hi guides!

today, we had roll call before proceeding with the day's activities.

then, we had a skills training session. the sec 2s had to tie a kitchen dresser, while the sec 3s had to build a kitchen shelter. however, most of us had already forgotten some steps to building the kitchen shelter, so the sec 4s guided us on the correct method of doing so. then, the mistakes we made were pointed out, and we all knew the proper way to build a kitchen shelter after this session.

next was patrol corner, and we all had to mass change into our uniforms and back again. however, we did not meet the time limit, and had to do our punishments. then, the sec 4s told us of how our standard has been dropping, and what it should be like. we were then reminded of the ABCDs, and the need to have a sense of urgency and respect for our seniors.

finally, we had PT, where we did circuits.

Saturday, January 08, 2008

HELLO fellow Sister Guides! :D

Anyways, the Year 4s had a Pioneering Course at Bishan HQ today. We met up at 9am, with the course comprising of Fire lighting, construction of Emergency Shelter, Rope Ladder, Axemanship & lastly Map Reading. The Year 4s will be having a Pioneering Test on 2nd February, Saturday. Lady Luck seemed to be smiling on us as the sun shone brightly through the clear blue sky. We were taken under Mr Mail, a familiar face from HQ and one who is always present at our ATC to lend a helping hand. Anyways, we'll be teaching all that we've learnt during this course to all Year 2s & 3s in the coming future. Don't feel stressed, cos it is in fact quite simple.

Firstly, it was Fire lighting. We were to collect our own punk, kindling and twigs for our fire. Under, Mr Mail's guidance, who knew that fire lighting, could be this simple? It was simply a matter of arranging the materials in the correct manner and one very important pointer to note is for the kindling to be dry. The basic guide to Fire lighting: 1- Arrange kindling. 2- Strike Match and start fire. 3- Sustain.

Secondly, we were scheduled for construction of the Emergency Shelter. Though Emergency Shelter is a simple and basic shelter, you can be surprised at the number of people who are unaware of the ways about it. The equipment required for and Emergency Shelter was simply a poncho, 4 pegs, 4 twine and two gadget poles. & if you were to get lost in the jungle one day, you could just use creepers as a substitution for twine. Innovative aye? (:

Next, Rope Ladder! This was a common rope ladder that we tied, with wooden rungs as steps. It was simply a clove-hitch on each side of the wooden wrung, but Mr Mail thought us a more efficient way or tying the clove-hitch rather than the way we've been tying on our gadget poles. The tying of the rope ladders was a race against time; we were split into two separate groups, with the team completing the ladder faster emerging victorious. After completing the ladder, everyone was allowed a chance to climb up the ladder we had made. It was fairly stable and definitely very practical.

By then, it was time for lunch. Okay, let’s skip lunch, there’s nothing interesting to talk about lunch. Focus, the main point is the Pioneering Course.

Axemanship. We had the practical and theory of axemanship. Who knew there was such a great variety of axes and saws. Ranging from Felling axe, Carpeneter's axe, Hand Axe, Hacks saw, Bush/Bow saw, Coping saw. & these are just a few from the whole family of axes and saws. Each axe and saw had its own individual function it is created for. We were briefed on the dos and don’ts while using an axe and during the practical, we had a chance to saw wood and even got to keep the pieces of wood we sawed off. How cool manz!

Last but not least, Map Reading and the use of compass. By now, there were dark clouds and it started to pour heavily. D: But it definitely did not dampen our spirits. The spirit is the true self. The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. We kept out spirits up and continued with the Map Reading. Though we've learnt this from our Seniors before, we thought of it as a form of revision. Finally, the course was over. & this pretty much sums up the whole day.

Heres a harmless reminder to the Year 4s: The Pioneering Test is on the 2nd February, Saturday. Remember to bring punk, kindling, twigs and poncho. Lets all pass this test together as a batch! One for All and All for One. (:

Everyone, wish us goodluck. :D

Anyways, now that the school term has started and lessons have officially started, lets all put in 110 percent and excel in this school year. The first and most important step toward success is the feeling that we can succeed. So lets ALL start with a positive attitude. & may we all strive for DHS Coy. An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success.

JIAYOU! <3

HERE'RE THE PICTURES FOR ORIENTATION(:

Hi guides!
Orientation is finally over, after several weeks of preparation! GOOD JOB to all the various teams:- Decoration, Gadgets, Food, Sheng Qiao, Contingent, etc.! Like what the guiders said, we sure have done well in all the segments of this year's orientation, so do keep up the good work! We have to thank the seniors for giving us helpful advice, the I/Cs, priscilla and ovidia, the organising committee for this year's orientation, and also each and every one of you for your help and cooperation. Thank you for all your hard work and effort that made this event a success.

Apart from that, we have to also take into account what the guiders reflected on us. we have to improve on our allocation of manpower by being more observant of our surroundings and make ourselves more 'useful' at all times. We have to always keep in mind the mistakes we have made and constantly make improvements, so that upcoming events in the future will be even more successful.

This is a reminder for all guides, do remember to sign your consent forms for the term's activities schedule and hand in to your respective PLs by tomorrow, 08/01/08. Year 4s are to hand in your pioneering training consent forms by tomorrow as well. Please write your postcards to the Year 1s and deliver it to them by this Thursday.

With that, lets look forward to welcoming our future sec 1s with a HUG! Hopefully, we can make them feel as homely as possible when they join our guides family:)