Tuesday, 24 March 2009
@ 6:25:00 pm
Combine Camp (with Catholic High)
Wednesday 18th March 7.30am Official :)
We fell in at the Catholic High grandstand at 7.30am and handed in our wallets and handphones. Next, the PSes had to fall the patrol members in for inspection of bags. All the PLs went around to check our bags to make sure we did not bring food and electronic devices. Then, we fell in again, and the scouts were with us. Cheryl from Flowerpecker did the flag. After that, the scouts fell out while we remained standing. Qarissa told us the rules for camp, such as, respect yourself and everyone. We also had to be enthusiastic and participate actively in all the activities. Next, we were split into the 8 groups for camp. Then, we fell out and changed out of our guides uniform. We also had to place our bags neatly according to patrols. The PLs also inspected our uniform, and those who were called had to neaten their uniform. We fell in again but in our groups this time, including the scouts. After some announcements, we had to fall out.
Each group had to go to a certain area and we had some icebreakers, such as whacko. After getting to know one another, we had to fall in again. Our next activity was designing a flag. We were given some paint and hand to come up with a group name, and a design for our group flag. Everyone brainstormed and contributed ideas. After a while, every gathered back. We had to seat in our groups and took turns presenting our flag, starting with group 8. When everyone was done, we fell in again. As it was nearing lunch, we had to go for outdoor cooking. We fell in behind the scouts, and then fell out after listening to some instructions.
We ran to the field, and the scouts took the bricks, twigs and leaves etc. They explained to us how things worked, that dried crunchy leaves were great fire starters, which materials were needed if you wanted a big and long fire, and how to sustain it. We helped out by collecting the twigs and leaves, and blowing the fire. We had to blow far and long, but not too strong. At the same time, we attended axemanship lessons. We learnt how to use an axe to chop wood- make sure it is at a 45 degree angle to the wood, and how we should stand so as to avoid accidents. We had to collect mastin stoves and food, which were to be cooked. We were given vegetables, fish, noodles and eggs, and we had to present a dish for the Best Dish competition. We started cooking, and we when we were done we went to collect our cutlery and tucked in. Once we were done, we had to clean up the area, scrub the stoves and return the materials.
We fell in again. We had water parade, and those who were feeling unwell went to rest. After water parade, we remained standing. The PLs told as that based on their observation, some of us were not participating in the activities and taking initiative, leaving the rest to do the work. The PLs told us that this camp was for us to have fun, and learn something at the same time, but we would not give our full co-operation, then the camp will not be a success, and at the end of the day, we would not have learnt anything at all. Then we had to say the ABCDs, to remind ourselves of our behavior. Next, we had to run around the track, and we did some exercises too. We also had to march a small distance. Next, the scouts and guides fell in again.
We then proceeded on to pioneering. The scouts took the poles and lashings, and we had helped out. Our aim was to tie a 2 metre high structure. We had to build a tripod, open it and tie temporary stabilizers, so that we would be able to step on them and tie the knots that were high. We also had to build a ladder. When all was done, we attached the ladder to the tripod, and the 2 metre-high structure was ready. As we worked in four groups, there were four tall structures by the time we were done. We were reminded to hydrate ourselves frequently, as we did not want anyone to faint. The scouts fell in, and because we had exceeded the time given, they were punished. We fell in and took a rest. After a while, we had to clear up, and we all helped to return the poles to the designated area.
Next, we fell in again. The next activity install for us was orienteering. After fall out, we will be given some time to run to the classroom to grab our bags and change into our bermudas. The bermudas had to be knee- length, or we will have to wear our uniform instead. We fell out and ran up to class. We also had to make sure that nothing was left behind. We ran down and waited for the scouts. Meanwhile, we were given an apple to eat :) The leaders of the groups had to gather, and the Orgainizing comm briefed us on what to do. We would be given a map with four checkpoints on it, and we had to navigate our way back to school following those checkpoints. We will also be having Talent Time, and the theme would be "Hello and Goodbye". We were allowed to do anything, ranging from a skit to a song and dance. Then, the leaders went back to their groups. We had to brief our members on what to do, and everyone contributed ideas. Slowly, the groups left one by one. Group 8 and 2 were the last to leave.
The first checkpoint was at a playground. We had to send two guides and a scout for the first activity- climbing the monkeybars and sliding down, and the same number of people for the second activity- going on the merry-go-round. After we were done, we headed for the second checkpoint. We had to pick a number from 1-8, and based on what we picked we had to carry out a certain task. For example, one task was to find a poker card, with the clue something like "I am prickly, be careful". Our third checkpoint was at the overhead bridge. We had to send 5 members to run up the bridge, touch the lampost on the other side and run down again, all to be done in 5 minutes. This was quite a challenge as we were already halfway done, and most of us were exhausted. However, we had to persist, and soon proceeded to the last checkpoint. We had to send a guide and a scout, and they had to drink coke and burp :). We also had to take a group photograph before reaching IJ. By the time the last few groups reached IJ, it was already 8 plus (it was a 2hr hike), and some of the groups had already showered.
We had to wait for everyone to arrive, and then we had dinner. We had to sit in our groups and bond. After dinner, it was time to shower. We were given a few minutes to go the classroom, deposit our bags and grab our shower things. We back to the canteen and waited. Then, group by group, we went to shower. We were given 5 minutes, after which the PLs would start banging on the door. Then, we had to go back to the classroom to put down our dirty clothing and go back to the canteen.
Next, we had to sit in our groups and discuss our Talent Time. After a while, the PLs told us to get into groups of 4 scouts and 3 guides, and then split ourselves further into groups of 2 scouts and 2 guides. This was for the initiation later. We took quite some time before we could organise ourselves, and once we were ready, we went to the classroom at the end of the St Gabriel's blog on the 2nd floor. Qarissa then turned off the lights once we were all seated in the classroom, and everyone started screaming. She had to turn the lights on again, and remind us not to scream, as it was already 11pm, and if we were too noisy the neighbours would complain. Then she turned off the lights and started telling us ghost stories. At every three minute interval, one group went out of the classroom and started on their journey. We had to follow the light sticks, and walk in the direction that they pointing at.
It was quite scary, and we had to enter dark rooms to retrieve glow sticks, or anticipate being screamed at or scared along the way. It was quite dark, and we had to work together and go as a team. Finally, we reached the basketball court, and sat there, waiting for the rest. We took opportunity of this time to talk (about how scared we were :)) and had fun. Soon, everyone was done. The PLs fell us in, and as it was already past midnight, we were told that after fall out, get back to our classrooms, wash up, and make sure that we are all asleep by 12.45. Those who wanted supper went to the canteen to wait. Then, we all went back to our classroom and got our sleeping bags out. After some time, everyone went to sleep. Zzzzzz....
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Day 2
We woke up at 6pm in the morning, and Mrs Tan popped in to ask us if we had enough rest. We washed up, and headed to the hall. We fell in and did some footdrill. Next, still in fall in position, we went up to the Indoor Sports Hall and lined up in our groups. Once everyone was there, including the scouts, we started doing stretches. When we were done, we sat in our groups, and were told that we were going to play captain's ball. Xiu Hui and Kai Ying came back to see us :) It was group 1 VS group 8, group 2 VS group 7 etc. The scouts were rather enthusiastic, but we were standing around, clumped together. After all the groups had played, it was Organising Comm VS Group leaders. And after a gruelling match, the Group Leaders won :) Next, we all went down to the field and fell in. We had to change into our dark coloured shirts as we were going to participate in some water games next. Everyone fell out and went to change.
We fell in again and we were told that we were going to have a water bomb fight; Guides VS Scouts. Everyone then filled the plastic bags with water. We fell in again and the PLs told us that we could not aim at the face, chest or any private part, and that we could not attack the orgainising comm too. We shouted some cheers and then we started. Almost all the guides got wet. :( then we had Hornets attack, and we had to lie down on the floor and cover our necks. The PLs took this opportunity to splash and pour water on us :) Then we continued the water bomb fight. Finally, it started drizzling, and we fell in quickly.
We went back to the classrooms and changed out of our wet attire. After we were done, we went down to the canteen for breakfast. We sat in our groups as usual, and discussed on our Talent Time performance. After breakfast was over, we went up to the indoor sports hall again. We were given time to finalise our ideas and rehearse. Then, we had to sit in our groups and Talent Time began, starting with group 1. Some of the items were quite entertaining. Then, when the last group was done, we fell in again. We had to go back to our classroom, clear up our things, and tidy up the place. Then, we had to bring our bags down.
Once everyone was done, we fell in, both guides and scouts in one horseshoe. We had some cheers, while waiting for the wallets and handphones. Then, it was prize presentation. The Group with the best performance was Group 2! :) The Group with the best dish was Group 8! :) The best Guide was Sherwynn :). And finally, the best Group was Group 8! :) We had to march to the center of the horseshoe, towards the PL, salute, place our left hand over the right and receive our prize, take a step back, salute and march back to our places. Then, at last, Ms Soh came, and we fell out. We were dismissed! We collected our wallets and handphones, thanked everyone and went home sweet home :D
It had certainly been an enjoyable camp, and we have learnt knew things and acquired new knowlede and skills. We learn the importance of working together as a Group, leaving no one out, helping and encouraging one another, and have inculcated values such as patience and persistence in the face of obstacles. We have also made new friends, and though the journey may have been fraught with difficulties, we have bonded and became closer to one another. It was definitely a memorable experience! X)
SiYing; Chomel; Katrina; Meenatchi; Safila; Krystal; Christine; Siti; Rukaiya; Kalyani
Qarissa (YA)(not in picture); Sherwynn; Nicole (not in picture); Caitlin; Charmaine; Vanessa; Amanda; Claudia; Michelle