YA Skills Training, 2nd March

Hi Guides!

This week’s 集合 was planned by the Young Adults (YAs) so we had no knowledge about these activities prior to the 集合. We 集合-ed at 2.40pm, as per normal and our first activity was a series of relay races in the form of Physical Training (PT).

Reflection from a Year 3:

I felt that the relay race was a very creative activity to allow the Year 1s to bond more with the seniors and have fun but at the same time, teach them to have a sense of urgency and not leave anyone behind. However, I felt that 4 minutes given to complete the race was way too short, as we could barely finish the first station within the time limit. Although the race did not make use of the hard skills we learnt in Guides, such as lashes, I felt that communication between patrols and the whole 团 was important for us to complete the race in the shortest amount of time possible. We were given a few tries, and between breaks we would give each other advice on how to improve and complete the station more quickly. I felt that the race served more as an icebreaker to let us know the Year 1s better and it was a simple game that was not physically too strenuous.

After which, we were split into our respective batches for batch activity. Here are the respective accounts!

Reflection from a Year 1:

During last Friday's 集合, we had batch activity with our Year 2 seniors. Firstly, we practised on how to tie lashes such as the diagonal and square lashes. As our Year 2 patrol seniors had already roughly taught us how to tie these lashes, us Year 1s managed to finish tying, easily enough when the YA was teaching. After that, we were split into two groups. P1, P2 and P3 were in 1 group and the remaining patrols were in another group. We were then told to build a structure that was used in Guides camps and had a hidden purpose or symbolism. Our group built a few tripods and leaned it against the railings and we also built a ladder-like structure. Our Year 2 seniors then told us that the goal of being bonded together was our destination and these tripods and ladder-like structures are concrete pathways to help us achieve our goal of being bonded as one. However, as everyone one was too carried away in building parts of the structure, some of our water bottles that were left lying around were taken away by our seniors. We were then told that we must always take care of our things, such as 白绳, 木 and gadget poles, because if the senior does takes our logistics away, our group will be unable to continue building, without these important logistics. Overall, it was a fruitful and well spent day with seniors and bonding with other Guides 😆😆

Reflection from a Year 2:

That day’s 集合 was planned by the YAs. First, we had to do PT. It was the first time we did PT together as an entire 团. We cheered as we ran around the GSL and kept the morale high. After that, there were station games. We were split into 3 groups with 2 patrols in each group. The first station was the three-legged race. We had to tie our legs together using pieces of plastic. It was quite hard as the pieces of plastic broke very easily, coupled with the fact that we had to coordinate with so many people. I think through this station, I learnt about teamwork and communication. The second station we went to was the bottle flip station. We had to flip 10 bottles to pass. I think it was quite a fun station and we completed that station quite easily. There was a third station, however, due to lack of time we didn’t get to go to that station. After that, the Year 1s and 2s went to the 2nd floor of the GSL. There, the 2 YAs taught the Year 1s how to tie the different lashes and the Year 2s were there to assist in the teaching. It also served as a lashes recap for the Year 2s. After that, the YAs taught us 礼节, as those were the basics we had to know in Guides. Overall, I think that it was a fun 集合 and fruitful as we got to bond with people from other patrols and our Year 1s.

Reflection from a Year 3:

For the batch activity, we had to split into 2 groups, and 1 group had to do PT while giving instructions to the other group on what to build, every 4 minutes. The other group did not know what they were building. I was in the PT group the first time. We had to give instructions to the other group while doing PT and that was the most difficult part as it was tiring to juggle between both. We would also get irritated when the other group did not understand what we said and we had to repeat it, or when they were doing the wrong thing. The second time, I was in the building group, and I experienced how it felt like to be on the receiving end of the instructions. Sometimes, we did not understand what the instructions were and we would get very frustrated at the other group. Sometimes, both groups would forgot to give and receive instructions at the four minute mark, so our opportunity to construct more of the structure was lost. However, we still managed to complete the structures in the end. After experiencing what it was like to be in both groups, I realised how difficult it is to be in each group and how important teamwork and communication is.

Reflection from a Year 4:

For YA training, we started off by doing a PT relay as a 团 before we did batch activities. The Year 4s then did a suicide run with mattresses, where we were supposed to complete 60 rounds across the MRL in 20 minutes. Even though we did not hit the goal, we were proud that none of us fell out and pushed on for 43 rounds, with everyone putting in their best. We were then given about an hour to design a structure that could represent 50 years of DHSCOY and be put on display at our upcoming 50th Anniversary Campfire, and we completed the creative gadgeting structure within the time limit. During 拆掉, the seniors gave us a surprise inspection where we had to lay out our 拆-ed logistics in two self assigned groups without any further instructions or layouts, while ensuring the number of 木 was equal across the two layouts. We felt proud of our own batch as we were able to complete all these various tasks, and we were actually happy to be able to do such a batch activity, which has become rare after we stepped up as the 领导层. It was extremely heartening to have the whole batch cheer constantly and we could feel that our batch morale was really high. It was definitely a memorable and fun 集合 for all of us, where we felt like we were juniors before :")

This 集合 was indeed unexpected and different from usual, but we hope that everyone gained something from it nonetheless! :)

Published By:

Arielle

49th Batch Secretary

World Thinking Day Celebrations, 24th February

Hi Guides!

Last Saturday, our whole 团 headed to Pasir Ris Park for a mass beach clean-up. In collaboration with People’s Association (PA) Water Venture, Girl Guides Singapore aims to instill in our Guides the awareness on how important marine life is and why they need to be protected, as part of the annual World Thinking Day Celebrations this year, with the theme of ‘Impact’. After which, we proceeded to Passion Wave @ Marina Bay, for the main programme. Here are some reflections from the Guides :-)

Reflection from a Year 1:

I feel that World Thinking Day had a great and meaningful impact on me as I made more friends and knew more about the seniors in my patrol. Through the activities at Pasir Ris Park, I bonded with my new friends as we went around picking up litter and trash, while having fun at the same time. I remember thinking how there were lots of inconsiderate people who threw their rubbish everywhere without care and concern for others. I sympathized with the cleaners who had to go around, bending down and cleaning up after others, despite some of them being elderly people. Having experienced the soreness in my back and my arms that was caused by my continually bending over to pick up rubbish, first-hand, I now understand how hard and tiring it is to have such a job, especially when the salary is meagre. I have also learnt many new things from when we were gathered at Passion Wave @ Marina Bay, including the guiding spirit. I also had the chance to interact with my patrol mates and batchmates, which helped me to get to know them better. I think that this experience had a positive impact on me as it helped me better understand my CCA and my patrol mates, as well as the struggles of others.

Reflection from a Year 2:

The World Thinking Day programme started off with a clean-up at the beach. We were paired up and each pair was given a pair of tongs and a rubbish bag. We found a great deal of rubbish, some of which were common items used for picnics such as styrofoam and plastic cutlery, cups and plates. These had most probably been left behind by people who had a picnic there and my batchmates and I thought that it was really inconsiderate of them to leave so much rubbish behind. Apart from those items, we also found other miscellaneous items such as combs and broken tent pegs. It was surprising to see those at the beach. When we were about to leave the beach, I saw a plastic bag fly right into the sea, too far for us to retrieve. It was rather saddening as that plastic bag will contribute to water pollution and may potentially cause the deaths of marine animals and yet we could not do anything about it. Through this clean-up, I am sure that we would think twice about leaving rubbish behind, the next time we are in public areas like the beach. I am happy to have taken part in such a meaningful activity. Afterwards, we went to Passion Wave @ Marina Bay for the celebration. There were many Guides from other schools present so the place was rather crowded. We also had President Halimah Yacob with us at the celebration, as the Guest-of-Honour and it was really surreal to see her in person. The performances went on but as we were sitting quite far back, we were unable to see the performances clearly which was quite a pity. The number of Guides present was astonishing and the idea that all around the globe, Guides from different countries are all celebrating World Thinking Day together on this day, is hard to believe. I am happy to have taken part in this year's World Thinking Day celebration.

Reflection from a Year 3:

First, we went to the beach for our beach clean up. We were given trash bags and metal tongs to pick up the rubbish that was littered around the beach. It was quite fun as the weather was cooling and the scenery was very nice! It felt rather fulfilling to be spending my Saturday morning doing something more meaningful than usual; being with all the Guides from our school and picking up litter together. We even saw Guides and Brownies from other schools and I felt a sense of togetherness as we worked to clean up the beach. Afterwards, we headed to Passion Wave @ Marina Bay to celebrate World Thinking Day. It was quite exciting as the President herself came and I really enjoyed myself, singing all the Guides songs with all the Guides from different schools all over Singapore. I really like this year’s theme, ‘Impact’, as I think it is a really good theme that signifies what Guides aim to do and what Guides aim to change around the world. All in all, I really enjoyed the World Thinking Day celebration and I hope that we can participate in more of such events to connect with Guides from other schools as well. :)

Reflection from a Year 4:

For the first part of the World Thinking Day celebrations, we went to Pasir Ris Park to clean up the beach. Initially, I was reluctant and unenthusiastic about it, as the activity was carried out early in the morning, but I soon warmed up to the idea after seeing the amount of trash we picked up. Though it was a short two hours, and more litter would likely dirty the beach after we leave, I was glad to have made an effort to keep the park clean, even if it was only for a short while. Afterwards, we went to Passion Wave @ Marina Bay and joined other schools in celebrating World Thinking Day. Overall, I think the activities were really meaningful in bringing out ‘Impact’ — this year's theme — and they have inspired me to make an impact in the ways I can.

All in all, it was a rather meaningful event for all of us and we would like to thank the planning committee for spending time and effort to plan and execute this event! :)

Published By:

Arielle

49th Batch Secretary

Initiatives, 23rd February

Hi Guides!

We had an initiatives session for this 集合, with the objectives of developing the Guides in different holistic areas to be all-rounded, as well as to allow Guides to bond in their respective patrols and batches.

The Year 1s and 2s worked individually on their Writer badges. Additionally, the Year 1s were called out, one at a time, to work on their Speaker badges. Both batches then worked together in their respective patrols for the Entertainer badge, whereby they were given 35 minutes to discuss and come up with 2 performances of minimum 2 minutes each. Each patrol was given 7 minutes to perform both performances for all the other patrols.

Speaker Badge

1. Talk to a Guider about anything of her choice for more than 1 minute.
2. Share with a Guider about an experience she had over the Chinese New Year Break.

Writer Badge

1. Write an original story of one thousand to two thousand words.
2. Write one of the following:
1. A dramatic sketch taking at least 10 min to perform;
2. A short poem in recognized verse form.
3. An article or campfire yarn of not less than two hundred words;
4. An essay on her favorite hero or heroine.

        3. Write: A letter of at least two hundred words describing an incident she has enjoyed.

Entertainer Badge

1. Perform two items, each to last at least two minutes, from the following: dancing, singing, playing an instrument, reciting. Note: The items may be of the same kind, e.g. two contrasted songs. The standard is to be suitable for a public entertainment.

