did it four times. The first time we did, we started off quite badly with many items scattered everywhere and every patrol having something placed differently. The second time we did it, we improved a lot by standardizing more stuff with other patrols but our arrangement still ended up being wrong and we kept forgetting to squeeze everything onto the poncho. Even though there was improvement, we could have done much better. The third time, we did not have a specific arrangement and two people had to step up to shout out the placements of things. We did much better this round as we made sure to constantly look at patrol 2's layout, since it was much easier to standardize that way. The fourth one, it was again no specific arrangement but this time, we were given instructions to place our spars on the poncho but because of the rush, we had no idea we were supposed to standardize it with the other patrols so we needed up just throwing all the spars on the poncho and it ended up in a mess. Overall I think my patrol can improve by including all my patrols mates a bit more as many people got taken away by our seniors during the inspection which shows how careless we were and also try to remember to standardize with other patrols more and make sure our layout is not in a mess. I think we can do much better in the future if we try to improve. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P6:

For 集合 on Friday, we had Inspection for the first part of 集合. For the first two rounds of inspection, it was quite messy as it was the Year 1s first time doing Inspection together with the 团, so all of them were unsure of what to do. Even though it was also rushed as the time given was relatively short, we could have included the Year 1s more to prevent excess manpower from zuobo-ing and have them easily kapped by the seniors. We should have also included them more to let them understand what Inspection is and the purpose of Inspection. Our layouts for the first two rounds of Inspection were also very messy, which should not have been the case as we had excess manpower which we could have utilized better and they could have helped to compact the layout. For the last two rounds of Inspection, we had slightly improved and our layouts across the patrols were slightly more standardized and we were also able to ask for time extensions before we 过时. Overall, we could still work on our 报时 and also make use of all the manpower that we have so that we will be able to complete the Inspection layout faster.

Baggage Rack

This activity allows the Year 2s and Year 3s to teach the Year 1s some of the basic structures in Guides and expose them to Gadgeting and basic structures they are required to know.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P2:

On 14 April 2023, we constructed a Baggage Rack for our 集合. We 集合-ed at GSL Level 1 and were instructed to construct a Baggage Rack. After retrieving our necessary logistics, which were 2 长木, 8 中长木, 2 中木, 2 中短木, 6 Short Half Bamboo and sufficient 白绳, everyone got to work. Under the Year 3 Guides' supervision and guidance, the Year 2 Guides and Year 1s tied 2 A-架s using 4 中长木. We then tied 顶脚s on the A-架s with 2 中短木 and 2 中木. After that, we used 4 中长木 to connect both A-架s. The Year 3 Guides got us several time extensions throughout our construction and offered help to their juniors too. They helped to tie our 2 长木 diagonally at the base of our structure. Lastly, the Year 2 Guides taught the Year 1s how to net the bottom layer of the baggage rack using a longer 白绳 by tying clove hitches on both 木, as well as rafting the top layer of the baggage rack using the 6 Short Half Bamboo. Although unfortunately, we did not finish our netting and rafting in time. During our debrief given by our Yeae 4 Guides, we were reminded to hold a sense of urgency, work faster and more efficiently, as well as keep tension while tying lashes. Overall, from this 集合, we learnt that we should improve our work efficiency and quality too.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P6:

During 集合 on Friday, we had Inspection before we had to build a Baggage Rack and did Creative Gadgeting. The Baggage Rack is one of the standard structures we build quite often, apart from the Shoe Rack and a few other structures. We had a lot of manpower and tried to split our manpower evenly so that we could finish the structure within the time allocated to us for that activity. Our sense of urgency could improve a lot more as we were working very slowly and had to be constantly reminded to 报时. We felt that we 照顾好人, 照顾好东西 quite well when we built the Baggage Rack but we feel that we can still work on it to make it better next time. We also cheered quite often and that kept our morale up high throughout the process of building the structure. The standards of our lashes vary across the patrol as some of us tied lashes that were quite tight but some were a bit loose. Our lashes could also have been tied faster, within the standard timings. We can work on these during our lash training on Wednesdays so that we will be able to tie them faster and make sure that they were up to standard. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

For the 集合 on 14 April, there was an activity, where each patrol had to build a Baggage Rack. For my patrol, we could have improved on the sense of urgency we had at the start of the activity, as it took us quite long to get started. On the bright side, our sense of urgency improved as time went on. When we were tying our lashes, some people who were doing nothing started to chat about things completely unrelated to tying the Baggage Rack. I think we should have reminded each other to focus on building the structure and not anything else. If we did that, maybe we could have needed fewer time extensions and finished the structure faster. Unfortunately, some of our lashes were also very loose, like one of the A-架 lashes and the lashes used to tie the diagonals. To improve, we definitely should practice our lashes a lot more on the Lash Trainings on Wednesday morning. Even though we took a lot of time extensions, my patrol still managed to finish our Baggage Rack, which made me feel very proud. Overall, I think this activity was a very good reminder to tell us where we were lacking and how we could improve. 

Creative Structure

This activity allows Guides to be creative as they are required to think of a simple piece of furniture to build with just Gadgeting poles. It also fosters patrol bonding among patrol mates as they will need to discuss what they want to build. This also serves as a platform for the Year 3s to step up and lead the patrol in building the creative structure.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P5:

Last Friday, during 集合, each patrol had to build a creative structure. My patrol decided to build a chair. Firstly, we built a square with 4 短木s for the seat. Secondly, we connected the seat to the backrest. Lastly, we built the legs of the chair, but we realised that the legs in front were sticking out and someone pointed out that we could make them into handles, which was a really good idea. However, after we finished the structure, it was not stable and we could not sit on it. I think we could improve by building another square the same size as the seat and connecting it to the end of the four legs so that the legs will not move around. In addition, we could use a 短木 to secure the backrest so that the backrest will be parallel and not slanting inwards. Moreover, the diagonals at the bottom could be tied tighter to be more stable. Lastly, we could cooperate more with each other, think of what to make for the creative structure and plan out how we want to build the chair faster. All in all, I think we did a pretty great job and I had a whale of a time building the creative structure with my patrol.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

Having done the Baggage Rack a few times already, the activity went through pretty smoothly. Firstly, we collected logistics, which were the logistics required for Baggage Rack and another two activities. Another Year 2 patrol mate and I ran to get to 团部, where we quickly dispatched manpower (another Year 2 and Year 1) to get the other required logs. When we were broken off to build the structure, we were given 25 minutes to build it, which was the standard timing. Everyone's lashes were pretty tight, and we were able to prevent the structure from tilting and made it look nice, even finishing as one of the first few patrols. However, looking back there were things that could be improved on, such as our sense of urgency; despite how we had finished quickly eventually, we actually took a really long time to get our A-架s up. We had gotten preoccupied with reminding the Year 1s how to tie an A-架, and in turn, neglected the structure itself. In addition, due to Inspection prior to the Baggage Rack activity, our logistics had all been mixed up with other patrols', and now we had inadequate 青木 to proceed with our structure. Asking around for the 木 we needed then took quite some time, but we got it done quickly. I noted that we should have 照顾好人，照顾好东西 in the first place and not let it get mixed up to avoid such unnecessary wastes of time. On a happier note, the Year 1s showed much improvement and adaptability as we progressed with the structure, tying acceptably tight lashes. Throughout the activity, we also cheered a lot, which I feel boosted our morale greatly. I think this activity was a reminder to all of us to not only get to know our standard structures better but also about improving our time management and stepping up, whilst helping us forge better bonds in the process.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

We were tasked to build a Creative Structure of an object that could be found at home. After much discussion, we decided to build a bench. We first built 2 tripods, then made 定脚s. We then connected both of them using 2 木s on one side with a super square lash, forming a seat. Afterwards, we tied diagonals to make the structure more stable. Since we had more time, we decided to make another layer of 定脚s using a long half-bamboo on each tripod. This was to be used as an armrest. We had even more time after that, and some of my juniors decided to do netting at the diagonals so they can be used as a footrest and storage area. We then tested the structure by hanging our water bottles at almost every part of the structure, showing how our structure is not only a bench but can be used to hang other things as well! However, other patrols were still not done and we had to ask for time extensions, hence we decided to help other patrols that were not done. Overall, the morale was high, but we could have reminded the Year 1s to 报时 more since the Year 2s and Year 3s were on mouth alert for almost the entire activity. 

Hope everyone had fun today!

Published by:

Yuanxin

54th 届 Secretary

Patrol Activity, 10 April 2023

Hey Guides!

Today we had Patrol Activity and here are some reflections from our Year 3s!

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

Last Monday, we had our Patrol Activity. Unfortunately, it was the only Patrol Activity we would have this term, and I was a little sad as I enjoyed Patrol Activities. We had to build a Fireman’s Ladder for our Patrol Activity. When we were collecting our logistics, we could have worked faster and brisked walk instead of walking slowly. After we got our logistics, we had pioneering lash training before building the Fireman’s Ladder. During the lash training, my patrol could have 报时 more, so that we can be more aware of the timing while we were tying the lashes, which can let us tie the lashes faster. From the lash training, I became more aware of my abilities, and have to practice more since my lashes were always around 20 to 30 seconds slower than the standard timing for the lash. Some of the Year 1 juniors were also unsure of how to tie Pioneering lashes, and the Year 2s had to teach them again. In the future, I think we should tell our juniors clearly how to tie the lashes so that they can tie the lashes without too much help. For the Fireman’s Ladder, we never managed to try flipping on it, as the horizontal 木s were tied too high, and more of us were unable to reach the top 木 and properly flip. Because of this, we were very disappointed, but this also taught me that we have to tie the horizontal 木s low enough so that everyone can actually manage to flip on the Fireman’s Ladder.  

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

For 10 April Patrol Activity (PA) session, we had a combined PA with P6. We were all tasked to wear Physical Training (PT) kits to PA this session and we were building Fireman’s Ladder (FML) and 绳桥. During Logistics collection, we were given 15 minutes to collect all the logistics and bring them to the Media Resource Library (MRL) where we were going to build. However, we needed to ask for multiple time extensions during the time given and spent a lot more time collecting than was necessary. I think that we should work on our sense of urgency and efficiency. During the building of FML and 绳桥, we were all split into 2 groups, 1 group to build the FML and 1 group to build the 绳桥. Soon after we spilt into groups, we realised that we picked many Non-Load Bearing (NLB) 木 and we had to ask the seniors whether we could go change out the 木, which wasted a lot of time that we could have used to build the structures. Afterwards, the FML group quickly finished the FML because it was not very hard to build while the 绳侨 group were struggling to get the structure up as we have not built 绳桥 in a while. This session was a very good chance for us to brush up on how to build a 绳桥 for when we have to lead the 团. After a long time, we managed to get the 绳桥 up and spent about half an hour playing with the 绳桥 and FML. Although there was not enough time for all of us to try out the FML and 绳桥, we did manage to have a good time and grow closer with our patrol mates and batchmates.

                                

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

On 10 April, Monday, we had our last Patrol Activity with the Year 4s, which was really saddening. This also reminded us Year 3s that it would soon be our turn to step up and plan Patrol Activities, and even 集合s. Though nervous, I am also excited and ready to play a bigger part for Guides. Unfortunately, I was not present for the first hour of Patrol Activity as I had a Biology makeup test. By the time I reached, the Pioneering structure was largely done. The structure was a Creative Structure and was supposed to represent a sliding door, which was why the rectangular frame we tied was inserted between two 红木s. As one side of the frame was slanted, I had to untie the lash and move the 木 down till it was straight. Overall, the structure was stable and tight, save a few slightly loose lashes. I felt really proud of my juniors, especially when I saw the Year 1s taking the initiative to cheer to boost morale. After the structure was finished, we hurriedly 拆掉ed while ensuring constant 报时. Unfortunately, it started raining as soon as we were about to return the 木 to Backstore. We were told to bring the 木 to the Scouts 团部. Halfway through the return of logistics, seniors told us to leave the 木 at General Science Lab (GSL) instead, before going to Music Atrium for the prize giving. The prize giving was for the Guides Hike weeks ago, which our patrol, unfortunately, did not win, yet we still enjoyed our time thoroughly. Before we left, Julia, our Patrol Leader, distributed Liho Jasmine Green Tea to us as a World Thinking Day gift, which was symbolic for Patrol 3 Jasmine. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P4:

On Monday, my patrol built a 绳桥, one of the two traditional games in Guides. This was only our second time doing it and we were not very familiar with the structure, thus we took longer than expected to finish. We also had trouble with the 营绳 as it was very long. The mickey mouse lash that was supposed to be tied was not working out right, so we switched to tying a clove hitch with the 引绳 instead. It worked but took a little longer to figure out. 

Some things I think we could have worked on include taking initiative to see how we could be involved instead of just waiting for instructions, and 报时ing more constantly to have a better sense of urgency. I also think we can involve the Year 1s more next time as well by explaining the structure to them.

After the structure was up, my batchmate and I were supposed to be the "anchors" responsible for keeping the whole structure balanced while someone went across. It was quite difficult as we had to 抽 very hard. I had to put my whole body weight into it, and even then I would get pulled toward the middle of the structure. However, our loud cheering and patrol morale definitely helped us to all do our best. 

Overall, this Patrol Activity was very fun and helped me bond more with my patrol mates.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P5:

During this week’s Patrol Activity, we built a Kitchen Shelter. We have not built a Kitchen Shelter in a long time and hence were slightly unsure of the steps. That day was also the first time we did a Kitchen Shelter with the Year 1s and it was also one of the first times the Year 1s did Pioneering. It was a very interesting experience as we had to try to include and teach the Year 1s and explain each stage to them as well as finish the Kitchen Shelter within the given time. Another stressing factor was the fact that the weather on the day was quite gloomy and it was going to rain soon hence we had to build it quickly and 拆掉 before the rain came. I learnt that despite stressful situations it is important to keep my cool and give clear instructions to ensure that the structure can be finished well. This week's Patrol Activity was definitely one I will remember for a long time as it is our last pa with the Year 4s who have been our mentors for our entire guiding journey. I will definitely miss having Patrol Activity with them.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P6:

On Monday, we had a combined Patrol Activity with P2 and we were split into 2 groups with a mixture of some people from each patrol being in one group. Group 1 was to build a Fireman’s Ladder and while Group 2 was to build a 绳桥. It was our first time building a 绳桥 so it is definitely something new and memorable for us.  In this activity, we did not have a sense of urgency and we took an extremely long time to build both structures. This caused us to be unable to allow everyone to try out the Fireman’s Ladder and 绳桥, which we all felt a little disappointed in. If we had worked faster, we would have completed the structure within half the time we used to complete them both. However, we still kept the morale high by cheering every now and then. I think we could have 报时 a lot more as the seniors kept reminding us to 报时. The lashes for the Fireman’s Ladder and the 绳桥 could also have been tighter as it needs to support a person’s body weight and ensure that it is safe for use. Overall, I think that this Patrol Activity was very meaningful and enjoyable. 

Hope everyone enjoyed today's PA!

Published by:

Yuanxin

54 届 Secretary