Standard Training Camp, 24 June 2019

Hello Guides! :)

It is a big day for us, as the Year 1s are being enrolled, the Year 2s are receiving their patrol roles, the Year 3s are becoming the 领导层 and the Year 4s are passing down. During this year's STC, us guides bonded as a batch and within patrols, as well as becoming closer as a whole 团! It also gave us an opportunity to reflect on our guiding journeys thus far.

STC began with batch activities, which facilitated bonding and allowed us to realise each batch's area of improvement.

Year 1 Batch Activity

The batch activity was planned based on what the batch needed to improve on, which was mainly improving on hard skills and mastering the basics. Learning to tie a tight and neat lash will not only allow it to look better visually, but also help the overall stability of the structure. Year 1s practised the tying of square and diagonal lashes, as well as aiming to complete them within the standard timing. It is important that everyone is able to tie the basic lashes, as this ensures that all patrol members can play a part, such as contributing by tying a lash when building a structure. The Year 1s were timed while tying their lashes, so that their progress could be measured, which allows them to set clearer goals, for example, tying lashes within a standard time.

Next, they had to put their lash-tying skills to the test by building a baggage rack, which is a standard structure that is built using gadget poles. Although it may sound simple, there are many details to take note of when building a standard baggage rack, such as tying proper 顶角s to ensure it is stable.

Reflection from a Year 1:

For batch activity, we did the tying of square and diagonal lash to revise the lashes. We also tried to tie a baggage rack, however there was no time to complete the baggage rack. We were supposed to learn how to do Guides rafting, but there was no time as we took a long time to tie the lashes. Despite that, I felt that I had a good recap on how to tie the different lashes and learnt what was the standard timing for tying the lashes. As it was the first time without the seniors, we often forgot to cheer and 报时 frequently. However, I learnt to work under pressure and to be mindful of my logistics.

Year 2 Batch Activity
The Year 2 batch was split into 3 different groups, and each group had to complete an escape room! Within the escape room itself, there were tasks that they were required to complete in order to escape. This allowed the Year 2s to bond with batch mates outside their patrol and to learn to communicate well with one another. They had to solve riddles and puzzles inside the escape room, which helped them to cooperate by discussing among themselves to find the answer which would lead them to the code that allows them to escape. There was a wide variety of questions asked, as some of them were funny riddles, while others were related to Guides knowledge. This batch activity let the Year 2s have some fun and bond in the escape rooms, while also working to complete a task within a given time limit.

Reflection from a Year 2:
For batch activity, we did 3 kinds of escape rooms which was interesting and very engaging. It was very exciting to find clues hidden around the classrooms and using our thinking hats to crack the puzzles. It was also a great time for us to bond with our batch mates. The escape room was also very innovative and they managed to put our Guides, Mathematics and Scientific knowledge to use. It was very rewarding to be able to escape within the given time slot and it was also thrilling to compete with the different groups to see who would be able to solve the escape room within the quickest timing. It was a fulfilling experience for us to put our minds together to solve the puzzles and riddles whilst keeping track of time and we really appreciated it.

Year 3 Batch Activity
During batch activity, the Year 3s learnt how to tie a butterfly lash, which is used on flagpoles that are built using spars. This is especially important, as being the 领导层, the Year 3s will have to build the flagpoles during Guiding events or camps, such as Annual Training Camp (ATC). The tying of the lash is demonstrated by Year 4 seniors, after which the Year 3s are split into 3 groups:

Group 1: Patrol 1 and Patrol 2
Group 2: Patrol 3 and Patrol 4
Group 3: Patrol 5 and Patrol 6

Each group then practised tying the butterfly lash. There are some things to note when tying a butterfly lash to ensure it is tight, such as keeping tension while tying and 抽 in 2 directions when frapping. Though these may seem like small details, it is important when tying a standard butterfly lash.

Reflection from a Year 3:
We learnt how to tie a butterfly lash during the batch activity. Firstly, there was a demonstration of how it should be tied by the seniors. Whilst showing us how to tie the butterfly lash, they also gave us tips on how to keep the lash tight and using tools such as a thin metal wire to pull the 麻绳 through small gaps. Then, we tried it in groups consisting of 2 patrols each. Just one butterfly lash took us quite a bit of time, as we found it difficult getting it right the first time round. However, with the guidance of the seniors, we eventually got the hung of it and started to focus on tying it tightly by keeping tension. Overall, I think this was a very enriching experience, especially since we had just learnt how to tie a new lash, the butterfly lash, as a batch.

After completing batch activities, we then started mass games. Each patrol had to complete various stations in the classrooms. At one station, there would be 2 patrols competing against one another. Outside the classrooms, there were Year 4s that were supposed to chase us, and if we were caught, we would have to proceed to the General Science Lab (GSL) area to answer a few questions to test our Guiding knowledge. The Year 4s would wear bells so that we would be able to hear them running from afar.

When we did well at a station, clues were given, which lead us to discover that we could earn points by tearing off the small wristbands worn by the Year 4s chasing us. There were a few colours for the wristbands, and each colour rewarded a different number of points.

Station 1
The first station was chicken fight! This game requires the Guides to lift one leg, and hop around to eliminate members of the other patrol. Members are eliminated when both their legs touch the ground, or they step out of the boundary. Each round of chicken fight lasted a total of about 5 minutes, and we played 2 rounds of the game.

Station 2
At this station, we played table tennis. However, there is a twist to it: There were no table tennis bats provided, and we could only choose from items given:

1. Spoon
2. Spatula
3. Wok cover
4. Sock
5. Badminton racket with no strings

Station 3
The third station was a game where we had to use a pair of tongs and different balls such as ping pong balls and tennis balls. The goal was to bounce the ball on the ground, and catch it midair with the pair of tongs given.

Reflection from a Year 3:
Mass games allowed my patrol to bond, especially with my Year 1s. The games such as chicken fight made it fun, as we got to go against other patrols and let loose a little. I think mass games was made more fun, as we had to run from the Year 4s chasing us while we were moving from station to station, which made it more fun. Although some stations were challenging, such as playing table tennis using unconventional items as bats. Having the mass games let us spend more time with our patrol members and I appreciated being able to get to know my juniors better.

After completing our mass games, we mass changed into our Guides Uniform. Then, we had lunch together in the canteen. After finishing our lunch, we went to the senior high classrooms, where we were given paper and an envelope to write a letter to or future selves. The Year 4s also wrote letters to the Year 3s that were going to take over their role after the Passing Down Parade. This allowed us to reflect on what we have done in Guides thus far, and how we aim to improve by the time we read the letters in the future. Once we had sealed the envelopes, they were passed to the Guiders for safekeeping.

Finally, we proceeded to the area outside the Media Resource Library (MRL) for internal patrol passing down, where Year 2s receive their patrol roles from the Year 3s, who will soon be the 领导层. Next was roll call, where our Patrol Leaders and the Assistant Company Leader checked our attire to ensure it was up to standard. We then started the enrolment ceremony, where Year 1s will officially be enrolled into the Girl Guides Company and they will receive their enrolment badges. Then, the Passing Down Parade began, where the Year 4s passed down their roles to the respective Year 3s.

Reflection from a Year 1:

The enrolment was truly memorable. It was my first time being enrolled into Guides and it was very meaningful. It marks the start of my Guiding journey where I will be able to grow into a better person. I will make full use of this golden opportunity to grow and consistently try to improve myself and sharpen my skills. This would also be the perfect time for me to bond and get to know my fellow batch mates and seniors better. I believe I will be able to stretch to my fullest potential in my future days in Guides. I will remember the promise I made during the enrolment and abide by the Guides Law. I believe this is the start of my beautiful journey in Guides.

Reflection from a Year 2:

For the Passing Down Ceremony, it was a sad event as it was time to see our beloved Year 4s step down. However, it was also exciting for us to find out who would take over the new company and patrol roles. We also got our patrol roles as a Year 2, and we were all glad with the roles we were given and it made us feel an instant responsibility as a senior in the patrol as well as for the 小队箱.

Reflection from a Year 3:

As my batch was becoming the 领导层, I felt excited but also nervous for what was to come in the future, and whether we would be able to be good seniors. However, I think that if we all put in our best effort, we can lead the 团 well. It was also very sad as our Year 4s passed down and we would miss them very much as they were the seniors that taught us patiently and were the closest to us. I hope we will be able to make them proud and continue to do our best.

Finally, it was time for the performance! We were all excited, as we had spent quite some time in our batches preparing for this performance. We changed out of our Guides Uniform and into our performance attire and headed to the Music Atrium.

Reflection from a Year 1:

For the performance item, even though we might not have done as well as during our practice, I felt that it was still quite meaningful. The performance allowed us to express our gratitude towards the seniors, especially the Year 4s. They have been with us for almost 6 months and have taught us many valuable skills that we can apply. I will definitely remember what they have taught us. We will not give up and continue to work, and improve together as a batch.

This marks the end of this year's STC! To our beloved Year 4s, thank you so much for the kindness and patience you have shown us from the very first day we joined Guides, up till now. We will try our best to do you proud, and thank you for all that you have done for us :)

Published by:

Heather

51st Batch Secretary

VIA at Good Shepherd's Student Care Centre, 3-4 June

Hello Guides!

On 3 and 4 June, we had Values in Action (VIA) at Good Shepherd’s Student Care Centre!

Day 1

On the first day, Patrol 6 conducted baking activities in the morning, while Patrols 1 and 4 organised the Children’s Carnival in the afternoon!

For the baking activity, we got hands-on with the children at the centre as we worked together to bake delicious treats that they could bring home! It was definitely a fun experience guiding the children and helping them throughout the baking process.

During the carnival, there were different stations such as Jenga, Stacking Cups, and using chopsticks to pick up green beans. For every game they won, the children would receive a stamp and a prize such as snacks! Once they had all the stamps from the stations, they could then collect a special prize.

Here are some thoughts from the Year 3s on their experience!
Baking

On 4th June, for our VIA at Good Shepherd Student Care Centre, my patrol did baking. Initially, I was a little nervous because firstly, I do not really know how to bake but thankfully, the instructions were printed out and I could work with someone else which made it much easier for me. I was also a little worried that I would offend one of them unintentionally at first, but after some interaction, I realised that they were quite easy to talk to, and are mostly enthusiastic about this baking session, which I was really happy for. The whole session overran but when I saw their happy and excited faces upon receiving a muffin, I felt that all our effort was worth it. This VIA, like every other years, was extremely meaningful and fulfilling. I learnt to be appreciative of what I have, learnt to be patient and learnt to communicate with others better. On top of that, I had gotten a chance to bond more with my juniors and seniors. Hence overall, despite finding it challenging in the beginning, I eventually had a lot of fun and learnt a lot from the VIA.

Carnival

We had VIA at Good Shepherd Student Care Centre. My patrol was assigned to conduct a mini carnival together with P4. I was at the station where the kids had to throw or bounce a ping pong ball into red cups and they would be rewarded with sweets if successful. It was an activity that trained by multitasking skills as there were many children there and we had to constantly switch between marking their slips of paper, giving instructions and picking up the ping pong balls. It also trained patience and communication as the majority of the children there were quite young and we had to be able to deal with them in an efficient but gentle way. This activity was very meaningful as we were able to contribute some of our time to give back to the community.

During our VIA at Good Shepherd, my patrol was in charge of the booths for the carnival we held. I was stationed at the Jenga booth, where the children played a game of Jenga together to win sweets and snacks. I learnt a lot during this VIA as I got to interact more with the children and talk to them. It also required some patience and understanding as we had to explain the rules of the game. The children were very attentive and eager to play the games, which encouraged us. When the carnival first started, we had them line up at the booths to wait for their turn at the game. The Jenga booth was quite popular, so we tried to talk with the children while they were waiting in line. I felt that this was a very good opportunity to interact with others of a younger age group. Overall, I think this was a good experience especially because the children at the centre had fun and enjoyed themselves, which made me feel glad that the activities planned had put a smile on their faces. 

Day 2

On the second day, the Arts and Crafts activities were held by Patrol 3 in the morning, while Patrols 2 and 5 were in charge of team building activities in the afternoon.

For Arts and Crafts, the children were given an empty book to decorate, filling each page with different tasks from each stations such as "My Achievements". Personalising the look of their own notebook made it even more special!

During Team Building Activities, the children bonded with one another as well as us Guides by playing all sorts of games such as Mafia, Cup Stacking, and Broken Telephone! Most of these required some level of teamwork and cooperation, which helped us and the children improve on our communication skills!

These are some takeaways from the Year 3s about their experience during the Arts and Crafts activity!

During the Arts and Crafts Activity, the children got to decorate their very own personalised books! There were a total of 5 stations, with each station filling up a different part of the book, for example, "My Goals" and "My Achievements". The children were to go to the different stations and fill up the book! We had a lot of fun interacting with the children and helping them. Although some were shy at first, they eventually opened up and shared about what they had written on their books with us! This activity allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of why it is important to reflect and look back on our achievements even at a very young age, as it encourages and motivates us to keep trying. Even though I am quite awkward sometimes, being around the friendly children allowed me to initiate conversations with them more easily. I'm sure the children had a lot of fun decorating the pages with bright colours and drawings too!

Here are some reflections from the Year 3s on their experience with team building activities!

For the VIA, we were to do team building activities. Before the children arrived, we cut 3 pictures into 24 pieces each to hide around the hall for Treasure Hunt, the first activity. They were quite good at finding the pieces and we did not need to hint them much. Another group of older children played Mafia. When both groups were done we split all the children into 9 groups in order to form teams. We then were assigned to a team and we lead them to play games where they had to stack cups and whichever team finished first would get more points. They mostly enjoyed the cup stacking game. The next item they had to do was the Broken Telephone, where they had to relay a sentence down the line. They were quite distracted so we had to find ways to engage them. However, they still managed to do the activity but were quite bored. We got an opportunity to interact more with the younger children and learnt how to better interact with them as well as understand them more. We got valuable feedback on how to improve the activities we would hold there in the future.

My patrol was in charge of teamwork building along with P2. We had the children find some puzzle pieces that were scattered across the school hall. There were three pictures to be completed, and all the pictures depicted teamwork. After that, the children were split by levels, and they all played different games. The group I was in charge of played stacking cups first, where the children had to stack ten cups in a triangle shape and everyone had to take turns to build while they were being timed. The second activity is message passing. The first child at the front of the line were to pass down a message to the person behind her, and the last child was to tell us the sentence she heard. We played two rounds of this game, and both ended up with sentences that were quite funny. All the children were very nice to interact with, and I was surprised by their energy level and enthusiasm when they were finding the puzzle pieces as they ran around the entire hall for long periods of time. I had fun interacting with the children and resolving any problems they faced with each other, and this had increased my confidence level in interacting with people whom I do not know.

Although there may have been some worries during the VIA, it was ultimately a success! Hope that the Guides gained a lot of experience from this and that it was an enjoyable time for all!

Published by:

Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 26 April

Hello Guides!

For this 集合, the Year 3s were away due to Patrol Leader Training Camp(PLTC), so only the Year 1s and 2s were present!

Physical Training(PT)

We began the 集合 with circuit PT, which consists of:

1. 15 burpees
2. 20 jumping jacks
3. 2 minutes 站马
4. 2 minutes leg raise

5. 1 stretch of lunges along the GSL

Treasure Hunt
For this activity, post-it notes were pasted around Block F, levels 1 to 4. On each post-it note, a riddle or a question related to Guides will be written. There will be a letter and a number written on the corner of each post-it to indicate the riddle or question numbers. The Year 1s and 2s will be going around these 4 levels to look for the post-it notes and solve them. They are not allowed to take down the post-it notes. However, there will be no point system, as this is meant to check the juniors’ level of understanding on things about Guides, while allowing them to have fun. After the treasure hunt, the answers to the Guides-related questions will be shared so that the juniors can clear any misconceptions or reaffirm their understanding.

Riddles

Number	Riddle	Answer
R1	There is a green house. Inside the green house, there is a white house. Inside the white house, there is a red house. Inside the red house, there are many babies. What is it?	A watermelon
R2	There is a one-storey pink house. Everything in the pink house is pink. The walls are pink, the doors are pink, the floors are pink, the furniture are all pink. What colour are the stairs?	There are no stairs, as this is a one-storey house!
R3	Take some out of me, and I become whole. What word am I?	Wholesome
R4	I am the difference between a grieving wife and a view into the outside world. What am I?	The letter ‘n’
R5	What comes once in a year, twice in a week and never in a day?	The letter “e”
R6	I can be cracked, I can be made, I can be told, I can be played. What am I?	A joke.
R7	The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?	Footsteps.
R8	What has a head, a tail, is silver/gold, and has no legs?	A penny/coin.
R9	When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving?	In the dictionary.
R10	What has many keys, but can't even open a single door?	A piano.

Questions

Number	Question	Answer
Q1	What are the logistics needed to build a Kitchen Shelter?	Canvas sheet, 1 深蓝木, 2 红木, 4 青木, 8 arthurs, metal mallet and 麻绳
Q2	How do you make a signal fire?	Start 3 fires that are equidistant from each other (i.e. in an equilateral triangle)
Q3	Name the 6 patrols in our company.	P1 Bougainvillea, P2 Ixora, P3 Jasmine, P4 Orchid, P5 Sunflower, P6 Morning Glory
Q4	State 3 Guide Laws.	State any of the 3 below: 1.A Guide is loyal and can be trusted. 2.A Guide is useful and helps others. 3.A Guide is polite, considerate and respects her elders. 4.A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides. 5.A Guide is kind to all living things. 6.A Guide is obedient. 7.A Guide has courage and is cheerful in all difficulties. 8.A Guide takes care of her own possessions and those of other people. 9.A Guide is thrifty and diligent. 10.A Guide is self-disciplined in what she thinks, says and does.
Q5	What is the Guide Motto?	Be Prepared
Q6	What are the logistics needed to build an 8-men tent?	1 8-men tent, 20 tent pegs, 白绳, rubber mallet
Q7	What is the order of materials placed in a bottle filter column?	Charcoal, fine sand, coarse sand, pebbles
Q8	How do you treat a muscle cramp?	1. Gently stretch the affected muscle in the opposite direction 2. Massage the area 3. Hold the stretch until the cramp is relieved
Q9	State the importance of water	1. Unclean water results in dysentery and other diseases 2.  Insufficient water results in heat stroke 3. No water results in death
Q10	Name 3 suitable sites for building a shelter	1.Reasonably flat and free of rocks 2.Away from swampy areas 3.Medium ground 4.Close to food and water supply 5.Avoid solitary trees 6. Look out for bees or hornets nest

Capture the Flag

After PT, the Year 1s and 2s engaged in a game of Capture the Flag. They were separated into two teams, with roughly the same number of members. The two teams would place their flags on different floors and the playing area was limited to just those two floors. Each team will get either a duct tape or masking tape, taped onto the sleeve of their shirts. When the opposing team manage to tear of the tape on a member’s shirt, the member will have to go to the “jail”, which is “guarded” by the station masters. Members in “jail” will have to stay put. If they answer the question correctly, they will be allowed to leave with a new tape. But if they fail to correctly answer the question, they will have to wait for another minute before they have a chance to answer another question. At any one point in time, not more than 4 people is allowed to protect their own flag ie 3 metres from their flag. Should anyone be seen engaging in rough play, the Y4s will send them to “jail” as well.

Questions	Answers
When is World Thinking Day?	22nd February
What does WAGGGS stand for?	World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts
What is the importance of a shelter?	Protection from natural elements, protection from wild animals and personal privacy
What is the treatment for a sprain?	1. Rest the injured part. 2. Ice the injury to reduce swelling 3. Compress with thick layer of soft padding 4. Elevate and support the injured part to reduce flow of blood to injury, minimizing bruising to the area
Name one area where a large arm sling can be used.	Any of the below options: Forearm Upper arm Shoulder blade Elbow

PDP Performance Planning

As Passing Down Parade(PDP) was coming up, we decided to give the Year 1s and 2s some time to plan out what they would do for PDP so that they could prepare in advance.

Creative Gadgeting

For creative gadgeting, each patrol had to build something that they felt represented their patrol. As PLTC was ongoing at the same time, there were limited logistics that they could use, which added an extra challenge for the patrols as their structure had to be simple, yet effectively convey their message.

Here are some reflections from the Year 2s on the 集合 as a whole!

The skills training 集合 on 26 April was a really different experience for me. It was pretty nerve wracking to not have my patrol’s Year 2s and 3s to help, since I was not very experienced. When the year 1s and I did gadgeting to create something to represent our patrol, we ran out of time quickly for we did not manage our time well and spent too much time on discussing how to make the structure. This led to our lashes ending up loose and the entire structure becoming shaky. I’ve learnt that it’s important to work efficiently such that we have sufficient time to build our ideal structure. We also had physical training which I felt I lacked fitness in, and capture the flag where I got to work with the my fellow Year 1 and 2 Guides in teams to capture the flag. It improved and strengthened the bond between us and the year 1s, and I’ve understood how important it is to work as a team with fellow guides and listen to their opinions well so that we don’t end up in arguments. This 集合 benefited me in ways such as discovering more to teamwork and working efficiently.

We did PT and completed 2 sets of the PT that was required to do . We kept our morale up by cheering all the way through. I feel that the PT session has made the Year 1s and 2s improve their stamina and endurance because although we were tired, we still managed to continue on. After the PT session, we played capture the flag, in which we had to take one another’s flag and return it back to the home base. Initially, we started small and played on the opposite sides of each level , but we then moved on to play on both levels 5 and 6 and on each level there was a flag of the opposing team. It was a fun game that allowed us to relax. This activity also helped the Year 2s to bond more with the Year 1s and know them better as we had to work with them to take the flag from the other team. We were given some time to brain storm and come up with ideas to represent our patrol for creative gadgeting. Although we were limited by the little 木 available, we were able to come up with creative ideas. We had to introduced it to the other patrols, together with the rationales. I felt that coming up with ideas were rather difficult given the limited mu and the amount of time and we had to change and alter our ideas several times when building our gadget. However this was the condition that helped us exercise our creativity and adapt to the situation with the limited mu and build a structure that was satisfactory. It also trained our quick thinking as we were given little time to think about what we were going to build, thus training our sense of urgency. Through this activity, we have also bonded with the Year 4s as we had opportunities to talk to them when they were seeing over us and it was great fun.
During the 集合 without the Year 3s, I felt the responsibility on us. We had to lead the Year Ones and help them when they were not sure what to do. This provided us with the opportunity to step up and hone our leadership skills, responsibility as well as put the skills we learnt through our guiding journey to the test because the year ones were depending on us. This 集合 also provides us with the opportunity to bond through games which were very interesting. All in all, I am very happy that gained a lot of experience during this 集合.

Hope that the Year 1s and 2s found this 集合 meaningful!

Published by:

Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary