Sports Enrichment Programme, 28 June 2024

 Hi Guides! 

This holidays, we did Sports Enrichment with sports we do not usually get a chance to experience!

Reflection by a Year 2 from P2: 

On 29 June the Year 2s had kayaking for Sports Enrichment Batch Activity. When we first entered the venue we placed our bags in the locker and changed into our water booties. After that we were given a briefing on how to secure our Personal Floatation Device and also how to hold our paddles. Then we took the kayaks down from the racks and carried them to the gate then the riverside. It then started raining and the lightning alert went off so we went back to the sheltered area and waited about an hour before we got back into the water. The moment we got into the water in our kayaks it started raining again but this time it was safe for us to stay in the water because there was no lightning alert. Many of my batchmates could not see because the rain was dripping down their spectacle lenses but I do not wear spectacles so I was nonchalant and cool as a cucumber. After a while my batchmates got used to it and took off their spectacles too. We started off by learning how to paddle forward and rafting up. It took my batchmates a few minute to paddle correctly and raft up but I was having a little trouble because I was using too much strength and always ended up rafting up on the wrong side. After the coach corrected me I finally could do it. We also learnt many more paddles after that but I the first one we learnt was the only one i used throughout the kayaking session. After that we practised following the coach around, making sure we could paddle straight and go off course as little as possible to save time and energy. This is to get us prepared for the next day's continuation of the kayaking session , where we would have to kayak one hour to the capsize zone and perform the rafted TX rescue to pass our capsize and rescue part of the programme. The next day we came back and were all ready to capsize. First off we had a demonstration on the rafted TX rescue but on land, as the lightning alert was on and we could not go into the water. Then when we were all ready to go into the river and capsize, we were told that the lightning alert was going to last till 11 30 , which would leave us with not enough time to capsize and all of us to pass the capsize and rescue part. We decided in the end to get dismissed and come back during August to complete the programme , hopefully on a day with better weather. This programme was super fun and relaxing once I could paddle properly and I am sure the make up session will be as well.

Reflection by a Year 2 from P4:

During the Year 2s sports enrichment activity, we did kayaking at stadium, Water Sports Centre. There, many of us are able to try out kayaking as a new activity and this is our first time trying it out. The coaches taught us about how to carry the kayaks down from the shelves and how we should bend down with one knee and lift the kayak with our leg strength rather than using your arm strength just by itself. At first, I did not think that the kayak looked heavy however I realized I need my fellow friend’s help to carry a kayak. We were then instructed to carry our kayaks towards the grass patch. We learned the importance of working together and this will make things much faster and easier. However, half way through it, there was a downpour and the lightning alert went off. We were then waiting for the rain to subdue in the shelter with our wet PFDs. There, we waited for an hour and anticipated the kayaking session. After the rain became lighter, we continued to transport the kayak towards the grass patch, then we went to the river bank and got ready to kayak. At first, all of us were uncertain about the paddling techniques shown to us on shore, furthermore, the kayak was not stable when you first sit in when on water. We learned how to sit properly in the kayak so that it will not capsize, however many of us were struggling with the paddling techniques taught and had to seek our coaches assistance on water. However, there were hindrances made where the rain returned quite heavily. It was more difficult to navigate through with poor vision quality and concentrate on what the coaches are talking about from the loud splashes. However, after being corrected patiently by the coaches, we soon got use to the paddling techniques and are able to control the direction of the kayak. We also learned how to stop our kayaks by drawing and we had lots of fun. Moreover, we learned that we should pay attention when one’s speaking so that we can get the techniques right the first time and be more self-disciplined. After practices and tasks the coaches asked us to do, we were getting quite used to how to paddle the kayak. The next day, we got to learn the TX rescue where we practised on ground since it was bad weather condition. In case of capsising, you can help your friend to overturn her kayak on water. It is an essential rescue method and we are taught to be prepared anytime when someone requires assistance. Overall, we had a lot of fun as the activity really enriched our values and experiences.

