Centenary World Thinking Day, 4th March

Hi Fellow Guides! Last Saturday, our whole 团 went to the Botanical Gardens to celebrate the annual World Thinking Day with other Girl Guides from all over Singapore as well. It was a large-scaled event and many of us had a lot of fun during the celebration. Here are some reflections from our guides who will be sharing on what they felt about the event on a whole! :-)

Reflections from a Year 1:

This picnic is a new experience for me as I have never seen so many people picnicking together. At first, I was very excited and was in very high spirits. My patrol and I shared the food that we bought. On top of that, we also bonded through talking and taking photos. However, a while later, it started to rain, and our spirits were dampened by the unpredictable weather. Although my friend and I decided to step aside to get a glimpse of the stage hoping it would lift our spirits, it did not as the weather was rather discouraging and caused much inconvenience. Nonetheless, I feel really grateful to be given this opportunity to have a picnic with my patrol and everyone else in girl guides and I hope that we can do this again.

Reflections from a Year 2:

I felt that the Centenary Celebration World Thinking Day at Botanic Gardens was very fun and enjoyable. Even though it rained throughout the whole event, we held our umbrella up, which created a magnificent view. The event which I found striking to me was the fact that we broke a Singapore record, which is the biggest breakfast picnic turnout in Singapore. We were sharing food that we brought as a whole 团 and I felt really contented sitting with my patrol mates and passing food around to fill our empty stomachs. The performances were also entertaining as the choir formed by many guides and brownies from other school sang many songs. The guides and brownies from all the different schools also created a blue and brown ocean on the fields at Botanical Gardens, and it was truly an amazing sight to see all guides and brownies over Singapore gather together to make this happen. On top of that, this event created an awesome patrol bonding time as we sat together with our patrol members and had a lot of time to talk to one another, which made this event very fruitful to me. Hence, I felt that I really enjoyed this event immensely and I am looking forward to attending more interesting events like this.

Reflections from a Year 3:

The centenary walk at Botanic Gardens was really enjoyable as we got to spend time with each other and celebrate 100 years of guiding which is remarkable. Although the walk started out with a heavy rain, it was still fun as we got to spend time and talk to each other—something we do not get to do very often. After the walk, we sat down on a grass patch and had a picnic among all the guides from other schools. Even though the rain got heavier, the ground got even more muddy, and we almost completely drenched, I liked how no one was really complaining and instead, we were all enjoying one another’s presence and the food which we all brought to share for the picnic. Furthermore, we managed to break the Singapore record for the largest number of people having a picnic together and I found this really special as we would not have been able to do it without everyone's teamwork and unity. It was not just among us Dunman High guides but also included guides from other schools and countries as well. During the celebration,  they also mentioned previous guides who went on to achieve great things in life like Ms Lee Li Hui, the first Singaporean woman who scaled Mount Everest in 2009 who said that joining guides helped her be more confident outdoors. I feel that this can be a learning point for all of us and teach us to embrace the guiding spirit a little more.

Reflections from a Year 4:

I feel that this year’s World Thinking Day celebration was more interesting than previous years as it was held in Botanical Gardens unlike previous years where it was held within schools. Although it started raining not long after the programme started, it was still really memorable as it was my last Thinking Day celebration and we really got to bond with our juniors more. There were also programmes that I feel were really interesting such as the centenary walk and the breaking of a Singapore record. The programmes were also quite nice and meaningful such as dance performances by Brownies and Guides as well as the the showcase of past Guides who made significant contributions to Guiding and the society. I believe that the event would be more fun if we could have been more enthusiastic and shown greater participation in the activities. Overall, I feel that the event was quite well planned as it is not easy to plan programmes for Brownies, Guides, Young Adults and Guiders all over Singapore. I feel proud that I could be part of this celebration, especially because this year marks the 100th year of Guiding in Singapore. 

