Skills Training, 9 April 2021

Hello Guides!

During 集合 this week, Group 1 built a Dome Tent, did Creative Gadgeting and had Inspection while Group 2 did Physical Training, did Creative Gadgeting and had a Bucket Leg Raise activity.

 

Dome Tent

 

Reflection from a Year 3

I feel that we did quite well building the Dome Tent on Friday in terms of speed. My patrol managed to 起 the Dome Tent the fastest and we were really proud of ourselves. Although we built it quite fast, we still felt that we can be even better as our fastest record was 1 minute. On the other hand, I feel that this was a really good opportunity to show the Year 1s how to build a Dome Tent as we were clear on what was to be expected, such as laying out the tent on the floor facing up first and putting the fly sheet last as well as the small details to take note of such as the fly sheet door needs to align with the tent door. Moreover, I feel that we managed to set a good example this round by doing it fast and correctly. This means that the Year 1s would be clear on what we would have to do should we need to build a Dome Tent in future. Lastly, we could have worked faster when keeping the tent as I felt that we were quite slow. Instead, we could have 报时 more in order to be faster. Overall, I feel that building the Dome Tent was a very good experience for all of us.

Creative Gadgeting

During this activity, we were told to build a creative structure which best represents our patrol.

Reflection from a Year 3

For Creative Gadgeting, we had to build a creative structure that signified our patrol. We were given this task many times but it was more difficult to think of something truly creative and unique as we always build similar structures for such activities. We built a 绳桥 inspired Baggage Rack with a 2 on top for an added identity that represents us. This design was an idea from my junior. We did 绳桥 during Patrol Activity before and she thought of the idea of using this aspect of Guides to explain our supportive relationship in our patrol among juniors and seniors which is also in line with our guides' vision and values. I feel that the Year 2s stepped up more and were able to effectively lead the Year 1s although they still needed slight affirmation and confirmation. However, I feel that as Year 3s, we did not step up enough to look at the bigger picture and this resulted in the overall instability of our structure. Despite having such a creative structure and innovative idea, I think we could have had a better sense of urgency and tie tighter lashes as most lashes were very loose, especially the A-架s which supported the structure. Although we managed to finish the structure in time, we could be a lot faster and allocate extra time to check lashes to ensure tightness of all lashes and increase the overall stability of the structure.

 

Inspection

This is the first time the Year 1s are conducting inspection. It serves as a really good opportunity for the Year 2s and Year 3s to explain to them how we usually do it.

Reflection from a Year 3

During 集合 on Friday, we did Inspection as part of the activities planned for us and I think we carried it out a total of 4 to 5 times. It was a good chance for the Year 1s to learn about what an Inspection is, and for us to refresh our memory and set a good example for our juniors as to how a proper and standard Inspection should be carried out. At the start, I felt that it was pretty hectic as there wasn’t really someone who was clearly stepping up to lead the patrols. The Inspection was especially difficult because we had to not only listen to the instructions given, but also look out for our patrol mates so that they would not get kapped. I felt that I should have stood up more and reminded the Year 1s and Year 2s to look out for each other more. Towards the end of the Inspection, I felt that there was definitely an improvement in our sense of urgency as we were able to complete our inspection in the given time.

 

Physical Training

There were a total of 3 stations in which we had to complete our Physical Training. This is to mainly train our stamina and bond with one another.

Reflection from a Year 3

The Physical Training activities were useful in training our mental resilience as well as emotional support provided within the patrol. Physical Training was definitely tiring. As such, it trained our mental resilience as we needed to be strong mentally to finish the activities. Although it was a tough activity to complete, it was important for us to adopt a positive mindset and persevere throughout. With this strong determination to complete the Physical Training activities, it has definitely helped us to build our mental resilience and to not give up easily despite the challenges. Additionally, team support was also crucial in helping us in completing these activities. Cheering together also helped further motivate us and push one another beyond our limits to complete the activities together as one patrol. With this support provided to each other, it definitely encouraged us to complete the activities and boosted our patrol’s morale, which made the Physical Training activities easier for us to complete. During the activities, we also supported each other by waiting for one another and going through the activities together instead of doing so individually, which was really heartwarming and something important a united patrol should possess.

Shield and Weapon Building

 

Reflection from a Year 3

After Physical Training, we combined with the other 2 patrols to build 3 weapons or shields in total. I feel that it was good that we spent some time at the start to discuss what each patrol was going to build so that our ideas would not overlap. As only Patrol 4 knew how to build the Catapult, they did that while Patrol 5 built a weapon, and Patrol 6 built a shield. Overall, I feel that our performance was pretty good as we managed to finish the structures within the time limit, and the lashes were also quite tight. However, I do feel that we could have worked faster with a better sense of urgency. In all, I feel that this activity was very fun as we have not done such an activity before. As such, it challenges us to be creative and to think out of the box in order to use the logistics that were provided.

Ferris Wheel

Reflection from a Year 2

This 集合 was the first time we got to “plan” our own activities. It was the day after our vaccination, hence we could not do any strenuous activities that were planned. As a group, we decided that we should try to build a Ferris Wheel as it was something we all had not tried before and wanted to do. However, our arms were aching due to the injection, consequently, our lashes were looser and the Ferris Wheel was not up to standard. The first challenge we faced was confusion on how we were to build the Ferris Wheel. Other than the IC, we had no clear image of where to begin building the Ferris Wheel as we had no experience in building this structure and we did not have our seniors with us. This uncertainty led to many problems such as us not taking into consideration the width of the Ferris Wheel blades as well as the PVC tubes; insufficient gadget poles for the blades; we also forgot to add the third blade. At around the halfway point, our Year 1s joined in. We had to instruct them what to do while building a structure we were new to, adding another difficulty. However, overall it was a good experience. We were able to complete the Ferris Wheel and managed to provide assistance to the other patrols. Furthermore, our Ferris Wheel managed to spin well and our Year 1s were also exposed to a new structure.

Bucket Leg Raise

This activity is to train our leg muscles as well as to promote bonding between the patrol as it requires teamwork to ensure that the bucket does not fall.

Reflection from a Year 3

The Bucket Leg Raise was a very interesting and creative activity. As a patrol, we all had to do leg raise with a bucket filled with water placed in the center.  At the same time, we had to ensure that the bucket does not tilt or the water will spill on us. There are rules to this activity such as both legs have to be on the bucket. Among the patrols, we had to compete to see which patrol could keep the bucket still for the longest period of time. We learnt a lot through this activity. For instance, if we do not communicate well with one another, someone might place too much strength on the bucket and it will tilt. Therefore, this activity has taught us the importance of effective communication. I also love how our patrol motivated one another not to give up. I believe the communication and encouragement was what allowed our patrol to hold the bucket for the longest time.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the activities for this 集合 even though some of the activities were planned were not able to be carried out and had to be replaced with other activities. Rest well!

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary

Patrol Activity, 29 March 2021

Hi Guides! 

The following are some reflections from the various patrol members during this week’s Patrol Activity!

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 1

For Patrol Activity on Monday, our patrol did Creative Gadgeting. We were told to split ourselves into 2 groups, and each build a creative and beautiful structure that could shelter people in 53 minutes. Initially, I felt that we had a lot more time than I had expected so we did not tie very fast and discussed as we tied. However, after 10 minutes, we were told that there were more requirements for the structure. This gave us a lot more stress as some of the requirements were hard to abide by due to the fact that we had already tied something that did not help in clearing the requirements. The hardest requirement I found was that we had to use up all our logistics. This was because when the requirement was given out, we were almost done with our structure that we had in mind. To add on, we also had very limited amount of time left to plan on how to include the remaining logistics and tie the lashes. Hence, I feel that this creative gadgeting has taught us to react fast with the varying situations. Other than that, we also played a game. One person had to draw something Guides related, while being blind folded, in 20 seconds while the rest of us had to guess what the drawing was. Meanwhile, we also played duck duck goose concurrently. It was a very fun game trying to guess what my patrol mates were drawing and our Year 1s have also learnt more about what activities we do in guides through the game.

 

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 2

For Patrol Activity on Monday, we did 绳桥 and Fireman's Ladder together with Patrol 5. These are traditional activities that are usually performed in front of the Year 1s during CCA exhibition, however because of the pandemic, the new Year 1s were unable to watch those activities in real life. Hence, I think this was a good introduction for the Year 1s to watch and try out these games. Firstly, we had to tie the Fireman's Ladder with 青木 and 红木.  Unfortunately, our lashes were not tight enough so we had to 重抽 multiple times before being able to 起 it. We also placed the 红木 too close to each other, so when we tried to flip over it our legs almost hit the 红木. I learnt that teamwork is very important as without six people that 顶 the ladder properly, the person climbing it may not be able to flip as the ladder would be quite unsteady. It was quite a fun activity and it also helped us to bond as a patrol. Secondly, we tried the 绳桥 that the seniors helped us to tie. Due to us constantly 重抽 the fireman's ladder, only five people could try 绳桥. Teamwork was also very important here because many people are needed to 顶 the structure to support the weight of the person. Even though only a few of us could try, we felt that it was quite fun seeing others try it out for the first time.

 

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 3

Patrol Activity on Monday was very enlightening as we built a creative structure that we had built before. I learnt that we must plan our manpower properly or else the structure will fail. Since we have built the structure before, the process was slightly simpler and we were able to finish it decently. However, I think our lashes can be improved, especially the quadpod as it was not able to open up into a nice square shape. The Treasure Hunt made me realise that we all need to brush up on our first aid skills as well as read up more on guides notes. I definitely will do so in order to prepare for similar activities in the future. Other than that, there was also the Fireman’s Ladder activity. I enjoyed it very much as it is my favourite activity in Guides. I was happy that we were able to do this activity as it is not a very common one.

 

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 4

On 29 March, we had Patrol Activity. Through it, we had gained many new insights, as well as further developed our hard and soft skills. From the interesting storyline, we built a few standard structures (Baggage Rack and Indoor Fire Altar) and a creative structure. Building the creative structure, which is a catapult, together was extremely fun as we could think out of the box. For example, we had to adapt and tie half of a diagonal lash in order for the catapult to have a range to move. In the end, the catapult was a success. While building the other structures, we gained many new skills and had to step out of our comfort zone. For the Year 3s, we could allocate our manpower more efficiently. We also gave the juniors timings to complete their lashes. One thing that we could continue improving on would be looking at the bigger picture. Sometimes, we are too focused on doing a task and forget to look at the structure as a whole. Nevertheless, this Patrol Activity was very fruitful as we benefited greatly from it.

 

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 5

For Patrol Activity, we did 绳桥 and Fireman’s Ladder together with Patrol 2. This was very exciting as it was the first time most of us did both activities. We had to prepare our PT kit for the activities. This was also the first time we had to wear our PT kit this year. First we had to tie the Fireman’s Ladder and after we were done tying it, we could try flipping off it. However, the rungs were not well positioned and we had to keep readjusting them. This caused quite a lot of wasted time. Despite all this, most of the patrol was able to try the activity. For 绳桥, we had to learn how to 定 the frames to make it safe for the person to climb across it. We also had to learn how to climb across it. 2 of my patrol members who did 绳桥 before as they were in the performance committee during OP’ 2020 so they demonstrated how to do it and guided us along. I feel that this Patrol Activity was very fun as we could try these activities and I hope we get to do them more often in the future.

 

Reflection from a Year 3 of Patrol 6

For Patrol Activity, we did pioneering and we built a Seesaw using spars. During the activity we separated the patrol into two groups, one focusing on the quadpod and the other tying the seats. Regarding the quadpod, after we 起 the quadpod, we realised the lash was loose in the centre and had to 重打 as such flaws can make the structure unstable and dangerous. For the seats, it went rather smoothly, although we can tie the lashes at a faster timing and have a better sense of urgency. Overall, the structure was fairly safe although we can improve on the tightness of the lashes so the structure would not shake as much. We also have to take note of 飞脚 as it will hinder the progress of building the structure.

 

I hope everyone managed to bond well with their patrol mates and enjoyed the activities!

 

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary

Skills Training, 26 March 2021

Hello Guides!

During 集合 this week, Group 1 built a Kitchen Shelter while Group 2 did Gadgeting as well as Inspection. At the end, both groups had to put up a mini performance.

 

Kitchen Shelter

Group 1 was tasked to build 3 Kitchen Shelters in total at D Area. This helped to invoke a better sense of communication among the 团.

Reflection from a Year 3

During Friday’s 集合, we were tasked to build a Kitchen Shelter. It was a great learning opportunity for the Year 1s to learn how to build a Kitchen Shelter, as well as for the Year 2s and Year 3s to refresh their memory on this standard structure and attempt to build it within the standard timing. I feel that we could have had a better sense of urgency during this activity as we had to ask for a lot of time extensions, which could have been minimised if we put in more effort to 报时 to keep track of the time. Nevertheless, I was proud of the fact that my patrol had managed to complete the Kitchen Shelter. Although there was still a lot of room for improvement, we felt a sense of accomplishment this time round as we have definitely improved as compared to the last few times we tried building a Kitchen Shelter. Moreover, this was a great chance for the Year 1s to get to know more about the Kitchen Shelter, and for the Year 2s to learn how to take care of and lead their juniors. Therefore, I feel that Friday’s 集合 has been a meaningful one for all of us.

 

Gadgeting

We had creative gadgeting where the requirement was that we should not use tripods or quadpods. This is so as to train everyone’s creativity and to help the Year 1s recap on their lashes.

Reflection from a Year 3

During Gadgeting, we managed to explain to the Year 1s more about what Creative Gadgeting is about. We also managed to come up with a creative gadget and guide the Year 1s and Year 2s in building them. This activity served as a good opportunity for the Year 1s and Year 2s to practice tying tight standard lashes. As we needed to communicate and work with each other to build the creative gadget, teamwork was essential. Hence, this provided our patrol with a bonding opportunity. It was also another opportunity for us as Year 3s, to step up and look at the bigger picture to better guide our juniors in completing the structure. Though the structure we built was much similar to a standard structure, Baggage Rack, instead of an innovative creative structure, we still managed to complete the structure together with our juniors and guide them in tying their lashes. This was hence a meaningful activity for us to guide our juniors while enjoying the activity.

 

Inspection

This is the first time the Year 1s are conducting inspection. It serves as a really good opportunity for the Year 2s and Year 3s to explain to them on how we usually do it.

Reflection from a Year 3

During the first Inspection, as we were taking out the items in a rush, we realised that we had forgotten to take some logistics and even took some of another patrol’s logistics instead of ours. We realised that we would have to pack our 小队箱 properly. The instructions given during the first inspection were not clear and the inspection layout across the 3 patrols were not the same and we had overlapped some of the logistics. When we had to pack up, since the year ones were not familiar with inspection yet, they started to put the logistics back slowly. During the second inspection, we tried to involve the Year 1s more. We were too noisy and couldn’t hear the others which resulted in different layouts once again. We took the mistakes in the previous inspection into consideration and tried not to overlap the logistics and step up to lead the inspection. During the third inspection, the Year 3s were not allowed to touch the inspection layout and could not talk. The Year 2s were able to successfully lead the inspection and could step up confidently. Since we were not able to speak, we used hand gestures to signal if some of the things were incorrect. Overall, inspection allowed the year ones to familiarise ourselves with items in the 配备 and allow us to brush up on our leadership skills. 

 

Mini Performance

Each patrol has to draw 2 strips of paper with 2 Guides songs which they would have to perform. This further helps to familiarise the Year 1s with the songs we usually sing in Guides and bonds the patrol.

Reflection from a Year 3

The Mini Performance on Friday was very fun. I think that it was a great way to teach the Year 1s about Guides songs and familiarise them with the lyrics. Usually when we 领歌 during 集合, we just sing the same songs like Three Little Ducks, Titanic and Silvery Moon. Hence, this helped to show the Year 1s that we have many songs that are fun to sing. To start off, one of our patrol members had to draw lots to see which two songs we would perform. We ended up having to perform 南屏晚种 and the banana cheer. Through teaching the Year 1s the songs, it helped us to bond as a patrol and also have fun singing Guides songs. As a Year 3, I felt that I had to sing louder during performance to set a good example for the Year 1s. While we performed, the seniors also sang along with us loudly and that made us more confident to do our best during the performance. I also think that even if we made mistakes on stage, no one judged us so we could focus on having fun while singing because after all, that is what Guides songs are about. Overall, this was a great opportunity for patrol bonding and to teach the Year 1s about guides songs while having fun at the same time. I hope that we can have more of such activities in the future!

 

Hopefully everyone learnt something and bonded with their batch during the 集合. Rest well!

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary

Skills Training, 16 March 2021

Hi Guides! 

During today’s 集合, we built a Kitchen Table as well as played station games.

 

Kitchen Table

A total of 2 Kitchen Tables were built in each group. This would train our communication among patrols.

 

Reflection from a Year 2

For the Kitchen Table, we split into two groups within group 1, each assigned to one Kitchen Table. It was my first time assigned as patrol leader and I had to report to the IC every 10 minutes. Since we, Year 2s, are seniors this year, we took up the responsibility to show the Year 1s how to build a Kitchen Table and taught them the lashes needed for it. Some of which includes the super square lash and timber hitch. We also stepped up more often and also had to look after our Year 1s instead of being the ones looked after when we were juniors in the patrol. As it was the first pioneering session we led with the Year 1s, the Year 4s thought it was a great job. However, I felt that there were some basic mistakes like untucked strings and slightly loose lashes. In total, through the kitchen table pioneering, I felt how it was like being a senior and all the responsibilities that a senior had to carry. 

 

Next, we had station games.

 

The overall storyline is as follows:

On a breezeful Friday morning, you decided to pack your 小队箱 as it is in a mess from the previous 集合. However, the moment you step into 团部, you found that most of your logistics are gone much to your horror! Luckily, based on the fingerprints found, you found the identity of the criminal. Your task now will be to catch the criminal on the run. Good luck.

Station 1: Orienteering and Survival Skills

The clues that you have found suggests that the criminal is hiding in the woods right now! However, the place is extremely big and trees look the same in all directions. Hence, you will be tested on your orienteering and survival skills as this is an environment that lacks water, food and shelter. 

Reflection from a Year 2

Through this station, we got to know each other better, what our strengths and weaknesses are in our knowledge of survival skills, while also revising them again. We brushed up on our Guides notes through the different tasks and questions given to us by the station master. Through completing the activity, we also managed to teach the Year 1s these skills and help them get more prepared for future station games or any other situation requiring these. Without the help and guidance of our Year 3s, we struggled with most of the questions, only managing to give partial answers to some. Thus, we learnt that we need to revise our notes more and be more familiar with them in order to better educate our Year 1s. Hopefully, the Year 1s managed to learn something new from this station too. 

Station 2: Inspection

You have obtained some reliable information on the criminal’s current whereabouts. However, this place is very far from where you are now. Hence, before travelling, you would need to check if you have all the necessary logistics as it would be impossible to return to your base and retrieve missing items.

Reflection from a Year 2

During this station, we were tasked to do inspection. We took this time to also teach the Year 1s what inspection was and how to do it, as well as the logistics required. We took about 5 mins to finish the inspection, as we were guiding the Year 1s and teaching them how to put the logistics in the correct layout. After that, the station master gave us more time to teach the Year 1s about all the logistics in the 配备 are and what are their uses. Hopefully at the end of this station, the Year 1s are able to identify the items in the 配备 and they managed to learn something new.

 

Station 3: First-aid

Oh no! The criminal found out that you are after him. To hinder your progress, he decides to set up traps and obstacles that caused you and your teammates to be injured. As a result, you will be tested on your first aid skills here. Remember, every move you take can improve or worsen your teammate’s injury.

Reflection from a Year 2

The station on first-aid was quite enjoyable. We also had the chance to brush up on our hands-on first aid skills such as how to wrap the arm sling and the head bandage. We learnt that we had a lot to improve on this area as we were very unsure of how to do it. Apart from that, we also realised the importance of reading the Guides notes thoroughly as physical abilities alone is insufficient and it is also important to know mentally what to do when a situation happens. As such, we should be prepared for procedural oral questions as well, and not just skim through the Guides notes. It was an interesting station as we were able to work on first aid skills in the form of a game of tic tac toe which was a new experience we never had before. Furthermore, it was the Year 1s first time having to read the Guides Notes the day before so we realised the importance of knowing the information ourselves and not relying too much on others to remember especially since the Year 1s would not know yet. Overall, the station was very fun and was a good chance to brush up on our first aid skills.

Station 4: Escape Room

Your current location is so close to that of the criminal! However, he finds that out before you do and hence set up a trap to keep you locked up so that he has more time to escape. Tick tock, tick tock. Time is passing fast! The longer you take to escape, the further he will be from you. 

Reflection from a Year 2

Station 4 was one of my favourite stations as I felt that it was very carefully planned. As per usual escape room, we had to find objects hidden that contained clues to escape a room. However, the object that was hidden was actually hidden at a very obvious spot, which my patrol and I were not able to see as we overlooked the place that it was placed in the first place which was the lockers as we thought it would not be hidden there. As such, we spent a while finding before finally realizing where it was. I think looking back, we definitely could have been more observant when we first walked into the venue, and not be so assumptive of where the object or clue would have been. This station also in a way tested our precision as joining the places to obtain numbers required us to be careful in connecting them. All in all, I think I could have improved.

Station 5: Creative Gadgeting

In case the criminal tries to hurt you again, you are to build any weapon or shield that would aid in self defence. You never know when danger is coming and you would need to build this as fast as possible.

Reflection from a Year 2

For this station, I feel that we should have planned better at first before actually starting the gadgeting, like deciding whether we wanted to do a weapon or a shield or even a structure. We should’ve also split the roles properly; give each person something to do so that they would not be doing nothing. As we were not given a lot of time, we should have done all this planning carefully and properly before starting the building because there were some mishaps along the way like when the clove hitch came out and we did not have time to build another tripod. If we had a more concrete plan, this might not have happened and we would not have had to change plans midway. I think we also should have included the year ones in the discussion a little more as we were short on time and were quite rushed. We should push the Year 1s more because they are currently a bit relaxed and don’t have a sense of urgency. Overall, the building in Station 5 could have been improved if we had a better plan and time management skills.

Station 6: Chicken Fight and Blindfold Game

In order to persevere through this gruelling process of catching the criminal, it is crucial that you are physically fit and have the determination to achieve your goals. However, working in a large group, it is inevitable that conflicts would arise. Some members in the group do not understand your point of view and you will have to explain it to them patiently so they know where you are coming from and the group can set off in the correct direction together. 

Reflection from a Year 2

For Station 6, I felt what I had done well was explaining what the items in the bag that we were supposed to describe purpose, in terms of what they were for and when to use them. However, I think that in terms of describing it, I think I was quite vague, as I actually did not really describe it well to the Year 1s when they had to draw it out. As such, the result that they drew to a certain extent was not really there. Therefore I think in the future I could be giving more detailed instructions and explanations so that my juniors would be able to understand. The other part of the station, chicken fight, brought back some memories as the last time we played it was actually over a year ago, on one of our first 集合s. It was also a game where I could use strategies and adapt to the game station.

We hope everyone manage to learn something from this 集合 through the building of Kitchen Table and station games and that the Year 2s got the chance to step out of their comfort zones to lead their juniors!

Published by:

Cefina 

52届 Secretary