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

Skills Training, 27 July 2018

Hello Guides!

For this 集合, only the Year 1s and Year 3s were present has the Year 2s had a CCA standdown for their Common Tests. As such, the activities for this 集合 were centred around the objectives of ensuring the Year 1s were familiar with the basic 礼节s, promoting the integration of the Year 1s into Guides as well as aligning the expectations and standards of the Year 1s.

Inspection

To start off, the Year 1s had to go through three inspection layouts. For the first layout, the Year 3s would be helping the Year 1s, but for the next two layouts they had to do it on their own.

Reflections by Year 1s:

For this 集合, I think that we could have done a much better job for these:

Inspection: Standardising to either patrol 1 or patrol 6 as that could have increased the efficiency and make it more convenient for everyone as they can look at the patrol next to them to know what to do; we also have to take care of our logistics properly to avoid getting "kapped" by seniors; during 收拾, my patrolmates stuffed all the things together and couldn't put them into our 配备 properly(it was due to the 麻绳 as the plastic bag broke thus we had to stuff everything). We could have left the 麻绳 outside first and put them in last.

Asking time extension: Decide on one patrolmate from each patrol to ask and keep asking before 过时; we also have to estimate how much time we need to complete the tasks and most importantly to put in our best effort to complete them, as in that way we will not even need to ask for time extension.

Taking logistics: We could have had each of the patrols to remember the things we need to avoid missing logistics and having to keep going back to 团部 and get more.

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The 集合 last Friday was tiring but we learnt many things.

One of the things we learnt is how to do inspection properly and that we need to standardise to a certain patrol. It was quite hard as it was our first proper inspection without help from our seniors. We did not really know what to do and needed a lot of guidance and instructions from our seniors. We also learnt to be more efficient and to take care of our belongings during inspection. We did not have enough sense of urgency resulting in us always not being able to finish our tasks. We also did not have much experience in asking for time extension and some of us were a bit afraid to ask for time extension. Not having enough sense of urgency and not being very sure of how to ask for time extension caused us to 过时 many times. Thus after this, we learnt that 报时 is for allowing us to better know our time and will not 过时. Through this inspection and 集合, we have understood and learnt a lot more about Guides and the expectations of being a Guide.

Lecture

Next, after inspection, the Year 1s had to mass change into their Guides Uniform to attend the lecture. The lecture would touch on general information about Guides, basic 礼节, roles and expectations, handling of logistics, admin stuff and finally songs and cheers.

Standard gadgeting

After the lecture, the Year 1s had to mass change back into their PE attire for gadgeting. They would have to build a flagpole, dome tent, baggage rack and emergency shelter within the allocated time. However, due to time constraints, the list was shortened down to just the flagpole and emergency shelter. Afterwards, the Year 3s would show the Year 1s the standard way of building the emergency shelter and baggage rack.

Reflections by Year 1s:

We were split into groups to build different structures like baggage rack, emergency shelter and flag pole. As we were not familiar with the procedures, we got help from the Year 3s. As it was always our seniors asking time extension for us before, we did not initiate to ask for time extension until there were constant reminders from our seniors. We wasted too much time taking all logistics as we were not familiar with the logistics needed and took the wrong ones from 团部. We also spent a lot of time building the flag pole, so we did not have time to try building a complete emergency shelter and baggage rack. The seniors only showed us how to build them due to time constraints. We did not allocate the manpower properly, so there were many people who did not have tasks to complete. We did forfeits as we were not up to standard and the expectations, and we reflected on our actions and shortcomings. We felt very ashamed in our speed and efficiency while building the structures. We took this as a lesson to learn from and realised our faults and things to take note and improve on, so we can raise our standard as a batch and improve on our efficiency.

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Last week during our first guides session with the Year 3s, we did a couple of things such as inspection and mass changing, however we felt that the part where we got to build structures was the most memorable. So as to say, we had a chance to build structures using gadget poles such as flagpole, baggage rack and emergency shelter at the D area. Although it was a very sunny afternoon, it was a very fulfilling session as we managed to learn how to build the different structures with the guidance of our seniors. This would benefit us a lot as these structures can be put to use during events such as the Annual Training Camp.

Firstly we had to collect all the logistics needed. When the senior read out the required logistics, we realised there were too many logistics that we need to carry to the D Area and it was very difficult to remember the numbers, thus we came up with a strategy by asking each patrol to remember one item consecutively. Despite the effort put in, we did not collect the correct amount of logistics. When some of our batchmates ran to 团部 to collect the things needed, one person from each patrol stayed back in case we needed time extension. However, after the second time we collected the logistics, we still did not collect the right amount, we felt very bad as we had disappointed our seniors and their expectations for us.

At the end of the day, we managed to build at least the flagpole but due to time constraints, the seniors patiently showed us how to build the baggage rack and emergency shelter. We learned that it is important that we do not use too much strength to pull the poncho for the emergency shelter as it might tear apart. In conclusion, through our first 集合 with the Year 3s, not only have we learnt how to be more proactive in asking for time extension, we have also learned to communicate with one another and that constant 报时 and cheer are equally as important!

Overall reflection by a Year 1:

It was our first 集合 without the Year 2s and we all felt nervous about it. We did not know if we could meet the standard expected of us without the help of our seniors. During the 集合, we had an inspection, in which we realised the importance of communication as we had to standardise among all patrols. We also had to mass change into our full guides uniform and then attend a lecture which reminded us of the expectations the seniors had of us and the basics of guides. After the lecture, we learnt how to tie a baggage rack, flagpole and emergency shelter. During the whole 集合, we were required to do forfeits a few times. That was because we 过时, yet did not ask for time extension before the time was up. That has made me realise the importance of 报时, which we did to remind us of the time so we would not 过时.  From this 集合, I also learnt to have a greater sense of urgency and do things faster and more efficiently. In addition, I needed to be more aware of our surroundings and 照顾好东西, if not the seniors would take them away and we would not be able to use them. Overall, I feel that this 集合 has helped us to integrate into guides and up the standard of our batch.

Hope the Year 1s learnt more new things and improved themselves during this 集合!

Published by:

Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 20 July 2018

Hello Guides!

For this 集合, we had skills training for the Year 1s and 2s, with the objective of letting the Year 1s and 2s practice building a standard kitchen shelter or kitchen table, promoting bonding between the Year 1 and 2 batches and allowing the Year 1s and 2s to experience working with one another.

There was a photo taking session scheduled on this day, so activities were planned around the scheduled timing. First, there were station games, followed by the photo taking and lastly the building of a standard kitchen shelter.

Station Games

For these station games, the Year 1s and 2s were split into their respective batches, then into their patrols, to play the station games. The top 2 patrols, determined by the combined score of  the Year 1s and Year 2s in the patrol, were awarded drinks and snacks after the end of all the other activities.

The scoring system is as follows:

Placing	Points awarded
1st	10
2nd	8
3rd	6
4th	4
5th	2
6th	0

Mission	Description
Level 3	Throw ping pong ball into a cup 1m away
Level 4	Answer a math question
Level 5	Balance a can on its side
Level 6	Blow a tissue and make it stay in the air for 30 seconds

Station 1:

In this station, the Year 1s or Year 2s were to race against other patrols to complete the relay race from level 3 to 6 in block F. When playing this station, any patrol with fewer members could choose patrol members to go for two missions such that there would be an equal number of rounds played across the patrols. To play this station, each patrol member would stand at the stairs of the designated floor, from the 3rd floor to the 6th floor. During their turn, the patrol member would run one round around the designated floor, complete the given mission, then proceed to the next floor so that the next person could start. The first patrol to complete the mission on the 6th floor would win.

Station 2:

In this station, the Year 1s or Year 2s were each given a paper bracelet to wear on their wrists and had to group up within their patrols in twos or threes. To eliminate other people, they had to successfully tear the opponent’s paper bracelets. Once the pair’s bracelet is torn, the pair would proceed to 集合 first. The patrol with the most number of intact paper bracelets remaining at the end of 15 minutes would win.

Reflection by Year 2s:

Station 2 was a game where we had to pair in twos and threes and wear a paper bracelet. The objective of the game was to rip off the other patrol’s bracelet while protecting our own. The required teamwork and good communication between the pair and the patrol. It also required good strategic thinking and fast reactions in order to stay in the game. Some patrols also formed alliances with others to defeat a common opponent but in the end they also had to fight each other. The game was really fun and interactive and also helped bonding among the patrol members. There were many creative ways that the patrols came up with to protect their bracelet and defeat others. For example, some held hands tightly and hid them behind their backs or in between them. It was also physically draining as we had to run up and down several levels to escape our seniors and batchmates. It was an intense and interesting game as we watched the last few players rip off each others bracelet. The game reached a climax when there were only 2 pairs left in the game. To everyone’s surprise, they ripped off each others bracelet at the same time thus ending the game as equals. Overall, it was a fun station that had a simple concept but lots of learning points.

For this 集合, we started with playing batch games for stations 1 and 2. Station 2 was played in our own patrols and we had to have our hands linked by paper bracelets. My patrol had 3 Year 2s, so it was tougher than having 2 pairs because of coordination, and our patrol only had 1 chance because when 1 of them is broken, all 3 of us are out of the game. Only around 1 minute into the game, while I was checking the left hand side and thought the coast was clear, another patrol sneaked up on us from behind and attempted to break our bracelet. I tried to press down on the bracelet so that it would be harder for the other patrol to break it. However, sadly, in the end they managed to break our bracelet. We had to sit out of the game and we got the chance to observe the game. Some patrols had an alliance with others, and they cornered 1 patrol and worked together to eliminate that patrol. Some patrols also hid their hands behind them so that it was harder for the opponents to break their bracelet. From this station, I learnt that this station was all about planning; who to eliminate first, who to have an alliance with. It also tests us on our teamwork and cooperation within our patrol and other patrols too. Although my patrol mates and I didn't get to play much of this station, it was rather intense and exciting.

Station 3:

This was a mass station, where the Year 1s and 2s were competing against other patrols. The playing area was marked out by masking tape. All patrols were to enter the area at the same time. To play the game, the Year 1s and 2s will hop on one leg and attempt to eliminate people of another patrol. The Year 1s and 2s would be eliminated from the game when they exited the playing area or when they put down their foot on the ground. At the end of the allocated timing (minimum 7 minutes, maximum 15 minutes), the patrol with the most number of people left would win. The Year 3s were to overlook the game with the station masters by standing around the playing area to ensure everyone’s safety and that no one was cheating.

Reflection from a Year 2:

Station three had been a mass game, which had been among the Year one and Year two batches. The game we played had been ‘chicken fight’ and in the first round, we were not very enthusiastic, standing and not taking the initiative to move towards others which ended up as everyone waiting for each other and nobody approaching, letting the game come to a standstill. The second round had been an improvement as many more people had taken the initiative to move towards others unlike the earlier round. The third round was when our seniors could join in. I feel that this activity was good in letting us bond more as a 团 as we also mingled with juniors from other patrols and got to know them better, and that we could have improved on some areas like being more enthusiastic, taking more initiative as well as cheering and 报时ing more often after we had been eliminated. Station three could also improve teamwork as many of us had thought of the idea of helping to support each other by linking arms in order to not lose balance, as if they lost balance and stood with both feet on the ground, they would be eliminated.

After the station games was a mass change into the Guides Uniform, followed by an attire check and the photo taking session. Afterwards, the Year 1s and Year 2s had to mass change back into their PE attire for the next activity.

Building of Kitchen Shelter/Kitchen Table

The Year 1s and 2s were then split into 4 groups to build 4 standard kitchen shelters (dry weather) or kitchen tables (wet weather), and were given a time limit to finish the task.

Kitchen Shelter

Kitchen Table

Reflection from Year 2s:

During Friday’s 集合, we were split into 4 groups to build 4 kitchen shelters. As it was our first time with the Year 2s in charge of the Year 1s, we were sometimes unsure about how to instruct the Year 1s and manage our time properly. We were not familiar with the spars used for the kitchen shelter and the details to take note of, so there were times when we had to retie the lashes. For example, we did not remember to tie a 八字结 to the spar, which wasted our time. We did not allocate manpower properly, so there were many people who did not have tasks to complete. As a result of our poor time management and not asking for time extension, we 过时 and had to 拆掉 three of the kitchen shelters and finish one. We did forfeits as we were not up to standard and the expectations, and we reflected on our actions and shortcomings. We realised that we should have had a better sense of urgency and allocated manpower properly as well as to teach our Year 1s the basic guidelines and structure of the kitchen shelter. We felt very disappointed in our speed and efficiency while building the kitchen shelter, and I felt like I had let the seniors down and we should have been more responsible seniors towards the Year 1s. As a Year 2, I felt that I could have taught my juniors better and gave them a task instead of letting them do nothing. We took this as a lesson to learn from and realised our faults and things to take note and improve on, so we can raise our standard as a batch and teach our Year 1s well.

Last Friday, we had our first 集合 planned by our Year 3s. After some station games and mass change, we had to build a kitchen shelter. One thing I was thankful for the Year 3s was the fact that they had prepared most of the logistics for us already. The only things we need to take were the metal mallets and spars. I found it really nice that the Year 3s still did their best to help us in any way possible. When building the kitchen shelter, I felt that I should have been more familiarised with the structure, seeing as I had built it in the past with my seniors guiding me. In addition, I personally think I could have a better sense of urgency and should have tied my lashes faster and tighter. I could have taken more initiative in helping my patrol (the one the Year 3s assigned us to). During 拆掉, I could have been more aware of my surroundings and have more initiative to bring back the items instead of just 收ing 麻绳. After everything, the seniors gave us some forfeits for over running and not asking for time extension. From this 集合, I realised I have still quite some things to work on to be a better Guide, patrolmate and batchmate. I hope I will improve and do better in the subsequent 集合s.

Hope that this 集合 let everyone have fun and learn more things!

Published by:

Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary