Patrol Activity, 13 August 2018

Hello Guides!

We had Patrol Activity(PA) on Monday and here are some reflections from the Year 2s!

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 1:

For PA on Monday, our patrol did inspection, creative gadgeting and played a short game. First for inspection we were split into 2 groups had to retrieve 2 packed 配备s from 团部. For the first time we were supposed to standardise the layout between the 2 groups which was difficult since we were placed at different ends of the General Science Lab(GSL). We did quite well with communication as we could decide our own layout. The second time we were given a layout to follow which made it more difficult as shouting instructions across to each other complicated the process. Inspection was not too bad and I think the Year 1s and 2s learnt a lot about good communication skills.

The second activity was creative gadgeting and we were supposed to build a table to hold all our water bottles. The difficult part was that we were not allowed to use tripods, quadpods or A-架s for our table. In the end, we stuck gadget poles into 4 traffic cones to form a square table. The idea was good but since we did not really measure the square or have any support, the table was quite shaky and could not really stand on its own.

The last game we played was on 2 木. We were supposed to arrange ourselves in the order given on the 木 without touching the ground. For example, we were supposed to arrange ourselves according to register number and birthday without talking. It was a challenging but fun game with even the seniors joining in.

Overall PA was a fun bonding activity for the patrol and the activities were fun but not too stressful or difficult.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 2:

On Monday we had done station games. At our first station, we did a baggage rack, which we did not do well as we all had poor communication, poor allocation of manpower and was very slow in tying our lashes. As the Patrol Second(PS), I had been too soft spoken and did not really take charge. I feel that we could all have done better as a patrol as the time limit was reasonable and if we tried harder we could have finished it within the time limit. The next station was a first aid station which when we treated a casualty wrongly or a casualty died, a balloon would be popped. This was to let us know that when treating a casualty in real life, our actions have consequences and with the wrong treatment, the casualty might actually get worse or die. We did okay as we managed to save one patient but overall we have to brush up on our first aid knowledge. We were also tested on Orienteering and trekking signs. We had some difficulty in reading the trekking signs and feel that we need to brush up on that as well, however, we did not have much problem in orienteering and managed to go to the correct place that the instructions pointed us to. The last station was a game of Virus to let us bond as a patrol. We had to work together in order to convert ‘viruses’ into humans, which let us practice our teamwork as two ‘viruses’ could be converted if the patrol completed the task as a whole. Overall, it was a meaningful PA that let me know where I needed to be better and allowed us to bond.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 3:

For Monday's PA, we started out with creative gadgeting. We were given a picture of a study table and were given 3 minutes to determine what logistics we would need. After completing certain tasks to earn our logistics, we started building the table. While building we realised some mistakes (our table being too low as it was at the same level as our 顶脚，and the structure in general was rather shaky). These are some things we can learn from and not repeat them in the future.

Next, it was on inspection. We were told to pack the 配备 and teach the Year 1s the contents of it. Honestly, I wasn't very clear on the items in the 配备, so it was something new I learnt. Then, we had inspection. The first time we were to come up with our own layout, so as to show the Year 1s how to do inspections. After that, one of us (Year 2s) read out the layout given by our Patrol Leader. This time, we 过时ed a little. After that, it was my turn to describe the layout to the patrol. I was given the same layout, except that I was told to flip it over. It was my first time doing this, so I was under pressure. Also, I was slightly confused at a point in time while doing the inspection. Nonetheless, we completed the inspection on time. After that it was debrief and patrol corner, thus ending off the PA.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 4:

During patrol activity on Monday, we built a kitchen table at the Media Resource Library. We 过时ed by quite a long time and did not ask for a time extension even after our given time was up. When tying the two tripods, one was tied wrongly and we had to retie the tripod, which took up time. Thus, one tripod was built faster than the other and this wasted some time. Our progress was slow and we were not up to the standard that our seniors expected. As a Year 2 and being assigned the role of Patrol Second, I should have urged my Year 1s to work more efficiently and quickly and allocate the manpower better. As we could not complete the kitchen table within the given time and as the lashes were of low standard and loose, we did some forfeits. I felt like I could have taken more responsibility as a Year 2 by leading my Year 1s and taking the initiative to give them tasks so there will be less people doing nothing as well as to 报时 and cheer more. Overall I was disappointed in myself that I had let my seniors down and I should have taught my Year 1s better. We should also take note of the time limit given and to ask for a time extension before the time is up by planning to finish certain tasks by a certain time in order to ensure good progress when building the structure. I should have stepped up more to help my Year 1s and other patrol mates, 照顾好东西, and to constantly 报时 so that we will not 过时. I think we could have worked together to tie lashes quickly and tightly to build a stable kitchen table within the time limit.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 5:

On Monday’s PA, our patrol started off with creative gadgeting by building a baggage rack but with conditions to meet: it has to have 5 diagonal lashes, rafting of 5 gadget poles, and the Patrol Leader(PL) and PS could only talk every 3 minutes for 20 seconds. It was extremely tough to not communicate as we do not know what the other may be thinking of to build, and due to a lack of communication and allocation of manpower, we could not meet the timings we aimed to achieve for each part of the building. The year ones were also confused about what to do as our instructions were not clear. However, what was done well was that we asked for time extension before our time was up. We should have made good use of that 20 seconds to plan out accordingly and tell our year ones so that everyone would be clear of what to do and we could complete under the time given without having to ask for time extension. Next, we moved on to build a kitchen table. While communication was clear this time, we still took really long to get our tripods up as our year ones were struggling to tie on spars. We were still unsure of the procedure of building a kitchen table and the little details on our tripod like the 顶脚s. We were working slowly too which led to a lot of time extensions asked. We were also late in asking for a time extension. In conclusion, I think we could have done much better if we had more practices with the year ones, revising our skills ourselves and having a better sense of urgency.

Reflection from a Year 2 of Patrol 6:

On Monday, I had my very first Patrol Activity planned by the Year 3s. We were tasked to build a kitchen table and were given 7 minutes to retrieve all the logistics. However, we overran by almost double of the time given even after asking for time extension. I personally felt that I could have had a stronger sense of urgency and maybe strengthen myself so that I will be able to carry more spars at one go. This will enable me to improve the efficiency in taking spars and other logistics. After we had retrieved all the logistics required, we were given 20 minutes to build the kitchen table. In the end, we overran by quite a lot as well. I felt that I should familiarise myself more with the structures we are usually tasked to build. This way I won't be so lost and could be a greater help to my patrol mates. I could also work on my sense of urgency. Despite all this, I still enjoyed this patrol activity and felt a sense of accomplishment when my patrol mates and I finally completed the kitchen table.

This was the first patrol activity planned by the Year 3s and we hope everyone enjoyed it!

Published by:

Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 3 August 2018

Hello Guides!

For this 集合, as the Year 2s still had their Common Tests, only the Year 1s and Year 3s were present. The objectives for this 集合 were to increase the batch morale of the Year 1s, increase their sense of urgency and check their understanding on how to build a kitchen shelter.

Physical Training (PT)

The storyline is as follows: For PT, the Year 1s will be split into 3 groups according to their patrol. They have to compete against Usain Bolt to emerge as the winner for the East Division Day. Thus, they will need to go through a series of training to improve their physical strengths to win the competition. The Year 1s had to mass change into their PT kits first before starting the PT stations.

Here is the group allocation and station orders:

Manpower Allocation:

Station masters and I/Cs	P1 and P2 (Group 1)	P3 and P4 (Group 2)	P5 and P6 (Group 3)
Chen Zhiruo Xian YiTong	Year 1s: Xing Yi   Xin Yuan Jing Ni Angela Portia Xin Yi Shu Yi	Year 1s: Stella En Qi Rui Xin Ya Xuan Xin Ru Li Xuan Wen Jing	Year 1s: Cefina Sze Shuen Wan Yu Jade Joelle Sharlene Xiang Ting Zee Ning
Valance Koh Venice Ong	Year 3s: Raenn Jiayi Ruilin Wan Li Raeann Yuen Ning	Year 3s: Xing Tian Joey Lois Zhiwei Shuyi Chen Xi Yu Ning Tammy	Year 3s: Ching Hwee Valene Lydia Ling Ying Yijing
Cheryl Lim Swen Goh
Danyelle Ng Ng Yuen Ning

Station order for Group 1:

Time	Activity	Location
1520-1540 (20min)	Station 1	GSL Level 1
1540-1600 (20min)	Station 2	Block G level 3 open area
1600-1620 (20min)	Station 3	Block F, GSL Level 2

Station order for Group 2:

Time	Activity	Location
1520-1540 (20min)	Station 2	Block G level 3 open area
1540-1600 (20min)	Station 3	Block F, GSL Level 2
1600-1620 (20min)	Station 1	GSL Level 1

Station order for Group 3:

Time	Activity	Location
1520-1540 (20min)	Station 3	Block F, GSL Level 2
1540-1600 (20min)	Station 1	GSL Level 1
1600-1620 (20min)	Station 2	Block G level 3 open area

Station 1:

Here is the description for this station: In this station, the Year 1s will be training their stamina and teamwork which is important if they want to win Usain Bolt as a batch. They have to decide how many rounds they can run in 12 minutes (station masters to add on, minimum 10) and carry their bottles. If they want to reduce 1 item to carry for all the rounds, 1 person need to do 15 burpees and while the rest continue. If they want to reduce 1 round of running, the group will need to do 15 up-and-down planks together. If they did not complete 10 rounds, they will have to do a forfeit decided by the Station masters.

Reflection by a Year 1:

The 集合 last Friday was one of the hardest and most tiring so far because of the PT we had to do. The PT was very tiring and we felt like giving up several times but we managed to press on and complete all the stations even though it was not easy.

Station 1 was the most tiring station. The station master believed that we could do better than the previous group thus giving us more rounds to run around the GSL block.

We did fifteen burpees and fifteen jumping jacks to remove one jug of water and ran 14 rounds around the GSL block with the remaining jerry can. We were given twelve minutes to do everything. We were unable to finish fourteen rounds in time but did the remaining three rounds as the forfeit.

We were expected to cheer constantly and 报时 too so that we could keep track of our progress and time ourselves and ensure we would be able to finish the station.

Although it was tiring, we were determined to finish all the rounds.

All in all, we learned that cheering is important for our morale to be kept high and constant 报时 is also important to not 过时.

Station 2:

This is the station description for Station 2: In this station, it will be a PT relay. The relay will train your leg muscles. As you know, Usain Bolt is the fastest runner so to compete with him, you need strong legs. The relay will include 1 round of lunges, half round of crab walk, 2 minutes 站马 with wall and 15 burpees.

Station 3:

Finally, here is the description for Station 3: This station is to train core muscles. Training the core muscles will keep your body engaged and makes the posture better. The Year 1s will be doing 1 minute and 30 seconds of planking, 3 minutes leg raise, 20 jumping jacks and 20 up-and-down planks.

Reflection by a Year 1:

By the time our group was at station 3, we were already very exhausted as we already had two other stations before coming. Perhaps this was why we were less energetic. Nevertheless, we still tried our best to cheer and 报时. I feel that we can improve on cheering loud enough for others to hear or there is no point in cheering at all. I realised that some of the ways I am doing the PT is not up to standard and luckily the senior pointed it out. We could have taken the initiative to lead the cheer even before the seniors does it. This then would not have resulted in us doing more PT. PT was tiring but fun as we cheered each other on and at the same time, it was also rewarding as it helps us in our fitness and we learnt the standard ways to do so. I hope to be able to do up-to-standard PT in the future 集合s.

Overall reflection by a Year 1:

Last 集合 was really tiring but I felt really satisfied at the same time. It was sort of station games and at every station of the "game", we had to complete some PT, like planking and pumping. It was really tough and exhausting, but as I see how my other guide friends were persevering, I pushed myself to hold on as well.

I challenged myself as I become stronger and better.

We had mass change this 集合 as well. The Year 2s were usually the ones helping us during the mass change. However, as the Year 2s were not here for CCA, we had to manage our own things properly for the first time. We were all very nervous  but we did it (in the time limit) as a batch. I guess this had made our batch more independent and close.

After the 集合, although my thighs and feet all felt very painful and I was so tired that I felt like I could have collapsed anytime, I felt fulfilled to have challenged myself so much.

Kitchen Shelter

After the PT stations, the Year 1s mass changed back into their PE attire as they now had to build kitchen shelters. For this activity, the Year 1s were split into groups based on their patrols and each group had to build one kitchen shelter.

Here is the allocation of the groups:

Allocation of manpower:

I/Cs	P2 and P5	P1 and P4	P3 and P6
Chen ZhiRuo Xian YiTong	Year 1s: Portia Xin Yi Shu Yi Cefina Sze Shuen Wan Yu Jade Joelle	Year 1s: Xing Yi   Xin Yuan Jing Ni Angela Xin Ru Li Xuan Wen Jing	Year 1s: Stella En Qi Rui Xin Ya Xuan Sharlene Xiang Ting Zee Ning
	Year 3s: Raeann Valance Ching Hwee Swen Cheryl Yuen Ning Wan Li Danyelle	Year 3s: Raenn Ruilin Jiayi Shuyi Tammy Yu Ning Chen Xi Joey	Year 3s: Xing Tian Lois Venice Zhiwei Valene Lydia Yijing Ling Ying

Inspection

The final activity for this 集合 was inspection. The first inspection layout had to be decided by the Year 1s themselves, and the second layout was given by the Year 3s with two of the Year 1s having to take charge.

Reflection by a Year 1:

During this 集合 with the Year 3s, we had inspection. We were given three minutes to get our 配备. Unfortunately, our batch had poor allocation of manpower. Some of our batchmates did not send a member of their patrol to ask to time extension. Hence, this resulted in us 过时ing by a lot. After that, we had to lay out the things for inspection, the seniors kept on ‘kapping’ our things, and the seniors also ‘kapped’ the members of the entire Patrol 3! From this, I learnt that we must 照顾好人 and 东西 because without our manpower and things, the whole inspection cannot even take place and we cannot do any of the activities after the inspection which involves the 配备. We also learnt that during inspection, we need to standardise properly. At first, we started off by standardising to Patrol 1. However, suddenly halfway through the inspection, our batchmates told us to standardise to Patrol 4. We were all greatly confused and were unsure on who to standardise it to. This made us realise that there is no perfect patrol to standardise it to, thus, we should just decide on one patrol and follow them without changing our minds half way. We feel that during inspection, there are a few key factors to take note of. Firstly, we have to learn how to communicate with our batch and patrol mates. Without this communication, we would not know if we need time extension, for example. In inspections, communication is important as we need to know which patrol to standardise to and in the case that we are given a set of instructions on where to place what, communication is especially important as we need to make sure that we understand the person who is giving the instructions. Secondly, we need to cooperate well with our batchmates. Cooperation is very important. This is because, if we keep arguing and fighting amongst ourselves, we would never get things done. For example, when we were getting our 配备, we arguing whether or not to ask for time extension. This, of course, wasted our time. In conclusion, we learnt that we should take care of our people and things, cooperate and communicate with our batchmates.

Overall reflection by a Year 1:

On this 集合, we had physical training sessions which trained our physical endurance and it definitely pushed our limits. Although it was definitely tiring, we had a sense of satisfaction after completing every station. Also, we learnt coorperation in the station where we had to run rounds around the General Science Labs  as we took turns to run with the jerry cans and whenever there were people having stitches and lagging behind, we will 等人. After that, we built a kitchen shelter. The Year 3s revised on how to build a kitchen shelter with us again and whenever we needed help, they would be there. Through this component, we revised how to build the kitchen shelter and we could be more efficient the next time as we are more familiar with what logistics are needed and the steps to construct it too. At the end, we had inspection. We started off with packing our 配备 in the 团部, which allowed us to familiarise with what are in it. As we 过时 many times during inspection, the seniors had to give us forfeits but we definitely learnt from our mistakes and asked for time extension before the time was up. Moreover, it was chaotic as everyone was shouting at the same time, leading to confusion as we did not know who to listen to. We did not 照顾好东西 and many of our items were taken away from us. Hence, we could not lay everything out in time. However, we were given another chance and we surely did better but we still had the room for improvement as many of our members were taken away, causing us to have little manpower. In a nutshell, we had a fulfilling 集合 and we learnt many things. However, we did not perform to the best of our ability and we are sure to do better the next time.

Hope that the Year 1s found this 集合 fulfilling and useful for their journey in Guides!

Published by:

Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary