No Guides Today. But some guides took part in helping out with the refreshments:D Keep up the good job! WE WILL BE EXPERIENCED WAITRESSES IN FUTURE:D

BIGBIGSMILE "SIR, MDM, WOULD YOU LIKE COFFEE OR TEA?"


Sec3s get to have a go at giving commands to Sec1s again:D

Keep going everyone! We're all learning from past mistakes and constantly improving! Keep up the good job! Sec3s, jiayou in becoming more confident in giving commands and Sec1s, jiayou in your drills especially marching!

Overall, you performance was good!

(TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T PAID MONEY FOR CARNIVAL TICKETS, OWE $ PAY $!:D Lets do our part and lighten JiaXin's load alright:D)












DAY 1 of training camp...It was tough..but not as tough as i imagined.haha always think of the worst^^. i woke up early in the morning, reached school,saw many people:D. checked my luggage, made sure everything was there. times up! fall in! The camp starts(nervous). the first activity was luggage inspection-shouldn't have brought so much rubbish..had to take out EVERYTHING. Starting was bad, practically bad - couldn't shout and wasn't fast enough.

After that was changing parade if im not wrong..we ran serveral times,up and down, changed from pe tee to black tee, black te to pe tee. can't remember when the first person falled out, but many did. Seniors said we should endure throughout the camp together and hoped that no one else would fall out as it was only the start of the camp and already abt 5 people falled out. however i think we can't blame them, it's not that they don't want to endure but they are not feeling well. After that on the way to PT, i got kidnapped! together with ally and jia ying' It was so cool! but same time worried for the others.. confirm do punishment.. felt quite guilty oso because we were relaxing away, drinking water.. PT was the toughest. I hate pumping! Soon was outdoor cooking- i was hardly full.. the dessert was nice-choc!:) fire wasn't steady..so had to eat half-cooked marcaroni with cheese! haha but it was nice^^. then must thank the kind sec 3s who helped alot!

then we went to the classrms to do luggage rack. it was a failure... all couldn't even stand. then it was bathing time! three minutes! lol i was late by i think more that 20 secs. got splashed twice haha so fun dodging. Bathing parade was fun! ahhh my memory is bad.. cant remember wats nxt. drills? ahhh cant remember.can i stop here? longg post...
-Shirlynn

DAY 2

I feel that though the second day of camp was tough , it was not as tough as the first day . And as we were already had experience the first day of camp , the second day managed to be much easier than I expected . I also had a lot of fun during station game and Pt game. As the duck walk was very tough , I was always lagging behind and the other had to wait for me . And for that , I am very grateful to them . During PT , I realised that I did like it at all . And during drills I am very thankful that my ICs were very patient with me as I had swimming lessons and was not able to make it to most of the drills . Though I keep making mistakes, I was very happy that the ICs did not give up on me. Overall, I am quite proud of myself being able to finish thee whole camp and feel that I am stronger and have a better sense of urgency .
- Alyssa Toh

I think that for the second day of training camp, we improved a lot from the first day. Of course, we still have a lot of room for improvement. To me, this camp was tiring but it was really benefitial because we really learnt a lot of things, such as learning how to tie a luggage rack (it actually didn't fall down!). We also learned to have a sense of urgency, and we waited for each other most of the time, as compared to the first day, which we didn't wait for each other at all. We learned to ask for time extension, and to do things together AS A BATCH. Although the seniors scolded us a lot, all of that was to help us to improve on our bad points. I think that we really have to improve on one point, and that is to remember to take time. The seniors told us repeatedly to remember to take time, but we kept forgetting even though each patrol had at least one watch. Overall, this was a really unforgettable experience for me. :)

-Wen Xuan

I thought that training camp day2 was much better as compared to Day1. The first day was very tiring, I was so exhausted. But, we, as a whole batch really learnt many new useful things through the sec1 training camp. We were taught to have a good sense of urgency, take initiative and help others in need. I think that these three points are very important as the sec3s kept repeating and scolding us about these. Day2 was much better, we already got into the training camp mood and knew what to expect. But it was also tough as we were all tired after the first day and still had to do alot of physical training. The duckwalk was the worst. Everyone felt like their knees were going to break. What was our worst performance on the day was changing parade and gadget tying. We left someone tagging behind us when we were running down the stairs but no one waited for her. Also, at gadget tying, we kept exceeding the time limit and did not ask for time extension. Overall, i feel that our batch has learnt alot of new knowledge and benefitted from this camp, and we have improved alot from when we first started. Keep working hard to those who fell out at camp and all the sec1s:)
-Sue Fang

The much awaited yearly Sec1 training camp is here again! Day1 have past quickly with the sec1s trying on many activities on their own such as outdoor cooking and gadget tying and day 2 will focus more on bonding and training them physically

As this is the first time the sec3s is taking over for such activities with long hours, we were quite nervous being ICs for the first day but after learning from our mistakes and gaining experiences from day 1, we were much more confidant and are sure that we can carry out our activity better on the second day. We started the day as usual with our normal roll call, with Mindy and Deborah starting the roll call instead. We were satisfied with the attire of the sec1s as none of them were needed to do punishment. While the sec1s are pondering over what is their next activity, me, cherlin and xiujian ran over to the netball court to get ready for luggage inspection.

Instead of implementing jumping jacks for punishment, we decided to try something new as we hope to train our juniors in other ways. We decided to make them run if they were late and I ran around the netball court to test out what was the appropriate time. The sec1s came and we separate them into first 2 and last 2 patrols, us taking the last 2 patrols. From what we observed yesterday, the last 2 patrols were quite slow in doing luggage inspection and we hope to see them today to work faster and to have the habit of helping other people once you are done. We gave them only a minute and half to take out everything and they completed it on time yet one or two person didn’t take out everything from their bags. We gave them a minute to put everything back and they completed on time again. We gave them a minute to take everything out and they overshoot the time and we were disappointed that no one took time and they were moving slowly despite the short time we gave. They did their punishment and we gave them only 45 seconds to put everything back and they overshoot again and no one bothered to take time. We were quite disappointed and hope that the sec1s will learn to take time and to move fast.

Next was changing parade and as I am the first aid IC, I stood there and watched the sec1s. They are required to change at the upper sec 4th floor toilet and from what I observed, the sec1s didn’t try to run or wait for the rest and by the time they asked for time extensions, they were already late. Although running up to 4th floor toilet to change is tiring, but we hope to see the sec1s to put in more effort. Next was station games and I can see that the sec1s enjoyed the games and they learn something from every game. After that was orienteering and I was not present and thus not sure what happened there hehe

NEXT was PT GAMESSS :DDDDD minli, yanyan, clara and I were the ics for it and we were quite excited for it as its different from normal physical trainings. We organised one which was similar to what we had when we were sec1s. There will be combines patrols and 2 persons will have to race up and do 10 standard pumpings and every person who did standard is rewarded with a water bomb and the rest have to duck walk. We chose duck walk as we feel that it’ll train the sec1s legs and most importantly to teach them to endure and to encourage their fellow batch mates not to give up at the same time. We were quite pleased with their performance as no one fall out but we hope to see them encouraging each other more and when we give them water breaks they need to take time although its games. We hope through this activity the sec1s will bond more with each other.

Next was changing parade followed by emergency shelter and then it was PT. During PT the ICs taught them the proper way to do PT and what is a set and the sec1s carried out their PT with 6 sets. Some of them improved and tried to do standard but when the seniors corrected them some of them still went back to their original positions. One or two sec1s pulled their muscles and had to stop and rest and some people had cuts too and after me and Priscilla applied medicine on their wounds, they offered to rejoin the sec1s and we were happy to see that. Following is lunch and the sec3s were quite happy we were able to have a full lunch

After lunch was campfire songs followed by gadget tying. At 310, we commence our drills with me and yingyan taking over for 8 sec1s. We were quite pleased with their drills as most of the time they managed to get their kekenan, kekiri and keblakan right but when we implemented 5 samulas 15 jumping jacks, they failed to count them and after countless times of samulas they still did not take the initiative to count. Yet when we teach them how to form a contingent, they learn it quite fast and got the hang of it quickly and we could start making them march instead of normal drills. We were satisfied with their drills and hope them can improve in terms of their bangs, being more alert and learn to shout louder if you are the timer.

After that was reflection and debrief and punishment and we said all the mistakes the sec1s committed and they did 50 jumping jacks and 50 catch stars along with the sec3s and we hope through this training camp they’ll leave this camp not empty handed but an experienced which they valued and use this chance to improve on their guides skills, physical health and bond the whole batch.

Alas lastly was prize presentation and I hope the sec1s feel honoured getting whatever patrol prize or individual prize as they really earned it and the sec3s are relieved that the training camp is finally over

-Annabella

So starts HF’s reflection. Here goes! -Takes deep breath-

20th March 2009, marks the continuation of the sec 1s’ grueling training camp. It’s DAY 2! 0_0

For the sec 1s, I would surmise it was with fearful anticipation and a certain feeling of the heebie-jeebies that they arrived in school and prepared themselves for what they would most certainly deduce as the second day of “torture”. For us sec 3s, it was with slight apprehension and a better control of our emotions as compared to yesterday that we faced the start of this dreaded, yet long-awaited second day. For me, well. It’s basically just a serious case of butterflies and stress and watered-down PANIC. Almost as usual x) you totally can’t tell! ;DDD

First up was of course the falling in part. All the sec 3s were hidden at some corner overlooking the parade square observing the sec 1s, trying to count how many were still present after their shocking first day. Were they still “brave” enough or will they find some excuse to skip the second day? Haha. We even made a deal among ourselves that takes effect if less than 10 sec 1s showed up, which I won’t elucidate further since it didn’t happenJ The O/ICs that took charge of the roll call that day were Deborah and Mindy, and we followed through the standard procedure without incident. I took my place at the back of the patrol with the other sec 3s and managed not to burst out laughing (out of hysteria or pure humour, I don’t know), which was by no means an easy feat. [The joke starts with M and ends with y. LOL. Sorry haha]

The first activity, luggage inspection, was taken charge by Priscilla, Charlene, ME, Annabella, Cher Lin and Xiu Jian. We ran with the sec 1s to the netball court, thereafter starting the luggage inspection. They could have been more urgent as they only had 1 bagpack to carry with more than ample time given, unlike our training camp, where we had to run to the netball court within 45 seconds with a bagpack, handcarry and 2 bags each of twigs, husks and kindlings (MAN were they heavy!). Priscilla, Charlene and I were in charge of inspecting Golgi Apparatus and Mitochondria’s luggage. They were early for both the 1st and 2nd inspection when taking out their luggage, but exceeded the time when they had to put everything back. Although a minority forgot to take out some stuff and left rubbish in their bags, they helped one another and remembered to take note of time, which was an improvement from yesterday. However, when they were running back to the concourse, they did not wait for each other and asked for time extension only after they had exceeded the time limit.

Next up was changing parade. They were to change from PE tee & school skirt to dark coloured tee & PE pants at the upper sec block 4th floor toilet within 4 minutes. This was successfully finished. Immediately after that were the station games organized by Ying Yan and Cher Lin. “Kim’s Game” was located at the mirror board with Mindy and Clara as Station Masters, “Fun Gadget Tying” at HomeEc Area with Deborah and Jia-En, “How Much Do You Know About Your Patrol Mates?” at concourse with Vivien and Xiu Jian, and “Do You Know It All?” at the parade square with Min Li and I as SMs. I don’t know about other stations, but mine for one was a blast! To me and Min Li that is hahaha. This was by far the most fun part of camp, so you can be sure the both of us went a little crazy. What is a sec 1 guides training camp without the testing of some Girl Guide must-knows? That was what my station was about – indispensable Guiding values with just an aftertaste of sweet, sweet physical training and a feathery touch of retarded-ness.

Each person was supposed to run 1 round around the parade square, all the while hollering something funny like “I love TOFU! OMG TOFU ROCKS!” or “I LOVE HWEEFEN AND MINLI! HWEEFEN AND MINLI ROCKS!” (major hint at this point while I was explaining, sorry for not being discreet LOL) etc. Once they were back, they would have to answer 1 question pertaining to the things they have read in the GG Handbook, such as reciting the Promise, naming 1 Guide Law, when to give the Guide Salute and many more. Each correct answer earns them 5 points, and enthusiasm wins them bonus points. Both of us had already agreed on a special move to make during the start of the game, which was this holding-a-gun action whenever I said “Do You Know It All?” I always had a feeling of the black crow flying past whenever we did that, due to the awkward silence as the sec 1s tried to speculate in their minds how to react to us, the pair of bizarre Station Masters. I’d then say, “What, no clapping?” or to the likes of that, in which the sec 1s would obediently follow and I would thereby say “YAY!” and give a chortle. Stupid, I know, but it works! Everyone laughed, I think.

The patrols that came to my station were quite enthusiastic, but they often needed some encouragement. We cheered them on too as each of them ran the 1 round, and almost all the patrols picked up the hint and shouted, or rather, sang that lovely melody which consisted of our names, a prerequisite to bonus points. –Readers gape in disbelief- (Just joking! xD) Some of the sec 1s were not that familiar with the things they have read, so I felt that they could improve on that aspect. The point system was unusual, using a variety of snacks as points. Credit goes to YY and CL!

Cher Lin and Yan Yan were the I/Cs for the next activity, teaching the sec 1s orienteering skills. We went up to 1Responsibility (or 1Righteousness, I forgot which) and the session commenced. The sec 1s were quite attentive and asked questions whenever they were in doubt, which was a good habit to cultivate. However, they did not read the handbook, which caused some inconvenience to the I/Cs as they had to explain from the top.

After that was the PT Game. Sec 1s have to duck walk in 2 straight lines in combined patrols from one end of the lower sec block to the other end, while 1 person from each combined patrol was to run up to the 3rd floor to do 10 push ups before the first to finish was rewarded with a water bomb. They would then run down and rejoin the duck walk. This was mandatory for all sec 1s, and through this game I saw that the sec 1s did cheer for their batch mates and encouraged Alyssa to finish the duck walk, along with the last 2 that ran down. Towards the end, the sec 3s also duck walked behind the sec 1s in an effort to encourage them. When everyone had completed the task, we went to the parade square and had a water bomb fight. During this time though, the sec 1s seemed to have forgotten the very basics of what they were expected to do – take time. They exceeded the time they were given to hydrate themselves, and had no excuse to back them up. We decided not to reprimand them much because we wanted them to have fun, but I feel that it is imperative that we learn to follow instructions even when we are tired, and more so in the midst of having fun. Some sec 3s also joined in the water bomb fight, and it was quite refreshing to play and hear some laughter in the air, even for just a few minutes.
When the water bomb fight ceased, it was time for changing parade and off to the next major activity, which was to learn to tie an emergency shelter. The sec 1s were allocated with a time limit of 4 minutes, where they could use the upper sec block 5th floor toilet to change into their PE tee and school skirt besides drying themselves. I ran up to check on them and ran down with them, so I saw that some of them were walking slowly and even retied their hair when they had most probably exceeded the time given. In the end, they took 7 min 3s in total although they sent 1 person down to ask for time extension. (Supposed to send at least 2 people down by the way)

As the changing parade had already cut into the next activity’s time, Ying Yan and Jia-En were a little worried that they would not have sufficient time. Tying of an emergency shelter was taught at the Old PAC Area, but as I was the I/C for the next activity, I had to leave before it started. It was at that moment where the 3 Great Cs originated from. Deborah, Charlene, Priscilla and I were in charge of PT and block running, which was supposed to be held at the HomeEc Area and HomeEc Block. We decided to change the venue to the staircase area beside the new indoor sports hall and Lee Kuo Chuan indoor stadium after much thought as the field was being used and some of us felt that the HomeEc Area was a little stuffy. True to their worries, Ying Yan and Jia-En’s activity really exceeded the time allocated, so the PT also started late. The sec 1s did about half of the 6 sets of PT, before continuing with the running. Priscilla and I had already gauged the number of times to run up the staircase and around the indoor stadium by doing a pre-run beforehand, so we managed to finish in less than 5 minutes. Through the PT, I could see that they really endured through although some people fell out. In addition, they improved in their stamina and really tried hard, so much so that some even cried. Hence, good job sec 1s! You made it through alive! See, you can do it! XD

Due to time constraints, we pushed campfire songs to after lunch. By now it was lunch time for all of us! 12.30pm to be exact. [OH MY GOSH. I know I’m a windbag, but bear with me, it’s ending soon O.O] I was a little moody during lunch because of the previous activity, so I ate quietly and quickly. The sec 3s had a meeting then, to clarify some matters regarding the last 2 activities. It turned out that most of the sec 3s did not know of the change in venue as the O/ICs had some miscommunication, and before that everyone was already stressed out over the delay during the tying of emergency shelter, thus resulting in a slight confusion and conflict. We admitted that it was an injudicious decision on our part, a peccadillo which didn’t warrant a felony, so everything was cleared up, but it didn’t stop the day from morphing to confusion, to conflict, and then all of a sudden, to crying. GAAAH! In other words, it was just too much for some of us that it resulted in a cascade of tears. In my opinion though, through this and the whole training camp, we really grew closer as a batch.

Well then, I’ll rush through the rest. Teaching of campfire songs, with the aid of the 2 spastic Cs, Clara and Charlene, was a riot. The atmosphere was quite lively and I even got to witness those 2 doing the “Father Abraham had 7 children…” song. Gadget tying seized the day, as we spent a total of 1h 40min in the classrooms tying gadgets! The sec 1s tied square lashes for the first few times before moving on to luggage rack. They didn’t answer the I/Cs and needed a lot of prompting, so this area can be improved on. The I/Cs decided to give 5 minutes for the sec 1s to tie a square lash, taking the opportunity to see who got the most sense of urgency and not take her own sweet time. After that, the O/ICs blew the whistle to fall in. Right here, I have to say this – I will seriously never get used to the whistle. I get the urge to run towards the sound every time I hear the 5 short blasts, which, essentially, is actually a good habit to have in guides. I know many of us do too haha. Ahhh, it was fun to see my fellow sec 3s jumping at the sound and to laugh at their expense with the others. -evil glint muahaha- (no malice intended)

Drills were next. I went to Mindy and Rachel’s side to observe, before going over to Jia-En and Cher Lin, where they were deep in “discussion” with the sec 4s. Needless to say, I joined them as well. Overall, I felt that the sec 1s learnt very fast during drills, and I have to commend that their lines were almost always straight. The day was almost over! The sec 1s did a reflection on day 2, the O/ICs took over and it was time for debrief. The sec 1s did a total of 50 jumping jacks and 50 catch stars as punishment, and the sec 3s did together with them. The time of reckoning has arrived! Prize-giving!!

*Drum roll please* I am proud to announce that Centrioles Patrol got the Most Enthusiastic Patrol award!!! -Overwhelming Applause-

Thank you thank you thank you :D

Outstanding Patrol went to Ribosome, Most Initiative Patrol went to Golgi Apparatus and Most Creative Patrol went to Mitochondria. The Best Camper was Jeanne (pronounced by Mindy as JEAN-NA!) and Care Bear was Hui Ling.

All in all, this camp left a deep impression on me, as the very first camp organized and planned by the sec 3s. Towards the sec 1s, I really felt that they have improved tremendously since the start of the camp, and have learnt a few new skills that can be put to good use later on in Guides. Being prepared is the sine qua non of a purposeful Guiding life! They have endured and persevered through to the very end, and I hope they will continue to strive to do their best and give their all in the future! You can do it! I also got to know my camp patrol sec 1s more, so it was really a fruitful camp

As for the sec 3s, I can feel that we’ve forged a closer bond through this camp. Although there was a minor issue, we managed to resolve it and we have gained much experience from this training camp. A very big hi-five to all sec 3s, we did it! Also, KUDOS to the O/ICs – Mindy, Yan Yan, Deborah and Vivien!!! Thanks for all the hard work you put in to making this camp a successful one for all of us. To conclude this, HIP HIP HOORAY for all of us! -Spins around screaming- [Turning emotional, hysterical, maniacal…]

-Sputters her last breath, and dies-

Note: purely for dramatic effect, above guide has not actually breathed her last. No need to panic.

- Hweefen




today's activity : Basic Self Defence Course

The basic self defence course today was really fun ! :D and i thought that their theory of warm ups - the run around and hit ppl like crazy game was NICEE ! They should do it for PE lessons sometimes (: hehe. We did loads and learnt loads of stuff today :D such as learning how to distract your "enemy" to get a chance to flee away . This course was really benefitable cus it might help us in future when THINGS happen :D and i enjoyed it cus the instructors were nice and funny and the way they acted out how we should react is really professional ! Overall , it was really fun and quite enjoyable .

i'm looking forward to more of these activities ! :D

- Fiona



We had unit initiative today – Self Defense course.

We gathered at the Tower Hall and had a brief introduction of the course. I thought the main instructor was really scary, because he was so huge and all. But after a few series of the sword game (warm up), I found that he was really hilarious. I really liked the sword game, it was my favorite part of the whole activity. I found it really hilarious and amusing as I went around tapping everyone at the leg. ;D;D;D

The second part was learning about the non confrontational stance. It was really dry but we were having real fun when the instructor told us to pair up and try to keep your partner off balance. My partner was Yee Kay, and it was really interesting when she kept on letting me push her off balance!!

After that, we learnt more about distracting the “enemy”. It was really difficult to learn, since I was not trained to move that way XD but I soon got the hang of it. However, I felt that my reflexes were a bit slow, so when my opponent caught my hand, I waited a little while before reacting. If it was the real thing happening to me, I will definitely work faster in terms of reacting.

The course was overall interesting and really enjoyable. I think we could have learnt more if it was a longer activity (like 2 hours more). I learnt more about self defense and would like to try more of self defense in the future.

- Yun Jin




-Moves left leg back, strikes a defensive pose, takes a deep breathe and begins reflection-

Today, marks the very first day of our long awaited March holidays. We here, at the Anglican High Girl Guides Singapore, kicked started ours by attending a fruitful Self-Defense Course; held by professionals from the organization, Samurai Sports Singapore. We were instructed to gather at the iconic Tower Hall, where the course was to be held. To be honest, this had already gotten off on a bad foot for me. I for one, highly dislike the stench of stale sweat and overheated rubber of the assembly area that is oh-so-familiar to all of us here at AHS. Nonetheless, equipped with our 1.5 bottle of hydrating fluid, we ran head on to our given destination. Our instructor was not a stranger to us, as the Secondary 2 2008 batch had already undergone a Chanbara programme last year during our Physical Education periods which was also lead by him. What struck us the most was not his skill or the agility of his legs, but rather his sense of humour that was hardly reciprocated.

I began the course with a heavily expectant heart, hoping to be armed and equipped with skills similiar to those of Lara Croft, or even Kim Possible. However, our instructor, Dave was not joking when he said he would teach us the very basics of self defense. Indeed, the very basics he taught us. He started off with an engaging warm up, where each of us took our guard with a makeshift sword and 'war' broke out between patrols. All in all, it was an ultimate and unique cardio vescular workout that got our adrenaline rushing though our veins to get the day started. Needless to say, I was terribly letdown when he started by teaching us the proper stance when approached by a stranger. Basics. What, no kicks and chops with names too long even to enunciate accurately? My morale took a significant dip, and the day inched slowly along.

As we went through the dogmas of very basic self defense, I was seriously reluctant. In addition, there was hardly any excitement injected into the program. It consisted of some very basic thrusts and feet movement, just enough to suffice for time to flee to a secure area. No, it was obvious as the course progressed that Dave was not here to empower us with fight skills to inflict severe damage on the opponent. I kissed my dreams of delivering a knockout punch or a knuckle sandwich that resulted in a broken nose goodbye. I slothed along, picking up just enough skills to master in hopes that the instructors that were keeping watch at the side would spare me and not select me as a bad example to showcase to the company. From swift feet movement, to easy hand techniques that would come in handy in times of need, it slowly began to dawn on me that this course's main purpose is not to transform me into Wonder Woman, along with the sexy outfit and Magic Lasso; but experience that will save my skin in uncomfortable situations that are very real.

Finally, we were given the opportunity to practice our new found talents with realistic sandbags and punch gloves that we could exercise our techniques on. Moreover, we were also furnished with vocal commands such as 'Back off!' or 'Go away!' that would not only draw attention to the horrendous situation I was caught in and perhaps garner some help of the public but would also provide some shock to the offender; resulting in time gained to make our escapade. The situation that our instructors gave us was a very realistic one; You are walking home from school one day. Perhaps you woke up on the wrong side of bed today, and you decide to take another route. You deem the walk through the quiet park connector as a peaceful one. But all of a sudden, you feel queasy as the middle-aged man approaches you rapidly. With not a soul in sight, what's a 15 year old girl like yourself to do? This is when our new found skills come in excellent usage.

The black punch board materialized into a middle aged 'cheekopek' in his early 50ties, decked out in a translucent white singlet, faded dirt brown bermudas and blue striped slippers; his balding head glistens with sweat and his thighs consists of jiggling rolls of cellulite, and approaches you. I ran towards the punch bag and threw myself towards it, executing with grace and swiftness(hopefully) the triangle tactic that I was taught, albeit too enthusiastic. As I made my way back to the end of the queue, I thought to myself: Hey, so what if this course doesn't make me eligible to join the Totally Spies? At least I'll know what to do when encountered with a sexual pervert with a mentally unsound mind. After all, I highly doubt I'll ever meet hordes of soldiers hot on my heels that require black belt karate to defeat, in pursuit of a Kingdom of the Lost Skull, or what nots.

Ying Yan

Pamela here. I would like to applaud and thank yingyan for the effort and the lovely post she wrote for ahsgg.bs.com. In addition, I would like to thank Charlene and Maggie for the same reasons. I hope that everyone would learn from them, be prompt in the submission of the post and put in effort in your reflections just like they have done. Thank you and i appreciate everyone who contributed to this blog in some ways or another. For more pictures of the activity we carried out please click here!
cheers,
logistics!

I went to the campfire hosted by Anglo Chinese School ( Independent ) and it was very fun. It was also a bit scary as there were zombies lurking around which almost scared me to death... I was almost deafened by the screaming and shouting too. But the seniors were very pretty. :D And they put up a great performance although i didnt know why they never won... As it was raining, we went indoors and could not go outdoors. D: The girl beside me kept on screaming and when i opened my mouth to scream, all that came out was a squeak. Maybe i haven't screamed for too long already.. T.T On the whole, the campfire was very interesting and fun. :D I hope that i can go there again~ :]

-Vivian

The campfire was quite fun though there was no fire at all. The concert peformance was quite ok although some parts were quite boring. I thought the seniors(sec 4)danced really really well although they did not win. I thought that they were the best as they were quite synchronized in their dance movements. Back on the bus the seniors were quite sad as it was their last campfire. The sec 4 will be leaving soon and that's so sad. The sec 4s rock! They are the best sec4s we ever had and will always be.

-Hui Ling

ACSI's campfire was really fun! Although it was not like what i expected with a fire in the middle,it was really fun. Especially when before we entered the hall, we are suppose to walk through the the stairs where they say that the people inside were infected by an epidemic and turned into zombies. We had lots of fun although it was scary and we screamed all the way through. There was lots of games and activities and all schools were really enthusiastic! The dance performed by the secondary fours from Anglican High was great! Although they did not win, all of us agreed it was the best ! In the bus the secondary fours sang to all songs enthusiastically we could tell they would miss campfires after they leave guides. Overall, this was the best campfire ever but i know in future in guides i would enjoy more fun campfires.

-Jeanne

Yesterday was my first campfire, so I was quite excited but on the other hand scared as I was the ONLY sec 2!! Because of the rain earlier on, the campfire was held indoors and I was rather disappointed. Before we entered the hall, we had to pass a long passageway where there were some students dressed as zombies to scare us. Ying jia and some other sec 1 was screaming. After passing the terrifying passageway, we reached the hall. The first performance was a song performance which was quite interesting. Next up was a skit. I think the skit was rather boring because I couldn’t really hear what were they talking about(the audience was VERY noisy). The next item was games; the rule is to make the opponents laugh. This part was boring as well because what they said was only, “ I love you”, if it was me on stage, I would surely say my 秦始皇joke.

Next up was a dance performance put out by some of our seniors!!!! Deborah ma’am is SO pretty!!!!!! I was shouting like nuts, the dance is seriously out of this world. Then it was a continuation of the previous skit (I still can’t figure it out what is the actor saying). The next item was game called, “don’t forget the lyrics”. I thought it was going to be fun but was boring as well because the songs were all so unfamiliar to me.

That the end for the campfire, overall I think the whole campfire was quite boring, we don’t even get to sing campfire song and we didn’t won the dance competition. I expect the campfire to be outdoors next year.

-Ru Xin

Warning: heavy post!

The campfire we experienced at ACSI was a wholenew experience for me because it was the first time we had a campfire without FIRE or candles. However, i believe that every campfire is unique in its own way and the scout/guides that organised them had to put in tremendous amount of effort to make it happen. As a result, i would like to thank every single school that invited us to their campfire.

I have always enjoyed campfires especcially when i was a junior. Being a senior gives me new responsibilities and i have to make sure that our guides are always safe and IN-ONE-PIECE especcially in campfires and the frequent stampedes during the thousand-legged-worm cheer. However, now that it is the last campfire for our batch, i'm starting to feel that all the worrying for juniors is worth it as long as i get to get my buttock on the campfire bench:)

At ACSI, Ahsgg did our first performance at campfires (the batch before us did perform at campfires before but since 2008, this was the first time ahs gg put up a performance). Although it was our first time, it marked a beautiful end to our last campfire.

Our dancers(Deborah, Jasmine, Yijing, Evangelin, Venus and myself) had numerous practise sessions frequently weeks before the campfire and i would like to thank Venus especcially for cheorographing our dance and spending so much time on it:D I would also like to thank the other dancers who stayed back for practises although many a times we were very busy.

On the day of the campfire, dancers came to school early to rehearse our dance. We rehearsed outside grotto and it was raining cats and dogs. Subsequently, we changed into our uniform and waited for the bus to arrive.

13 sec4s, 6sec1s and 1sec2 attended this campfire and of course the ahs falcon scout sent about 10 scouts for this campfire. We shared the bus and reached ACSI shortly. At ACSI, we waited near the gateway while the ACSI Scouts and Ventures did some preparation for the indoor campfire. Due to the heavy rain, the campfire had to be held indoors. Dancers went to one of the classrooms to change and get ready for the performance.

We met the other guides at the auditorium after changing and waited for everyone to be seated. Next, we watched numerous performances that were planned really well and interesting. However, i believe that the microphones werent very clear and most of the skids couldn't be heard clearly. Overall, i feel that the whole ACpedemic theme was awesome and every performance put up (be it the chij toapayoh dancers, hwachong bboys, acsi ventures, acsi scouts or ahsgg) were awesome because it played a part in making our last campfire what it was. Kudos to everyone present at the campfire!

Dancers were backstage awaiting for our turn to perform while we played around with starwars mask, and talked our time away. (by the way, the scout who ate the monkey tied the monkey on his neck while he was backstage. HAHA) Lights dimmed and we went into positions and started our dancing. Mr-monkey-eater poured some red juice on the ground previously in the skid and some of our dancers had to step on the juice. However despite the lack of space and nervousness, i believe that all 6 of us did an awesome job!:D

We enjoyed refreshments and headed back to AHS.

On the bus, sec4s sang our hearts out. Campfire songs. It was the last time we get to sing it that loudly! However, i believe that we would remember these songs and remember all the happy times we spent at campfires. It was a non-stop campfire song karaoke session on the bus and I gave it all out to singing them. Thank you sec4s who did likewise and made a beautiful mark to our last campfire while we sang Canadian Vesper one last time.

Thanks everyone for making my last campfire such a memorable one. Thanks Ms Ng for giving the dancers support and helping me with the booking of bus. Thanks sec4s, we've really made poor bus-driver-uncle deaf on our way to ahs! Thanks jrs for being so cooperative. Thanks scouts for not giving me any major trouble this time:D

-Pamela


Hello (:
Today’s activity was planned by the secondary threes of both Flowerpecker Patrol and Ixora patrol. Needless to say, all of us were looking forward to seeing how it would turn out, this being the first activity we were ever in-charge of. We did not do much in today’s activity, only having to play station games for the most part, with several changing parades in-between.
Everyone was in time for the changing parades today, waited for one another and took time, so all was good.

Since it was drizzling today, we had to undertake the wet weather station games plan instead. There were four station games in total: ‘Kim’s Game’, ‘Honey if you love me’, ‘Can you hear me?’ and ‘Save the Citizens!’ with rather amusing (or blatantly obvious) clues given at each station that leads to the next.
Vivien and I were the station masters for ‘Honey if you love me’ and thus we were not really aware of how the other stations were doing, but feedback from the station masters did give us a vague impression, in which would be elucidated on later.

‘Honey if you love me’ was a rather short and simple game (we really did overestimate its duration) and despite the fact that sometimes it gets a little dull, it did bring about some laughter and smiles (which was the main point), and we did witness many potential actresses in action, which was amusing to no end. It was also really gratifying to see patrol-spirit as well as combined-patrol-spirit (in which one victorious patrol did want to spare the non-victorious one a humiliating forfeit until we told them the forfeit was worth points), and so, really well done. However, if it was unclear, the purpose of this particular station game was to train your perseverance and to learn how to keep in control of your emotions, two things that will come in handy later on.

Although I wasn’t there, I could infer that ‘Kim’s Game’ was rather fun, as usual, and the station masters of this station was Cherlin and Charlene. Heard their Indian accent was side-splittingly hilarious, wish I was there to see. According to feedback, it was good to hear that the secondary threes were really eager, though the secondary ones and twos could do well to display more keenness, but all in all the station masters did a really good job, and the rest did work well together. Also, this station aims to improve one’s senses, concentration and memory, so I hope that many did benefit from this.

Next was the ‘Can you hear me?’ station, with Ying Yan and Min Li as the two station masters. As all knows, that kind of spells trouble. (Also, heard that their Thai accent was funny beyond belief.) Those two also came up with innovative ideas to add amusement to their station, by making hapless blindfolded guides sing songs and stuff, so here’s a pat on the back. It was also nice to hear that many guides did display enthusiasm, even having lost one’s sight, and this game did fulfil its task of training our alertness and boost our trust with one another, and it’s great that many enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Finally, it would be the ‘Save the Citizens!’, where the station masters are Priscilla and Rachel, with their renowned Italian accent (which I do not know how it sounds like, so it must be a feat to speak with one). This station also achieved the goal of reinforcing our skills learnt in guides, in this case gadget tying, and the secondary ones did get to understand much more about this important guides skill, and to realise that gadget tying is more than mere knots and poles, but a vital skill that can build structures of novelty and convenience. Many of the patrols also tried hard to come up with interesting ideas to decorate the structures, something commendable.

After the station games, there was the prize giving ceremony, where all the patrols were awarded for all their effort put in, so congratulations to all patrols. (: Also, us secondary threes had two more times changing parade, where we thankfully made it in time.

All in all, I did thoroughly enjoy today’s activity, as well as planning it with all the other O/ICs, and without cooperation from the rest of the secondary 3s and participation from the rest of the guides, it would not have been half as fun as it was today. (:

-Maggie

We had station games today (:

The sequence of the games are according to the order Dove and Hibiscus (combined patrol) played (:

The first game was the one at the church car park. We were blindfolded and had to taste, feel and smell the objects given to us. It was quite fun and interesting as we did not know of what to expect.

The second game was the one behind grotto. We were to tie the gadget poles onto tripod poles in a creative way. Teamwork was required for this game(:
The third game was in 1Perseverance. We were to pair up within our patrols. We were to choose a song and sing it while our partner (blindfolded) makes her way through the obstacle course. It was quite enjoyable.

The last game was in the concourse. We were divided into our individual patrols. We were to make the opponent smile or grin with the lines given. It was hilarious, seeing people trying to hide their smile (:

We had prize-giving ceremony and hibiscus was first (: that’s all (:

-Megan

On 13th March, we played games for guides activity. It was in combined patrol. There are different names called for each station. The first one that my patrol went was to be blind folded and guess the item that we felt or tasted. It was quite fun as the items were remained a mystery to us. The next station was something to do with gadget tying. I think that it is a good way to practice gadget tying that way, in a form of game. Though it is still gadget tying, but the mood that we used to tie the gadgets are different. The third station is in a classroom. One partner was blindfolded while the other partner had to sing a song. It was quite fun as the stations mistresses were super high. The last station was to make the person from the other patrol to smile. Though I played that game quite a number of times, it was different playing with guides.

Overall, I enjoyed myself very much. I feel that the sec 3s planned the activity well. Also, the station mistresses were very well- prepared. They were also very enthusiastic. I feel that there should be more stations. Maybe there should be one on physical training, like running etc. However, I get to know more of the sec 1s from the other patrol better, which is a good thing. I hope there is another combined patrol activity.

-Selina

I think that Friday's activity was rather fun as there was station games. There were four stations in total and they were all really, really fun!!:D At the end of all games, there was a prize presentation and my patrol, hibiscus, had won the first prize! and the prize was a bottle of water...Haha...:D there was also a changing parade and the sec2s and 3s had to change from their guides uniform to their guides tee. They were very fast! Wow, not an easy task!

Anyway, i had a great day in guides and i had no regrets joining guides. I look forward to more games and fun drills!(:

-Jessie

Hello everyone, drills today was great. All the sec1s knew to march and were taught how to form contingents. 5 new commands were introduced and although sec1s haven't perfected them, they showed significant improvement in their initiative and attitude. With that, you girls deserve a big big CLAP:D Keep it up and we believe that you guys will be an awesome batch!

remember how to number youselves from left/right, satu step forward, dua step backwards, satu turn right, dua turn left!:)

-pamela

Activity Overview
Sec1s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1545 - Gadget Tying
1545-1645 - Campfire Songs
1645-1715 - Games
1715-1730 - Fall Out
Sec2s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1545 - Gadget Tying
1545-1645 - Orienteering Theory
1645-1715 - Dialogue Session
1715-1730 - Fall Out
Sec3s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1415 - Building of Campfire theory
1415-1530 - Physical Training
1530-1715 - Tying of Flagpole
1715-1730 - Fall Out

Firstly, sec ones learnt the basics of gadget tying, like the clove hitch, square lash and frapping
We had to tie two poles together within 3 minutes and untie everything in 30 seconds.
And we kept to the time limit most of the time so we didn't have to do any punishment :)
Then, the ICs taught us how to tie the gadget poles into bundles of 10
We have to create an 'S' shape with the twine first, then tie it all up.

Next, we were taught campfire songs like Linger, Canadian Vesper, etc.
We then had to split into the first four patrols and the last four patrols in order to get that enthu spirit up and awake!!
It was super duper fun!!

Then, since it was still early, we had games like Hunter, Fire, Earthquake, Elope, the $1 coin game, etc.
During the coin game, we were supposed to make the person guessing where the coin was think that we were holding the coin when we didn't.
One forfeit was to write guides with the, ahem, butt.
It was hilarious

So yarhhs, that's all.
-peixuan


heyys =D

Today's Act for Sec1s:
We learned Gadget tying, using the twines we've brought.
Its interesting, as it was my first experience, but yet confusing. It took everyone quite a long time to get the steps right, for the ma'ams and ICs came to us individually and taught us. In the end, we managed to tie the poles together quite well.

After practicing and practicing, we were given a time limit to tie and untie the knot, it was rather challenging, as we need to do it within 3 minutes and 30 seconds respectively.

After the tyings, we were taught to sing the campfire songs. For some of us are going for the campfire at ACS(I) next Saturday, we have to know some of the commonly sung songs.
At the start, everyone was soft. But after singing a few songs, we became more enthusiastic as the first 4 patrols and the last 4 patrols started to compete with each other on who can sing louder. Venus ma'am praised us that we are fast learners :D

Next we went to the concourse for games.
We played 'Splat', 'Fire, Hunter, Earthquake' and coin passing games.
We were quite familiar with the Splat game, as we've played it before.
I was confuse at the 2nd game for i'm not sure what to run for and what to stay. So in the end i was the first to get kicked.
Everyone sang along the coin song enthusiastically as we passed the $1 coin around.

So that was about the end.
I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and i bet every sec 1s does :D

-YingJia


On Friday, 6th March 2009, the sec 2s had gadget-tying. Personally, I found it exceptionally enjoyable. We went to 1 Perseverance and did gadget-tying. We tied the square leash for a total of nine times. The first round, we were asked to tie a 48” pole to a 24” pole. The number of 48” poles that we needed to tie depended on the number of people in that particular patrol. The next eight rounds were all individual.

Unfortunately, we were not on time for the first seven rounds of tying the square leash. We were 17 seconds late for the first round, 19 seconds late for the second round, 4 seconds late for the third and fourth round(as the ma’ams gave us 2min 15sec), 14 seconds late for the fifth, 10 seconds late for the sixth, and 15 seconds late for the seventh round.

Even with that much time, a few of us could not complete the knot in the given time.

Finally, at the eighth round, we finally managed to complete in 2mins. I was elated, but then realised that there were still two people who did not finish it in time due to some reasons. At the last round, the ninth round, the ma’ams gave us as much time as we needed to tie the square leash, and it needed to be standard.

Overall, I think that Friday’s gadget-tying was not very good, but we might have improved a little, and that we could improve a lot more.

After gadget-tying, we proceeded to 1 Holiness to learn more about orienteering. We revised on how to find true north, the parts of a compass, grid reference, and learned about bearings.

I felt that the revision on orienteering cleared many of our doubts on the parts of the compass and mostly bearings.

After we had completed revising on orienteering, we had dialogue session.

Overall, I felt that Friday’s activity was very good as we managed to learn more about orienteering and improved a little in gadget-tying.

- Angelina Fong


We falled-in at 1.30pm with anxiety over what today’s activity was going to be about. Many Secondary 3 Guides were late as their teachers had held them back. We then went behind Grotto to learn how to set up a campfire. It was rather interesting as many things were new to us and we didn’t actually know what happened behind closed doors like the soaking of firewood in kerosene and bundling the cobhouse together with a metal wire. It was a new experience for us.

Then, it was Physical Training but not the normal sets we always do. We had to run 20 Suicides which was an incredible feat for most of us as our staminas had decreased greatly. Nevertheless, we all completed the 20 Suicides. Each of us picked a spouse/wooden pole. Our first thought was that we were going to build a mini structure. However, we had to do Physical Training with it. The pole was quite heavy and was about our heights. We were told to hold the log above our heads while every guide ran 2 rounds. It was very tiring as we were already out of breath by the time we finished the 2 rounds. Most of us didn’t do the standard way and it was quite demoralizing.
After putting back the poles, we proceeded to do a flagpole. Choosing of the poles was moderate and we gained more experience in choosing the appropriate poles for the various roles in the flagpole. Halfway through the time limit given which was 20minutes, the 1st 4 patrols group realized that we were short of a lashing. Therefore, we had to bring the whole structure down and redo the lashings on the erecting pole. In the end, we took 40 minutes which was twice the time limit given while the 2nd 4 patrols took 22minutes. We felt very guilty for increasing the punishment. We could have done much better if we did not do things sloppily and slowly. 60 Jumping Jacks was then carried out as a punishment. Secondary 3 Guides then falled-in with the rest of the company and was dismissed.
Overall, I feel that our batch could have done better in today’s activity and we did not put in our utmost best.

-Cherlin





Sec1s drills were average. Sadly, there was a slight drop in your performance. We feel that sec1s could be more proactive and take more initiative in counting your mistakes and stepping out to do the punishments accordingly without waiting for us to prompt. Secondly, we also feel that there is a constant problem about not locking your arms and fidgeting during drills. We hope that after the session, everyone can learn from the mistakes and do better in the next session.

Putting the negative aspects aside, we also feel that it was impressive that the sec1s that learnt how to march did very well in marching. Marching in a contingent was also impressive and the overall performance during marching was awesome for a first-timer. We hope that everyone can keep up the good work and constantly improve! Keep going sec1s! You can do it:D

Darikiri chepat jalannn!!! (opps, i dont know how to spell it=x)

Reminder: Selected people for ASCI campfire, PLEASE remember to fill up your consent forms and hand it in to Pamela on Friday

No Guides Today. But some guides took part in helping out with the refreshments:D Keep up the good job! WE WILL BE EXPERIENCED WAITRESSES IN FUTURE:D

BIGBIGSMILE "SIR, MDM, WOULD YOU LIKE COFFEE OR TEA?"


Sec3s get to have a go at giving commands to Sec1s again:D

Keep going everyone! We're all learning from past mistakes and constantly improving! Keep up the good job! Sec3s, jiayou in becoming more confident in giving commands and Sec1s, jiayou in your drills especially marching!

Overall, you performance was good!

(TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T PAID MONEY FOR CARNIVAL TICKETS, OWE $ PAY $!:D Lets do our part and lighten JiaXin's load alright:D)












DAY 1 of training camp...It was tough..but not as tough as i imagined.haha always think of the worst^^. i woke up early in the morning, reached school,saw many people:D. checked my luggage, made sure everything was there. times up! fall in! The camp starts(nervous). the first activity was luggage inspection-shouldn't have brought so much rubbish..had to take out EVERYTHING. Starting was bad, practically bad - couldn't shout and wasn't fast enough.

After that was changing parade if im not wrong..we ran serveral times,up and down, changed from pe tee to black tee, black te to pe tee. can't remember when the first person falled out, but many did. Seniors said we should endure throughout the camp together and hoped that no one else would fall out as it was only the start of the camp and already abt 5 people falled out. however i think we can't blame them, it's not that they don't want to endure but they are not feeling well. After that on the way to PT, i got kidnapped! together with ally and jia ying' It was so cool! but same time worried for the others.. confirm do punishment.. felt quite guilty oso because we were relaxing away, drinking water.. PT was the toughest. I hate pumping! Soon was outdoor cooking- i was hardly full.. the dessert was nice-choc!:) fire wasn't steady..so had to eat half-cooked marcaroni with cheese! haha but it was nice^^. then must thank the kind sec 3s who helped alot!

then we went to the classrms to do luggage rack. it was a failure... all couldn't even stand. then it was bathing time! three minutes! lol i was late by i think more that 20 secs. got splashed twice haha so fun dodging. Bathing parade was fun! ahhh my memory is bad.. cant remember wats nxt. drills? ahhh cant remember.can i stop here? longg post...
-Shirlynn

DAY 2

I feel that though the second day of camp was tough , it was not as tough as the first day . And as we were already had experience the first day of camp , the second day managed to be much easier than I expected . I also had a lot of fun during station game and Pt game. As the duck walk was very tough , I was always lagging behind and the other had to wait for me . And for that , I am very grateful to them . During PT , I realised that I did like it at all . And during drills I am very thankful that my ICs were very patient with me as I had swimming lessons and was not able to make it to most of the drills . Though I keep making mistakes, I was very happy that the ICs did not give up on me. Overall, I am quite proud of myself being able to finish thee whole camp and feel that I am stronger and have a better sense of urgency .
- Alyssa Toh

I think that for the second day of training camp, we improved a lot from the first day. Of course, we still have a lot of room for improvement. To me, this camp was tiring but it was really benefitial because we really learnt a lot of things, such as learning how to tie a luggage rack (it actually didn't fall down!). We also learned to have a sense of urgency, and we waited for each other most of the time, as compared to the first day, which we didn't wait for each other at all. We learned to ask for time extension, and to do things together AS A BATCH. Although the seniors scolded us a lot, all of that was to help us to improve on our bad points. I think that we really have to improve on one point, and that is to remember to take time. The seniors told us repeatedly to remember to take time, but we kept forgetting even though each patrol had at least one watch. Overall, this was a really unforgettable experience for me. :)

-Wen Xuan

I thought that training camp day2 was much better as compared to Day1. The first day was very tiring, I was so exhausted. But, we, as a whole batch really learnt many new useful things through the sec1 training camp. We were taught to have a good sense of urgency, take initiative and help others in need. I think that these three points are very important as the sec3s kept repeating and scolding us about these. Day2 was much better, we already got into the training camp mood and knew what to expect. But it was also tough as we were all tired after the first day and still had to do alot of physical training. The duckwalk was the worst. Everyone felt like their knees were going to break. What was our worst performance on the day was changing parade and gadget tying. We left someone tagging behind us when we were running down the stairs but no one waited for her. Also, at gadget tying, we kept exceeding the time limit and did not ask for time extension. Overall, i feel that our batch has learnt alot of new knowledge and benefitted from this camp, and we have improved alot from when we first started. Keep working hard to those who fell out at camp and all the sec1s:)
-Sue Fang

The much awaited yearly Sec1 training camp is here again! Day1 have past quickly with the sec1s trying on many activities on their own such as outdoor cooking and gadget tying and day 2 will focus more on bonding and training them physically

As this is the first time the sec3s is taking over for such activities with long hours, we were quite nervous being ICs for the first day but after learning from our mistakes and gaining experiences from day 1, we were much more confidant and are sure that we can carry out our activity better on the second day. We started the day as usual with our normal roll call, with Mindy and Deborah starting the roll call instead. We were satisfied with the attire of the sec1s as none of them were needed to do punishment. While the sec1s are pondering over what is their next activity, me, cherlin and xiujian ran over to the netball court to get ready for luggage inspection.

Instead of implementing jumping jacks for punishment, we decided to try something new as we hope to train our juniors in other ways. We decided to make them run if they were late and I ran around the netball court to test out what was the appropriate time. The sec1s came and we separate them into first 2 and last 2 patrols, us taking the last 2 patrols. From what we observed yesterday, the last 2 patrols were quite slow in doing luggage inspection and we hope to see them today to work faster and to have the habit of helping other people once you are done. We gave them only a minute and half to take out everything and they completed it on time yet one or two person didn’t take out everything from their bags. We gave them a minute to put everything back and they completed on time again. We gave them a minute to take everything out and they overshoot the time and we were disappointed that no one took time and they were moving slowly despite the short time we gave. They did their punishment and we gave them only 45 seconds to put everything back and they overshoot again and no one bothered to take time. We were quite disappointed and hope that the sec1s will learn to take time and to move fast.

Next was changing parade and as I am the first aid IC, I stood there and watched the sec1s. They are required to change at the upper sec 4th floor toilet and from what I observed, the sec1s didn’t try to run or wait for the rest and by the time they asked for time extensions, they were already late. Although running up to 4th floor toilet to change is tiring, but we hope to see the sec1s to put in more effort. Next was station games and I can see that the sec1s enjoyed the games and they learn something from every game. After that was orienteering and I was not present and thus not sure what happened there hehe

NEXT was PT GAMESSS :DDDDD minli, yanyan, clara and I were the ics for it and we were quite excited for it as its different from normal physical trainings. We organised one which was similar to what we had when we were sec1s. There will be combines patrols and 2 persons will have to race up and do 10 standard pumpings and every person who did standard is rewarded with a water bomb and the rest have to duck walk. We chose duck walk as we feel that it’ll train the sec1s legs and most importantly to teach them to endure and to encourage their fellow batch mates not to give up at the same time. We were quite pleased with their performance as no one fall out but we hope to see them encouraging each other more and when we give them water breaks they need to take time although its games. We hope through this activity the sec1s will bond more with each other.

Next was changing parade followed by emergency shelter and then it was PT. During PT the ICs taught them the proper way to do PT and what is a set and the sec1s carried out their PT with 6 sets. Some of them improved and tried to do standard but when the seniors corrected them some of them still went back to their original positions. One or two sec1s pulled their muscles and had to stop and rest and some people had cuts too and after me and Priscilla applied medicine on their wounds, they offered to rejoin the sec1s and we were happy to see that. Following is lunch and the sec3s were quite happy we were able to have a full lunch

After lunch was campfire songs followed by gadget tying. At 310, we commence our drills with me and yingyan taking over for 8 sec1s. We were quite pleased with their drills as most of the time they managed to get their kekenan, kekiri and keblakan right but when we implemented 5 samulas 15 jumping jacks, they failed to count them and after countless times of samulas they still did not take the initiative to count. Yet when we teach them how to form a contingent, they learn it quite fast and got the hang of it quickly and we could start making them march instead of normal drills. We were satisfied with their drills and hope them can improve in terms of their bangs, being more alert and learn to shout louder if you are the timer.

After that was reflection and debrief and punishment and we said all the mistakes the sec1s committed and they did 50 jumping jacks and 50 catch stars along with the sec3s and we hope through this training camp they’ll leave this camp not empty handed but an experienced which they valued and use this chance to improve on their guides skills, physical health and bond the whole batch.

Alas lastly was prize presentation and I hope the sec1s feel honoured getting whatever patrol prize or individual prize as they really earned it and the sec3s are relieved that the training camp is finally over

-Annabella

So starts HF’s reflection. Here goes! -Takes deep breath-

20th March 2009, marks the continuation of the sec 1s’ grueling training camp. It’s DAY 2! 0_0

For the sec 1s, I would surmise it was with fearful anticipation and a certain feeling of the heebie-jeebies that they arrived in school and prepared themselves for what they would most certainly deduce as the second day of “torture”. For us sec 3s, it was with slight apprehension and a better control of our emotions as compared to yesterday that we faced the start of this dreaded, yet long-awaited second day. For me, well. It’s basically just a serious case of butterflies and stress and watered-down PANIC. Almost as usual x) you totally can’t tell! ;DDD

First up was of course the falling in part. All the sec 3s were hidden at some corner overlooking the parade square observing the sec 1s, trying to count how many were still present after their shocking first day. Were they still “brave” enough or will they find some excuse to skip the second day? Haha. We even made a deal among ourselves that takes effect if less than 10 sec 1s showed up, which I won’t elucidate further since it didn’t happenJ The O/ICs that took charge of the roll call that day were Deborah and Mindy, and we followed through the standard procedure without incident. I took my place at the back of the patrol with the other sec 3s and managed not to burst out laughing (out of hysteria or pure humour, I don’t know), which was by no means an easy feat. [The joke starts with M and ends with y. LOL. Sorry haha]

The first activity, luggage inspection, was taken charge by Priscilla, Charlene, ME, Annabella, Cher Lin and Xiu Jian. We ran with the sec 1s to the netball court, thereafter starting the luggage inspection. They could have been more urgent as they only had 1 bagpack to carry with more than ample time given, unlike our training camp, where we had to run to the netball court within 45 seconds with a bagpack, handcarry and 2 bags each of twigs, husks and kindlings (MAN were they heavy!). Priscilla, Charlene and I were in charge of inspecting Golgi Apparatus and Mitochondria’s luggage. They were early for both the 1st and 2nd inspection when taking out their luggage, but exceeded the time when they had to put everything back. Although a minority forgot to take out some stuff and left rubbish in their bags, they helped one another and remembered to take note of time, which was an improvement from yesterday. However, when they were running back to the concourse, they did not wait for each other and asked for time extension only after they had exceeded the time limit.

Next up was changing parade. They were to change from PE tee & school skirt to dark coloured tee & PE pants at the upper sec block 4th floor toilet within 4 minutes. This was successfully finished. Immediately after that were the station games organized by Ying Yan and Cher Lin. “Kim’s Game” was located at the mirror board with Mindy and Clara as Station Masters, “Fun Gadget Tying” at HomeEc Area with Deborah and Jia-En, “How Much Do You Know About Your Patrol Mates?” at concourse with Vivien and Xiu Jian, and “Do You Know It All?” at the parade square with Min Li and I as SMs. I don’t know about other stations, but mine for one was a blast! To me and Min Li that is hahaha. This was by far the most fun part of camp, so you can be sure the both of us went a little crazy. What is a sec 1 guides training camp without the testing of some Girl Guide must-knows? That was what my station was about – indispensable Guiding values with just an aftertaste of sweet, sweet physical training and a feathery touch of retarded-ness.

Each person was supposed to run 1 round around the parade square, all the while hollering something funny like “I love TOFU! OMG TOFU ROCKS!” or “I LOVE HWEEFEN AND MINLI! HWEEFEN AND MINLI ROCKS!” (major hint at this point while I was explaining, sorry for not being discreet LOL) etc. Once they were back, they would have to answer 1 question pertaining to the things they have read in the GG Handbook, such as reciting the Promise, naming 1 Guide Law, when to give the Guide Salute and many more. Each correct answer earns them 5 points, and enthusiasm wins them bonus points. Both of us had already agreed on a special move to make during the start of the game, which was this holding-a-gun action whenever I said “Do You Know It All?” I always had a feeling of the black crow flying past whenever we did that, due to the awkward silence as the sec 1s tried to speculate in their minds how to react to us, the pair of bizarre Station Masters. I’d then say, “What, no clapping?” or to the likes of that, in which the sec 1s would obediently follow and I would thereby say “YAY!” and give a chortle. Stupid, I know, but it works! Everyone laughed, I think.

The patrols that came to my station were quite enthusiastic, but they often needed some encouragement. We cheered them on too as each of them ran the 1 round, and almost all the patrols picked up the hint and shouted, or rather, sang that lovely melody which consisted of our names, a prerequisite to bonus points. –Readers gape in disbelief- (Just joking! xD) Some of the sec 1s were not that familiar with the things they have read, so I felt that they could improve on that aspect. The point system was unusual, using a variety of snacks as points. Credit goes to YY and CL!

Cher Lin and Yan Yan were the I/Cs for the next activity, teaching the sec 1s orienteering skills. We went up to 1Responsibility (or 1Righteousness, I forgot which) and the session commenced. The sec 1s were quite attentive and asked questions whenever they were in doubt, which was a good habit to cultivate. However, they did not read the handbook, which caused some inconvenience to the I/Cs as they had to explain from the top.

After that was the PT Game. Sec 1s have to duck walk in 2 straight lines in combined patrols from one end of the lower sec block to the other end, while 1 person from each combined patrol was to run up to the 3rd floor to do 10 push ups before the first to finish was rewarded with a water bomb. They would then run down and rejoin the duck walk. This was mandatory for all sec 1s, and through this game I saw that the sec 1s did cheer for their batch mates and encouraged Alyssa to finish the duck walk, along with the last 2 that ran down. Towards the end, the sec 3s also duck walked behind the sec 1s in an effort to encourage them. When everyone had completed the task, we went to the parade square and had a water bomb fight. During this time though, the sec 1s seemed to have forgotten the very basics of what they were expected to do – take time. They exceeded the time they were given to hydrate themselves, and had no excuse to back them up. We decided not to reprimand them much because we wanted them to have fun, but I feel that it is imperative that we learn to follow instructions even when we are tired, and more so in the midst of having fun. Some sec 3s also joined in the water bomb fight, and it was quite refreshing to play and hear some laughter in the air, even for just a few minutes.
When the water bomb fight ceased, it was time for changing parade and off to the next major activity, which was to learn to tie an emergency shelter. The sec 1s were allocated with a time limit of 4 minutes, where they could use the upper sec block 5th floor toilet to change into their PE tee and school skirt besides drying themselves. I ran up to check on them and ran down with them, so I saw that some of them were walking slowly and even retied their hair when they had most probably exceeded the time given. In the end, they took 7 min 3s in total although they sent 1 person down to ask for time extension. (Supposed to send at least 2 people down by the way)

As the changing parade had already cut into the next activity’s time, Ying Yan and Jia-En were a little worried that they would not have sufficient time. Tying of an emergency shelter was taught at the Old PAC Area, but as I was the I/C for the next activity, I had to leave before it started. It was at that moment where the 3 Great Cs originated from. Deborah, Charlene, Priscilla and I were in charge of PT and block running, which was supposed to be held at the HomeEc Area and HomeEc Block. We decided to change the venue to the staircase area beside the new indoor sports hall and Lee Kuo Chuan indoor stadium after much thought as the field was being used and some of us felt that the HomeEc Area was a little stuffy. True to their worries, Ying Yan and Jia-En’s activity really exceeded the time allocated, so the PT also started late. The sec 1s did about half of the 6 sets of PT, before continuing with the running. Priscilla and I had already gauged the number of times to run up the staircase and around the indoor stadium by doing a pre-run beforehand, so we managed to finish in less than 5 minutes. Through the PT, I could see that they really endured through although some people fell out. In addition, they improved in their stamina and really tried hard, so much so that some even cried. Hence, good job sec 1s! You made it through alive! See, you can do it! XD

Due to time constraints, we pushed campfire songs to after lunch. By now it was lunch time for all of us! 12.30pm to be exact. [OH MY GOSH. I know I’m a windbag, but bear with me, it’s ending soon O.O] I was a little moody during lunch because of the previous activity, so I ate quietly and quickly. The sec 3s had a meeting then, to clarify some matters regarding the last 2 activities. It turned out that most of the sec 3s did not know of the change in venue as the O/ICs had some miscommunication, and before that everyone was already stressed out over the delay during the tying of emergency shelter, thus resulting in a slight confusion and conflict. We admitted that it was an injudicious decision on our part, a peccadillo which didn’t warrant a felony, so everything was cleared up, but it didn’t stop the day from morphing to confusion, to conflict, and then all of a sudden, to crying. GAAAH! In other words, it was just too much for some of us that it resulted in a cascade of tears. In my opinion though, through this and the whole training camp, we really grew closer as a batch.

Well then, I’ll rush through the rest. Teaching of campfire songs, with the aid of the 2 spastic Cs, Clara and Charlene, was a riot. The atmosphere was quite lively and I even got to witness those 2 doing the “Father Abraham had 7 children…” song. Gadget tying seized the day, as we spent a total of 1h 40min in the classrooms tying gadgets! The sec 1s tied square lashes for the first few times before moving on to luggage rack. They didn’t answer the I/Cs and needed a lot of prompting, so this area can be improved on. The I/Cs decided to give 5 minutes for the sec 1s to tie a square lash, taking the opportunity to see who got the most sense of urgency and not take her own sweet time. After that, the O/ICs blew the whistle to fall in. Right here, I have to say this – I will seriously never get used to the whistle. I get the urge to run towards the sound every time I hear the 5 short blasts, which, essentially, is actually a good habit to have in guides. I know many of us do too haha. Ahhh, it was fun to see my fellow sec 3s jumping at the sound and to laugh at their expense with the others. -evil glint muahaha- (no malice intended)

Drills were next. I went to Mindy and Rachel’s side to observe, before going over to Jia-En and Cher Lin, where they were deep in “discussion” with the sec 4s. Needless to say, I joined them as well. Overall, I felt that the sec 1s learnt very fast during drills, and I have to commend that their lines were almost always straight. The day was almost over! The sec 1s did a reflection on day 2, the O/ICs took over and it was time for debrief. The sec 1s did a total of 50 jumping jacks and 50 catch stars as punishment, and the sec 3s did together with them. The time of reckoning has arrived! Prize-giving!!

*Drum roll please* I am proud to announce that Centrioles Patrol got the Most Enthusiastic Patrol award!!! -Overwhelming Applause-

Thank you thank you thank you :D

Outstanding Patrol went to Ribosome, Most Initiative Patrol went to Golgi Apparatus and Most Creative Patrol went to Mitochondria. The Best Camper was Jeanne (pronounced by Mindy as JEAN-NA!) and Care Bear was Hui Ling.

All in all, this camp left a deep impression on me, as the very first camp organized and planned by the sec 3s. Towards the sec 1s, I really felt that they have improved tremendously since the start of the camp, and have learnt a few new skills that can be put to good use later on in Guides. Being prepared is the sine qua non of a purposeful Guiding life! They have endured and persevered through to the very end, and I hope they will continue to strive to do their best and give their all in the future! You can do it! I also got to know my camp patrol sec 1s more, so it was really a fruitful camp

As for the sec 3s, I can feel that we’ve forged a closer bond through this camp. Although there was a minor issue, we managed to resolve it and we have gained much experience from this training camp. A very big hi-five to all sec 3s, we did it! Also, KUDOS to the O/ICs – Mindy, Yan Yan, Deborah and Vivien!!! Thanks for all the hard work you put in to making this camp a successful one for all of us. To conclude this, HIP HIP HOORAY for all of us! -Spins around screaming- [Turning emotional, hysterical, maniacal…]

-Sputters her last breath, and dies-

Note: purely for dramatic effect, above guide has not actually breathed her last. No need to panic.

- Hweefen




today's activity : Basic Self Defence Course

The basic self defence course today was really fun ! :D and i thought that their theory of warm ups - the run around and hit ppl like crazy game was NICEE ! They should do it for PE lessons sometimes (: hehe. We did loads and learnt loads of stuff today :D such as learning how to distract your "enemy" to get a chance to flee away . This course was really benefitable cus it might help us in future when THINGS happen :D and i enjoyed it cus the instructors were nice and funny and the way they acted out how we should react is really professional ! Overall , it was really fun and quite enjoyable .

i'm looking forward to more of these activities ! :D

- Fiona



We had unit initiative today – Self Defense course.

We gathered at the Tower Hall and had a brief introduction of the course. I thought the main instructor was really scary, because he was so huge and all. But after a few series of the sword game (warm up), I found that he was really hilarious. I really liked the sword game, it was my favorite part of the whole activity. I found it really hilarious and amusing as I went around tapping everyone at the leg. ;D;D;D

The second part was learning about the non confrontational stance. It was really dry but we were having real fun when the instructor told us to pair up and try to keep your partner off balance. My partner was Yee Kay, and it was really interesting when she kept on letting me push her off balance!!

After that, we learnt more about distracting the “enemy”. It was really difficult to learn, since I was not trained to move that way XD but I soon got the hang of it. However, I felt that my reflexes were a bit slow, so when my opponent caught my hand, I waited a little while before reacting. If it was the real thing happening to me, I will definitely work faster in terms of reacting.

The course was overall interesting and really enjoyable. I think we could have learnt more if it was a longer activity (like 2 hours more). I learnt more about self defense and would like to try more of self defense in the future.

- Yun Jin




-Moves left leg back, strikes a defensive pose, takes a deep breathe and begins reflection-

Today, marks the very first day of our long awaited March holidays. We here, at the Anglican High Girl Guides Singapore, kicked started ours by attending a fruitful Self-Defense Course; held by professionals from the organization, Samurai Sports Singapore. We were instructed to gather at the iconic Tower Hall, where the course was to be held. To be honest, this had already gotten off on a bad foot for me. I for one, highly dislike the stench of stale sweat and overheated rubber of the assembly area that is oh-so-familiar to all of us here at AHS. Nonetheless, equipped with our 1.5 bottle of hydrating fluid, we ran head on to our given destination. Our instructor was not a stranger to us, as the Secondary 2 2008 batch had already undergone a Chanbara programme last year during our Physical Education periods which was also lead by him. What struck us the most was not his skill or the agility of his legs, but rather his sense of humour that was hardly reciprocated.

I began the course with a heavily expectant heart, hoping to be armed and equipped with skills similiar to those of Lara Croft, or even Kim Possible. However, our instructor, Dave was not joking when he said he would teach us the very basics of self defense. Indeed, the very basics he taught us. He started off with an engaging warm up, where each of us took our guard with a makeshift sword and 'war' broke out between patrols. All in all, it was an ultimate and unique cardio vescular workout that got our adrenaline rushing though our veins to get the day started. Needless to say, I was terribly letdown when he started by teaching us the proper stance when approached by a stranger. Basics. What, no kicks and chops with names too long even to enunciate accurately? My morale took a significant dip, and the day inched slowly along.

As we went through the dogmas of very basic self defense, I was seriously reluctant. In addition, there was hardly any excitement injected into the program. It consisted of some very basic thrusts and feet movement, just enough to suffice for time to flee to a secure area. No, it was obvious as the course progressed that Dave was not here to empower us with fight skills to inflict severe damage on the opponent. I kissed my dreams of delivering a knockout punch or a knuckle sandwich that resulted in a broken nose goodbye. I slothed along, picking up just enough skills to master in hopes that the instructors that were keeping watch at the side would spare me and not select me as a bad example to showcase to the company. From swift feet movement, to easy hand techniques that would come in handy in times of need, it slowly began to dawn on me that this course's main purpose is not to transform me into Wonder Woman, along with the sexy outfit and Magic Lasso; but experience that will save my skin in uncomfortable situations that are very real.

Finally, we were given the opportunity to practice our new found talents with realistic sandbags and punch gloves that we could exercise our techniques on. Moreover, we were also furnished with vocal commands such as 'Back off!' or 'Go away!' that would not only draw attention to the horrendous situation I was caught in and perhaps garner some help of the public but would also provide some shock to the offender; resulting in time gained to make our escapade. The situation that our instructors gave us was a very realistic one; You are walking home from school one day. Perhaps you woke up on the wrong side of bed today, and you decide to take another route. You deem the walk through the quiet park connector as a peaceful one. But all of a sudden, you feel queasy as the middle-aged man approaches you rapidly. With not a soul in sight, what's a 15 year old girl like yourself to do? This is when our new found skills come in excellent usage.

The black punch board materialized into a middle aged 'cheekopek' in his early 50ties, decked out in a translucent white singlet, faded dirt brown bermudas and blue striped slippers; his balding head glistens with sweat and his thighs consists of jiggling rolls of cellulite, and approaches you. I ran towards the punch bag and threw myself towards it, executing with grace and swiftness(hopefully) the triangle tactic that I was taught, albeit too enthusiastic. As I made my way back to the end of the queue, I thought to myself: Hey, so what if this course doesn't make me eligible to join the Totally Spies? At least I'll know what to do when encountered with a sexual pervert with a mentally unsound mind. After all, I highly doubt I'll ever meet hordes of soldiers hot on my heels that require black belt karate to defeat, in pursuit of a Kingdom of the Lost Skull, or what nots.

Ying Yan

Pamela here. I would like to applaud and thank yingyan for the effort and the lovely post she wrote for ahsgg.bs.com. In addition, I would like to thank Charlene and Maggie for the same reasons. I hope that everyone would learn from them, be prompt in the submission of the post and put in effort in your reflections just like they have done. Thank you and i appreciate everyone who contributed to this blog in some ways or another. For more pictures of the activity we carried out please click here!
cheers,
logistics!

I went to the campfire hosted by Anglo Chinese School ( Independent ) and it was very fun. It was also a bit scary as there were zombies lurking around which almost scared me to death... I was almost deafened by the screaming and shouting too. But the seniors were very pretty. :D And they put up a great performance although i didnt know why they never won... As it was raining, we went indoors and could not go outdoors. D: The girl beside me kept on screaming and when i opened my mouth to scream, all that came out was a squeak. Maybe i haven't screamed for too long already.. T.T On the whole, the campfire was very interesting and fun. :D I hope that i can go there again~ :]

-Vivian

The campfire was quite fun though there was no fire at all. The concert peformance was quite ok although some parts were quite boring. I thought the seniors(sec 4)danced really really well although they did not win. I thought that they were the best as they were quite synchronized in their dance movements. Back on the bus the seniors were quite sad as it was their last campfire. The sec 4 will be leaving soon and that's so sad. The sec 4s rock! They are the best sec4s we ever had and will always be.

-Hui Ling

ACSI's campfire was really fun! Although it was not like what i expected with a fire in the middle,it was really fun. Especially when before we entered the hall, we are suppose to walk through the the stairs where they say that the people inside were infected by an epidemic and turned into zombies. We had lots of fun although it was scary and we screamed all the way through. There was lots of games and activities and all schools were really enthusiastic! The dance performed by the secondary fours from Anglican High was great! Although they did not win, all of us agreed it was the best ! In the bus the secondary fours sang to all songs enthusiastically we could tell they would miss campfires after they leave guides. Overall, this was the best campfire ever but i know in future in guides i would enjoy more fun campfires.

-Jeanne

Yesterday was my first campfire, so I was quite excited but on the other hand scared as I was the ONLY sec 2!! Because of the rain earlier on, the campfire was held indoors and I was rather disappointed. Before we entered the hall, we had to pass a long passageway where there were some students dressed as zombies to scare us. Ying jia and some other sec 1 was screaming. After passing the terrifying passageway, we reached the hall. The first performance was a song performance which was quite interesting. Next up was a skit. I think the skit was rather boring because I couldn’t really hear what were they talking about(the audience was VERY noisy). The next item was games; the rule is to make the opponents laugh. This part was boring as well because what they said was only, “ I love you”, if it was me on stage, I would surely say my 秦始皇joke.

Next up was a dance performance put out by some of our seniors!!!! Deborah ma’am is SO pretty!!!!!! I was shouting like nuts, the dance is seriously out of this world. Then it was a continuation of the previous skit (I still can’t figure it out what is the actor saying). The next item was game called, “don’t forget the lyrics”. I thought it was going to be fun but was boring as well because the songs were all so unfamiliar to me.

That the end for the campfire, overall I think the whole campfire was quite boring, we don’t even get to sing campfire song and we didn’t won the dance competition. I expect the campfire to be outdoors next year.

-Ru Xin

Warning: heavy post!

The campfire we experienced at ACSI was a wholenew experience for me because it was the first time we had a campfire without FIRE or candles. However, i believe that every campfire is unique in its own way and the scout/guides that organised them had to put in tremendous amount of effort to make it happen. As a result, i would like to thank every single school that invited us to their campfire.

I have always enjoyed campfires especcially when i was a junior. Being a senior gives me new responsibilities and i have to make sure that our guides are always safe and IN-ONE-PIECE especcially in campfires and the frequent stampedes during the thousand-legged-worm cheer. However, now that it is the last campfire for our batch, i'm starting to feel that all the worrying for juniors is worth it as long as i get to get my buttock on the campfire bench:)

At ACSI, Ahsgg did our first performance at campfires (the batch before us did perform at campfires before but since 2008, this was the first time ahs gg put up a performance). Although it was our first time, it marked a beautiful end to our last campfire.

Our dancers(Deborah, Jasmine, Yijing, Evangelin, Venus and myself) had numerous practise sessions frequently weeks before the campfire and i would like to thank Venus especcially for cheorographing our dance and spending so much time on it:D I would also like to thank the other dancers who stayed back for practises although many a times we were very busy.

On the day of the campfire, dancers came to school early to rehearse our dance. We rehearsed outside grotto and it was raining cats and dogs. Subsequently, we changed into our uniform and waited for the bus to arrive.

13 sec4s, 6sec1s and 1sec2 attended this campfire and of course the ahs falcon scout sent about 10 scouts for this campfire. We shared the bus and reached ACSI shortly. At ACSI, we waited near the gateway while the ACSI Scouts and Ventures did some preparation for the indoor campfire. Due to the heavy rain, the campfire had to be held indoors. Dancers went to one of the classrooms to change and get ready for the performance.

We met the other guides at the auditorium after changing and waited for everyone to be seated. Next, we watched numerous performances that were planned really well and interesting. However, i believe that the microphones werent very clear and most of the skids couldn't be heard clearly. Overall, i feel that the whole ACpedemic theme was awesome and every performance put up (be it the chij toapayoh dancers, hwachong bboys, acsi ventures, acsi scouts or ahsgg) were awesome because it played a part in making our last campfire what it was. Kudos to everyone present at the campfire!

Dancers were backstage awaiting for our turn to perform while we played around with starwars mask, and talked our time away. (by the way, the scout who ate the monkey tied the monkey on his neck while he was backstage. HAHA) Lights dimmed and we went into positions and started our dancing. Mr-monkey-eater poured some red juice on the ground previously in the skid and some of our dancers had to step on the juice. However despite the lack of space and nervousness, i believe that all 6 of us did an awesome job!:D

We enjoyed refreshments and headed back to AHS.

On the bus, sec4s sang our hearts out. Campfire songs. It was the last time we get to sing it that loudly! However, i believe that we would remember these songs and remember all the happy times we spent at campfires. It was a non-stop campfire song karaoke session on the bus and I gave it all out to singing them. Thank you sec4s who did likewise and made a beautiful mark to our last campfire while we sang Canadian Vesper one last time.

Thanks everyone for making my last campfire such a memorable one. Thanks Ms Ng for giving the dancers support and helping me with the booking of bus. Thanks sec4s, we've really made poor bus-driver-uncle deaf on our way to ahs! Thanks jrs for being so cooperative. Thanks scouts for not giving me any major trouble this time:D

-Pamela


Hello (:
Today’s activity was planned by the secondary threes of both Flowerpecker Patrol and Ixora patrol. Needless to say, all of us were looking forward to seeing how it would turn out, this being the first activity we were ever in-charge of. We did not do much in today’s activity, only having to play station games for the most part, with several changing parades in-between.
Everyone was in time for the changing parades today, waited for one another and took time, so all was good.

Since it was drizzling today, we had to undertake the wet weather station games plan instead. There were four station games in total: ‘Kim’s Game’, ‘Honey if you love me’, ‘Can you hear me?’ and ‘Save the Citizens!’ with rather amusing (or blatantly obvious) clues given at each station that leads to the next.
Vivien and I were the station masters for ‘Honey if you love me’ and thus we were not really aware of how the other stations were doing, but feedback from the station masters did give us a vague impression, in which would be elucidated on later.

‘Honey if you love me’ was a rather short and simple game (we really did overestimate its duration) and despite the fact that sometimes it gets a little dull, it did bring about some laughter and smiles (which was the main point), and we did witness many potential actresses in action, which was amusing to no end. It was also really gratifying to see patrol-spirit as well as combined-patrol-spirit (in which one victorious patrol did want to spare the non-victorious one a humiliating forfeit until we told them the forfeit was worth points), and so, really well done. However, if it was unclear, the purpose of this particular station game was to train your perseverance and to learn how to keep in control of your emotions, two things that will come in handy later on.

Although I wasn’t there, I could infer that ‘Kim’s Game’ was rather fun, as usual, and the station masters of this station was Cherlin and Charlene. Heard their Indian accent was side-splittingly hilarious, wish I was there to see. According to feedback, it was good to hear that the secondary threes were really eager, though the secondary ones and twos could do well to display more keenness, but all in all the station masters did a really good job, and the rest did work well together. Also, this station aims to improve one’s senses, concentration and memory, so I hope that many did benefit from this.

Next was the ‘Can you hear me?’ station, with Ying Yan and Min Li as the two station masters. As all knows, that kind of spells trouble. (Also, heard that their Thai accent was funny beyond belief.) Those two also came up with innovative ideas to add amusement to their station, by making hapless blindfolded guides sing songs and stuff, so here’s a pat on the back. It was also nice to hear that many guides did display enthusiasm, even having lost one’s sight, and this game did fulfil its task of training our alertness and boost our trust with one another, and it’s great that many enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

Finally, it would be the ‘Save the Citizens!’, where the station masters are Priscilla and Rachel, with their renowned Italian accent (which I do not know how it sounds like, so it must be a feat to speak with one). This station also achieved the goal of reinforcing our skills learnt in guides, in this case gadget tying, and the secondary ones did get to understand much more about this important guides skill, and to realise that gadget tying is more than mere knots and poles, but a vital skill that can build structures of novelty and convenience. Many of the patrols also tried hard to come up with interesting ideas to decorate the structures, something commendable.

After the station games, there was the prize giving ceremony, where all the patrols were awarded for all their effort put in, so congratulations to all patrols. (: Also, us secondary threes had two more times changing parade, where we thankfully made it in time.

All in all, I did thoroughly enjoy today’s activity, as well as planning it with all the other O/ICs, and without cooperation from the rest of the secondary 3s and participation from the rest of the guides, it would not have been half as fun as it was today. (:

-Maggie

We had station games today (:

The sequence of the games are according to the order Dove and Hibiscus (combined patrol) played (:

The first game was the one at the church car park. We were blindfolded and had to taste, feel and smell the objects given to us. It was quite fun and interesting as we did not know of what to expect.

The second game was the one behind grotto. We were to tie the gadget poles onto tripod poles in a creative way. Teamwork was required for this game(:
The third game was in 1Perseverance. We were to pair up within our patrols. We were to choose a song and sing it while our partner (blindfolded) makes her way through the obstacle course. It was quite enjoyable.

The last game was in the concourse. We were divided into our individual patrols. We were to make the opponent smile or grin with the lines given. It was hilarious, seeing people trying to hide their smile (:

We had prize-giving ceremony and hibiscus was first (: that’s all (:

-Megan

On 13th March, we played games for guides activity. It was in combined patrol. There are different names called for each station. The first one that my patrol went was to be blind folded and guess the item that we felt or tasted. It was quite fun as the items were remained a mystery to us. The next station was something to do with gadget tying. I think that it is a good way to practice gadget tying that way, in a form of game. Though it is still gadget tying, but the mood that we used to tie the gadgets are different. The third station is in a classroom. One partner was blindfolded while the other partner had to sing a song. It was quite fun as the stations mistresses were super high. The last station was to make the person from the other patrol to smile. Though I played that game quite a number of times, it was different playing with guides.

Overall, I enjoyed myself very much. I feel that the sec 3s planned the activity well. Also, the station mistresses were very well- prepared. They were also very enthusiastic. I feel that there should be more stations. Maybe there should be one on physical training, like running etc. However, I get to know more of the sec 1s from the other patrol better, which is a good thing. I hope there is another combined patrol activity.

-Selina

I think that Friday's activity was rather fun as there was station games. There were four stations in total and they were all really, really fun!!:D At the end of all games, there was a prize presentation and my patrol, hibiscus, had won the first prize! and the prize was a bottle of water...Haha...:D there was also a changing parade and the sec2s and 3s had to change from their guides uniform to their guides tee. They were very fast! Wow, not an easy task!

Anyway, i had a great day in guides and i had no regrets joining guides. I look forward to more games and fun drills!(:

-Jessie

Hello everyone, drills today was great. All the sec1s knew to march and were taught how to form contingents. 5 new commands were introduced and although sec1s haven't perfected them, they showed significant improvement in their initiative and attitude. With that, you girls deserve a big big CLAP:D Keep it up and we believe that you guys will be an awesome batch!

remember how to number youselves from left/right, satu step forward, dua step backwards, satu turn right, dua turn left!:)

-pamela

Activity Overview
Sec1s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1545 - Gadget Tying
1545-1645 - Campfire Songs
1645-1715 - Games
1715-1730 - Fall Out
Sec2s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1545 - Gadget Tying
1545-1645 - Orienteering Theory
1645-1715 - Dialogue Session
1715-1730 - Fall Out
Sec3s:
1330-1345 - Fall In
1345-1415 - Building of Campfire theory
1415-1530 - Physical Training
1530-1715 - Tying of Flagpole
1715-1730 - Fall Out

Firstly, sec ones learnt the basics of gadget tying, like the clove hitch, square lash and frapping
We had to tie two poles together within 3 minutes and untie everything in 30 seconds.
And we kept to the time limit most of the time so we didn't have to do any punishment :)
Then, the ICs taught us how to tie the gadget poles into bundles of 10
We have to create an 'S' shape with the twine first, then tie it all up.

Next, we were taught campfire songs like Linger, Canadian Vesper, etc.
We then had to split into the first four patrols and the last four patrols in order to get that enthu spirit up and awake!!
It was super duper fun!!

Then, since it was still early, we had games like Hunter, Fire, Earthquake, Elope, the $1 coin game, etc.
During the coin game, we were supposed to make the person guessing where the coin was think that we were holding the coin when we didn't.
One forfeit was to write guides with the, ahem, butt.
It was hilarious

So yarhhs, that's all.
-peixuan


heyys =D

Today's Act for Sec1s:
We learned Gadget tying, using the twines we've brought.
Its interesting, as it was my first experience, but yet confusing. It took everyone quite a long time to get the steps right, for the ma'ams and ICs came to us individually and taught us. In the end, we managed to tie the poles together quite well.

After practicing and practicing, we were given a time limit to tie and untie the knot, it was rather challenging, as we need to do it within 3 minutes and 30 seconds respectively.

After the tyings, we were taught to sing the campfire songs. For some of us are going for the campfire at ACS(I) next Saturday, we have to know some of the commonly sung songs.
At the start, everyone was soft. But after singing a few songs, we became more enthusiastic as the first 4 patrols and the last 4 patrols started to compete with each other on who can sing louder. Venus ma'am praised us that we are fast learners :D

Next we went to the concourse for games.
We played 'Splat', 'Fire, Hunter, Earthquake' and coin passing games.
We were quite familiar with the Splat game, as we've played it before.
I was confuse at the 2nd game for i'm not sure what to run for and what to stay. So in the end i was the first to get kicked.
Everyone sang along the coin song enthusiastically as we passed the $1 coin around.

So that was about the end.
I enjoyed myself thoroughly, and i bet every sec 1s does :D

-YingJia


On Friday, 6th March 2009, the sec 2s had gadget-tying. Personally, I found it exceptionally enjoyable. We went to 1 Perseverance and did gadget-tying. We tied the square leash for a total of nine times. The first round, we were asked to tie a 48” pole to a 24” pole. The number of 48” poles that we needed to tie depended on the number of people in that particular patrol. The next eight rounds were all individual.

Unfortunately, we were not on time for the first seven rounds of tying the square leash. We were 17 seconds late for the first round, 19 seconds late for the second round, 4 seconds late for the third and fourth round(as the ma’ams gave us 2min 15sec), 14 seconds late for the fifth, 10 seconds late for the sixth, and 15 seconds late for the seventh round.

Even with that much time, a few of us could not complete the knot in the given time.

Finally, at the eighth round, we finally managed to complete in 2mins. I was elated, but then realised that there were still two people who did not finish it in time due to some reasons. At the last round, the ninth round, the ma’ams gave us as much time as we needed to tie the square leash, and it needed to be standard.

Overall, I think that Friday’s gadget-tying was not very good, but we might have improved a little, and that we could improve a lot more.

After gadget-tying, we proceeded to 1 Holiness to learn more about orienteering. We revised on how to find true north, the parts of a compass, grid reference, and learned about bearings.

I felt that the revision on orienteering cleared many of our doubts on the parts of the compass and mostly bearings.

After we had completed revising on orienteering, we had dialogue session.

Overall, I felt that Friday’s activity was very good as we managed to learn more about orienteering and improved a little in gadget-tying.

- Angelina Fong


We falled-in at 1.30pm with anxiety over what today’s activity was going to be about. Many Secondary 3 Guides were late as their teachers had held them back. We then went behind Grotto to learn how to set up a campfire. It was rather interesting as many things were new to us and we didn’t actually know what happened behind closed doors like the soaking of firewood in kerosene and bundling the cobhouse together with a metal wire. It was a new experience for us.

Then, it was Physical Training but not the normal sets we always do. We had to run 20 Suicides which was an incredible feat for most of us as our staminas had decreased greatly. Nevertheless, we all completed the 20 Suicides. Each of us picked a spouse/wooden pole. Our first thought was that we were going to build a mini structure. However, we had to do Physical Training with it. The pole was quite heavy and was about our heights. We were told to hold the log above our heads while every guide ran 2 rounds. It was very tiring as we were already out of breath by the time we finished the 2 rounds. Most of us didn’t do the standard way and it was quite demoralizing.
After putting back the poles, we proceeded to do a flagpole. Choosing of the poles was moderate and we gained more experience in choosing the appropriate poles for the various roles in the flagpole. Halfway through the time limit given which was 20minutes, the 1st 4 patrols group realized that we were short of a lashing. Therefore, we had to bring the whole structure down and redo the lashings on the erecting pole. In the end, we took 40 minutes which was twice the time limit given while the 2nd 4 patrols took 22minutes. We felt very guilty for increasing the punishment. We could have done much better if we did not do things sloppily and slowly. 60 Jumping Jacks was then carried out as a punishment. Secondary 3 Guides then falled-in with the rest of the company and was dismissed.
Overall, I feel that our batch could have done better in today’s activity and we did not put in our utmost best.

-Cherlin





Sec1s drills were average. Sadly, there was a slight drop in your performance. We feel that sec1s could be more proactive and take more initiative in counting your mistakes and stepping out to do the punishments accordingly without waiting for us to prompt. Secondly, we also feel that there is a constant problem about not locking your arms and fidgeting during drills. We hope that after the session, everyone can learn from the mistakes and do better in the next session.

Putting the negative aspects aside, we also feel that it was impressive that the sec1s that learnt how to march did very well in marching. Marching in a contingent was also impressive and the overall performance during marching was awesome for a first-timer. We hope that everyone can keep up the good work and constantly improve! Keep going sec1s! You can do it:D

Darikiri chepat jalannn!!! (opps, i dont know how to spell it=x)

Reminder: Selected people for ASCI campfire, PLEASE remember to fill up your consent forms and hand it in to Pamela on Friday

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We work together in one company as sister guides, towards greater heights. Giving up is never an option and we will persevere to the end! We cover an amazing array of outdoor skills, such as outdoor cooking, tent pitching, camping, campfire, gadget tying, drills, physical training, kayaking, abseiling, rock-climbing and many more!
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