All in all, it was an extremely enjoyable event for all of us and we would like to thank the planning committee for taking the time and effort to put up such an amazing event! :D

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 3rd March

Hi Fellow Guides! Last Friday, we had a fun 集合 with 6 stations planned out for the company, and it was truly an extremely enjoyable and out-of-the-box activity. Here is what happened.

First of all, Guides were given the following instructions:

“Guides are now tasked to go on a treasure hunt to find 6 hidden precious treasures, however there are many others who want the treasures equally as much. Your time is limited, but first you need to make sure you will be prepared for the journey into the unknown. Now you have 5 minutes to get whatever tools you deem necessary for the treasure hunt, all except solid fuel. No additional walking sticks (spars)  are required, the terrain is not too bad.

5 minutes to pack 配备 -

Each patrol has a checklist of 6 items to collect from the different stations as stated in the package, however the station locations are not given. Instead, there are clues of all the stations given to the PLs and they will have to decode the clues. All the necessary logistics should be with you already.

If 2 patrols arrive at the same station, the patrol that had arrived first will have priority, the patrol that had arrived later will have to come back later. (The instructions to respective stations will be written on paper and placed at the station)

You know the treasures but you don’t know where they are and you don’t know how to get them. With nothing in hand, 德明女童军 are you prepared and skilled to find the treasures? You have until 1700 to collect all or as many treasures as possible. 集合 back at GSL at 1700. Your amazing race starts now.

Note:

If Guides do not solve the Guides code by 20 minutes, the decoded version will be revealed”

Afterwards, they embarked on the various stations according to their respective station order.

Station 1:

Patrols will have access to all the logistics in 团部 to build a creative gadget that represents their patrol. After building the gadget, take a patrol photo with it. 

Reflection from a Year 3…

For station 1 we had creative gadgeting outside the 团部, and the task was to build a gadget that would best represented our patrol. Keeping the requirements in mind, we chose to build a tripod with a flower/star on it made out of 中短木s, because we are from P3 Jasmine, and stars shine in darkness. In this aspect, we hoped to present our hope to be able to be resilient and do our best as a patrol even when faced with challenges. The tripod provided stability for the gadget and it was also a representation of how we are able to support each other in times of need. Even though there were no station masters, I liked how we made it a point to 报时 and cheer constantly without being told to do so. This station was also relatively different from the usual stations and I felt that it trained us to think out of the box instead of always being so structured and only knowing how to build the same, typical gadgets we always build. All in all, I think it was a fun station.

Station 2:

“You found some dirty water and the eggs that you have been searching for! Follow your checklist, not a part of the egg (including the inside) will be wasted. So now what?”

Suggested Solution:

Water filter: 

1. Line the cut bottle with fabric

2. FIll the bottle with materials in this order: sand, gravel, pebbles, rocks

3. Pour the muddy water into the filter and collect filtered water with the mess tin

Firelighting: 

Guides are to collect dried bamboo leaves, twigs and other kindlings from the surrounding area to boil. (Solid fuel can only be used in the event of wet weather). Matchboxes will come from their individual 配备s.

Outdoor Cooking:

Guides to hard-boil the eggs and peel off the shell. After which they will eat the eggs and collect the peeled egg shell as a treasure, they can store the peeled egg shell together with the package they were given from the start.

Reflection from a Year 3…

It took us a while to find station 2. The first sign we spotted was a mask hung deliberately on bamboo. Later on, we found the materials provided in a box. I believe that the juniors were great at this station as they remembered how to filter water, with the sequence of putting the rocks and sand in in order. A year 1 volunteered her hair tie to hold the cloth in place as well which was pretty sweet. Afterwards, we boiled the water and egg in front of the stairs by the walkway. From this activity, I could feel that our patrol mates who prepared the fire and held the water over the fire to drip slowly were fast and patient, which is really commendable. While it was very hot and some had to squat most of the time to tend to the fire, no one complained about the uncomfortable situation. Instead, we were all working hard and trying our best at this station. I appreciate that everyone was attentive and had a sense of urgency throughout this station, helping each other out and always looking for ways to help each other. 

Station 3:

“Build a shelter that can fit half your patrol, then take a patrol photo.”

Suggested Solution:

Enlarged emergency shelter using spars and groundsheet.

Reflection from a Year 3…

During Friday's Patrol Activity (PA), I had the greatest impression on Station 3 which was at the General Science Lab (GSL). 1.5. The cryptic message actually meant the staircase between the first and second floor of the GSL. There, we were tasked to build an emergency shelter that could fit all of the patrol members inside and materials were provided at the staircase to aid us. However, we decided to tie 白绳 onto ponchos instead and tie it to the staircase. Not only would it be faster and easier to build, it would also be faster to dismantle. After we had finished, everyone went underneath and took a patrol photo. It was rather cozy and we got to bond with the year ones while teaching them the leashes in a fun and interactive way.

Station 4:

“These are some of the tools you have to create an elevated platform on which Sleeping Beauty can sleep on. After she falls asleep take a selfie/ wefie with her on the bed (not just the empty bed).”

Reflection from a Year 3…

This station really tested our creative skills as we are supposed to build a bed. Fortunately, we were able to think of a suitable elevated bed quickly. However, we were rather slow in tying the quadpod as we lacked a sense of urgency since no time limit was given. In accordance to this, I feel that we should have maintained a high sense of urgency even when it is nor enforced so as to ensure that we are able to work efficiently at all times. A problem we faced was that the mattress wasn’t able to fit properly in the quad pod as we didn’t measure it before tying. This was a careless blunder as we should have taken note of the measurements since it would affect the whole structure. Nonetheless, it was a good station to test our creativity skills and our ability to meet the aim of the station. I feel that this station was quite different from the usual structure building as it required us to apply our skills and be creative. It was also one of the most interesting stations I have ever done.

Station 5:

“Construct your own patrol hopscotch (unique!) using these tools

Record a video of all your patrol members playing your very own hopscotch!”

Reflection from a Year 3…

Initially, we had trouble figuring out the clue to this station. However, with the quick thinking of a patrol mate, we managed to make it to the open area beside 2D and 2E. Our task was to build a creative patrol hopscotch, and film a video of every patrol member hopping across it. We found another patrol there but as they had finished their hopscotch already, we immediately started work on our own hopscotch with the leftover 木, so as to avoid time wastage and be able to complete more stations. After observing the other patrol's hopscotch, we realised that many of them tripped over as each square was relatively small. Thus, we decided to increase the distance between each horizontal 木 for our hopscotch, so that it would not pose a safety hazard to our patrol members. I felt that our patrol morale was fairly high as we had managed to complete 2 stations before that, which lifted our spirits. We constantly cheered and 报时-ed. It was rather fun and as it was not a rigorous station and furthermore, we had the opportunity to bond with our patrol mates. Within minutes, we managed to complete our hopscotch and immediately tried it out. As expected, we hopped across it without much trouble due to the wide area available for us to hop on. Overall, it was a relatively enjoyable station as everyone got to share our creative ideas.

Station 6:

Patrols are to learn the Centenary dance and look for Elaine/ Melanie to present the dance to them. However Elaine/ Melanie will always be on the move, thus they will have to look for either one of them. After Elaine/ Melanie approves of the dance, they will sign on the checklist and their treasure is redeemed. (Elaine/Melanie: Company Leader and Assistant Company Leader respectively)

Reflection from a Year 3…

The centenary dance station was a station to ensure that we knew how to dance to the song in time for the actual centenary celebration. I feel that the process of learning the dance was fun even though our dance was quite a flop when we showed it to Elaine. Our movements were awkward and we definitely had no ace dancer in our patrol to begin with, but I find that that this made it even more fun. We learnt the dance from scratch together, messed up together, laughed together, and it was a memorable and enjoyable experience that we had created—together. Although we all should have revised the centenary dance on our own instead of relying on activities during CCA to get us familiarised with it, I still think that an experience where we’re all learning together- and from each other- isn’t all that bad either.

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 24th February

Hello guides! :D Last Friday, we had skills training where we imparted many skills to the Year 1s. Here are the details of what happened as well as what the Year 3s felt about the experience.

Station 1:

At this station, the Year 1s were given guidance on how to tie basic lashes such as square lashes, diagonal lashes and many others on spars.

For station 1, the Year 1s were taught how to tie the basic Guides lashes such a square lash, diagonal lash, netting etc. and common misconceptions that came with tying the lashes were clarified. I think this station was really important as it helped the Year 1s to recap their lashes and afterwards, they were tested to see if they could do it in time within the time limit which gave us (the seniors) a rough idea of their standard. It also helped them clear any common doubts they might have had such as when to tie a down to up lash, etc. so that they would be able to be more clear and confident when tying their lashes. This station was also a revision for the year 3s as it addressed many common mistakes that we are prone to making when tying lashes, thus we would be sure to avoid these mistakes in the future.

Station 2:

At this station, the proper and standard form of Physical Training (PT) was reinforced to all guides, while at the same time teaching the Year 1s about the proper way to do the various exercises

Station 2 was rather unique as it was a PT station where we got to learn about the different types of PT in guides. We did the PT in different sets and got to train our resilience as well as physical fitness through the more physically demanding PT such as burpees and planking, and our patrol cohesion for the caterpillar crawl. During the caterpillar crawl, we had fun bonding with our patrol mates as our Patrol Leader forbade people from the same batch to sit together and this encouraged us to interact more with our juniors. Our morale was also high as everyone cheered to lift our spirits and boost the morale. Overall, this station was rather helpful as the Year 2s and Year 3s got to clear up some of the misconceptions we had about the various PT, and thus would be able to do them correctly in future. The Year 1s were also able to gain an insight into the ways in which the PT was done, so as to prevent confusion and time wastage during future 集合s. Personally, I felt that the crabwalk was the most challenging as it mostly depended on our arm muscles, and my arms have never exactly been strong. However, this station allowed all of us to improve on our weaknesses and train our standards. Although it was tiring, this station certainly was helpful and I'm glad that we were able to bond as 2 patrols.

Station 3:

This station was one which aimed to teach the Year 1s how to build a kitchen shelter by stimulating the conditions needed for building one. Although the activity was held outside the library due to wet weather conditions, the main ideas of the structure were passed on to the juniors nonetheless.

At this station, we taught the year ones the steps on how to build a kitchen shelter. The Year 1s were fast learners and managed to get the hang of it rather quickly. Overall, it was a good experience for me as it helped refresh my memory on how to build the kitchen shelter, which I admit that I have not been completely sure about it until then. Nonetheless, we could have worked faster even while having to guide the Year 1s so as to show a good example to our juniors.

Published by:
Chen Wei
48th Batch Secretary

Patrol Activity, 20th February

Hi fellow guides :-) Last Monday, we had Patrol Activity where the various patrols carried out some activities. Here are some reflections from the Year 3s.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 1:

During Monday's Patrol Activity (PA), we were split into our different batches. The year threes (Y3) were tasked to build a shoe rack which could at least hold six pairs of shoes. Also, in order to obtain logistics, we had to do physical training (PT). Some physical training included running one round around the General Science Lab (GSL), jumping jacks, lunges and others. It was a very interesting and fun experience. During that time, the year twos (Y2) and year ones (Y1) were also building other structures with gadget poles or learning how to tie leashes. In the end, we had a patrol corner to get to know the Y1s better and improve our relationships with each other.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 2:

We were given 13 mins to tie 3 emergency shelters, 2 dome tents and 2 flagpoles. The seniors later extended the timing to 15 mins as the wind was making it difficult for us to erect the structures. However, we still 过时-ed and were thus punished. I think that we should have a better sense of urgency and improve on our communication skills as these would help us to work faster and more efficiently in the future. All in all, this was a good experience for us in learning how to deal with the weather and to show a sense of urgency despite the circumstances.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 3:

For Monday’s Patrol Activity, we did foot drills in preparation for World Thinking Day before revising our lashes with the Year 1s. As they were still relatively new to Guides, I felt that it was important for them to start familiarising themselves with the most basic lashes such as the square lash and diagonal lash as these are important for building many different structures in Guides. Thus, it is important for us (as seniors) to help the Year 1s build a strong foundation when it comes to lashes so that they will be able to master it well. During this activity, the Year 2s were supposed to teach them the lashes while we were supposed to look out for any mistakes. I felt that this was no doubt a good learning experience for us. By testing us on identifying common mistakes made during the tying, we would take note not to make such mistakes especially since PLTC is just round the corner. Moreover, watching the Year 2s teach them about the basics of the lashes also served as a revision for ourselves. All in all, although the PA was mostly centered on the Year 1s and helping them with the basic Guides techniques, it also served as a good learning opportunity for us too.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 4:

In Patrol Activity, we went through the basic lashes with the Year 1s. The lashes included square lash and diagonal lash. We were split into 2 groups, with Hsin Yue going through lashes with the Year 2s while Beverly and Xin Jie, together with the Year 3s, taught the Year 1s how to tie the basic lashes. Lin Min, Clara, Beverly and Xin Jie each taught 1 Year 1 while I demonstrated the lashes. After that, Hsin Yue went through the first half of the dance we had to learn for the upcoming Centenary World Day Celebration. Once again, we were split into 2 groups, with Hsin Yue teaching the Year 3s while Xin jie and Beverly taught the Year 1s and 2s. Later on, we came together as one patrol again, with Hsin Yue leading the dance. My most important takeaway is from the experience of teaching the Year 1s lashes as I think we could have improved by giving clearer instructions and speaking louder so that the Year 1s will be able to understand what we say more easily. Nonetheless, it was an enriching experience and I would like to have more of these activities.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 5:

Monday's Patrol Activity (PA) was rather relaxed. For Patrol 5, we had split into two groups, one with the Year 3s and the other with the Year 1s and 2s. The Year 3s had to build two emergency shelters and one flagpole, and we decided to start off with the flagpole. I was quite pleased with it as I felt that we had worked with a sense of urgency and constant 报时. However, we took too long to build the two emergency shelters and our sense of urgency began to decrease in the later part of the activity. As a result, we had to ask for time extensions. After that, we sat down to teach the Year 1s how to build the various structures. All in all, this PA had helped us to revise our structures and I hope for more PAs where we get to review all the structures that we have learnt.

Thoughts from a Year 3 from Patrol 6:

First of all, we were given 7 minutes to collect all logistics needed to build an 8-men tent. Then, we were given 30 minutes to build it. A condition of the activity was that 2 people, of different batches, had to come out once every 5 minutes to do some Physical Training (PT). To our dismay, we found that we had taken a dome tent instead of an 8-men tent thus we wasted precious time changing it. Even after changing the tent and receiving guidance from seniors,  we were rather slow in setting up the tent as we were confused about the number of pacings and the main upright kept shifting out of position. The Year 1s were also just starting to get used to the lashes and took some time tying each one of them, while the Y2s had to guide them with patience. Our patrol morale was also extremely low and no one felt a strong sense of motivation to complete the tent on time. Apart from that, we also became too focused on our tent and started neglecting the condition of the activity. As a result, we had to do a forfeit as we had forgotten to come out to do PT on multiple occasions. From then on, we tried our best to improve and regularly reminded one another to take note of the time. In the end, we managed to complete the tent, even though it was somewhat substandard. Afterwards, the Year 4s then gave us feedback on our tent and what could be done to improve it, such as the tautness of it and our manpower allocation. Overall, it was a fulfilling PA and I'm glad that everyone got to learn something.

Published by:

Chen Wei

48th Batch Secretary