Campfire Preparation, 4th July

Hi Guides!

During this Friday's 集合, all of us got into our respective committees to aid in the preparation for the nearing Anniversary Campfire.

The Pioneering Committees went to the field and continued with their activities, which revolved around finishing up the main frames. The Firewood Committee as well as a few other Committees went over to help the Pioneering Committees. The remaining committees continued their preparations such as the Decorations-souvenir Committee who were doing the souvenirs for the various guests for them to take back something as a memento. Meanwhile, the Songleaders rehearsed to ensure that they were familiar with the songs and actions so as to make the campfire look spectacular. 

After that, the batches were given time to rehearse their batch performances before the Dry Run on Saturday. There was a general improvement and the batches were more cohesive. Everyone had a clearer picture of the performance and it was less messy as compared to previous times.

Overall, everyone managed to work together and were efficient. There was good progress made during this 集合. Also, everyone is pumped up for the 46th Anniversary Campfire! (:

Thoughts from a Year 1...

Pioneering is quite new to me but I have learnt a lot from this Campfire. I have improved on my lashes through these Campfire Preparations because I have many opportunities to tie different lashes. When I am in doubt, I can always ask a senior for help and it really shows "The Tie that Binds", which is the theme of this Campfire.

Thoughts from a Year 2...

All of us did our best in our various pioneering structures despite the hot and sunny weather and the tiredness everyone experienced. We doubled up our speeds as there was insufficient time as we needed to end on time so we could return back homes to rest so we would have energy for tomorrow. This was the last few campfire preparations and all of us had improved and also became more familiarized with what we had to do. It served as a learning experience for all of us too. :)

Thoughts from a Year 3...

Everyone really felt like a part of this campfire and hence everyone put in their best to ensure that it would be a success. The progress was generally a great improvement from previous sessions! However, the Year 3s can definitely step up as the leaders more often. 

Campfire Preparation, 30th June

Hi Guides!

For this Monday, we had campfire performance preparation. It was a session for the Young Adults (YAs) to check on our progress of the performances for the upcoming 46th Anniversary Campfire.

Firstly, we split into our different batches to prepare out batch performances. Then, the Year 3s performed their dance item for the Year 1s and Year 2s. The Year 3s danced to the song Carry You by Union J. Next, it was the Year 2s and Year 1s' turn to perform. Soon after, the YAs gave us time to practice again. 

After that, a YA brought the Year 1s and Year 2s to the open space on Level 2 of Year 3 and Year 4 Block. She practised the transitions between items and also ran through the whole performance with them. Meanwhile, the other YAs altered some of the dance steps in the Year 3s' performance. 

At last, we ran through all the performances once. It started with the Year 1s and Year 2s' performance, followed by the Year 3s' performance. At the end, the YAs gave us comments on our performances. 

Thoughts from a Year 2 about the performance...

During the practice, it was quite hard to get the cooperation of everyone at the start. However, after sometime, everyone understood how to perform the items. On the second time, the Year 1s and Year 2s fared much better. I think that the Year 1s and Year 2s can improve by practising more on our singing and synchronisation in the performance.

Thoughts from a Year 3 about the performance...

Initially, our dance was very messy and uncoordinated as we had very few practices together. A lot of people were unsure of the dance moves and it turned out pretty chaotic. However, since we were given time after that to rehearse the dance over and over again, there was a significant improvement in our dance. Practice makes perfect and I'm sure that we will continue to improve as long as we all try out best i the next few rehearsals.

Hopefully, we will be able to put up a better performance this Friday!

Skills Training Camp, 24th- 25th June

Hi Guides!

On 24th June, there was a Skills Training Camp together with the Enrollment Ceremony for the Year 1s and Passing Down Ceremony for the Year 4s. During the Enrollment Ceremony, the Year 1s receive their Enrollment Badges and are officially recognised as Guides. As for the Passing Down Ceremony, the Year 4s pass their roles on to the Year 3s, who are the new leading batch of the company. 

At the start of STC, we had a mass change parade. For the Year 1s, it was their first time mass changing because they had just received their Guides Uniforms. This taught us the importance of having a greater sense of urgency because the company did 过时. However, there was a general improvement in speed after a few times of mass change. 

Thoughts from a Year 3 about mass change...

When we had to mass change, most of the Y1s were at their wits' ends. Thus, we had to look after them - help them with their uniform, etc. Initially, we kept exceeding the time limit and this made me realize that it was crucial that we look after our juniors and ensure that they are not left behind. I remember how my Y4s and Y3s assisted us in every way possible during our first year in guides, paving the way for us. That really made our life a whole lot easier. Now it is the time for us to do the same and pay it forward!

