Sunday, June 14, 2009
Monday, 8th June, 7.55am-11.59pm :), Official Meeting

CAMP!

We fell in at 7.55am, and Melissa from Dove Patrol was the flag bearer. She broke the flag and after we said the promise and the colour party marched back to their positions, our YA came to talk to us about our uniform. She reminded us to wear our uniform correctly and neatly, as some of us were rather messy. YA reminded us that our hair should not be touching the crest on our scarves-if it is, we should tie two plaits. Our belts are not supposed to be hanging loosely by the hips, and our shoes should be white or we would have to use a shoe whitener the next time. Our socks also have to be pure white and at least 2cm above the ankle, so no IJ socks are allowed. To add on, watches were not allowed too, as they were considered as accessories. Next, we fell out and changed out of our uniforms.

However, we failed to change within the given timing and thus proceeded to do changing parade. Our timing became worse, and the PLs told us that we would have to change until we could hit the given timing. The PLs also told us to take care of our belongings and to be more careful when we changed as we had the tendency to drop our badges and belt loops. We tried to help one another and did a bit of footdrill in between. Finally, we managed to change around the given timing, and that marked the end of our 1/2hour changing parade. Next, we brought all our bags to the parade square and the PS of the day fell us in. We had inspection of bags and had to surrender any undesirable materials. We also had to give our medication to Joycelyn, First Aider.

After inspection was completed, we had to run to the basketball court while the First Aider of our patrols collected the First Aid boxes. The PLs then introduced us to a point system created for this camp. Each patrol is given 100points at the start, and any mistakes committed will result in the deduction of points. Mistakes include leaving the first aid kit lying around. Next, we gathered in our patrols and had to take part in Patrol Identity. We had to design a patrol flag using the cloth and paints and we were given about 1/2 hour. Everyone rushed to collect the materials and started. At the end of the activity, each patrol then had a colourful flag which they were supposed to take care of and bring it with them wherever they went.

We then had water parade to prevent dehydration and the PLs asked for two volunteers from each patrol to collect the materials needed for tent-pitching. When they were back, everyone started pitching our tents. We laid the newspaper and groudsheet, connected the metal poles etc and slowly, the tent began to stand. When we were done, we tied a taut string across the two verticals and tied our flysheet on to prevent the rain from seeping through. We also completed a shoerack and placed bits of aluminium on our twine. The PLs supervised and helped out too, and sprinkled sulphur powder around our tent to prevent rats and snakes from coming. When we were done, we placed our bags inside the tents and took out our dishbag and cutlery for lunch before zipping our tents up.

We assembled at the canteen and after collecting our food, we said Grace and ate. We were given some time to clear up too, and then next we had to take our writing materials and handbook and find an empty classroom. It was time for us to complete our testings. We completed different sorts of testings, including written and a skit on social etiquette. When we were done, we had to fall in at the parade square.

The next activity was SRIT, and we combined patrols: Dove with Flowerpecker, Kingfisher with Mynah, and Oriole with Sparrow. We were given some clues and after we fell out, we gathered within our two patrols and tried to decipher the meaning of the clue, which led all of us to a classroom on the fourth floor. This station required us to take items from the lockers which may help us in our activities later on. The three combined patrols then split up as we were given different clues. The stations included a First Aid station, where we had to answer a few questions and then tie the appropriate bandages for a "victim" given the senario. Another one required us to imagine that we were in a jungle, and we had to carry two injured members from one end of the corridor to the other. We also had to make our way through a spider web to pick up pieces of paper which contained the Guide Laws. We had to identify which of the given were correct, and then arrange them in numerical order. The last station required us to sing cheers along with actions, and pretend that we are a band or some pop group and sing a Guides song with a different tune. These activities tested us on our first aid skills, Guiding knowledge, our enthusiasm level as group, our initiative and it also helped us to bond with each other. :)

When we were done, we went back to the parade square. After drinking some water, the YA and PLs taught us a new command. We had to fall in according to our height and then shout out "Satu" and "Dua" and remember if you were number one or two. Then those who were number one had to take a step forward while number twos took a step back. Then we had to march into three roles and then take our dressing. This required us to discipline ourselves and cooperate and work as a group, because if one person makes a mistake, everyone would have to do it again. When we were done, we then took our cutlery and dishbag again and went to the canteen for dinner. Most of us were starving and cleared our plates quickly. After dinner, we had to take our soap, shampoo, towel and clean clothes as it was time to shower. We were given three minutes each with a few exceptions. Failure to come out of the cubicle within three minutes led to vigouress banging on the door. :)

When all of us were done, we proceeded to Computer Lab 4 for Movie Time! x) We got to pick between Alvin and the Chipmunks, Twilight, Cars and License to Wed. We chose the last one and enjoyed ourselves watching this movie which was a mixture of romance and comedy. When the movie ended, PS of the day had to take writing materials and meet in the Com lab for COH, while the rest of us washed up. Lights out was at 11. Some of us cleared the tent while the rest helped the scribe of the day with the scribe book, and others helped to polish our enrolment badges. We also had biscuits and milo for supper, and when we were done, we went to the tent to prepare for bedtime. Soon, it was time to sleep.

-End of Day 1-
________________________________________________________________

Tuesday, 9 June 2009, 7am-5pm, Official

We woke up at 6am, washed up, changed into our guides uniform and got ready for inspection. We fell in at 7am, and Dorothy from Kingfisher was the flag bearer. After fall out, Mrs Tan told us to run one round around the field as we did not greet her loudly. We had to sing a Guides song or say a cheer loudly or we would have to keep running. We ended up running 2 rounds. Next, we had inspection. When we were done, we ran to the basketball court for P.T (physical training). The PLs told us not to look so zombiefied, and although we were tired, let's just try to give our best and since we are already at camp, why not just make full use of the last day. We had to do the suicide run for PT, and this was followed by a warm up session conducted by Oriole. After warming up, Kingfisher volunteered to teach us some Kung-Fu moves which the whole COY had to follow. When we were done, we went for breakfast.

After breakfast, everyone went to Com Lab 4 with our stationery and foolscap to take part in testings which we had to pass in order to attain our Observer's proficiency badge. We had to take part in 4 Kim's games. The first one required us to blindfold ourselves and sit in our patrol, while the PLs passed around objects. We had to feel the objects and remember the 10 of them, and after we took off our blindfolds, we had to write down as many objects as we could remember touching. We had to pair up for the next Kim's game, and one of us had to sit with our back facing the screen while the other facing the screen. The one facing the screen had to describe the picture that she saw while her partner had to draw the picture described and vice versa. We then had to hand in our pictures and the third section was that we had to watch a short clip on a kiwi and answer questions on that. The last part was to watch an advertisement and then write a story based on that. After we were done, we had to run to our tents. We changed out of our shorts into our bermudas and assembled at the basketball court.

A good portion of the day was dedicated to outdoor cooking. Each patrol was given $25, which we had to spend on our food, bearing in mind that the food should be healthy and no instant noodles were allowed. We were allowed to go to Toa Payoh central to purchase our food. When we came back, we washed our equipment and started cooking, each hoping to win the Best Dish award. When we were done cooking, everyone finished up their lunch while the PLs sampled the food. Then we had to clear up. After we were done, it was already 3+pm, so we had to unpitch our tents and wash the groundsheets if they were dirty.

Everyone helped out and when we were done, we fell in at the basketball court and practise the command which we had learnt yesterday. Our seniors were here too, and they helped us with our footdrill. When we were done, everyone had to run to an empty classroom for AGM. We were given 3minutes to prepare our speech and then we started with the Sec 2s. We were given aminute to speak and then we had to answer questions that the seniors and PLs asked. We also helped to speak on behalf of those who were not here. When everyone was done, we had to fall in outside and listen to the announcements. Then we fell out and fell in at the field. Dorothy lowered the flag after we sang taps, it was time to give out the prizes.

The Best Junior: Fion from Mynah Patrol!
The Best Senior: Estelle from Sparrow Patrol!
The Best SRIT combine patrol: Oriole and Sparrow Patrol!
The Best Dish Patrol: Kingfisher Patrol!
The Best Patrol: Oriole Patrol!

Congratulations to these guides and patrols! XD

After a few announcements, we fell out, collected our wallets and bags and went home! :)

This Training Camp has certainly been enjoyable, helping us to revise our tent-pitching and outdoor-cooking skills, which are important for Guides :) The activities for this camp has inculcated values such as persistent, teamwork and cooperation, confidence, discipline, respect, optimism and good leadership. We really grew close to each other, especially within our patrols, which is essential for a successful and memorable journey in Guides :) . Hopefully, everyone managed to learn some skills, acquire some knowledge and make friends during this camp! XD

See you on 1st July- Handover! :)

Love,
Natalie

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Sec 1 Enrolment :)

Friday, 5 June 2009, 2.30-5.30, Official Meeting

Sorry for posting this late!

We fell in at 2.30, and Estelle from Sparrow Patrol was the flag bearer. After the flag broke and we said the promise, we ran up to the hall for enrolment. Ms Lakshmi was there, and we fell in and marched into our enrolment positions. The PLs led the sec ones starting from Dove all the way to Sparrow, and we saluted to the new guides. After everyone had to shiny badge pinned to their scarf, we fell out and went to change out of our guides uniform. But as we did not manage to finish changing within the time limit, we did changing parade, and the PLs picked out the uniforms that were not neat. After awhile, the seniors fell out to prepare for the party while the Sec 1s continued with changing parade.

When the Sec 1s were done, they joined us and took their places that we assigned for them at the table. We presented our gifts, and Sparrow said Grace. Then we went to pop our sparkling juice and started eating. There was a variety of food and drink, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Soon, we had clear up the canteen. We seperated the sparkling juice bottles from the rest of the trash, and the PLs told us to volunteer if we were not afraid of cockroaches :p. The rest of us cleaned up the canteen and then we had to fall in. Estelle lowered the flag and we sang taps and then fell out. The PLs told us to teach the juniors how to sing taps, and then we thanked our Guider, collected our wallets and went home :)

Congratulations, Sec 1s! XD

Love,
Natalie

Monday, June 01, 2009

Hey :)

The sec 1s are getting enrolled on Friday! :) Next meeting: 3 June, Wednesday! See you!

Natalie

Monday, May 25, 2009

Saturday, 23 May 2009, 7am- 2pm, Unofficial Meeting
South Division Day 2009 :)

We assembled in school at 7am and fell in. Enrolled guides were dressed in their guides polo tee and skirt and unenrolled guides were in their p.e attire and pinafore. Everyone had to hand in their consent forms and the PSes whose members were missing had to call them. When everyone arrived, we went up the bus, which brought us to Camp Christine.

We alighted and everyone helped to carry the gadget poles and materials that we had brought along for the competition. Then, we went inside the camp and sat on the flight of stairs of a building. Our Guider, Ms Soh, went to the Olave Hall to attend a briefing. When she came back, the representatives of each component had to meet her. Ms Soh told us the colour codes for our activities i.e, the areas in which we were to carry out our activities were labelled with colours eg, the areas marked green were for tent-pitching. Soon, it was time to begin the competition. Each component went to their respective areas for a short briefing before starting the activity. While the guides worked tirelessly in each component, our YA and PLs were walking around, taking photographs and giving us their moral support and encouragement. XD

When some of us were done, we went around to visit the other components too. It was quite interesting to watch how everyone performed. Finally, when everything was completed, our guides gathered for our lunch- noodles and chicken. Yum :). Then, the tent-pitchers had to un-pitch our tent and some of the other guides helped out too. Finally, when everyone was done, it was time to present the prizes....

For flag identity, our school sent in 2 teams, the first consisting of Nia, Jasmine, Charmaine and Shaloam, and the second consisting of Pamela, Kai Li, Breena and Charissa. Both teams clinched the top three positons- third and second respectively. Congratulations and well done, Guides!
:-D

Though the rest of us did not manage to secure the top three positions in the other components, we have tried our best and enjoyed ourselves. We have learnt new skills and made new friends, and most of all, regconised the importance of teamwork and cooperation. We have kept the IJ Guiding spirit burning bright, and made CHIJ and HIJ 1st COY proud! Keep up the good work, everyone! XD. With that, we left Camp Christine and returned to school. We fell in and the PLs reminded us that although some of us did not return home with prizes, everyone is a winner, and we did give our best shot in all that we did. Then, we fell out and went home :)

Love,
Natalie

P.S Photographs will be up soon :)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Hi:)

First Guide meeting held after the Mid-year examinations today, from 2.30-5.30, unofficial. We fell in and had inspection and patrols report strength. Then, we fell out and were given two minutes to change out of our pinafores. We fell in again in our South Division Day components and the PLs told us to start preparing after fall out, and to bring our water bottles along. So everyone split up into their components: kitchen dresser, outdoor cooking, flag identity, patrol identity and tent-pitching. A few groups shared the same classroom as there were only a few people in each group present (sec ones had to go for general leadership programme), and it was also more convenient for the PLs as we will not be spread over a large area.

Those in outdoor cooking, the two flag identity groups and those in tent-pitching shared a classroom. For tent-pitching, we went through the theory with the help of our guides handbook, but we could not practice as we did not have a canvas tent. After awhile, we went to visit other components to try and help. The two flag identity groups painted their banners and the outdoor cooking members discussed on what was to be done. The guides in patrol identity and kitchen dresser were also preparing and practising.

Kai Ying came back too and the PLs walked around from time to time to offer assistance and comments. The flag identity groups had to present their banner to them and explain what the elements on the banner symbolises. Soon, it was around 5.30 and everyone fell in. There were some announcements made. Firstly, all reply slips for the South division day consent forms are to be returned to Bernadette by tomorrow. Secondly, the attire for South Division day is half guides uniform- guides polo tee and skirt complete with belt, buckle and cling-clang and shorts underneath. Sec ones are to wear p.e attire with their pinafore over. Thirdly, all sec ones are to bring $100 next Wednesday to buy their Guides uniform. Those who are in the financial assistance scheme are asked to bring as much as they can. Then, we fell out, thanked Mrs Tan and the PLs, collected our valuables and went home. :)

Love,
Natalie (:

Monday, May 18, 2009

Hi :)

Sorry for not posting for such a looong time!

Next up: South Division Day.
Date: Sat 23 May 2009
Venue: Camp Christine
Time: 8.30 a.m. to 1.30p.m

Events that we are taking part in:
-Tent-pitching (6 Guides and 1 Reserve)
-Kitchen Dresser (6 Guides)
-Outdoor Cooking (4 to 6 Guides)
-Flag Identity (Team of 4 Guides)
-Patrol Identity (Team of 6 Guides)

The following are the criteria for each event:
-Tent pitching:
Teams will be judged on the: Stability of their tents, Neatness of guylines and tent poles, Use of pegs, Looping and rolling of walls, Storage of tent bags, mallets and pegs and
knowledge on maintenance and storage of tents, guylines, pegs and mallets.

-Kitchen Dresser:
Teams will be judged on: Stability of gadget (25%), Neatness of knots (15%), Practicality (30%) and Explanation of Design (30%)

-Outdoor Cooking:
Teams will be judged on: Fire lighting, including turfing, safety (40%), Menu (includes presentation and balanced meal) (30%), Usage of mystery ingredient (20%), and Team work (10%)

-Flag Identity:
Teams will be judged on: Creativity of flag design, Presentation of flag idea and Sturdiness of Flag Pole and Knots.

-Patrol Identity:
Teams will be judged on: Attractiveness and Effort (4 pts), Research done on the Flower chosen (what is so special about the flower and how this flower represents their team)(4 pts), Creativity/Originality (4pts), Consistent Quality of Patrol Identity for each member(4 pts),
Quality of Cheer(4 pts), Team work (4pts)


Practices have started and we are meeting up to prepare for the activities :) That's it for now. :)

Love,
Natalie

Sunday, April 05, 2009

(*sorry about the picture- this is supposed to be the puzzle
(read below) but I think I did something wrong :X )

Wednesday 1 April 2009 3-5.30 Unofficial meeting
Happy April Fool's Day :)

PSes take over XD

Everyone fell in according to their patrols at 3 pm, as the PSes were taking over the meeting today. After falling in, we were given 3 minutes to change out of our pinafore and pe attire and into our dark coloured shirts and shorts. Meanwhile, the PSes took some time to organise the activities that we had in stall for them. When everyone came back, they fell in and Qarissa made them do a bit of footdrill while we went to our respective stations and prepared. Two of us stayed behind to brief everyone about the activity, and we had to work in our patrols. Each patrol was given a clue, and had to solve the clue in order to get to the stations. The clues are:

-Faith Hope and Love
-If A=1, B=2....... 15 21 20 4 15 15 17 19 20 1 7 5
-NACTNEE

Can you work them out? :)

Anyway, these clues led the groups to the area at the back of the parade square betweent the two buildings, the outdoor stage and the canteen respectively.

One of the stations were SQUEEZE IT DRY. This game requires the members of the patrol to run to a pail filled with water while holding the sponge with the chopsticks. Next, she has to dip the sponge into the pail and run to a bottle at the other end of the line and squeeze as much water into it as possible, without the help of her hands. The team that reaches the water level marked on the bottle first will win. Everyone in the patrol was given a chance, and they were told to cheer for one another. :)

This activity requires the participants to think of ways in which they will be able to transport the wet sponge without squeezing too much water out of it. In this way, they may be able to apply past knowledge to this situation (if any), and the values of persistence, patience and teamwork will be incorporated, as it requires the effort of everyone in order to win. Also, the patrol that wins will also have to help the other patrol out, thus, there a sense of unity is fostered not only within the patrol, but as a whole coy.

The second activity was HOLD THAT TIGHT! At each time, two participants will be back to back, with a water balloon between their backs. They will have to walk through a zigzag path and burst the balloon into a pail at the end of the route. The first team that has its pail overflowing the wins. :)

Just like the above, this game involves the players to strategize and come up with ways to successfully transport the balloon across (eg, ways to place the balloon btw them so it will balance). Those who are afraid of balloons can also take this as an opportunity to overcome their fear! As this game is played in patrols, bonding between patrol members can be encouraged, and a sense of unity and patrol spirit can be instilled through a simple game as such.

The third activity is YUMMY GUESS! For each round, participants will sit face to face on a table. Both sides will be blindfolded. One of the pair takes the ice cream stick of food/drink/sauce in front of her and feeds her friend opposite her. After the participants have tasted all the samples, they will take down her blindfold and tries to guess what was given to them. Some examples of the food they tasted are jam, peanut butter, nutella, chocolate, lemon and biscuits. :9 Yum!

This game tests the participants’ ability to be observant enough to able to detect the different tastes of the foods- sweet, sour, bitter etc. It is also like a modified memory game, except that this one requires them to use their sense of taste, which is quite unique. It also gives them a chance to feel what it is like to be unable to see, and it teaches them to value and appreciate the little things that are given to them in life.

Once everyone had participated in all the activities, they were given some time to change into their dry outfits, and then had to report back at the outdoor stage. The last activity was fixing a puzzle. As they were given tokens for their winnings and participation just now, each patrol had to present their tokens and in return, were given a few puzzle pieces. They are instructed to piece their puzzle together, and the fastest patrol wins. However, there is actually only one puzzle in the end, and if each patrol tries to fix the puzzle by themselves, they will never be able to get a complete picture! Thus, participants will have to eventually realise that they have to cooperate with the other groups to “win” this game!

HIGH QUALITY FOREWORD
This is a site established by the certified high quality headquarters (with kai ling and yinting at the helm)on 7th December 2004, at 14:48 h. We talk nothing but high quality talk. we eat nothing but high quality food. In other words, we live how a high quality life should be lived. :D

Click here for Guides PICTURES


PLC 0405
dove - dina
orchid - ethel
flowerpecker - nat
morning glory - nicole
kingfisher - edith
hibiscus - celine
mynah - charmaine
ixora - felicia
oriole - jiang han
sunflower - zelina
sparrow - kai ling
sparrow - gek shan
bougainvillea - perry

PLC 0506
dove - charmaine
orchid - yupei
flowerpecker - shuyi
flowerpecker - nerissa
morning glory - vanesa
kingfisher - eunice
hibiscus - charlene
mynah - yinting
ixora - yuling
oriole -samantha
sunflower - jessica
sparrow - gwen
bougainvillea - pauline

PLC 0607
dove - anne-marie
dove - joyce
flowerpecker - yifen
kingfisher - benedicta
mynah - ariel
oriole - cheryl
sparrow - regina

PLC 0708
dove - eunice choe
flowerpecker - kaiying
kingfisher - sherry
mynah - eliza
oriole - ashleigh
sparrow - xiu hui
sparrow - charlotte

PSC 0708
dove- bernadette
flowerpecker- tristina
kingfisher- joey
mynah- eunice lee
oriole- catherine
sparrow- amellia

PLC 0809
dove- bernadette
flowerpecker- tristina
kingfisher- joey
mynah- eunice lee
sparrow- qarissa

PSC 0809
dove- zenia
flowerpecker- cheryl
kingfisher- joycelyn
mynah- pamela
oriole- kai li
sparrow- natalie

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