Passing Down Parade, 19 June 2023

Hello Guides, 
During today's 集合, firstly, we had Batch Activity, then Mass Games, Passing Down Parade (PDP), and lastly Passing Down Parade performances. 

Year 1 Batch Activity: Creative Gadgeting Structure (Ship):
As this was the Year 1s' first activity without the help of the seniors, it truly allowed them to brush up on their basic guides knowledge and know their strengths and weakness better. They were also tasked to assign 2 ICs within themselves. 

Reflection from a Year 1 in P6:

For Batch Activity on Monday, it was the first time the Year 1s did a structure without the help of our seniors. I volunteered to be the In-charge of the activity. When we were told to get the logistics, we mistook some of the 木s and took the wrong amount for some and had to ask for a time extension for the first time. I think that we could have 记 down the line as I think that we did not hear the logistics properly and hence had to go back to 团部 to get the logistics we missed out on. During the activity, as it was the first time we were making a structure we never made before, and it was without our seniors' help, it was quite challenging as we were quite unsure. Throughout the making of the ship (the structure we had to build), we had to refer to the help of the Year 4 seniors and have guidance from them. I think that we could have had a better sense of urgency as we had to ask for a time extension a few times, and we still did not manage to finish the structure because of our doubt. I also think that we could have 报时 more often as the Year 4 seniors had to keep on reminding us to 报时 throughout the activity. During debrief, the seniors told us as ICs, we had to step out and look at the bigger picture instead of just looking at parts of the structure. Overall, I think it was quite challenging for all of us, but we learnt a lot of things and that we learnt to make a structure we never made before and I hope we can improve the next time we have Batch Activities, like improving our sense of urgency and 报时ing.

Year 2 Batch Activity: Kitchen Table and Creative Pioneering Structure:

This was an opportunity for the Year 2s to hone their leadership skills before they were to step up to lead their juniors during normal 集合s. They were also given a chance to interact with their batchamtes from other patrols, improving batch synergy.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P6:

On 19 May, before we had lunch and the Passing Down Parade, we had a Batch Activity. We were tasked to build a Kitchen Table and a Creative Structure planned by the Year 4s. Two of us volunteered to be the Patrol Leaders for this activity, and we had to step up to lead the batch in completing the two structures we had to build. Only the two of us could see the picture of the planned Creative Structure, and it was challenging for us to explain the structure to our batchmates who were not able to see the picture of the structure. We split the batch into two groups and started working on the two structures. We did not have a very good sense of urgency as we took quite a while to start building as we took some time to group ourselves into the two groups. While one side of the Kitchen Table was almost perfect, the other side was completely not taken care of and caused the seat of the Kitchen Table to be slanted, which might have been a safety hazard. The Kitchen Table is a structure we are familiar with and we feel that we should have had more confidence in ourselves when building it so that we could finish building the Kitchen Table within the standard timing. Although we managed to finish the Kitchen Table and most of the Creative Structure, we felt that we could have done a lot better at allocating our manpower and improving our sense of urgency. During the collection and returning of logistics, we did not work fast enough and could have allocated our manpower better and had a greater sense of urgency as we 过时ed, which we should not have since we were able to work faster with a greater sense of urgency.

Year 3 Batch Activity: Creative Gadgeting Structure (Houses):

During the Year 3s' last Batch Activity, they were split into 3 groups and mass manufactured quadpods to create houses. It was a memorable experince for them as they put in their all into this last activity while making the most out of it.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

For our batch activity, we were split into three groups, and each group had to build a house. Initially, we were a little disorganised with guides from different groups mixed around and confusing instructions on the number of quad pods needed. However, we quickly sorted ourselves out and were soon mass-producing quad pods. During this period, I think we all did rather well as we had a lot of tight quad pods, which allowed us to see how far we have come as a batch and individuals - working together in harmony and also mastering the hardest lash. Afterwards, we got to tying the 定脚s for the quad pods, which was another heartwarming experience as we were all cheering loudly and laughing together. At this juncture, some groups were also a bit slower than others, during which more manpower was allocated to help them. When looked back on, it is nice to see our growth and the mentality of ‘we’re all in this together’, us ensuring that everyone progresses forward as one. Though, it is to be mentioned that our 照顾好人，照顾好东西 could be improved, as evidenced by us having to dance to YMCA multiple times to get our kapped logistics and manpower back. For this rather complicated structure, a lot of logistics were needed and thus were piled together. Something we could have done better was to work in front of the pile to keep the logistics in sight and to prevent them from getting kapped. We also could have worked a little faster as we had used up all of our buffer. Nevertheless, we all worked to the best of our ability during 拆掉 and returning of logistics with us accomplishing those two tasks in 18 minutes (though exceeding our target by a few minutes, our sense of urgency was greatly improved). Overall, I think that this batch activity was a great success. We were all working together, brainstorming on how to fix unprecedented issues like 木 and 白绳 shortage and overall just having fun as a batch. There were definitely areas for improvement but I think we would all agree that we have grown a lot as a batch together.

Mass Games: Running Man:

Like the previous years, we had Mass Games, which was Running Man, right before lunch. It was a time for all batches to bond with one another as a whole 团 and have fun.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P4:

During the Passing Down Parade (PDP) this year, we had a really fun time with the company games. This year, the game was Running Man. In this game, the objective was to “steal” the duct tape from the sleeves of people from other patrols. We also had duct tapes on our own sleeves, which we needed to “protect” from other patrols. Simultaneously, we also had to “attack”, which basically meant snatching the tape from other people's sleeves. The patrol that collected the largest number of pieces of duct tape would win the game. Through this game, I have learnt that teamwork is very important. It is impossible to go around by yourself without getting your tape snatched by others in the company. At first, I stayed alone, making myself inconspicuous, but I still got ambushed by a group of people from another patrol as they attacked and took my tape away successfully. I then realized how important teamwork was in this game and that those who stuck together and went in bigger groups had a bigger advantage compared to those who stayed alone, as no one dared to go close to them and try to get the duct tape on their sleeves. When they were together, there were more people to protect their duct tape, and they would have to worry less about the defense part of the game. After getting my tape taken several times, I had to do PT, physical training, but I tried my best and continued the game, training my resilience. In the second round of the game, I went together with my patrol mates. Contrary to before, instead of getting my tape stolen from other patrols, I managed to snatch a piece of tape from someone in another patrol! Even though I found this game a little violent and chaotic, it was definitely enriching and rewarding, as it taught me the values of teamwork and resilience. Overall, I am grateful that I had a chance to participate in this unique game and had a lot of fun! 

Reflection from a Year 2 in P5:

During Passing Down Parade and after batch work, it was finally the time for running man, a game that we played during last year's PDP too. It was a really fun game last year too. We each had a piece of duct tape that we had to fold a corner of it. The rule of the game was to tear the other patrols' duct tape off their sleeves. If your tape was torn off, you would have to go back to the entrance of the Media Resource Library and get a new tape by doing Physical Training issued by the ICs of the game. We were given a time limit, and we were only allowed to play on the third floor. After a while, patrols started forming alliances with each other to further enhance the possibility of getting more points. There was less hierarchy between the seniors and juniors, which was amazing as we did not need to limit the number of people we could get duct tape from. Although it started getting violent after a while, it was an enjoyable round. After round one, round two was shortened as many of us were getting tired, and they did not want to wear us out before the Passing Down Parade of the 54th 届 started. Through this particular activity, we learnt teamwork and integrity. Teamwork as we needed to work together as a team in order to earn more points. Integrity as we needed to go down the minute we had our tape torn off. All of us enjoyed this activity a lot as we got the opportunity to bond more with our company members and get to know how violent our batchmates, juniors and our seniors were too. Our seniors, the Year 4s, were only allowed to protect us but not tear off others' duct tape. It was a refreshing activity indeed, which is one to look forward to yearly during the eventful and notable PDP. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P6:

On 19 June, we had Mass Games - Running Man. We were given pieces of duct tape to place on our sleeves. Then, we would try to rip other people’s duct tape to earn points. When we lost our duct tape, we would be required to go to the Media Resource Library (MRL) to do PT in order to attain another piece of duct tape. This would allow us to improve our fitness in a fun and exciting way which would benefit us in the long run for the future 集合 as we would have more stamina during 集合 sessions which might be more strenuous and require more physical endurance. During the first round of Running Man, which was 19 minutes, we decided to form alliances between patrols to increase our chances of survival. This enabled us to bond with our batchmates more and also have the opportunity to interact with our juniors before we stepped up as 领导层. For example, we were able to get into heated, friendly fights with our batchmates which promoted a more tight-knit relationship as we were able to understand each other better after engaging in more conversations with each other through this activity. At one point in time, I was tackled to the ground by a fellow batchmate while we were both trying to rip the duct tape. Although this was quite a heated, friendly fight, we were able to make some precious memories together that I would treasure for the years to come. However, as the first round was quite energy intensive, during the second round, many of us were just leaning against the Media Resource Library wall in a bid to regain our energy. Hence, our second round of Running Man was cut short. Even though my patrol did not win this mass game, I would definitely appreciate and treasure the memories that I have forged with my batch mates in this activity and the precious opportunities when I was able to talk to my juniors from other patrols. Overall, Running Man was a really good opportunity to communicate with other people in the 团.

Passing Down Parade (PDP):

During the Passing Down Parade, the Year 1s would be officially enrolled into the CCA, the Year 3s would pass down their patrol roles to the Year 2s, and the Year 4s would pass down their company roles to the Year 3s.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P3:

I felt that the Passing Down Parade was a very inspiring and eye-opening experience. Firstly, with no offense, I got to see how my seniors and batch mates made little mistakes here and there when receiving their roles or enrolment. This made me feel that making small mistakes was not the end of the world, and this allowed me to be less stressed over the occasion. It also allowed me to enjoy my enrolment in Girl Guides. I have learnt much more about the leadership roles in Girl Guides, as all the leadership roles and the people who would receive those roles were announced. This allowed me to have a better understanding of Girl Guides culture and the leadership roles that we would have to take up in the future. Seeing my seniors step up really inspired me and installed confidence in me for the upcoming years of my service in Girl Guides. Furthermore, I felt thoroughly proud of all my seniors for stepping up to take on more leadership positions and my batch mates and me for our enrolment. It was also interesting to see how the parade worked and to learn about showing respect when the coloring party walks past you during any occasion. Sadly, I was heartbroken after hearing that one of my Year 3 seniors had to switch patrols. The Passing Down Parade allowed me to have a much better understanding of Girl Guides and the roles of guides, as well as the thought of knowing that I am in a safe environment around such kind and sweet people. It really warms my heart when I bond with my seniors, patrol mates as well as my beloved batch mates. Even though my first Passing Down Parade in the horseshoe formation was tiring and rather stressful, and even though I wish I had been more prepared, I feel that was an experience I would never forget, and it is one of the highlights of my Girl Guides’ journey.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

During the passing down parade, first came the patrol passing of roles. All the Patrol Leaders had revealed our patrol roles previously during the lunch break, and I found that I had received patrol Quarter Mistress and patrol 降旗手, my first and third choices. Despite my confidence in my ability when I applied for the role of Quarter Mistress, I could not help but feel uncertain about my ability to lead my patrol. To my relief, all my patrol mates had been exceedingly supportive and even helped me take my first steps (words) as the new patrol Quarter Mistress. Thus, standing there in horseshoe formation, we were called out. Even though I had both practised at home the night before and also observed my Year 3s when they stepped out, I blundered on the first step, hesitating between my right and left foot. I cringed so hard and looked to Julia for help. Luckily, she motioned that either way was acceptable, so I got on over and tried my best for the rest of the procedure. The second time, I tried to do everything that I had seen the Year 3s do and took the smile that broke out on Julia’s face as a good sign. Next, it was the passing of company roles. It was quite a memory jog we all had when the colour party walked by and most of us forgot to 敬礼. Both Lotus and Ms Chang reminded us, and we did it all over again. It was a joy to see all the new Year 1s, led by their patrol leaders, receive their enrollment badges, and when my Year 1s came back, we smiled at them in encouragement, internally telling them, “Good job”. For the rest of the duration, I focused mainly on memorising the company roles and which Year 3 had been 大风吹 to which patrol, which year 3 would be working with which new Year 3 from which patrol, etc. Regrettably, about three quarters of the way through the parade, my vision had gone silver and my ears buzzed, and I was forced to squat down, putting a temporary end to my appreciation of the parade. I sat down at the cafe area and I was told to drink water and rest for a while, but soon I walked back into position as I was determined to experience it all with everyone else. The rest of the parade was uneventful, and it was a really great moment when the new Company leader, En Xii, called for 全团集合 and everyone visibly deflated in relief before milling about to get into position. Overall, I felt that the Passing Down Parade was an extremely fulfilling experience for me, as I enjoyed the formality of the parade and everyone's determination to rigidity. I also gained insight into the process next year as the 55届 stepped up and took up company roles.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P5:

On 19 June, we had the long-awaited and dreaded PDP. After the morning batch activity and mass games, we had lunch and the most important part of the day, the parade. The first section of it was the passing down of the patrol roles. This was a mildly sad experience for our batch as we had our patrol roles for the past year, and now we were passing it down to the Year 2s. However, it was also really cool to see the Year 2s take up our roles. I really felt a sense of pride and accomplishment when I watched the Year 2s step up and receive their new roles as it reminded me of when they had first entered guides and did not know much about guides and how much they had grown since then. I was also reminded of the last PDP when we were receiving our patrol roles. After the passing down of patrol roles was the Year 1 enrollment. Even though the Year 1s from my patrol were not around during PDP, I still felt a sense of pride as I watched the Year 1s from other patrols walk up and get enrolled into guides. As we said the guides promise with the newly enrolled Year 1s, I felt a sense of pride as that would signify the start of their guiding journey. Last but not least, we had the passing down of the company roles. This is the part where our batch took part in the most. I felt immense pride as I watched all the Year 4s pass down the ribbons to the newly appointed 领导层. I felt a sense of achievement as we had been working together as a batch since Year 1 and have grown into the newly appointed 领导层. I am excited to start on our 领导层 journey as a batch.

Passing Down Parade Performance:

After the passing down of roles, the last activity of the day was a series of performances by each batch to express their feelings of gratitude, longing and sadness and bid farewell to the Y4s. 

Reflection from a Year 1 in P2:

On the 19th of June, we had our PDP performance. The Year 1s performed a dance to "better when I'm dancing". It was a little hard and rushed as we needed to switch formations. Some people were also absent for that day, so there were last minute changes. Then, a group of year 1s sang "Count on Me". The other group sang " night changes". Since we did not have the time to rehearse, we were quite happy that our performance was not that bad. We then had a video montage of the Year 1s showing our gratitude to the Year 4s. The music was quite loud though, and we could not hear anything so its a little wasted but it was the thought that counts. Then the Year 2s were singing two songs, "Perfect" by ed sheeran and "Golden Hour" by JVKE. The lyrics were changed to be guides themed. We thought it was very cute that it was guides themed. The Year 3s did K-pop dances. They were changing songs, and between groups, one group was doing the cute ones while the other was doing cool ones, but it was very awesome, cool and cute. The Year 4s performed a few songs, one of which was a Chinese song that I heard before, but I could not remember the name. After that, they were sharing speeches about their Guides journey and many of them were getting emotional. I saw Kayleigh crying and I got a little sad that I would not see her again during 集合s. The Year 4s were all really sad, and some even had to pause their speeches as they were crying. This made me wonder if I was going to be like them when I became a Year 4. Some of them shared that they did not really like Girl Guides that much when they first joined as a Year 1, however, they grew to love it. Now that they are Year 4s, they feel very sad that they have to leave guides. That made me wonder if I would be like them.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

During the Passing Down Parade (PDP), there was a performance segment where each level had to perform a part. For the Year 2s, we decided to perform three songs and play a video montage. The three songs we had chosen to perform were popular yet meaningful songs that described our guiding journey with the Year 4s. The first song, ‘As It Was’, represented post PDP’22. The second song, ‘Golden Hour’, represented when the seniors had joined our patrol or taken on leadership roles, and the third song, ‘Memory Lane’, represented the feelings of uncertainty and hope as we navigated those new waters of building relationships. Not only that, but we also slightly changed the lyrics in the song to better convey our message and make it more impactful. During our performance, we split ourselves into two groups, standing at each side of the stage while the lyrics of the song were playing on the screen. We put our arms around each other as we swayed and sang to the song. However, as some of the lyrics were slightly changed, we were not very familiar with them and had some struggles singing along to the songs at times. Thus, I feel that we could have familiarized ourselves with the lyrics better and practiced more in order to have reduced these mistakes made during our performance. Despite that, it was still very enjoyable to see everyone singing along to the songs and the Year 4s reacting to the lyrics we had changed, bringing back memories of their guiding journey. Lastly, we had made a video montage showing photos, notes and video messages from us to the Year 4s. The video montage allowed us to express our gratitude towards our seniors who had guided us patiently and equipped us with the skills that we needed. It was also a nice way to recall our guiding journey thus far and reflect on all that we have done. When playing the video montage, a few seniors had teared up, and it was nice to see how bonded everyone was during that moment. All in all, the PDP performance was a very fun yet touching moment for everyone. We had some areas for improvement, but I feel that it was a memorable way to end off PDP’23 and we will miss the Year 4s very much.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

On 19 June, each batch had to perform for the 团 during Passing Down Parade (PDP). During the preparation, I was in the dance committee, and I was also the In Charge (IC) for our batch. During the making of the proposal, I had to coordinate a lot between the batches to ensure that we all had the correct standardisation. We also had to make sure that everyone knew what they had to do and were on task. Other than that, the dance committee met up 3 times to work on their dance to ensure that we would do well during the PDP performance. We also practiced by ourselves at home and made sure that we were synchronised during the combined practices with the other team. We were very motivated to do our best during the dance because we knew that this would be the last time we would be performing for the Year 4s before they left us. On the actual day of the performance, we watched all the other performances before our own. We were quite nervous before the performance, and we all mentally prepared for our performance while also enjoying the performances that the Year 1s and Year 2s had prepared for us. During the actual performance, we managed to complete the dance well with minimal mistakes. We all felt very proud of ourselves because we have spent very long working on the dance to perfect it. After the dance, the singing committee took over and performed their singing of Photograph and Perfect. The dance committee remained on the stage to hype up the singing committee. After that, we showed our video montage that we made for the Year 4s to the 团. Overall, I had a very fun time preparing and performing the dance. I hope the Year 4s had a great time during PDP and I hope they will come back to see us and remember their time in Guides.

This marks the end of Passing Down Parade 2023. Thank you for all the hard work and everything that you have done for us, and thank you for being there for us for the past 3 years. We will miss you greatly and we hope that you would still stop by occasionally during 集合s! 

Published by:

Chin Yan Tong

55届 Secretary