On 22nd August, we learnt how to make new sheets of paper from old, used sheets of paper. The first step was to tear the paper scraps into pieces to make it easier for blending. Next was to soak the paper in water overnight. This softens the fibers, making it, yet again, easier to blend. This was done by the Year 3s beforehand. There were two big buckets full of the paper scraps soaked in water. The seniors briefed us on what to do and we soon got started. We had to blend the paper in a pulp. Our seniors brought their blenders to use. However, it seemed that the power outlet at the General Science Lab was faulty and could not work. Hence, we had to move to another location, which showcased their adaptability and problem-solving skills. Once we moved to the new location, we were finally able to blend the soaked paper into a smooth pulp. Watching the paper transform from soggy scraps into a thick, creamy mixture was fascinating. Each of us took turns pouring portions of the pulp into the blenders, making sure not to overfill them. After blending, the next step was to form the sheets using the moulds. The seniors showed us how to scoop the pulp onto the mould evenly and gently shake it so the fibers would spread out into a uniform layer. After that, we carefully drained the excess water from the pulp. Some of us used sponges to press the pulp lightly, making it firmer and helping it hold together better. Once the sheets were formed, we had to transfer them onto cloths to dry. This required patience, as the wet sheets were delicate and could tear easily. After placing them onto the drying surface, we pressed them lightly with another cloth and a flat board to remove extra moisture and smooth out the surface. Finally, the sheets were left to dry completely. Even though the process was messy and required a lot of care, it was rewarding to see the recycled paper gradually take shape. The paper could be used to write and even plant seeds. By the end of the workshop, we had created usable paper! This activity was not only enjoyable but also educational, as it gave us a hands-on experience of recycling and reminded us of the importance of reusing materials instead of throwing them away.
The Year 3s helped us to set up a workshop called Project Repage. The workshop was to educate us about how much paper wastage is generated in Singapore and how we can solve it. They started off the workshop by showing us how to use a blender to grind the paper which we do not use anymore. It could be old paper, or scraps that we do not use anymore. However, before we put the paper in the blender, we must first let the paper soak in a big basin of water, in order for it to be soggy and hence easier to blend. We also had to rip the paper into several big shreds, which was also another way to make the paper easier to shred. We then placed the paper into a blender, but we had some trouble with the blender, but luckily, we figured it out. We then added some water to the blender and watched the shredding process of the paper. The end result was a greyish substance with some tiny paper chunks. We added the greyish paper substance into a big box of water. It was now time to make our own paper! We used bamboo frames and nets to help shape the paper, and then we used some sponges to help to drain the water in the paper substance in order for the paper to be easier to dry. We were then told to sprinkle some sunflower seeds onto the paper mixture, as after we used the paper, we could always plant it, which makes it even more sustainable. We were all very enlightened by this workshop set by the Year 3s as we learnt a lot from this and we will definitely take more note on how much paper we are using and be more aware in the future. Our planet has limited resources, and we must do what we can to conserve them.
On the 22nd of August, during 集合, the 团 was divided into two groups. One group participated in the paper recycling workshop, while the other focused on building an Indoor Fire Altar. Our patrol was assigned to build the Indoor Fire Altar first. We began by collecting all the necessary logistics, and this was completed fairly quickly. Throughout this initial stage, we continuously 报时ed to keep track of our progress and ensure coordination among patrol members. However, as we started tying the structure together, we noticed that we were beginning to lose our sense of urgency. Confident from our initial speed, we became a little complacent and less attentive to precision. This led to a small but significant issue, one of the tripods were 飞脚, meaning it was not touching the ground. This made our structure very unstable and reminded us that speed alone could not guarantee success. Realizing that we had already gone past the standard timing and that the structure was not yet stable, we quickly snapped back to reality. Our sense of urgency returned, and we focused more intently on the task. We 重抽ed the lashes carefully, ensuring that each lash was secure and the structure was properly balanced. Working together, we coordinated our efforts efficiently, communicating clearly and helping one another where necessary. Although we had exceeded the standard timing, the experience taught us several valuable lessons. We learned the importance of maintaining a sense of urgency, supporting our patrol mates, and paying attention to stability and accuracy in building. Overall, the activity strengthened our teamwork, improved our practical skills, and reminded us that diligence and careful planning are just as important as speed in achieving a successful outcome.
集合 on 22 August was a tough yet fun experience. We got broken up into 2 teams. One team was allocated to build an Indoor Fire Altar while the other group was tasked to participate in a recycling workshop where we had to make recycled paper using paper mache, which both teams would swap tasks after completion. My patrol was allocated to build the Indoor Fire Altar first. As we were short of 2 patrol mates of manpower, we had to work with an even better sense of urgency. A Year 1 and I were in charge of tying the tripods, while the rest tied clove hitches on the tripods. We did not manage to 报时 constantly and as a result, we lost track of time. Our logistics also kept getting kapped by our seniors as we did not take good care of our logistics, reinforcing the value of 照顾好人，照顾好东西. Initially, we thought that we had collected the correct amount of logistics. However, only when we started on the recycling workshop, we realised that we had used the wrong 木to tie the 定脚 as it was too short, as a result, we did not manage to put a 定脚 to support the Mess Tin and the structure was very shaky. After getting comments about the structure from the Year 3s, we realised that the tripod was also 飞脚, and was quite loose. We would definitely have to work on it during lash training more often and read up more on our Guides Notes for future 集合s to prevent such mishaps from happening in the future again. Even though we faced a lot of challenges, due to lack of communication and lack of sense of urgency, we managed to complete the structure in the end and that is something that I am very proud of.