Reflection by a Year 1 from P4:

On 28 June 2024, we had our Aikido Sports Enrichment where two instructors from an Aikido Sports center taught us more about Aikido, about its main purpose and what the skills we would be learning can be used for. The instructors laid out a mat for us to train on so that we do not get injured. We were all very excited to learn Aikido and did our best to follow the instructors. The instructors then greeted us in Japanese and taught us how to reply. First we started with some simple warm-ups such as squats, stretching and many more. This was to make sure that we would get muscle strained later on when we started training. Next, we went on to learn rocking, whereby we would learn and know how to stand back up after probably getting pushed by someone down onto the floor, ensuring that we do not hit or damage one of the most crucial parts of in our body; the head. Aikido in Japanese characters is 合气, that means we should not fight the force of the attacker, but use the force from the attacker to defend ourselves. Not only does this method ensure that we don’t overly exert ourselves, but it also helps us protect ourself from a stronger enemy or opponent. During the training, it was a bit confusing for some of us because it was hard for us to follow the movements correctly. The instructors were very patient and kind, making sure that we could understand properly. After the instructors did a demonstration in slow motion, we would get into pairs to practice. When we could not carry out the movements, the instructors would come around to teach us the movements and would watch us perform the action and then help correct us. We learnt what to do when someone grabs our wrist and doesn't let go. There were 2 methods, the first method was for people to use to lock their wrist so they can't move but in the case of the person being really strong, we have another method to use to lock their arm just so that when they try to stand up, their arm would be really pain and therefore can't stand. Through this Enrichment, we learnt more about self-defence. Through this, as we had to work in pairs, we had to mix with different people and therefore got to know more about our batch mates. With this, we felt a sense of camaraderie between all of us which is much cherished. All in all, it was not only a new, but also enjoyable first try at Aikido. We are very grateful that we were given this chance to learn self-defence.

Reflection by a Year 1 in P2:

We did Aikido for the sports enrichment activity. At first we did not know what was Aikido, we thought it was similar to Taekwondo. During the process of learning aikido, we learnt that Aikido is not used to fight with others but to protect yourself from harm. We also learnt that Aikido means harmonious spirit. At the start of the activity we greeted our instructors and batchmates in Japanese as a form of respect for our opponents and pur instructors. Similarly, we also ended the lesson in Japanese. We have learnt a lot of self defence moves to protect ourselves. It was very fun to try these moves, where we normally see them on television, in real life. It was really hard to get the hang of Aikido as some of the steps were very confusing. However in the end with the help of our batchmates and the instructors, we slowly got the hang of it. We practised on each other and gave each other tips on how to improve our technique of Aikido. This was when we realised that as long as we have each other we can succeed. This also has bonded us and thus we became even closer than before. We learnt how to break a fall which will come handy in future situations where we suddenly lose balance or trip and fall. We also learnt how to break free from a strong grip to protect ourselves from people who try to harm us. Overall, it was really fun and enriching for us and it really helped our batchmates to bond! We hope in the future we can use this skills to protect not only ourselves and others when in danger. I am glad to have learnt Aikido as I am very sure it will be very useful in the future. With this skill we can keep ourselves safe in the future and out of harm. I hope that in the future, our batchmates can be more bonded through these activities and get to know each other more. To sum it up, it was a very fun activity and we learnt many valuable lessons and bonded with each other.

Published by:

Chan Zi Xuan

56届 Secretary

Passing Down Parade, 18 June 2024

Hi Guides! Today was the day the Year 4s handed over the 团 to the Year 3s as the new 领导层, which was a bittersweet experience.


