Skills Training, 10 May 2024

 Hi Guides!

Today was the last 集合 of the term and of the Year 4s' leadership journey as Guides, but the Year 3s were unfortunately absent as they were preparing for their upcoming PLTC. During this 集合, the Year 1s and Year 2s completed lash training for both gadgeting and pioneering, and also tried out Fireman's Ladder (FML) and 绳桥, which were built by the Year 4s. 

Reflection from a Year 1 in P1:

During 集合 on Friday, activities were split by batch. During the collection of logistics for Year 1s, there was some confusion as to what logistics we were meant to collect, and we ended up 过时-ing. This could have been prevented with better coordination during the memorisation of logistics needed. Afterward, we did lash training, during which we found out that we had forgotten a few items and had to retrieve them halfway through, using up extra time. Hence, we also 过时-ed during lash training and did not hit the intended time. However, from that experience, we learnt how to tie different types of lashes as well as the importance of time management and good organisation skills. After that, we climbed the 绳桥 and Fireman’s Ladder (FML) that the Year 4s had built. That was the highlight of the session as there were many cheers and lots of laughter during that time — we even found out two of our seniors’ phone passwords. All in all, this 集合 taught us to 报时 more, as well as how to climb the 绳桥 and FML which was a fun and enriching experience.

Reflection from a Year 1 in P2:

During the 绳桥 and Fireman's Ladder (FML) 集合, I managed to bond with people from other patrols and get to know them better. It also helped me to have a sense of urgency when doing the lashes. We learnt about new lashes and how to make lashes tighter. Although we 过时-ed and did not ask for a time extension, this experience taught us that we should always work with a sense of urgency. The most memorable experience was when we were climbing the 绳桥. All the guides encouraged each other to persevere when doing the 绳桥 and also helped each other. Another activity that I enjoyed was the FML. Although I was too scared to climb it and did not want to do so, I enjoyed holding the ladder while the other people climbed the FML. One important thing that I learnt while holding the FML was to be observant and look out for other people‘s legs. Overall, it was a memorable and fulfilling experience.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P2:

On 10 May, we did Fireman's Ladder (FML) and 绳桥. The Year 2s were told to collect our 木 from a pile at GSL and move them to the road. We thought it would be easy but it was not because the connecting part was blocked off for the Rangers and Ventures to paint our new 木 and so we had to go the long way. We also had to take the helmets. This caused us to waste a lot of time. In the end, we did not get all of our logistics in time because our batch was not really close and not all of us wanted to speak up to tell us the logistics they remembered. Also, half the batch was on the other side of GSL so it was also hard to communicate. In the end, we forgot our bottles and had to go back and get them. Then, we did lash training. Most of our lashes were tight and done within 4 minutes, which was the given timing, but some still needed extra practice so we ended up re-doing our lashes a lot of times. But it was all good because during that time, our Year 4s finished building our FML and 绳桥 and when we were done with lash training, we could go straight to climbing and flipping. It was very fun and in the end, Gwendolyn managed to do her very first FML flip.

Reflection from a Year 2 in P4:

During the last 集合 with the Year 4s, we were able to enjoy 绳桥 and Fire Man Ladder (FML). However, before we could have fun, we had to go through lash training. Everyone had to tie a tight lash within the time limit and we would do it over and over again until all our lashes were tight. It was especially challenging due to the hot weather and we were all extremely drained from the Year 4s constantly pushing us. However, some of us were unable to tie tight lashes despite putting in all our strength and pulling as hard as possible. I was glad that we all pushed through and never gave up. After the tough lash training, we were finally able to participate in the fun activities. We all enjoyed the activity as it was a great opportunity for us to have fun together and appreciate our last moments together with our lovely Year 4s.

Hope that everyone has learnt a lot from this last 集合 with the Year 4s, and that also enjoyed their time with their batchmates, juniors and seniors!