Reflection from a Year 1:

The first activity we did for the 集合 on the 23rd of February was badgework for the Writer badge. We had to write an original story of 1000 words, a poem and a letter to someone about an event we enjoyed. While we copied down the requirements for badgework, our Year 2 seniors introduced themselves to us. We also introduced ourselves and we made friends with one another. I feel that this badgework activity was rather meaningful as I got to earn my first badge for Guides and at the same time, improve my writing skills. Additionally, I felt a great sense of satisfaction when I completed my first badge. The next activity was to perform with our Year 1 and 2 patrol members for the Entertainer badge. We had the choice of doing either a skit, song or dance, but each performance had to last for at least 2 minutes. Our patrol decided to sing 3 Guides songs for the performance, namely Titanic, Gingerbread and Three Little Ducks. Our Year 2 seniors taught us how to sing the songs and they also reminded us to sing loudly. While we were preparing for the performance, one of the Guiders called each of us out, one at a time, to have a conversation with her for the Speaker badge. We had to describe how we had spent our time during the Chinese New Year holidays and talk about how we had enjoyed Guides so far. When it was time for our performance, we did our best and sang the 3 songs in front of all the other Year 1 and 2s. When we finished our performance, we discovered that we did not meet the time requirements and we had to sing all 3 songs again. After our performance, I learnt that teamwork was vital to put up a good show, especially within the short amount of time given to plan the performance. We had to work together to sing the songs in harmony. I also gained more confidence in terms of performing in front of other people, after the activity. Overall, the activities I did were quite meaningful and it was a fruitful experience for me.

Reflection from two Year 2s:

Last Friday, we did the Writer, Speaker and Entertainer badges together with the Year 1s. For the Writer badge, we were tasked with many criteria to complete in a short amount of time, such as the 1000-2000 words original story. Thankfully, we were allowed to bring it home to complete. Next, we went on to the Entertainer badges. As a patrol, we had to choose two of the following: a skit, song, a dance and something else. My patrol chose to do a skit and a song. However, we had trouble finding a song that everyone knew how to sing, as our song preferences differed a lot. Finally, after a long discussion, we decided to sing Count on Me by Bruno Mars. We also faced much difficulty singing the correct lyrics, as most of us could remember the tune and only certain parts of the song. We thus had to piece up the lyrics along the way. As for our skit, it was put together at the last minute as we had spent too much time preparing the song. Our skit was about the difference between Primary School and Secondary School. Although it was rather rushed, I was glad to be able to put up a rather interesting performance with the Year 1s. As for the Speaker badge, we were asked to come out during our patrol discussion, to talk to the Guiders. I was told to talk about how I spent Chinese New Year and how I found Guides thus far. Overall, I really enjoyed this 集合 as we got to bond with our new Year 1 patrolmates whom we had just met, and do activities we hardly did in usual 集合s.

During Friday's initiatives session, we had to lead our Year 1s in obtaining three badges, the Writer badge, Speaker badge and Entertainer badge. It was a challenging test of our leadership skills, as it was the first time we were tasked to lead, instead of being led by our Year 3s. However, it was a meaningful experience as we sought to learn and teach them different skills, especially for the Entertainer badge, as we had to come up with a creative performance within the span of roughly an hour. Fortunately, we managed to teach them a few of the Guides songs, such as Titanic and Three Little Ducks. Besides it being our first time trying to lead the Year 1s, it was also a rather challenging experience as there was only me and another Year 2 guiding them. One of the difficulties we faced was that we were extremely indecisive in our choice of performance - we kept changing our choices, from skits to songs and back to skits. Eventually, we all decided to just do three songs -- Titanic, Three Little Ducks and Gingerbread Man -- two times as we had not met the time limit. We were also the last patrol to perform, which made us extremely nervous, but we still managed to sing the Guides songs with energy and vigour. The other patrols had also put up creative and outstanding performances that earned them resounding applause. All in all, it was a thrilling experience to be able to develop our leadership skills and at the same time, get to know our Year 1s.

Meanwhile, the Year 3s and 4s worked on the WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) badge for World Thinking Day 2018, with the theme of ‘Impact’.

Impact In Me

Step 1. Invite your participants to bring their journals on a walk in the neighbourhood or on a hike. Ask them to draw anything that reminds them of ‘power’: objects, animals or plants, For example, someone could draw an ant because despite being small, it can carry objects much larger than its size. This can take from 10 minutes up to an hour depending on the participants’ ages and their creativity.

Step 2. Once the walk or hike is complete, ask participants to take a piece of paper and draw their ‘Power Symbol’ taking inspiration from any of their journal drawings. Explain that each symbol is important and unique; they should draw a ‘Power Symbol’ that is meaningful to them. It can represent:

• things that make them feel strong and powerful, or

• things that inspire them to make a difference, or

• things that they are passionate about.

When everyone has finished, invite the participants to

share their ‘Power Symbol’ with the rest of the group.

Step 3. Ask everyone to start collecting all their symbols together to create one unified picture. They can display their symbols individually, or they can create a group symbol. Explain that this unified symbol represents the collective change that Girl Guides and Girl Scouts working together can create in the community. This unified Girl Guide and Girl Scout power can have a great impact! This year’s World Thinking Day celebrates this impact. Discuss with your group: What could their collective impact be on their community? Take it further: You can get inspired by the designs of the individual symbols or the group picture and create a wall mural for your community. Take a photo and share this as part of the last section of this pack. Share #ThisIsImpact

Citizenship Brings Impact

Test your global citizenship knowledge and play the Our Chalet eco-challenge. Split your group into two or more smaller teams and compare their knowledge of the environment. This activity took place in the form of a gameshow whereby patrols were pitted against one another.

Impact In Whatever You Do!

This is a very simple tool that younger and older members can use to explore the impact of a programme or project you run with your group, and evaluate how to improve it. You can run this activity at the end of the World Thinking Day celebrations to see the impact you made! Make a H in the middle of a large sheet of flipchart paper and write the following headings:

- Name of the programme/project

- Positive change that the programme or project made

- Challenges we faced

Learning Outcome: Understand and evaluate the change we create through the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting experience, and what we offer to our members and the community.

Preparation: Markers and a large piece of paper.

• Ask your group to fill in the name of the programme or project that is being evaluated in the top middle panel. Under the smiley face symbol, , ask the group to consider all the positive changes they experienced while taking part in the programme, and make a list. Did they learn something new? Encourage them to discuss and share success examples, and why these examples indicate a change.

• Under the sad face symbol , ask them to list the challenges they faced while doing the programme

• Under the star symbol, ٭ , ask participants to share and list their suggestions for how this programme can improve

• Discuss as a group what they’ve written.

Patrol Work

On this World Thinking Day, we want to leave our mark and use a mural to show our communities, creatively and visibly, how Girl Guides and Girl Scouts make a positive impact. Find a space in your neighbourhood and create your change mural that will be added to our global Impact mosaic. Make sure you talk to the appropriate authorities and get permission before painting any walls or public spaces.

What does your change mural need to have?

- Visual representation of the change Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting brings in the community

- It could highlight a specific issue that your group is focusing on, for example being environmentally friendly.

- The World Trefoil from page 40

- The name of your group or national association

Why a mural?

-  Impact needs to be something that remains sustainable throughout time. The mural will help your group demonstrate the positive changes that Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting has had on your community.

Reflection from a Year 3:

During the initiatives session, we had to think of how Guides had impacted us thus far and I personally feel that Guides has made me physically stronger and I have made a lot of new friends through Guides. It has also taught me many values and soft skills that I will always remember and utilise in my daily life. After that, we had to draw things that represented energy. It could be something we were passionate about or something that gave us energy. This made me think about the things that were important to me and the things that I am passionate about. Next, we had to draw out a table and discuss about events and activities that we experienced throughout Guides and how they have impacted us and how we could improve such events. This included activities such as our annual hikes and annual camps. Lastly, we had 50 minutes to draw a mural on how Guides had impacted us as a patrol. Our patrol decided to draw a clean beach as we felt that Guides has taught us the importance of a clean environment, through the various VIA activities such as cleaning the beach. Even though this was different from our usual集合s, it was a nice change as we had the time to think about how Guides has helped us and what Guides means to us.

Hope that everyone enjoyed this 集合!

Published By:

Arielle

49th Batch Secretary