Reflection from a Year 1 on Mass Games:

On the day of the Passing Down Parade, there was a Mass Games event where we had to play games for clues to figure out the identities of 3 unknown identities of the Year 4s. For the first game we played, we had to light matches to start a Signal Fire and keep it burning for two minutes. Although there were many failed attempts at lighting the fire, we encouraged each other and ultimately lit all three matches required to start the Signal Fire. The next game we played was “Human Knot”, where we had to stand in a circle and hold the hands of the person opposite us. Although some Patrol mates found it a little awkward at first as they were uncomfortable with physical touch, all of us quickly became fine with it. During the game of “Human Knot”, there was some confusion in the first two rounds as to where we were supposed to position ourselves and move to, for example, which led to some of us getting stuck in an even messier “Human Knot”. Nevertheless, in the third round, we quickly untangled ourselves, so we did not 过时. After we finished the “Human Knot” game, we were going to play another game when we encountered another Patrol. Some members of the other patrol tried to rip off the pieces of duct tape on our sleeves since it was past the thirty-fifth minute mark into the game, which resulted in some chaos. After the encounter, our patrol played the last game, where we had to find several post-it notes scattered about the location of the game and answer the questions on them. Since our patrol had forgotten to revise the Guides Notes, we had difficulty answering the questions, which in hindsight, could have easily been resolved. However, we still managed to answer all questions after some consideration. Before long, the Mass Games had ended and we had to 集合. We did not manage to complete all the games but we had one of the closest guesses for who the secret Year 4s were out of all the patrols. In conclusion, it was an exciting activity to foster trust and teamwork between patrols. Through this experience, I also realised that I needed to study the Guides Notes better.

Reflection from a Year 2 on Mass Games:

During the Mass Games we were required to find different stations to obtain clues on three unknown identities of our Year 4s. The first station that we went to made us play the game “Human Knot”. The first round was extremely hard for us, and we were almost unable to unravel ourselves within the time limit. However, during the second round, our communication and problem-solving skills improved, and we quickly managed to unravel ourselves in about 2 minutes. The next station required us to sing Guides songs. As the Year 1s were unfamiliar with the songs, it was mostly the Year 2s and Year 3s who were singing. Nonetheless, they tried to include the Year 1s as much as possible by singing and dancing slower so that the Year 1s could keep up, giving us an opportunity to bond as a Patrol. Following that, we had to search for seven post-it notes containing trivia questions on the Guides Notes’ content. Initially, we struggled as we did not revise the Guides Notes. Nonetheless, after some hints, we managed to get all the answers within the time limit. While travelling from this station to the next station, we came across another Patrol and ended up attempting to grab their duct tape, spending a lot of time doing so. We should have kept track of time better so that we would not have wasted so much of it trying to get the duct tape. In the end, we did not manage to complete all the stations and we 过时 by about 5 minutes. Nevertheless, this was still a fulfilling experience in terms of Patrol bonding, and I learnt the importance of constantly keeping track of time and will put in more effort into studying the Guides Notes.

Reflection from a Year 1 on Batch Activity:

On 18 June, we had our batch training. We did 3 sets of two minutes leg raise, one minute 站马, 15 burpees and 15 jumping jacks. It was extremely tiring and very draining but fun enough for us to enjoy. While doing the physical training, we did some guides cheers as a batch to motivate and cheer one another on to continue pushing on. Some of our Year 4 seniors were there to support us throughout the training, giving us their encouragement. After the 3 sets, which is only the 1st round, we did another 35 minutes alternate leg leg raise and a few runs around the level while holding 2 of our batch mates’ water bottles. To do that, we were separated into 2 groups. We decided to take advantage of the situation we were in by having one group cheering us on while the other group ran. During the run, some of us were already exhausted, so we decided to brisk walk. The other group said that it was alright, but we felt quite bad after we did two rounds to see them struggling to keep the leg raise. The Year 4 senior accompanying us reminded us that our batch mates were still doing the leg raise, getting us to pick up the pace. We checked in on each other to see if she was alright, showing the care and concern among batch mates, which was endearing. We did all together (number) laps around the level. After finishing off our physical training, we did Just Dance, which was really fun and we were able to relax and enjoy our time together for a while before our batch activity was over. We danced to many Just Dance videos, which includes Waka Waka, Happy, Call Me Maybe and many more. Through that morning's batch activity, we learnt to train up our stamina and work together as a batch. This training has helped us bond together more and build stronger friendships which one another, which is a important aspect in getting though Guides CCA. Adding on, we are glad to have officially enrolled into Girl Guides too!

Reflection from a Year 2 on Batch Activity:

We started off with collecting our logistics to build a Shoe Rack , Emergency Shelter and Kitchen Shelter. The collection of logistics was quite slow but I think the batch improved from previous times as we had more communication this time round. After collecting our logistics, P1 and P2 grouped together to build a Shoe Rack and later on, Kai Xin and Kyla joined in. P4 and P6 grouped together to build the Emergency Shelter. P3 was taking the Metal Mallets for our Kitchen Shelter with Ms Chang. It was our first time building a Shoe Rack on our own but we remembered how to do it from previous 集合s. Despite this our Shoe Rack 飞脚 a lot and later on I learnt that this was due to us not 顶ing the structure well enough. P4 and P6 finished the Emergency Shelter and came over to help us complete our Shoe Rack. After that we started building the Kitchen Shelter. We were given 50 minutes. We started off with laying out our Canvas Sheet. That took us awhile as the space was limited and we had to lay it out correctly so there would be no complications later on. After that we laid out our 木. After tieing both the Square Lashes on the 深蓝木, we found out we were supposed to tie a 八字结 to the Canvas Sheet and then Timberhitch onto the 深蓝木 to start the lash. Hence we had to re-do it and that wasted a lot of time. Our batchmates who had nothing to do had to do forfeits while we re-did the lashes to get us to be more efficient. Then we finally 起ed the Kitchen Shelter. After that we took pacings and hammered the Arthurs into the ground. Then we connected the guylines and started to 抽. It took us awhile as we had to 重抽 some of the guylines. After that we secured the 青木s in place with guylines. This in total took 55 minutes. This surpassed the standard timing and I think that in the future we can work with a better sense of urgency , allocate our manpower better to make sure work is getting done and also 报时 more to let the whole batch know how much time we have left. I think someone should have stepped up to look at the bigger picture and also to make sure we were all on task and knew what was happening. We did have a high morale and were cheering every 5 minutes.

Reflection from a Year 1 on Passing Down Parade:

A few days before this last Guides 集合 with the Year 4s, it was very hectic as I had to get ready my 全制 for the first time. As it was going to be my first time wearing the full 全制, I wanted to perfect everything. As it was the first time that I was attending the Passing Down Parade in Guides, I did not know the procedures well. The first activity for the Year 1s was Physical Training. It was one of the first few group PT sessions that I had attended and it was certainly not easy. After this PT session, we proceeded to play Just Dance with two Year 4s who were facilitating the activity. They were both coincidentally from my patrol and they livened the atmosphere by dancing enthusiastically. After lunch, we were tasked to write a letter to our future self. I found it very meaningful as it was something I had always wanted to try but did not make time for. After this, we had Mass Change. We were only given seven minutes and as it was my first time, I required lots of help from my seniors with my 全制. Then, we had the PDP and Enrolment Ceremony for the Year 1s. It lasted for a long time and I was finally officially a Girl Guide! I had a great surprise when Cheryl from my patrol had become the next Company Leader. I was truly ecstatic. We gathered in the Music Atrium for our batch performances and “thank you” speeches to our Year 4s to bid them goodbye. For the Year 1s, we sang “High Hopes” and danced to “Happy”. Then, Year 1s from each patrol thanked our seniors for the time we had spent with them. Every batch had their performance and soon, it was over. All the Year 4s gathered on stage and sang a song, and thereafter they shared their experiences in Guides over the four years. The Year 4s shared how they managed to cope, and their memories over the years. A lot of us got emotional and teared up. What motivated me most was that some Year 4s shared how they had disliked Guides at first, but grew to love and treasure it. Lastly, the day ended with our gift exchange and hugs. I am really thankful to the Year 4s who have guided and gifted me advice and knowledge, making the first half a year of my Guiding journey so memorable.

Reflection from a Year 2 on Passing Down Parade:

I believe passing down parade was a very meaningful and important event. First, we had mass change. As the year ones have not experienced mass change before, it was quite messy and unorganised and as a Year 2, I quickly changed into my 全制. However, in my rush, I forgot to 报时 and we were had to be reminded to 报时 more often. After changing into my 全制, I went to go help the year ones with arranging their scarves and hang their PE uniform on their hangers. This reminded me of the importance of constant 报时 in order to keep track of time and ask for time extension before we 过时. During passing down parade, we had to 拍马蹄. However, it was a bit messy as some of us did not memorise the procedure. Hence, I learnt the importance of familiarising myself with the procedures a day before. Familiarising myself with what the steps after forming the horseshoe formation are is also of utmost importance. We also had to properly memorise the commands. After that, we had the year one enrolment ceremony. During the enrolment ceremony, everyone except the year ones who had not enrolled yet had to 敬礼 to the flag as the colour party walked behind us. As the year ones recite the Guides Promise, everyone except those who were not enrolled had to recite the Guides Promise with them. This was a very meaningful experience watching the year threes become 领导层 and get new patrol and 团 roles. This also encouraged me to work harder in the future and try my best. Overall this is an experience that allowed us to learn and grow despite being the last 集合 with the Year 4s.

Reflection from a Year 1 on Batch Performance:

As I reflect on my batch's performance of "High Hopes" and "Happy" during the Passing Down Parade, I am filled with a mix of emotions, happiness and sadness. Happiness, because I got to be a part of this amazing Uniformed Group, Girl Guides, and create unforgettable memories together. Sadness, because it was our Year 4s’ last 集合 with us, and it was hard to say goodbye. Singing "High Hopes" and dancing to "Happy" was a blast! Seeing everyone's smiling faces, hearing our voices harmonise, and feeling the energy of the crowd was incredible. It was a moment of pure joy, and I felt so proud to be a part of Guides. We worked hard together, supported each other, and lifted each other up, which is what Guides is all about. As I looked around at my fellow Guides, I saw the Year 4s beaming with pride, and my heart swelled with gratitude. They have taught me so much about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. They have shown me that even during tough times, we can find happiness and support in each other. During the performance, I remembered the times they encouraged me to take risks, to try new things, and to believe in myself. As we danced and sang together as a batch, I felt a sense of sadness wash over me. I did not want this moment to end, did not want to say goodbye to our Year 4s. In the end, our performance was more than just a song and dance, it was a celebration of our Guiding journey thus far together, of the laughter, tears, and memories we have shared. It was a reminder that even as we move on to new chapters in our lives, the lessons we learn and the friendships we make will always be a part of us.

Reflection from a Year 2 on Batch Performance:

During our CCA session on 18 June, it was the Passing Down Parade, which meant that our Year 4 seniors would be stepping down and would no longer be attending any more 集合s. Leading up to the day, we wanted to make sure that our Year 4s had a memorable CCA session, and that we could commemorate our last 集合 together with our performance and video montage. During our batch performance, we sang two Taylor Swift songs: Long Live and Love Story. The two songs represented the time that we have spent with our Year 4s seniors, our appreciation towards them, and our sadness to see them step down. After we finished singing, we passed thank you cards to our seniors to show how grateful we were to them for all that they have done, and their guidance throughout the past one and a half years that we have been in the Guides CCA. After our singing performance, we also watched a video montage made by one of our talented batchmates. The video had pictures of our many 集合s and Patrol Activities with the Year 4s, and other events such as last year's Annual Training Camp and our 55th Anniversary Campfire. There was also a clip inside the montage, and some messages from the Year 2s that we wrote to show our appreciation for the Year 4s seniors.It was truly sad that the Year 4s were stepping down, but we are all grateful for the help and advice that they have given us during their time in Guides. Time really flies, and although we wish that they did not have to step down so soon, we do know that is not possible, and we wish them all the best.

These memories will stay with us forever, as we bid farewell to our Year 4s. As pictures say a thousand words, here are additional pictures.

To our seniors, we will miss you! And to the new Year 3s who are going to lead the 团, good luck to them! 

Published by:

Chan Zi Xuan

56届 Secretary