Skills Training, 6 February 2026

Hey Guides! As a continuation from the previous week's 集合, the Year 2s and Year 3s resumed working on the Gadgeting Gateway structure before presenting it to the new batch of Year 1s! Afterwards, as a 团, we made Friendship Bracelets together to get to know one another, as well as for the upcoming World Thinking Day. We hope that the Year 1s enjoyed their first ever 集合!

Gadgeting Gateway

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

We were tasked to build the Gadgeting Gateway as a whole 团, and there were many detailed steps to follow throughout the process. In the previous 集合, we had already completed the main towers of the Gateway, so our goal was to finish connecting the two towers before the new batch of Year 1s joined the 团. At the start, we arranged the two towers parallel to each other, before connecting them. However, after tying the 木 that connected the frames, we realised that the entire structure had become slanted. We immediately worked together to adjust the alignment, loosening certain lashes to reposition the towers. Although it was challenging, we did not give up. Through teamwork and communication, we eventually managed to straighten the Gateway. After that, we noticed that there were several loose lashes around the structure. We set to work, tightening them and making the structure neater. Despite the excitement and anticipation of meeting our new Year 1s, we remained focused and determined to complete the Gateway properly before their arrival. Through this 集合, I learnt the importance of patience and teamwork. When our structure became slanted, it would have been easy to panic, but instead we took the time to communicate and solve the problem together. This activity reminded me that overcoming challenges as a team can be very rewarding, and staying calm is an important part of facing difficulties. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

On 6 February 2026, we connected the Gateway towers to showcase to the new Year 1s. As one of the Patrol Leaders (PLs) for this activity, I think it was relatively smooth sailing but I think that as a PL, I could have used the time given more efficiently to fix the slanting of the Gateway. As one of the Gateway towers was slanted, it caused the entire structure to be slanted in the overall product to the Year 1s. When we were trying to fix it, I think the instructions that I gave were slightly difficult to follow as the PLs had to give instructions while restricted by a distance from the structure so we could practise looking at the bigger picture. However, I think the first thing we will do to avoid this from occurring again is to move the structure nearer to the curb and make sure the structure is parallel to it. I could have also given clearer instructions as my attempt to fix the slanting of the structure had failed, causing my manpower to 重打 their lashes multiple times. I think we all could have 动作快点, as towards the end of the activity, the Year 1s were waiting for us to finish and we had to ask for multiple time extensions. Overall, this activity helped me gain insight on what I could improve on as a PL.

Icebreaker & Friendship Bracelets

Reflection from a Year 1 in P4:

Taking part in the “Blow Wind Blow” and “Splat” Icebreaker games, plus Bracelet-Making for Girl Guides, taught me the importance of connection, teamwork, and creativity. At first, some Guides felt quiet and nervous, but the games quickly changed the mood. “Blow Wind Blow” made us move, laugh, and find things we have in common, while “Splat” helped us know each other better. These activities broke down shyness and helped everyone feel comfortable with one another. We learned to listen, react quickly, and enjoy being together instead of staying alone. The Bracelet-Making activity was calmer but just as meaningful. As we made the bracelets, we shared more about ourselves in our patrol, getting to know our patrol mates more. We also helped each other out as some people had some trouble with the bracelets like knot-tying and getting the beads in. We also helped one another when someone faced difficulty, which strengthened our teamwork and built trust within the group. This experience showed me that fun activities can build strong friendships. The games taught me to be confident and open, while crafting taught me patience. I left feeling happier, more connected to my patrol, and more willing to participate in future group activities with a positive and open mindset.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

On 6 February 2026, it was finally the day to meet the Year 1s and we were really excited to meet them. We sat in a circle and started introducing ourselves to each other and played a game whereby we had to debate on a topic. The Year 1s were rather shy and it reminded me of myself when I was a Year 1 Guide too. I got to know more about them and learnt interesting details about them, and I was happy to have such amazing Year 1s. We then got briefed on making Friendship Bracelets for World Thinking Day (WTD). We had to make them for the WTD Bracelet Exchange with other Guides from other schools. We had to make 2 bracelets each, and if we had spare time, we could make another for ourselves or our friends. It was a great bonding experience as we took the time to chat within our patrols, and especially getting to know my Year 1s better. We also asked one another to help pass and find specific beads we needed for the bracelet, which showcased our patience and intra-patrol friendship. I managed to make 2 bracelets in time and even had time to make another for my friend. All in all, I was rather nervous to meet the Year 1s but I am glad that we got along well. Meeting the Year 1s made me realise the responsibilities I would start taking on and while I was a bit worried and scared, I was also looking forward to guiding my Year 1s. By the end of that 集合, I had managed to get to know them better and had a nice time interacting with them.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

It was the Year 1s’ first 集合, and with World Thinking Day (WTD) approaching, we were going to make bracelets to exchange with Guides from other companies (COYs) during WTD. I think it was great that WTD 2026 was so close to the Year 1s’ first 集合 to have an easy-going first session for the Year 1s. It was our first time meeting the Year 1s, and the whole COY was extremely excited and we had been eagerly anticipating this day. Our Gadgeting Gateway was displayed proudly and decorated with fairy lights, creating a welcoming atmosphere. We sat down as a patrol and started with Icebreakers, introducing ourselves and saying which classes we were from. After that, we had a mini debate within the patrol, where the Year 4s gave us a topic and split us into two groups. The debate was very engaging and allowed us to apply our critical thinking skills. I think it also helped to break the ice and made the Year 1s feel more comfortable with us. We made an effort to include the Year 1s as much as possible, so that they would stay engaged and be more comfortable. The atmosphere was lively, which showed that the patrols were bonding well. Afterwards, we worked on making bracelets as a patrol. Each Guide was required to make at least two bracelets for the WTD Bracelet Exchange. While making the bracelets, we continued chatting and getting to know the Year 1s better. There was a wide variety of beads provided, such as alphabet beads and flower beads. To generate ideas for our designs, we discussed among ourselves, and some of us took inspiration from this year’s WTD theme, “Our Friendship”. After completing the bracelets, we brought the Year 1s to view our Gadgeting Gateway structure, and they were quite impressed by it. It was a very fun session and I hope to do more of such activities in the future.

We hope that the Year 1s enjoyed their first 集合 ever! We also look forward to the patrols getting more closely bonded as we work together in future activities!

Published by:

Goh Kae Lyn

57th 届 Secretary

Skills Training, 30 January 2026

Hi Guides! In preparation for the Year 1s joining our 团 next week, the Year 2s and Year 3s worked together as a 团 to build a Gadgeting Gateway to welcome the new batch in! Beforehand, we had Lash Training to warm up and practise tying our lashes.

Lash Training

Reflection from a Year 2 in P4:

On 30 January 2026, Friday, we had Lash Training, which was one of the first 集合s of the entire year after the December holidays. Our lash-tying skills were rusty after the months of not practising tying lashes, so the Lash Training activity on that day was quite brutal and served as a wake-up call for us to snap out of the holiday mood. We had to tie the standard lashes, such as the Square Lash, Diagonal Lash, as well as A-架 Lash. Most of us were shockingly unable to tie the lashes under the standard timings, which was 2.5 minutes for Square Lash and 3 minutes for both Diagonal Lash and A-架 Lash, which made us realise that we really needed to buck up and quickly polish our lash-tying skills before the Year 1s arrive so that we could set a good example for them to follow. As we were unable to meet the standard timings for the lashes and 过时-ed by a little, it thus reduced our amount of time left to build the Gadgeting Gateway later on, leading to a chaos of forfeits accompanied by scolding from our seniors. We learned to 报时 more often so as to take note of the amount of time we had left so that we could ask for time extension, as well as to know if we needed to pick up the pace of our work, and hence our sense of urgency could also be improved. Overall, this 集合 served as a reminder that we will need to brush up on our soft and hard skills.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

The 集合 on 30 January helped me build confidence and prepare myself as a Year 3 Guide. During the session, we went through the planned activities and practised the skills that we would need for future 集合s. This allowed me to better understand the instructions and the purpose of each activity. By doing this, I felt more prepared and more aware of the expectations of a Year 3 Guide. I also learnt the importance of teamwork during the session. I worked with my batchmates to complete the activities, and we supported one another when someone was unsure. Through this, I realised that guiding others is not only an individual responsibility, but also something we do together. Working as a team helped us share ideas and learn from each other, which made the training more meaningful. In addition, the session allowed me to reflect on my own strengths and areas for improvement. I tried to participate actively and listen carefully to instructions so that I would not fall behind. At the same time, I realised that I can improve by being more confident and taking more initiative. This will help me contribute more during future 集合s and when guiding juniors. Overall, this training session helped me develop my teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. It also reminded me to be more responsible and proactive as a Year 3 Guide. I hope to continue improving myself and apply what I learnt in future 集合s. 

Gadgeting Gateway

Reflection from a Year 2 in P2:

On 30 January, we built a Gadgeting Gateway to welcome the new Year 1s into Guides. We were split into two groups, with each group having to build one side of the gateway. During this, the Year 3s gave us instructions on how to build the gateway and what lashes to tie. The instructions given by the Year 3s were clear, and they patiently explained to us whenever we got lost or confused. I think I did well in cooperating with the Year 3s, as I asked them what to do when I was a 做不 and followed their instructions. I think my lashes were up to standard and tight, but I would still like to work on the speed of tying my lashes, and 报时 more often. Not only that, I would also like to step up more and initiate cheers, and in the future, lead my Year 1s. We 过时-ed by quite a lot and had to do forfeits as well. Thus, I think that we could have worked with a better sense of urgency and had clearer communication between both groups. We also had quite a few kapped logistics, so we should be more alert in the future and 照顾好东西 better. The end result of the Gateway was very nice and I felt quite proud seeing the finished product, especially since it was not a structure we were familiar with and yet managed to complete it.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P4:

On 30 January, the Year 2s and Year 3s built a Gadgeting Gateway as a structure to welcome the new batch of Year 1s and to show our Gadgeting skills to them. We were split into 2 groups, and in each group was appointed a Patrol Leader (PL) and Patrol Second (PS). Both groups were meant to build the two towers of the Gateway, and the towers had to be exactly the same. This required constant communication and standardising between the 2 groups. Being the PL, I learnt how to communicate effectively with my patrol members and also the other group, as well as how to multitask better as being a PL may be overwhelming. As a twist, the seniors announced that PL and PS would be swapped to a different set of people, and we as a patrol learnt to adapt to the new PL and PS while working with a sense of urgency to complete the structure on time. From this activity, our key takeaways were communication and adaptation. Additionally, it was a great opportunity to practise our hard skills to prepare for the Year 1s joining our CCA. All in all, this activity was very fun and we all felt like we improved a lot from it. 

From today's 集合, though we faced challenges along the way, we hope that the Guides were able to gain insight on the important skill of communication and adaptation, and were able to improve their leadership skills!

Published by:

Goh Kae Lyn

57th 届 Secretary

Skills Training, 23 January 2026

Hi Guides! Today, the Year 2s worked on their own to practise their lash-tying skills before joining the Year 3s, who also worked separately to practise their proposal writing skills in preparation for PLTC and future activities! Afterwards, the entire 团 worked together to execute what they had prepared for, which was a Gadgeting Dustbin and Car.

Lash Training

Reflection from a Year 2 in P2:

Before we built the Gadgeting Car, the Year 2s took part in Lash Training to further refresh our lashing skills after a long holiday. We were tasked to tie the basic lashes, which were a Square Lash, a Diagonal Lash, and an A-架 Lash each. Those who finished earlier could step up to tie 4 Quadpods as a batch. I think my lashes were up to standard as I was quick to finish tying the three lashes, and stepped up to tie the Quadpod. In my opinion, it was tied well for one of my first try, although it 飞脚-ed. The seniors gave me tips on how to 顶脚 better in order to avoid 飞脚, which was to push the 木 against the wall and push it downward. I found them really helpful and I will remember to apply their tips in future to improve my hard skills. The seniors were really helpful and understanding, commending me that my lashes were quite good. However, I feel that the quality of my lashes were inconsistent, and I will continue to work hard in Lash Training sessions to tie tighter lashes. Although some of us finished relatively quickly, most of my batchmates took a long time to tie their lashes. This was quite disappointing as we had high expectations for ourselves, and did not want to disappoint our seniors. Those who finished tied the Quadpods, and had to ask for time extensions so that we would not 过时. It felt humiliating asking for time extensions again and again, and we will definitely learn from this experience in order to further improve the quality of our lashes, and also improve our sense of urgency. We tried our best but I believe our lashes are still not up to standard yet, so I really hope that we will take Lash Training more seriously, rather than as a time to chat mindlessly, but as a time to focus and work on our lash-tying skills, asking for tips and feedback from our seniors.

Proposal Writing

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

On 23 January 2026, the Year 3s were split into two groups and had a Proposal Writing practice, whereby one group had to write a proposal on building a Gadgeting Car and the other, a Gadgeting Dustbin. From our past experiences of writing proposals, we all knew we had to work together to make sure that our proposals were standardised properly, as well as of good quality and high standards, such that it could be efficiently used by us to complete the planned activity. I think the two groups could have sat closer to each other as even though we could have sat exactly next to each other and only using two benches, we sat one whole bench apart, making communication inconvenient and not very effective, where we had to stretch our arms to pass a message and even sometimes had to wait for the other group to respond before we came to a conclusion. I also think that we could have taken the time to understand the structure more. As there were Patrol Leaders (PLs) and Patrol Seconds (PSs) assigned, most of us did not have the thought to properly familiarise with the structure and understand the building process which impacted the process of us executing and completing the structure, where when the PLs and PSs were changed, we were slow and unprepared to react as our proposals were also not as detailed. From this, I learnt how important it is to look ahead and plan for possible contingencies. This could be extremely crucial for future activities and events that we have to plan for during our 领导层 journey. As the Guides motto goes, this activity reminded me and my batchmates to always “Be Prepared”.

Gadgeting Dustbin

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

As it was one of the last few 集合s before the Year 1s arrived, I was excited and a little nervous as it would be our first time building the Gadgeting Dustbin since it is not a standard structure, and it was also our first 集合 after Orientation Preparation. We were grouped with Patrol 4 and when building the structure, I was a little unsure as to how to build it. At first, we tied the frame for the Dustbin, but since we did not 顶 properly, it kept moving while we were tying the lashes. The frame was also sheering and the distances between the 木 were different, so we had to untie some of the lashes on the frames and 重打 the lashes. The Year 3s also assigned some people to help 顶 the frame against the wall to ensure more accurate measurements. When tying the structure, we also did not ensure constant 报时 and the seniors had to keep reminding us to do so. Even with the seniors’ reminders, we would often not 报时 after a while. In the end, we did not have a good sense of urgency and asked for multiple time extensions. Though we completed tying the structure, the dustbin did not work well. Overall, I think that we could have done way better as we could have definitely improved sense of urgency and make sure our lashes were more up to standard. However, I am still proud of my group as it was our first time tying the Gadgeting Dustbin, which included moving mechanisms that we were not very familiar with.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

On 23 January 集合, Patrol 3 and Patrol 4 were grouped together to build a Gadgeting Dustbin, while Patrol 1 and Patrol 2 were grouped to build a Gadgeting Car. I was the Patrol Leader of P3 and P4 and since this was one of the first few 集合s of the year, where the Year 4s had stepped up and I had to be the one to give out instructions like them, I felt nervous yet excited that I had been given this opportunity to lead my peers along with my Patrol Second. Throughout this whole 集合, we faced many difficulties. We had given ourselves too short of a time to complete the structure during the Proposal Writing activity as we did not foresee the challenges that we would face along the way. The Gadgeting Dustbin was also a structure built during Orientation Preparation, which made it quite challenging for us to give out the instructions as it was a structure that included moving mechanisms. I needed to keep the overall plan in mind to ensure the structure was completed successfully, while also managing time effectively and giving clear instructions so that no one felt unsure of their tasks. However, despite all that, we still worked together as a team to complete the structure. Although the structure had some areas for improvement, like the tightness and neatness of the lashes, I still felt a sense of accomplishment as this was not just a structure we built, but a meaningful experience that taught us resilience and cooperation. From this experience, I learnt that I could have clarified with my seniors about how the structure works so that we could have a better understanding of the bigger picture which makes it easier to convey our instructions to our juniors. We could also have had a better sense of urgency and asked for time extensions before the time was up. Another thing I learnt was to 集合 all the 做不s and brief them on the next step, which helps to ensure that everyone has a clearer picture on what we were doing next. In conclusion, this experience has taught me the importance of preparation, communication and teamwork, and I will apply these lessons to become a more effective PL in future 集合 sessions.

Gadgeting Car

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

On 23 January 2026, we built a Gadgeting Car with Patrol 2. As this was one of our last few 集合s before the Year 1s came in, we had to ensure that all our lashes were tight so that we can better guide the Year 1s to the best of our abilities. We built the frames, connected them and added a door. Although it might seem easy, it was actually quite challenging for us, especially with two patrols working together, there is more manpower and hence, the situation would get messy and chaotic easily. Thus, I think that there are many areas which we can improve in. Firstly, as it was also one of the first CCA sessions after such a long break, the December holidays, many of us did not tie our lashes in the standard timings. Furthermore, some of the lashes were quite loose. I think we can practise tying lashes within the standard timings and of better standard in the future. Secondly, we could definitely increase the frequency of our 报时. At one point in time when tying the structure, all the Year 3s were put on mouth alert. The atmosphere quietened very quickly due to our lack of 报时. This shows that the Year 2s were not 报时-ing enough or not 报时-ing loud enough. In future 集合s, we can 报时 louder and more consistently. This would help us keep track of our time better. Thirdly, when building the structure, we were overcrowding the Patrol Leader (PL) and Patrol Second (PS) to ask them for instructions, which could lead them to feel overwhelmed. In the future, instead of overcrowding the PL and PS, we can be more proactive and take the initiative to do other things such as tuck in 鸟绳 or 重抽 loose lashes. Overall, this was a really fun and insightful 集合.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

For this activity, the Year 3s were split into two groups. For my group, we had to build a Creative Gadgeting Structure of a Car. It was a very different design, and it was the first time I had encountered such a unique Gadgeting structure. I was chosen to be the Patrol Leader (PL), with one of my batchmates as the Patrol Second (PS). I felt quite stressed as I had to step up for something I was unfamiliar with, but I calmed down and told myself to do my best. With the collective effort of planning the steps to build the structure and writing the proposal together with the Year 3s, the task of building the structure with the Year 2s later felt much more manageable. We wrote the Proposal in a standardised format, aligning it with the other group, and soon began the execution process. During the building process, I had to assign tasks to my patrol mates, and it felt very overwhelming as the PL. I had to keep the bigger picture in mind for the structure to come together, ensuring that my patrol kept to the given timings and that instructions were communicated clearly so that everyone knew what to do and no one was left unsure. There were several areas for improvement, such as assigning specific time limits for each task and having a clearer vision of the structure from the start. I feel that I could have done better and will work on improving these weaknesses in the future. Halfway through, we realised that the seats could not be built as planned because it would prevent the door from opening. I felt quite flustered and had to quickly think of a way to modify the structure while ensuring it remained functional. We swiftly found a solution and repositioned the seats to the other end of the car. The structure turned out quite well, and we successfully completed it, with only minor areas for improvement such as the tightness and neatness of the lashes. Overall, I think everyone did a great job, and it was a valuable leadership experience for me to reflect on and improve my weaknesses. In the future, when I take on the role of PL again, I will set clearer time limits, communicate my instructions more clearly so that no one is confused, and remember to step back regularly to look at the bigger picture. I will also work more closely with the PS so that I do not feel as overwhelmed.

We hope that the activities planned during today's 集合 helped the Year 2s and Year 3s in working on their weaknesses as a batch. We also hope that these structures gave the Year 3s an opportunity to practise their leadership skills, while the entire 团 prepared for the arrival of the Year 1s!

Published by:

Goh Kae Lyn

57th 届 Secretary

Orientation Preparation 2026

Hi Guides! The time has come for us Guides and Scouts to prepare for the new Year 1s who would join our school on 13 January 2026. At the same time, they are given the chance to train and build up on their skills and discipline within their assigned Committees. This year's theme was Carnival!

Lounge

Reflection from a Year 2 in P4:

This was my first Orientation Preparation session, and I was assigned to the Lounge committee. At the beginning, I was unsure of what to expect, but as the session progressed, I gained many valuable learning experiences. During OP, I learnt how important cooperation with the Scouts is, as teamwork plays a big role in ensuring that tasks are completed smoothly and efficiently. We had to work together to build a Lounge structure, and this required clear communication, coordination, and mutual support among everyone involved. Through this experience, I learnt practical skills such as how to tighten my lashes properly. This was something I struggled with at first, but with guidance and practice, I gradually improved. I also learnt the importance of having a strong sense of urgency. In OP, time is limited, and delaying tasks can affect the entire 团. I realised that working efficiently is not just about finishing my own task, but also about ensuring that others are not held back because of my actions. I learnt the need to step up and help the rest of the 团 whenever possible. There were moments when I had completed my assigned task and felt tempted to stand around and rest. However, I came to understand that being proactive and offering help is crucial, especially in a team setting. OP is not about individual performance, but about how well everyone works together to achieve a common goal. Physically, the session was challenging, especially when moving logistics. I found it tiring, and at times felt like giving up, but this experience taught me the importance of perseverance. Even when I felt exhausted, I reminded myself that everyone else was also pushing through their own challenges. This motivated me to continue and give my best effort. For future 集合s and the next OP session, I hope to improve my lash timings and overall quality so that my work can be more reliable and efficient. I also aim to persevere more when moving logistics and constantly remind myself to keep trying. Overall, these OP sessions served as a meaningful learning experience that helped me grow both physically and mentally, and I look forward to improving myself in future sessions like this.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

In preparation for our CCA Exhibition for the incoming Year 1s, we had our Orientation Preparation ‘26, where both the Scouts and Guides 团s were divided into a few committees, such as Lounge, Creative Structure, Gadgeting etc. and I was assigned to Lounge! On the first day of OP’26, we started with some icebreaker activities to familiarise ourselves with one another. Then, we first collected our logistics for the various venues, starting building the Lounge, taking small breaks and lunch breaks in between. Since it was our first OP’26 session, our In-Charge (ICs) gave us more leeway for making mistakes because we were not as familiar with the structure just yet. The first session was also for finding errors and solutions. Hence, we had spent most of the time understanding our mistakes. For example, we had encountered one problem because our floor boards on the structure were not stable when we stepped on it because all the pressure was only on one 木, making it dangerous to step on. Hence, our solution was to add more 粉红木 to spread the pressure across more points of contact. Other than that, I learnt that even if we are 做不-ing, we should always still take the initiative to take some awareness to our surroundings, seeing if we could do other tasks, for example, 清理场地, 收麻绳, even if the ICs say that there is nothing to do at that moment. Due to us not managing our time properly, we had 过时-ed and by not doing so, we could have been much more productive in the building of Lounge and hence, would not 过时. Fast forward to our second OP’26 session, since we had already 困-ed the 木s we needed, it was much easier to collect logistics. This time, we were more productive, finishing the structure much earlier than expected. This session was also much more smooth-sailing and well done. However, our sense of urgency and 报时 could have been improved, especially during 拆掉. Since we finished earlier than expected, a lot of us were complacent and started to slow down the pace. Moreover, we could have 报时 more often since our lack of 报时-ing made us lose our focus and sense of urgency. During the third OP’26 session, we, the Year 3s, would 集合 a while before the Year 2s and Year 4s did. During this period of time, we had some of us take charge. Under this leadership, although we were slightly lost at times, we worked with a sense of urgency and immediately identified our mistakes and quickly fixed them, which ensured that our structure was stable. When the Year 2s and Year 4s 集合-ed, we were already done with the main structure, left with only the table, seats and floor boards, which was great progress. The next 2 hours were to complete the structure and to make sure our structure was up to standard. Although during the tour on the actual day, the Year 1s were scared or shy to go into the Lounge, seeing that some of them still took the courage to step in and see that the structure was so stable made me feel a huge sense of accomplishment and pride in the structure and our committee. From OP’26, I had learnt many things from my Year 4s on many aspects of Guides, such as leadership, including how to better 集合 the 做不s, how to stay organised, and on soft skills like communication, teamwork, adaptability etc. I felt that OP’26 also gave me the opportunity to better bond with my Year 2 juniors and I was very heartened when they came to me for help or to clarify things they were unsure of or even just for small talk while we were tying lashes. Other than that, I learnt how our sense of urgency, 报时 and proactiveness in everything we do are all interconnected to make sure we stay on task. My favourite part of OP’26 was not just bonding with my juniors, batchmates or seniors, but also being the pillar of support for them, assisting them in every way possible. One thing I think really helped me identify my weaknesses and strengths was the debrief session at the end of every OP session, as it really helped us reflect on what we could have done better, not just individually but also as a whole committee. Hence, OP’26 was a very enriching experience for me and a great platform for me to bond with my fellow Guides. 

Creative Structure

Reflection from a Year 2 in P2:

For my Creative Structure committee, we were tasked with building a Food Truck for Orientation Preparation ’26. At first, I felt extremely nervous yet intrigued when I saw the layout of the Food Truck, as it appeared quite challenging to construct. Since OP’26 was my first ever OP, I had little idea of what to expect. I had heard from my seniors that OP was both demanding and enjoyable, which made me look forward to the experience. During the first session, we set personal goals and planned how to work towards achieving them in the following sessions, such as tying our lashes within standard timings and ensuring that their quality met the required standards. Initially, I struggled slightly to keep up, as it was the start of the year and it had been a while since my last CCA session. Nevertheless, I persevered and gradually managed to adapt. Over the next two sessions, we focused on constructing the main frame of the Food Truck and completing the decorations as well as the front of the truck. By the end of OP, the Food Truck was finally completed, and the end product looked amazing. We felt a strong sense of pride as we had built the Food Truck together as a team, and seeing the final result made all our hard work worthwhile. We were also excited to display it to the new batch of Year 1s during our CCA Exhibition. On the actual OP day, the Food Truck served a variety of treats such as popcorn and s’mores. After experiencing my first OP, I felt that I worked relatively well with my committee members. Despite the challenges and difficulties faced, it was a fun and meaningful experience that allowed me to apply the skills I had learnt from Guides. From this OP, I learnt the importance of persevering during hard times, and to increase my sense of urgency as well as improve my hard skills. I also learnt how to be good manpower, to ask my seniors what to do when I finish my task so that I will not be a 做不 and to help the whole team or committee to finish the structure on time. Moving forward, I will continue to improve on my hard skills and apply the new skills I have learnt in future OPs and 集合s.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

As expected, building an Orientation Preparation structure was not easy and pushed all our limits. We spent two and a half days building our Food Truck structure and making sure it was presentable to the Year 1s. During the process of building, we started off quite relaxed and lacked a strong sense of urgency especially during the first OP session. There was a severe lack of 报时 and our lashes were not well up to the standard time and tightness. Most of us also failed to live up to our “不是跑，就是飞” motto, as we should not have been walking even when we were asked to 集合 or gather logistics. Another thing I learnt in OP is that every lash counts. In the words of a teacher I heard this from, “a single loose lash can affect the whole structure”. Regardless of whether the OP session was ending or if our lashes were part of the main frame, they should be tied neatly and tightly. Every lash reflects our commitment to making sure OP is a success. As such, we took the feedback from our seniors and ICs to heart and worked harder during subsequent OP sessions. It was all thanks to the blood, sweat and tears, literally for some and figuratively, that we got the structure up on time and made it presentable. Looking back, some things that could have been improved aside from our sense of urgency could have been our cautiousness as we had many casualties during the OP. Something both us Guides and Scouts have to remember is that we are all in this together and we should look out for one another because 团的力量大. It is not just about ourselves but ensuring everyone can get through OP safely. We should work together and also help one another more. I hope to carry all these lessons learnt during OP to future 集合 sessions because regardless of what we are doing, a sense of urgency, a mindset to try our hardest, and teamwork to not just work together but make sure everyone is safe, is key to being a strong patrol, team and 团 as a whole. All in all, I am still proud of the Food Truck structure we built and how far we had come together because at the end of the day, we worked hard together to build the structure to the best of our ability. This experience, though very demanding and challenging, showed us how much we can accomplish by working hand in hand. With that in mind, I look forward to going for OP next year, albeit that time as 领导层.

Gadgeting

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

Gadgeting during Orientation Preparation ’26 was a fun and memorable experience, even though there were many challenges along the way. I was in the OP’26 Gadgeting Committee and I really enjoyed the process because it allowed collaboration between the Scouts and Guides, to put our creativity to work, and also apply practical skills that we had learned during past 集合s. I had also made some new friends along the way, as we had to constantly cooperate and rely on one another, not only for support but also for encouragement, and help one another when we faced difficulties. Seeing our structures gradually come together was very satisfying, and it felt rewarding to know that we built something impressive, functional, and fun with our own hands and abilities. However, the process was not always smooth-sailing. One of the main challenges we faced was our Rotating Display Stand structure. It kept 飞脚-ing, which made it very frustrating to deal with. Every time we thought we had fixed it, it would 飞脚 again. We spent a very long time trying to adjust and secure it properly. This tested our patience, critical thinking skills and teamwork, as we had to keep communicating with one another to identify what had gone wrong and how to better improve it. I kept being tasked to 顶 and to retie the same lash over and over again as we had to readjust. During this process, we also had to encourage each other not to give up, which taught me the importance of perseverance and supporting one another when things do not go as planned. Another challenge was one of the Cornhole game structures we built. We realised that the dimensions of the two sets of Cornhole games were not the same, which made it inconsistent for use. We hence had to retie and adjust it to make it more consistent and standardised to the first one. This took much longer than expected and required several attempts before we were satisfied with the result. From this, I learnt the importance of long-term planning ahead and planning carefully, measuring accurately, and checking our work early to prevent larger problems later on. Despite these challenges, I still found OP’26 Gadgeting fun and meaningful. Overall, I learnt a lot from OP’26 Gadgeting. Firstly, teamwork is very important and communication is key, especially when facing difficulties. Secondly, patience and resilience are very crucial as things do not always go smoothly and might not be up to our expectations on the first try. Thirdly, a strong sense of urgency, proper 报时, and tying tight lashes are crucial for the stability of our gadgets, hence I would need to improve on the tightness of my lashes and 报时 more often. All in all, it was a very fun and enriching experience, and I had a great time working with my seniors, batchmates and fellow Scouts.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P4:

This was my second year in Gadgeting Committee and I can say that, as I have been in Gadgeting for two years and we also do it during most 集合s, I am familiar and used to Gadgeting. There were some setbacks as some of the Scouts were not used to Gadgeting which is very understandable as they do not do it often. We taught them the essentials of Gadgeting, such that Gadgeting lashes could be tied with one less frap and round than Pioneering, and after a while, they also got more used to tying Gadgeting lashes. We had to build a Rotating Display Stand, Dustbin Box that could be opened when pressed down with your foot on a lever, and a Kitchen Shelf, which had a lot of details. We also had to build two Cornhole Game structures and one Basketball game structure, which the Scouts and Year 1s who came to visit our exhibition absolutely enjoyed, so we felt a sense of accomplishment as we made the Year 1s smile and become interested in considering to join Scouts and Guides. Although that was an enjoyable experience, not all of Orientation Preparation was the same. There were certain times when we all felt really stressed, burnt out and just felt like giving up, but we persevered and managed to complete OP. I am really proud of every one of the juniors and manpower who made the effort to come for every single OP session as we really had a lack of manpower, with most of our manpower only coming on the last OP session, in which we were already almost done with the structures. An area that I felt I have grown in is communication with people I was not very familiar with. Before OP, I did not really know how to communicate with the Scouts as we barely interacted for 集合s or events, but after OP, I have found out that most of them are quite cooperative and I now know how to communicate better and work well with them. Overall, OP had a lot of ups and downs, but it was a necessary learning experience that I really enjoyed a lot, and I look forward to OP’27.

Performance

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

During Orientation Preparation ’26 and the rehearsals, I was apart of the Performance Committee and we built two structures, which were the Fireman’s Ladder (FML) and the 绳桥. We first built the FML by tying three 青木 to two 红木 using square lashes. Next, we tied the 绳桥 by first tying two A-架s, using the 营绳 to tie the two A-架s together. After finishing the two structures, we started to practice our performance stunts. Starting with the FML, we took turns to flip over it. Through this, I learnt certain techniques such as keeping our legs together when flipping to ensure that it does not bend when flipping so as to make sure that we do not get hurt from the stunts. Next, we practiced 绳桥. I learnt more unique techniques such as moving my hands and legs at the same time so that I do not get stuck. From these practices and rehearsals, I had many takeaways. First, I learnt that I could cheer much louder, especially during the actual performance, so that high morale is maintained throughout, and it also shows the Year 1s our enthusiasm. During the rehearsal, the anchor at the end could barely hear us, also due to the music being louder than our cheers. Furthermore, if the rest of the 团 cannot hear us cheer, they will not be able to cheer with us. This will make the performance appear awkward and silent. Secondly, safety is not just important but should be our first priority. During the rehearsal, the FML was leaning to one side. This makes the performance dangerous and unsafe. We should have 顶-ed the FML properly and use three points of contact to drive the 木 into the ground so that the FML would not sheer. Another example is, during the 绳桥 performance, the rope was not taut. This is dangerous as the performer may fall. Furthermore, when a performer reaches the end of the 绳桥 we can tell them when to turn so that they don’t hit their head or their leg when turning. When the performer is reaching the end of the 绳桥, the people on the other side can also pull harder so the climber can turn easier and safer. Also, I could have had a better sense of urgency. Thirdly, “不是跑, 就是飞”, we took a long time as we walked to our positions instead of running. This causes us to take more time to perform and it also makes the performance sloppy. Hence, we should have a better sense of urgency. Our actions should be sharp and quick, like through 集合-ing faster so it looks less sloppy. In future 集合s, I will practice 顶-ing better and also cheer and 报时 louder. Last but not least, I learnt that I should tie my lashes better, tie it once and tie it right. During 集合s, I will also work on the tightness of my lashes so that I would not have to 重抽 them so many times. In conclusion, OP’26 was a really exciting, fun and enriching but tiring first experience for me. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

Being in the Performance Committee for Orientation Preparation ’26 was a truly memorable experience. For the Performance Comm this year, we carried out 绳桥 and the Fireman’s Ladder (FML). I was also part of the Performance Comm during OP’25, but we only did the FML then. As a result, I was really looking forward to attempting 绳桥 this year. Throughout the many OP sessions, we set various goals to work towards. During the first session, we familiarised ourselves with the building of the FML and 绳桥, as well as the techniques required for flipping and climbing along the rope. Over the following two sessions, we focused on refining our techniques while also improving our speed and timing. These structured goals gave us a clear vision of what we were aiming to achieve during OP and what we wanted to showcase to the new Year 1s during the CCA Exhibition during the actual Orientation Day. I felt that this made the entire process more fulfilling and well-organised. Initially, I was unsure and quite afraid that my performance for 绳桥 was not up to standard. However, through consistent practice and encouragement, I was able to improve my timings and climbing techniques. There were several areas we needed to work on from the start of OP, such as our cheering volume, the way we 顶-ed the structure, and our overall sense of urgency. With constant reminders and encouragement from our In-Charges (ICs), the Performance Comm showed significant improvement over time. Although not all our dry-runs showed major progress, with some hiccups along the way during practices, such as incorrect mat arrangements or the FML being set at an inaccurate height, we managed to persevere, overcome these challenges, and stay positive by trying again. There were moments when I felt exhausted and overwhelmed, but my committee members always found ways to cheer one another up, whether through random comments or humorous jokes that made all of us laugh together. These moments made OP far more enjoyable, and everything felt much more manageable as a result. Overall, I was satisfied with my performance, and I feel that the OP’26 Performance Comm was highly committed and put in our best efforts during every session. I will make sure to apply all the learning points I have gained, such as constant cheering and maintaining a strong sense of urgency, during normal 集合s. From my perspective, OP’26 was a great success and an excellent learning opportunity.

Outdoor Cooking

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

During the three Orientation Preparation sessions and the actual OP day, I gained many meaningful experiences, especially as part of the Outdoor Cooking Committee. Across the first three sessions, I learned how to prepare different types of dishes such as Pineapple Rice and Taco Shells. Although the sessions were physically tiring, they were also very enjoyable and fulfilling. Through these activities, I realised that Outdoor Cooking requires not only practical skills but also teamwork, patience and resilience. One of the most memorable dishes we learned to make was Pineapple Rice. The process was more complicated and physically demanding than I first expected. First, we had to cut the bottom of the pineapple and remove a rectangular section from the side. Next, we dug most of the pineapple flesh out to create enough space for the rice and water. After adding the ingredients, we placed the cut-out piece back as a lid and cooked the pineapple over the fire. This required precision and skill, and it showed me how challenging cooking in an outdoor environment could be. I also really enjoyed working together with both the Scouts and Guides. Despite coming from different groups, we communicated well and supported one another throughout the sessions. One of my favourite moments was making and eating s’mores together after a long day of preparation. It was a simple activity, but it strengthened our bonds and boosted team morale. The actual OP day was the most exhausting part of the entire experience, as the workload was heavier and the pressure was higher. However, seeing the Year 1s enjoy the popcorn and s’mores we prepared made all the hard work worthwhile. Overall, this experience taught me the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and serving others with a positive attitude. These lessons will stay with me beyond OP’26 and help me grow as a more responsible and resilient individual.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

I remember being extremely excited when I learnt that I had been assigned to my favourite committee once again, Outdoor Cooking. As I had prior experience, I looked forward to creating new dishes and interacting with the new committee members. During the first session, we introduced ourselves to one another, and the Year 4 In-Charges (ICs) presented the new dish items that we would be serving to the Year 1s. After going through the recipes, we immediately got to work and began constructing our improvised Indoor Fire Altar (IFA). Initially, it was rather challenging as we lacked manpower, and it had been a long time since we last tied lashes. This explained why our structure was loose during our first attempt at building the IFA. However, we quickly adapted, and my Year 4 ICs appointed me as the Patrol Leader in charge of building the IFA. This greatly helped the committee in terms of speed and organisation, and we were able to construct the structure more efficiently. We then recapped our fire-starting skills and moved on to food preparation. It was a truly thrilling experience to manage the fire while cooking appetising snacks for everyone. Over the next few sessions, we continued refining our recipes, and our structure gradually improved in stability and tightness as well. On the actual CCA Exhibition during the actual Orientation day, everyone worked together and successfully provided sufficient food for all the Year 1s who were interested in our CCAs. It was heart-warming to see the smiles on their faces as they took a bite of the popcorn and s’mores we prepared. Although things were rather hectic at times, we managed to persevere, which ultimately led to our sweet success. Overall, OP’26 was an enjoyable experience as it provided me with opportunities to lead my committee members, allowing me to further hone both my soft and hard skills. While there were some hiccups along the way, I am proud of my committee for believing in one another and never giving up. There were many moments when I felt exhausted from constantly switching between food preparation and managing the fire, but my committee members were always there to support me. They lightened the mood by cracking jokes, experimenting with unusual food combinations, and laughing together, which made the experience even more memorable. I believe that I performed well and did a good job working closely with my other members, and I will definitely apply the skills I learnt in my daily life and future 集合s, such as leadership skills, problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication with others.

OP'26 could not have been a success without the hard work and resilience of all our fellow Guides and Scouts members! We look forward to the Year 1s that will be joining us soon!

Published by:

Goh Kae Lyn

57th 届 Secretary