Published by:

Chin Yan Tong

55届 Secretary

Patrol Activity, 6 May 2024

 Hello Guides!

Today was unfortunately the last Patrol Activity with the 55th 届, and here are the reflections about the PAs from the Year 3s of each patrol. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P1:

For Patrol Activity (PA) on Monday, we did pioneering lash training, Fireman’s Ladder (FML), and played Captain’s Ball. During lash training, the Year 1s were taught in-depth to tie pioneering lashes, while the rest of us practiced tying them tightly and within standard timing. Morale was initially a bit low as we were all feeling a bit fatigued from the day, and some of our lashes were not up to standard. However, the excitement of FML soon lifted our spirits. After building the ladder, a few seniors demonstrated flipping over it first before letting our Year 1s try. With some guidance, one of them successfully made the flip for the first time, which we were all incredibly proud of. Although not every patrol member was willing to try, our ladder was still used by others outside of the patrol, including a Guider. Afterward, we split into 2 teams – Year 3s against Year 1s and Year 2s – to play Captain’s Ball. After a few intense and exciting rounds, the Year 3s emerged victorious, and the other team had to sing and dance to ‘Maboleh’ as a forfeit. However, they were not familiar with the lyrics and actions, so the Year 3s had to demonstrate anyway. The juniors were quite receptive and quick to learn. As it was the last PA planned by our seniors, they kindly bought us drinks to end the day. Overall, it was a very fun and memorable session, and I will miss attending PAs with my patrol.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P2:

On Monday, we had Patrol Activity (PA). We were building a creative pioneering structure which was a swing. I would like to think that building the swing at least once a year is kind of a tradition within our patrol. The Year 3s were told to take turns being Patrol Leader every 30 mins. we built the structure quite quickly and efficiently as it was not the first time we were building the structure. the structure was slightly 飞脚 especially when we swung a little too hard on it but it was generally fine. However, 拆掉 took quite a long time as we were slow in returning the logistics to backstore. As such, we overran by quite a bit. Although this was a PA, we should still have worked with a sense of urgency. Overall, this was a very fun PA and we will take note to work with a better sense of urgency in the future.

Reflection from a Year 3 in P3:

The 6 May Patrol Activity (PA) was the last PA to be planned by our Year 4 seniors. That day, we did pioneering and built a Kitchen Table (KT). This was the Year 1s’ second time doing pioneering, and they were still uncertain about their lashes, worried that they would not perform well. I, along with my fellow Year 3 and Year 2 patrol mates, reassured them, promising that we would help check their lashes anytime. As a soon-to-be 领导层, I promised to continue giving my juniors advice and assistance whenever they needed it. I remember our choice of logistics for the KT was an issue. We grabbed 木 that had already been 捆ed for our upcoming Patrol Leader’s Training Camp (PLTC). I also chose a table board that was slimmer and lighter, believing it to be beneficial for my patrol. However, we discovered when we placed the table board on our structure that it was too flimsy. When we were building the structure, I was happy to see my fellow batchmates and the Year 2s stepping up to lead the Year 1s and give them instructions. We finished the structure in good time, and we were all very proud of ourselves. Then, surprise! The Year 4s bought Milo and Pocky for us! It was awesome to take a break sitting on the structure and chatting with my patrol mates all the while munching on the snacks. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Through this last Patrol Activity, I feel saddened that our Year 4s are leaving. However, I am hopeful for my next phase of leadership and learning. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P4:

On Monday, for our last Patrol Activity (PA), we had a pioneering activity. We made a Kitchen Shelter (KS) on the elevated platform in front of the hostel canteen. This was the first time we had built a KS there and so we had a few struggles with the orientation and size of the structure which took up quite a bit of time—time we did not have. Additionally, we had to take the time to check the 木 in our 困s as this PA was conducted amidst preparations for the upcoming Patrol Leaders Training Camp. We only had exactly an hour to complete the structure as the CCA session was short that day due to the nature of our timetables so in the end, we overran in hopes of completing our structure—which I am glad to say we did! Another problem we faced was that our canvas sheet broke repeatedly and we had to tape it up or change the holes our 八字结 was attached to repeatedly. All in all, it was an enjoyable last PA with our Year 4s and the last PA before my batch steps up to become the new 领导层!

Reflection from a Year 3 in P5:

On the last PA of the term and the Year 4s' 领导层 journey, my patrol did creative gadgeting of a box tower. The patrol leader and Patrol Second were the only ones allowed to see the drawing of the structure. They then had to lead their patrol mates to complete it. I was given the role of Patrol Second in this activity. At first, due to a lack of manpower as some members were arriving later, we had to work faster to make up for the lack of manpower. We started with the frames, followed by a special quodpod to act as the roof of the quodpod. The PL allocated manpower by splitting us up into two groups to do the frames and quodpod simultaneously. We had a good sense of urgency, but our communication between both patrols could have been improved, as we had to change the size of the quadpod multiple times due to wrong measurements and poor communication. We definitely enjoyed building a new structure designed by our Year 4s as our last PA that is both meaningful and memorable. After that, we had the last Patrol Corner with our Year 4s as they chatted with us sentimentally, and even treated us to drinks as rewards. 

Reflection from a Year 3 in P6:

During our last Patrol Activity on Monday, 6 May, we had to build a Creative Pioneering structure designed by our Year 4 seniors. The creative structure was a slide that was made of a ladder and 2 supporting 木s for the canvas sheet, as well as a box tower to connect the 2 parts. As it was a structure we were not very familiar with, we had to listen and follow the instructions of the Patrol Leader (who was the only person in the patrol allowed to see the drawing of the creative structure) very closely in order for us to complete the structure. We faced a shortage in logistics halfway through the building of the structure and had to go back to Frontier to retrieve the required logistics. We could have prevented the shortage in logistics by communicating across our patrols to have a better estimate of how much to take when we were given the time to collect our logistics. Overall, for this last Patrol Activity with our seniors, I think we managed to meet most of the objectives of this activity and had a lot of fun working together to build the creative structure that our seniors planned for us.

Hope everyone had fun during the last PA with the Year 4s!

Published by:

Chin Yan Tong

55届 Secretary

Skills Training, 3 May 2024

 Hello Guides!

Today, the Year 3s were busy preparing for their upcoming PLTC, thus the Year 2s were able to use this chance to lead the Year 1s in a Pioneering activity. The Year 1s and Year 2s built pioneering swings, and it was the first time that the Year 1s were doing Pioneering. 

Reflection from a Year 1 in P3:

Even before our 集合 on May 3rd, I was already brimming with anticipation for the session. It was my first pioneering session, and I was eager to try what my seniors described as one of the best activities in Girl Guides. As we gathered, I noticed that most of my seniors had pioneering gloves, which they had advised me to get soon. Since I had not brought them, I was worried that I would suffer. The Year 3s were absent from the 集合 due to their Patrol Leader’s Training Camp (PLTC), so there were fewer Girl Guides than usual. We were split into two groups, combining a few patrols each, and we waited patiently for instructions to be given. After the Year 4s read out the instructions, we collected the logistics needed for the pioneering activity. With guidance from the Year 2s in my patrol, I wore a helmet and helped carry long, thick wood pieces from the storage area beside the basketball court to General Science Lab (GSL) Level 1. I later learned that in Girl Guides, we typically call these pieces of wood ‘木’, and the storage area was referred to as ‘backstore’. After arranging the 木 and ensuring everything was in order, the Year 2s and Year 1s immediately started planning how to build swings. Each group was tasked with building one huge swing structure. I learned how to tie pioneering knots, and discovered that all lashes tied on the pioneering 木 must have one extra lash per section. Many of my friends got blisters from the 木, but we did not give up and successfully tied the swings. We made two steady tripods and connected them at the top with a 木. Lastly, we used 麻绳 to tie the bottom swing piece for seating. As it was my first pioneering session, I felt lost at times, but my Year 2 seniors guided me on how to tie the lashes tightly to build a firm structure. Although most of the building was done by Year 2s, I still learned a lot about pioneering. After completing the swing structure with my group mates, I felt a sense of accomplishment for contributing to the process. We proudly took pictures with our structures before reluctantly removing the lashes and returning all our equipment. This was a very fruitful 集合, and I look forward to more pioneering sessions in the future. 

Reflection from a Year 1 in P4:

On May 3rd, 2024, we Year 1s attempted pioneering for the first time with the Year 2s, without the help of the Year 3s. We first went to collect the logistics needed for this 集合. We did not know how to help build the structure because of unfamiliarity, we just observed the Year 2s tying lashes on the pioneering 木 and followed their instructions about what to do and learned more about their plan. About 30 minutes later, the Year 4s told us to do lash training and taught us how to tie a tight timber hitch and a square lash. Following what they had shown us, we attempted it for the first time and got comments from them on how we could improve. We then continued attempting until the Year 4s thought it was good enough. Some of us did better than others and therefore helped each other when in doubt. This showed the teamwork the Year 1 guides had during difficult times, which is very memorable. After our short lash training by our Year 4s, we went back to work and started helping our Year 2s. We all attempted to tie one square lash on the 木, as there was enough for us to test the skill we had just learned. Through this 集合, we learnt how to cooperate and persevere as the training was new. I think that the training helped improve camaraderie and allowed us to refine our lashing skills. We also learned how to build new structures and work on our pioneering skills!

Reflection from a Year 2 in P1:

During 3 May's 集合, we built a Pioneering Swing. During the process, we took much longer than expected because we were low on manpower as the Year 1s were doing lash training, also using 青木 that we needed. Hence, we had to build other things first. We could have sped up the process by tying our tripods faster and tighter at the start as those were the lashes that took the longest time and prevented us from starting on anything else. When we were supposed to tie the 麻绳 onto the 木 for the seat component of the swing, we also took a long time as we did not know how to tie it securely. In the end, the Year 4s tied it for us instead. Throughout, we could have 报时-ed more and tied our lashes tighter so that we did not need to constantly 重抽 to ensure that the swing was safe to sit on. Even though the building process was tough, we had fun swinging on the structure afterward, making the session unique and memorable. 

Reflection from a Year 2 in P3:

May 3rd was one of the most memorable 集合 sessions in my Guiding journey so far. On that day, the Year 3s were preparing for their Patrol Leader’s Training Camp (PLTC), leaving only the Year 1s and Year 2s. For this 集合, we were split into two groups and tasked with building a pioneering swing. It was the Year 2s' first time doing pioneering without the Year 3s, so we faced many challenges. Initially, I thought collecting logistics would be easy, but I was wrong. Some of us could not remember our logistics, causing confusion. The Year 1s had little experience in pioneering and followed us around, not knowing how to help, leading to many idle hands. We also struggled to maintain a sense of urgency, asking for time extensions and having trouble sticking to the schedule. Many of us felt stressed as it was our first time leading without Year 3s' guidance. We were also unsure where to get some of our logistics. Despite these challenges, we managed to collect all our materials after several time extensions by persevering and helping each other. Unfortunately, my group faced some mishaps. Despite these setbacks, with the help of my batchmates and Year 4 seniors, we led the Year 1s to build the swing smoothly. In the end, we completed the swing, and it could successfully be used! Overall, despite the challenges, I was glad to count on my batchmates. I am grateful for this learning opportunity and proud that my juniors completed their pioneering structures without the Year 3s' help. I look forward to leading them again and learning from my mistakes!

Hope that the Year 1s enjoyed their first taste of Pioneering, while the Year 2s were able to hone their skills in leadership through this experience!

Published by:

Chin Yan Tong

55届 Secretary