Next, we had an Obstacle Journey. The Year 1s were new to OJ too!

Station 1

For the first station, we had orienteering and gadgeting. For orienteering, the patrol members had to take turns to use a compass locate pieces of paper with logistics written on them. After that, the patrol members had to build a gadget in line with the theme of "Fun" in 9 minutes. 

Station 2

For the second station, we had to do caterpillar crawl along a corridor while recognizing the various trekking signs along the way. There were forfeits if answered wrongly or if one patrol was slower than the other. After that, we were tested on our fire- lighting skills. We had to start a fire to cook an egg in any way and the test was for us to use as few matches as possible.

Station 3

The third station was the electric fence station. The other patrol mates had to Physical Training such as doing leg raise, 顶 girls' style pumping position etc while one member went through. The aim was to avoid touching the electric fence as there forfeits for touching the electric fence.

Station 4

The fourth station was the First Aid station. The Year 1s, Year 2s and Patrol Leader could talk, while the Year 3s and Year 4s were to remain silent. One member had to either treat the casualties or answer a question while the others did PT. 

Station 5

For station 5, we had to build a roman chariot. The patrol members who were not involved in tying the roman chariot did PT. After that, a patrol member had to be transported on the roman chariot while the patrol members holding the roman chariot collecting pieces of paper to be decoded. The decoded phrase was “A Thousand Years of Friendship”.

Thoughts from a Year 1 about OJ...

Although it was tiring, it was pretty beneficial. At about 2 of the stations required some information from the guides notes. Fortunately, I read some the night before so I managed to answer 1 question. However, I was not able to answer majority of the questions. I was really disappointed with myself because I regretted not reading it with full attention the night before. Overall, it was a good experience.

After OJ, the company had lunch and then it was time for inspection. Again, the Year 1s were new to inspection. We were given 8 minutes to lay out all our personal logistics and three pieces of the layout were given to the company. It was very chaotic initially because everyone was talking and no one could hear the instructions given by the people with the layout. As a result, we had to 集合 and try again. After that, we managed to settle down and listen for instructions, which made the inspection much easier. Everyone was able to follow instructions and standardize the layout of the items. From this, it shows that we should 集合 to sort out what needs to be improved on instead of blindly rushing about which creates more chaos. During inspections, we also need to keep calm and listen out for instructions. Communication is key for inspections so that everyone can standardise the layout. Generally, this inspection was well done as it was neat and standardised.

Thoughts from a Year 1 about inspection...
Inspection was quite okay and wasn’t as bad as I had expected. In fact, it actually turned out quite well although the first practice was a little messy and everyone was shouting. But gradually, after that, everything turned out better. I think it was a good experience but the standard timing would be shorter than the timing given to us, so I believe that we could have been better.

Company games was next and the first game was a ball game. It really allowed us to let loose and bond! Next, was the game whereby the Guides at one side had to cross over to the other side. There were Guides in the middle who would try to catch the Guides crossing over. Also, Guides holding on to a ball could get across safely but the Guides in the middle could catch the balls, meaning the ball could no longer be used. The next game was "the dragon", with the Patrol Leaders as the dragon head and the Patrol Seconds as the end of the dragon. The other patrol members had to stand in between. The Patrol Seconds each had a cloth as the dragon tail and the Patrol Leaders had to lead their patrols to try to steal the tails of other patrols. The game was very exciting and everyone was having fun! We also played the game where we had to find one another while being blindfolded. We had to find our patrols and then our batch, and finally the entire company within 20 seconds. Lastly, we had to form items symbolising Guides as well as the word DHSCOY which was fun and really heartwarming.

Be Prepared

The Tie that Binds

Thoughts from a Year 3 about Company games...

We enjoyed the games prepared by the Y4s very much and it forged one of the last memories that we have with our Y4s. Such memories are truly irreplaceable and I can never imagine how life will be like during 集合 without them.

Next, was time for the different batches to rehearse their Passing Down Parade Performances. After that, was dinner and then Enrollment Ceremony.

Soon, it was time for the Passing Down Ceremony.

