Patrol Activity, 4 February

Hello Guides!

On 4 February, we had Patrol Activity(PA)! Here are some reflections from the Year 3s:

Reflection by a Year 3 from Patrol 1:

During this week’s PA, we were split into 2 groups and I was the PL of group 2. The 2 PLs were asked to come up with structures for specific purposes and we were supposed to switch structures twice during the time given. I learnt that fast and clear communication is very important between the two PLs because it would affect how fast the patrolmates can start building the structure, and it ensures that the 2 groups were able to build the structures in the way that the PLs wanted them to be. I also learnt that communication between the PLs and the patrolmates was equally important because if the PLs do not tell the patrolmates what they were going to be building, the patrolmates would not be able to build the structure well and contribute ideas to make it better. The patrolmates should also have the initiative and the responsibility to ask what we were building and how we were going to build it so that the PLs would not feel as stressed. I think that overall, we should have tied faster and tighter lashes and should familiarise ourselves more with basic structures such as tripods, especially the Year 2s, so that less time will be wasted on tying these structures.

Reflection by a Year 3 from Patrol 2:

For PA, we did a station games/storyline activity. We were competing against Patrol 3. The first thing we did was read trekking signs to see if the 木 was safe to take to use for our structure building. It tested our tracking sign knowledge and I feel that I was not very good with that so I have to brush up on my guides knowledge and read the guides notes again. Next, we did creative gadgeting and I had been assigned PS. We were to build a shelter faster than the other patrol. I suggested to build three tripods connected in a triangle and with a groundsheet over it as the only requirement was that all the patrol members could stay under it. I feel that as PS, I should have stepped up more and encourage them to tie faster as the structure we planned to build could have been built within the given timing and that if we tried harder, we could have finished it without asking for time extension. After this, we played an invasion game, which was like ice and freeze mixed with capture the flag. Although we tried to win and had a plan, we still could not beat the other team. However, it was fun and helped us bond as a patrol. It was okay that we did not win, its was the playing of the game that counts. Overall, I feel that this PA was quite enjoyable and informative.

Reflection by a Year 3 from Patrol 3:

Our patrol combined with P2 for this PA. I felt that this PA was quite well thought out as it tested on both out lashes as well as our knowledge on tracking signs . Overall, I felt that this PA was quite fun as we got to have fun with our structure after building it. During this PA, I felt that we worked quite slowly as we took a really long time to tie 3 tripods. Since we took such a long time, we did not have enough time to complete the forth tripod. This caused our structure to be really unstable as we did not tie the 顶角s for that tripod. I feel that we should re-revise on our tracking signs as we we unfamiliar with the signs during PA which caused us to retrieve lesser logistics. In addition, I feel that our patrol should take better care of our logistics and be more aware of our surroundings. Many things were taken away by the seniors and we had to do forfeits in order to get them back. This caused us to waste time on forfeits when we could have used that time to complete put forth structure. Overall, I really enjoyed this PA and hope to have more PAs like this.

Reflection by a Year 3 from Patrol 4:

During Monday’s PA, we had to find clues write on post its that were related to the logistics we needed, which were written in guides code or trekking signs. After solving all of the clues, we received our logistics. Then, we were split into two groups and a PL for each group was assigned. we had to split the 2 logistics amongst the two groups quickly without knowing what each group needed, so we decided to split them as evenly as possible. Our PL then told us that we had to build two different structures and that one group’s PL had to give the other’s PL instructions to build their structure without revealing what it was. As I was PL for my group, i had to communicate with the other PL every 10 minutes to give the next set of instructions or exchange logistics of needed. As I was unfamiliar with how to build the structure, my group did not do well, as we kept having to change certain parts of it such as the 顶脚  due to miscommunications. As I was unfamiliar with how to tie a catapult structure, it was difficult for me to tell the group members what to do. I think I did not do well as a PL as my group members were often confused and did not know what to do next. We were unable to complete the structure in time despite being given time extensions, so I felt quite disappointed in myself. I think we could have worked faster to tie lashes within a standard time as well as to give instructions in a clearer manner, especially when a short amount of time is given.

Reflection by a Year 2 from Patrol 5:

I found Monday's PA extremely useful as we rarely get a chance to build a quad-pod and we also got to practice many different types of lashes and structures. It also gave the Year 2s chances to experience how being a leader felt like and gave us opportunity to take up more initiatives by being a leader. Through this PA, we learnt to 报时 and cheer more consistently. We also realised that we are not very familiar with the inspection layout, however we practised it 3 times during PA and we are clearer now with both the layout and the names and quantities of the different things that are in the layout. As we 报时 more frequently and work much faster this time, and even though we lacked manpower, we managed to complete all the tasks 30 minutes before the end of the PA. Furthermore, we also played some games which made it really interesting and allowed us to forge a stronger bond within our patrol. Through this PA, we had lots of fun and at the same time also allowed us to be more confident in our basics, so we can lead the future Year 1s better. We hope that with the skills we acquired in this PA, we can do a much better job during 集合.

Reflection by a Year 3 from Patrol 6:

For patrol activity on Monday, my patrol started off with mass change. We mass changed 4 times in total, the first one into Guides uniform in 5 minutes 30 seconds with 30 second time extension, the second one changing back into PE attire in 4 minutes 30 seconds with 1 minute time extension, the third one in 5 minutes 30 seconds and fourth one in 4 minutes 30 seconds, both with no time extension given. Initially, I was quite worried that we may 过时 as I'm not sure if we could change fast enough especially during the last two mass change. However, from this sessions, I realised that I have the capability to change quickly with a high sense of urgency. In addition, it also taught me to look after my juniors better and to help one another out as we are all in this together. I felt that this experience had bonded us as we were constantly reminding one another to remove black watch when in guides uniform etc. Our second activity was PT, which I thought that it had helped in training my stamina and improving my fitness overall. It also served as a common activity for us to bond over and the constant cheering kept our morale up, which enabled us to push on quickly as a patrol. In the end, we managed to complete it faster than the timing given. I personally felt extremely accomplished and satisfied as I usually have a hard time when doing PT. We then had to stand in a line and answer the questions from our guides notes asked by Lydia. Although I managed to answer the two questions she asked correctly, I feel that I still need to familiarise myself with the guides notes more as I am still unsure of the tracking signs and some other stuff. We did PT again as we got some questions wrong. Afterwards, we had a 40 minutes long patrol corner as we were underrunning. During the patrol corner, I felt that we were given a chance to truly get to know our juniors and seniors better. We talked about stuff related and not related to guides and I felt that it was extremely meaningful and heartwarming. Overall, this PA was very satisfying as we were given more opportunities to bond with one another and at the same time hone our soft skills. 

Hope that this was an enriching experience for all!

Published by:
Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 8 February

Hello Guides!

On 8 February, we had another skills training session, this time aiming to improve the Guides’ physical standards, their bonds with each other as well as their initiative and leadership skills. At first, the Year 2s and 3s would be separated to do different stations, later combining together again for other activities.

Capture the flag

The first station is Capture the Flag, which the Year 2s will play first before switching with the Year 3s. The batch will be split into two teams and the goal of the game is to successfully bring the other team’s flag back to where the team’s own flag is. Flags have to be placed at both ends of the playing area. 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 off 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 for 1 minute before they are allowed to answer the question given by the station masters. 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 are allowed to protect their own flag, and must be 3 metres from their flag. Should anyone be seen engaging in rough play, the Year 4s will send them to “jail” as well.

Capture the Flag’s Flag

Reflection by Year 3s:

When we played capture the flag, we were split into two teams, each team wearing a different colour of duct tape on their sleeve, which the other team could attempt to tear off. My team had 4 people defending the flag at our “base” where the flag was kept to prevent it from being taken by the other team. We had a lot of fun playing this game and it was a good opportunity for our batch to bond during this 集合. When our duct tape is torn off, we would have to answer questions related to Guides asked by the seniors in order to get a new piece of duct tape. I also think this game allowed my team to have better communication, so we would know when we were supposed to defend our flag from the others. We also improved on our teamwork as we had to work together to keep our flag safe and attempt to capture the other teams flag.

In the capture the flag game last 集合, we were split into 2 groups outside of our normal patrols and got to work with others from our batch. This was a fun activity as it involved the competitive spirit among our batch and was a opportunity for us to bond. My team managed to discuss before the game started and decided to place the flag underneath cones such that it was harder for the opposing team to obtain the flag. I was proud that we could think ahead and foresee the possibility that out flag could be stolen easily in the open and hence thought of ways to counter this problem. As a whole, it was very interactive and could involved everyone from the batch as we each played different roles such as the defenders, attacker and peace makers! 

Physical Training

The second station is Physical Training(PT). In this station, the batch will conduct a series of PT outside the Media Resource Library(MRL). The PT, to be done in order, are as follows:

1. Run 3 rounds around the MRL
2. 20 burpees
3. Run 4 rounds around the MRL
4. 1 round of lunges along the MRL

Should there be anyone who cannot do any of these PT due to various reasons, it will be replaced with 2 sets of 30 buddha claps, 2 sets of 1 minute of 45 degrees leg raise, 3 minutes of 90 degrees leg raise or 20 squats.

Reflection by Year 3s:

On Friday, for the first part, we had PT. During PT, we at first had to run 2 rounds around MRL in  six minutes after doing some warm up. In my opinion, I felt that it was rather manageable and quite easy as the time given was reasonable. I was a little glad for the running as my stamina is usually very bad and this gives me a chance to train my fitness. However, during the second part where we had to do 1 perimeter of lunges was difficult and painful for me. I got tired pretty quickly but I told myself to push on. When we finally completed it, I felt a sense of achievement and satisfaction. In addition, I think that this PT station had enabled our batch to be closer as we cheered for one another along the way, keeping one another's morale up. Overall, I enjoyed this PT session.

Last Friday, we did PT consisting of 5 rounds of running around the MRL, 20 burpees, as well as 1 round of lunges around the MRL. The PT session was extremely tiring as it has been long since we last did PT be it as a batch or as an individual. However, I feel that this PT session has allowed our batch to be even more bonded since it was a batch PT.  During the PT itself, we cheered consistently and I felt that those cheers definitely boosted our morale while completing those PT. I felt there if given a choice, I would definitely want to have more batch PT sessions as we can be more bonded and more physically fit so as to go through tougher experiences such as PLTC together.

Inspection

After the two stations, the Year 2 and 3 batches will recombine to carry out the next activity, which is inspection. For the first part of inspection, they will have to layout their logistics according to the layout given to them. The next layout will be decided by themselves and the third layout would be a flipped version of the second.

After inspection, we had Thinking Day Contingent Practice in preparation for the upcoming Thinking Day.

Reflection by a Year 3:
We had our World Thinking Day contingent rehearsal today. I benefited much from this rehearsal as the last time I was in a contingent was last year's Uniformed Groups Day, and hence without this rehearsal, I would not be able to understand the commands given and the appropriate time to do some things like the checking and turning. Through this rehearsal, it refreshed my memory of the sequence of things to do during the contingent. I was also able to practise on my marching. I found this a very fun and enriching event, which was beneficial to not only me but many people to refresh their memory from last year's contingents.

Hope that everyone gained valuable experience from this!

Published by:

Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

UG Exchange Day and Skills Training, 1 February

Hello Guides!

On 1 February, we had UG Exchange Day as well as skills training! While the Year 2s were absent due to the former, the Year 3s participated in a pioneering activity.

Pioneering

The structure that was to be built was a mini gateway. The Year 3s all had to work together to build the gateway due to the complexity of it, and were supposed to be allowed to cross the gateway afterwards. However, due to the potential danger, they were unable to go on top of the gateway.

Reflection by Year 3s:

On Friday, we built a mini gateway for creative pioneering. In my opinion it was a rather tiring but meaningful and satisfying process. Through this activity, I felt that I need to work on my communication with people outside of my patrol, and that I should step up more. In addition, I think I should have clarified my doubts when building the structure and take more initiative in tying the lashes. This way I could help build the structure more quickly and enable the whole process to be smoother and more efficient. However, I felt that my lashes could be tied tighter so that we don't have to waste time 重抽-ing. Also, my sense of urgency could have been better and I could have 报时 more often especially when I'm not trying any lashes. Overall, I was extremely satisfied with the structure and I hope I could improve in the next 集合.

On Friday, we had pioneering with our 51届 guides. We built a mini gateway and we were given instructions step by step at time intervals. We then split ourselves into two groups quickly so we could begin building the main frames. The first team consisted of P1-3 and P4-6 was the second group. However this resulted in us working at different paces and poor communication between the two groups so one part of the gateway was higher than the other. We could have worked faster as we worked more slowly towards the start, resulting in us having to rush our lashes to try to complete the structure. If we had started with a greater sense of urgency, this could have been prevented. Although we did not complete our structure in time, I am still proud of our batch for trying our best and cheering to keep our morale high. We also could have split our manpower more efficiently to reduce the time needed to move the logistics needed back and forth. For example, we should have allocated more people to carry the 木 and a few others to go carry the 麻绳 and helmets. As we were unclear of whether anyone had gone to take certain items, some of us went again, although it was not needed, resulting in inefficient use of time we had to retrieve logistics. I think our batch can improve on working quickly and efficiently to complete tasks within the time limit given and communicating amongst the entire batch.

Hope that the Year 2s learnt something new and that the Year 3s gained more experience from this 集合!

Published by:

Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary

Skills Training, 25 January

Hello Guides!

On 25 January, the Year 2s and 3s had different activities. The Year 2s did creative gadgeting while the Year 3s had a combined 集合 with the Scouts!

Year 2s

Creative gadgeting

The Year 2s are to build 2 structures based on a given theme - Guiding. This will allow them to reflect on what Guiding means to them and their Guiding journey as whole. Whether the Year 2s want to split into their own teams is up to themselves. Creative gadgeting allows the Year 2s to engage their creativity as well as their gadgeting skills (ie how to increase stability, etc). It will also allow for some Year 2s to take the initiative to step up and lead their batch in building the structures. However, there is an added condition -- the Year 2s in a group will  have to tie their wrists together.

Reflection by Year 2s:
Our batch were told to build a baggage rack. We had to standardise which 木 we were using throughout the 团. At first, there was some confusion as different groups used different 木 for A-架. Our 白绳 and some of the 木 got taken away by the seniors, as we did not take care of our logistics. After this incident, we learnt to 照顾好东西, as we need all the logistics to build the baggage rack. After building the baggage rack, I was more familiar which 木 is for which part of the structure and how to net. My lashes were tighter and I had a greater sense of urgency. Our seniors also told us which part were wrong with our structures, like where to tie the clove hitch and the type of 木. From today 集合, I learnt many hard skills and I am more confident about tying a baggage rack.

For standard gadgeting, we had to build a baggage rack and indoor fire altar. When we collected the logistics, it was very confusing in the 团部 as there was a lack of communication and we took lesser 木 than required. There were also a lot of people clustering in the 团部. We feel that we should have tried to communicate across the batch such that we will be able to collect the right amount of logistics and 集合 back in time. Afterwards, we had to build a baggage rack and indoor fire altar. We were a bit unsure on how to build the structures and which 木 we had to use for each part which resulted in my time extensions and weak lashes. At the end of the day, we were able to clarify our doubts on the structures and be mindful not to commit them again.

It was second 集合 of the year. First, we tried to practice building 2 common structures which are Baggage Rack and the indoor fire alter without the Year 3s. It was enriching as it helped us to recall how to tie the structures and learn to tie them for those who did not know how to. It was helpful as we Year 2s are going to have new Year 1s and not knowing all these basic skills will make us not be able to teach and lead the Year 1s properly. During the activity, we had to take the initiative to lead our batchmates and we also had to have a strong sense of urgency to make sure we will be able to complete the activity. 

Team bonding activities

This series of activities will require the Year 2s to work together in order to accomplish the given tasks, thereby allowing for the development of communication across patrols and the building of trust amongst batchmates.

Daredevil: The Year 2s will compete against each other (P1 and P4 vs P2 and P5 vs P3 and P6), where one member of each group will be blindfolded. The blindfolded members are required to compete against each other to find an item and place them into the middle of the playing area while being instructed by their teammates. However, possession of the object will be lost and given to the other blindfolded member if the person holding the object drops it or is tapped on the shoulder by their competitor. The teammates are not allowed to tell the blindfolded member what object they are looking for, but are instead supposed to describe it. This allows for the Year 2s to work on their communication skills as well as the trust they have in their teammates. The losing teams will compete against the other losing teams and so on for the winning teams. The losing teams will have perform Maboleh in front of everybody else.

Scavenger Hunt: There will be 1 big picture that will be split into 10 smaller parts, which will then be cut up to form a puzzle. Each part of the puzzle will be hidden in locations around the school compound, and the Year 2s will have to solve Guides Code and answer the riddles in the given riddle sheet in order to obtain the locations. However, the Guides will discover that in order to form the picture, all of the patrols have to combine their puzzles, thereby increasing cooperation and communication across the batch.

1: Outside PAC (exit nearer to Y1 classrooms)	“Concert”
2: Old 团部	“Our old home”
3: GSL Level 2 (near benches)	“Taking 集合 to the next level”
4: Open Space at Block G Level 3	“Big banners”
5: Outside bookshop	“Buy books”
6: 团部	“Shared with SJB”
7: Locker room	“Where to submit work”
8: Podium	“Where the 升旗手s go every morning”
9: Backstore	“Dead trees”
10: Level 1 area outside MRL	“Where to 集合 during OP”

Riddle Sheet

Reflection by Year 2s:

Scavenger hunt was really fun and we learnt how to read the guides code as the clues were written using it. Through this game, we found that we are actually not really familiar with the guides code yet and I think this is one area to improve on. I feel that we have worked fast this time because we split the tasks between each patrol but we can still improve by 报时 more often. For our patrol, we only have one task and we finished quite early, so we started solving the other guides code and helping the other patrols to finish their tasks as well. In a nutshell, it was a enjoyable 集合 and we really look forward to having more activities like these.

Last Friday after gadgeting during 集合, we were split into our patrols and had to “hunt” for red packets that are hidden in different places around the school. We had to find the different places by using guide’s code and we felt that knowing guide’s code well is very important. Since everyone worked quickly and gathered at GSL before the designated time, we were able to piece the pictures together to form a Scouts and Guides picture and finish the task before the time given. We not only felt that this game was very exciting and fun, but we also felt that since we could work fast for this task, we should try our best and work even faster during normal 集合s so we would not 过时.

We played a fun activity called treasure hunt. We had to find our designated areas through guides codes and find for parts of a photo there. It was not stressful unlike the previous activity and it also allow us to communicate and be more bonded. After this 集合, I feel that it was a fun and good experience as it helped us recall what we have not been doing for quite a long time so that we will be prepared to teach and lead new Year 1s. Also, it helped improved our bond in the patrol as well. 

Year 3s

The main objective of this 集合 was to improve communication between the Year 3 Scouts and Guides, hone their leadership skills and to allow them to revise their Camp Development(Camp D) skills.

The Year 3s have also been separated into 6 groups. Here are the allocations:

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5	Group 6
Xin Chen (IC) Ethan Hoh Brion Yujie Nicole (IC) Iris Si Qi	Yu Han (IC) Jared Jun Hung Boon Leong Le Xin (IC) Shayna Charmaine Kor Xuan	Sean Chua (IC) Dylan Johnny Jonathan Li Wen (IC) Rachelle Yutong	Kyan (IC) Ezekiel Victor Qihan Juin Ron Klare (IC) Heather Jing Wen	Jonas (IC) Roi Tong Wei Lun Boon Kiat Novelle (IC) Willyn** Yu Ning	Sebestian (IC) Ethan Sia Ryan Tan Shi Yu Xin Wei (IC) Elizabeth Xi Yin

Building of Kitchen Table

In this activity, the Year 3 Guides will be combining with the Year 3 Scouts to build a Kitchen Table. This will provide them with an opportunity to lead their peers before Patrol Leader Training Camp(PLTC) rolls around, as well as to ensure that they have the basic Camp D skills and pioneering knowledge.

Kitchen Table

Each group is also given a different set of logistics. In order to build the Kitchen Table, they will have to communicate with other groups and trade logistics to obtain the ones that they need.

Logistics list (per group):

Group	Logistics
Group 1	6 红木 14 青木 4 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳
Group 2	2 红木 10 青木 2 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳
Group 3	4 红木 2 青木 No 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳
Group 4	6 红木 8 青木 No 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳
Group 5	10 红木 6 青木 2 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳
Group 6	2 红木 No 青木 4 白木 1 tableboard Sufficient 麻绳

Reflection by Year 3s:

During the first part of Friday’s combined 集合, we built a kitchen table in our patrols. Our logistics were split unevenly across the 6 patrols, so we were supposed to exchange 木 we needed with other patrols that had an excess of it. However, my patrol had most of the 木 we needed and did not take the initiative to ask around if other patrols needed it, and only exchanged them when others came to ask. We should have communicated better amongst patrols to see if anyone else needed the extra 木 that we had so we could all complete our KTs. Although we finished building the KT, we still had many areas for improvement, such as our sense of urgency being low, and we could have increased it by 报时-ing more often so we are all aware of how much time we have left, as we rushed many of the lashes during the last few minutes that we had received a time extension for. we should have 照顾好东西, as many items such as 麻绳 barrels were kapped by seniors and if we did not get them back, we would not have been able to complete the kitchen table. Despite the mistakes we had made, I am still glad we had this opportunity to improve on our communication and hard skills such as lash-tying during this activity, and I think we were motivated by the fact that we were able to complete our KT.


I was selected to be the IC for my group for the building of the Kitchen Table. Although at the start, I was not really leading the group with the other IC to build the KT and I was just building together along with my group mates, I am glad at the end, I managed to step up more as an IC by giving my group instructions to follow and cooperating with the other ICs. I feel that we still need to tie our lashes much faster and tighter because our structure was not in the best shape and it was rather loose. We also were not able to finish tying the seats. Our time could be managed better as for the first ten minutes, we barely got anything done due to some confusion with the other group.

Initially I was worried about combined 集合 with the Scouts as I didn't know any of them well and I didn't know if we would be able to communicate. We built a kitchen table in the first part of 集合 and I thought that it was good that we were able to complete the kitchen table even though some of our lashes were loose as some other patrols had not even finished yet. Although, there were some differences in how Scouts and Guides build a kitchen table, and the ICs were relatively quiet, it was good that our group managed to make a decision and completed it with some time to spare. I think that Friday's 集合 greatly changed my perspective of the Scouts and made me believe that I could possibly work well with them in the upcoming PLTC.

Mini Obstacle Journey

There will be 3 stations, where each station will test the Year 3s on different soft skills: perseverance, communication, and stress management, all of which are important soft skills needed to be a good leader in order to effectively lead others well.

Station allocations:

	Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4	Group 5	Group 6
Stations	1, 2, 3	1, 3, 2	2, 1, 3	2, 3, 1	3, 1, 2	3, 2, 1

Station 1: Perseverance

This involves a “laser” maze made from raffia string. The patrol is required to go through the maze, and can only touch the string at most 5 times. The patrol with the least amount of time taken to go through the maze wins. Every patrol member is required to form a train where they would hold each other’s ankles. Out of the 6-8 members, half of the patrol cannot talk, so that the other members in front of them would not know if they are going too fast and the patrol would end up running into too many strings. Once the patrol hits 5 strings, they have to restart the maze. It would continue until either the time runs out or the patrol manages to reach the end. This teaches them perseverance as the patrol would likely run into the strings if they rush through the maze, and they have to push on and continue crawling through the maze even if it takes very long to do so in order to complete it. The Year 3s will also learn that anything can be accomplished if only they persevere to the end.

Success objective: The patrol is able to complete the maze without touching more than 5 of the raffia string. They may take a longer time but the people leading the crawl should be aware of the situation in order to complete the task at hand.

Layout of “laser” maze (not to scale)

Reflection by a Year 3:

For Station 1, two patrols were supposed to pass the maze of raffia strings in 18 minutes. Each patrol were not allowed to touch the strings more than five times. Initially, we were supposed to crawl underneath the string but afterwards, the seniors changed it to everyone holding an end of a string split to many parts and exiting the maze of strings. From this station, I learnt more about cooperation and coordination because we had to ensure that those ahead were not going too fast and wait for one another. In addition, we require communication so that we know who to step where to ensure a smoother and more successful trip. I felt that this station enabled us to bond more as scouts and guides because we needed to look out for one another and work together to complete the station.

Station 2: Communication

For this activity, 2 people can talk but cannot do anything, and they will be the ones in charge. 3 people can see but cannot talk, while 2-3 people can talk but cannot see. Those people who are able to tie lashes are supposed to team up, eg. 1 pair should include one person who can see and one person who can talk.  They are required to complete a modified quadpod structure within the shortest time possible. This will be a competition against another patrol. The ICs are to remain calm even when they are unable to communicate directly with the patrol. Patrols will be given 5 minutes before the activity starts so that they can discuss their plan.

Success objective: Patrols are able to complete structures on time and communicated with one another while keeping to the rules of the game. They are able to come up with an effective communication system in the first 5 mins of discussion before the game starts.

Even though the activity may seem simple, communication is key. More time will be given to the patrols to evaluate their actions and decisions made during the activity.

Reflection by a Year 3:
This station was more interesting and challenging as people were given handicaps such as their inability to use 1 hand or talk. Especially since our patrol had a greater lack of manpower, it was even more important that we delegate the tasks efficiently and allocate manpower appropriately. For example, people who were unable to talk could tie the lashes, while people who only could use 1 hand helped to 顶 the structure. As a result, we managed to build the structure as efficiently as the other team, who had a greater manpower than us, and I realised that the allocation of manpower was indeed crucial in doing tasks more efficiently under a time limit.

Station 3: Leadership

The main objective of this activity is for the Patrol Leader(PL) to be able to handle the stresses of coordinating multiple tasks at a time. This activity is to put the whole patrol’s communication into use. For the PL, communication is necessary as only one set of instructions will be given at any time. For the members, they are to help the PL figure out what they are building and discuss amongst themselves as to how they are to complete the task given.

Success Criteria: PL is able to handle the stress when they do not put any unnecessary stress on the members and constantly motivate their patrol. For the members, they are to give as many suggestions and ideas as possible, demonstrating their communication skills.

Rules:

1. Only PLs will receive 1 piece of instruction every 2 minutes.
2. Nobody is allowed to ask for clues about the structure.
3. Members are to keep track of time.
4. HAVE FUN!!!

Gateway

Reflection by a Year 3:

For station three, we built an improvised quadpod structure. Our lashes were also not tight enough and we could have improved on our communication as well as improve our sense of urgency as we had overrun and it lead to having time constraint and unable to finish the last station. I think that we managed to speed up a bit at the end as we were able to 拆掉  fairly quickly. We were able to cooperate with the scouts quite well and were able to become more bonded as a batch. I felt that it also helped me develop my leadership skills and try to work better together.

Hope that the Year 3s learnt a lot and improved from this 集合!

Published by:

Hoong Yu Ning

50th Batch Secretary