After the Passing Down Ceremony officially ended, it was time for wash up and then PDP Performances. The Year 1s sang and danced along to a few songs, and even pulled the seniors up on stage to join them and dance. (: The Year 2s showed a few pictures of each patrol with messages at the end of the video which was very touching! They also danced and sang along to some songs. The Year 3s did a skit recapping some Patrol Leader Training Camp (PLTC) moments which was very funny and entertaining! Then, the Year 3s showed a video featuring the different types of Guides. Lastly, they read out messages to each of their patrol seniors which was heartwarming. Afterwards, the Year 4s showed a video featuring the different types of juniors in Guides. Then, they performed a skit featuring the different types of seniors in Guides which brought about much laughter from the audience! Lastly, they ended off by talking to their patrol juniors and giving out their batch present. It was really a tear- jerking moment for all! This marked the end of PDP and due to the time, exchanging of PDP Presents was postponed to the next day. Eventually, lights out was at around 3am.

Thoughts from a Year 1 about PDP...

I think it was a good experience for me to build up my courage since I did not dare to perform on stage before. I guess I really benefitted from this.

Thoughts from a Year 2 about PDP...

That entire 5 hours of performances was just spectacular and tears were shed. It was definitely a night to remember! We will miss our y4s a lot!!

Thoughts from a Year 3 about PDP...

The heartbreaking moment came when it was time for the passing down ceremony. Everyone bawled really badly and each of us couldn't bear for our Y4s to leave. But now that they have entrusted the patrol to us, we would give in our utmost effort to bring the patrol to greater heights. 

The next day, we had breakfast and exchanging of presents. After that, many took the opportunity to take photos with their patrols. We will definitely miss the Year 4s a lot!

Campfire prep + CIP, 3rd-5th June

Hi Guides!

Over 3 days in the first week of the June holidays, the different patrols took turns to go to school for campfire prep. Most of us did pioneering while the rest helped make the souvenirs or paint the stage backdrop. 

On one of the days, a few patrols went to the Good Shepard Student Care Centre at Caldecott for the CIP which was organised by the YAs. The Good Shepard Student Care Centre provides care for girls aged 7-14. Most of them come from single-parent or low-income families. In this CIP, we interacted with the Primary 3-5 girls through various activities. On the first two days, we did crafts and baking respectively. On the last day, there was a dancing session in the morning and a small carnival was put up in the afternoon. It was fun to interact with the girls who were really lively, and at the same time we bonded with our patrol mates while preparing for and carrying out the CIP:)

Here are some thoughts from the different committees:

Craft - Throughout this CIP, the whole patrol was having fun even if we faced minor difficulties along the way. It was an enriching experience for all of us with many unique memories made for each individual. Also, this CIP allowed our patrol to be even more bonded with time spent and shared memories. We learnt that we needed to be patient while dealing with kids and learn to handle unexpected situations. We could have been more prepared beforehand by knowing the setting of the room and distribution of kids, before splitting the materials and manpower more effectively. However, we were generally able to make do with the situation and it went smoothly. We enjoyed the interaction with the kids and it felt great to know that we could bring joy to them. 

Dance - Although it was tiring, we found it a meaningful experience. Although connecting with the girls came as a challenge at first, we slowly got the hang of handling them, and also had a lot of fun interacting with them. Through this experience, we have gained more insight in the way to interact with the younger generation and felt satisfied seeing the children enjoying the dances. Although we did not meet all of our objectives for this CIP, we are glad that we managed to reach out to some and connect with them, allowing them to feel involved and cared for.

Baking - From this CIP, we have learnt how to step out of our comfort zone as well as how to handle children. We need an immense amount of patience when dealing with children and we learnt that their attention span is very short. Even amongst children, there are cliques and exclusiveness. This may be due to societal or family influence. The programme that we planned out for them was insufficient. Hence, we could have had better planning and estimation of time. We should make it a long term CIP so that we can forge stronger bonds with the children there. Also, the benefits that the children get may be greater and more significant if it is done in the long run. Overall, we enjoyed spending time with the children as it is so heartwarming to see the innocence in them.

Carnival - We found this CIP really meaningful and fun. It was special to us as we were able to bring joy and laughter to the children and also had fun ourselves while interacting with them. We learnt to improvise on the spot and think out of the box as we faced several hiccups in the preparation of the booth. We also learnt to be more patient with the children through this experience and how to give better instructions to them. However, we also feel that our game booths could have a more organized system of functioning to promote efficiency. In the future, we can plan simpler and more interesting games that can better engage the children and we can also try out other types of cip such as tutoring students, bringing children on tours and also to bake food and sell them to raise funds.

The next 集合 will be in the last week of June, in which we will be having STC (Skills Training Camp). The Year 1s' Enrollment Ceremony and Year 4s' PDP (Passing Down Parade) will take place during this camp. Meanwhile, enjoy your holidays!:)