Sunday, August 2, 2009

Scout Outing 1st August 2009

This blog was written by Akela, and posted by Baloo.

UP movie at GV Plaza Singapura, 1st August 2009.

The day finally arrived, after a long, long wait! Yes, the much anticipated movie, UP is finally here after the cubs were introduced to it in May. The movie stars Russell, a cub exactly like anyone of our typical cub, who goes with Mr Frederickson, a 78 year old man to South America in a house carried through the air by thousands of balloons.

There was a last minute scramble for tickets this morning and last night, with some cubs falling sick and unable to join, and several desperate cubs forgetting to order tickets and wanting to watch the movie. All this was sorted out, and we happily started off in 3 buses to GV Plaza Singapura at 9.15 am.

On reaching the venue, the cubs queued up impatiently to buy popcorn, nachos and soft drinks – what’s a movie without these to go along with? Finally, after many commercials, the movie started. It was really great to have the cinema hall all to ourselves – the kids laughed loudly, cheered without restraint, and gasped audibly when Russell nearly fell off a few times. Russell had a great adventure – and all the elements for were there – fun, suspense, spills and thrills, and even basic scouting values like helping elder people, caring for friends and courage under difficulties.

The cubs, and their parents and siblings enjoyed the movie thoroughly, and we returned to school at about 12.15 pm. It was a different scout activity this Saturday, but the cubs had a wonderful time, and I am sure they will relive the adventures of Russell, Mr Frederickson and Kevin over and over again.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Scout Meeting 25th July 2009

It's been a long break from our last meeting before the June holidays. Unfortunately,the world saw the discovery and spread of a new flu virus, the H1N1 virus. Many people around the world were infected, with several deaths. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health took measures to firstly, prevent the import of the virus onto our shores. When community spread started, the country geared to mitigate the spread. Some schools cancelled classes due to cluster infection, while most cancelled non-essential activities. Hence, all CCAs were cancelled.

We had planned for our Sixer's Training Camp to be held the first week of July. It was cancelled due to the uncertainty of activities due to the H1N1. We were thus, unable to appoint new leaders within our Pelican Cub unit, usually held on the last meeting of July, and the handover ceremony.

Today's meeting started with the ceremonial colour party, taken by Carine.

Cubs had to take their temperature to ensure none was down with fever, a measure to prevent the inadvertent spread of the H1N1 virus.

It was time to award progress arrows and proficiency badges to Cubs who had earned them. Due to the long absence of our weekly meetings, there were many badges to be awarded.

PROFICIENCY BADGE


1. Athlete Gold
Marcus Tong, Brendon Yeap, Benjamin Cheow, Darryl Chin, Ling Jin Yang, Lucius Loke, Julian Tan, Bryan Wai, Justin Soh, Leonard Lau, Matthias Tan, Foo Yiwen, Carine Lim, Ann-Maria Lee, Jocelyn Tan, Mireille Lee, Cheow Sue-Jane, Brandon Khaw, Ian Khoo, Moses Tan,Shaun Teo, Leong Yun Zhang, Tymothy Yu, Timothy Liu, Chan Shawn Kit

2. Athlete Silver
Brandon Yeap

3. First Aider
Foo Yiwen, Carine Lim, Ann-Maria Lee, Brandon Yeap, Samuel Chin, Shaun Teo,
Bryan Wang

4. Collector
Dylan Goh, Brandon Yeap

5. Entertainer
Shaun Teo, Foo Yiwen, Ann-Maria Lee

6. Linguist
Brandon Yeap, Bryan Wang, Brenda Wang

7. Writer
Foo Yiwen, Ann-Maria Lee, Brenda Wang

8. Artist
Shauna Teo, Ann-Maria Lee, Foo Yiwen


9. Cyclist
Bryan Wang, Shaun Teo

10. Swimmer Bronze
Ryan Ng

11. Swimmer Silver
Brandon Yeap

12. Hobbies
Bran Wang

13. Communicator
Carine Lim

PROGRESS ARROW

Gold - Foo Yiwen, Ann Maria Lee

Silver - Marcus Choo


Wow! So many badges and recipients! Well done, Cubs! Brandon Yeap received the most number of badges today. What an achievement.


Screening of the much-awaited UP movie had been delayed till September, but Akela managed to arrange for a preview screening next week, 1st August at GV Plaza Singapura for Pelican Cubs. As a prelude, Cubs were treated to movie trailers in the AVA room.





















This was followed by a mask-making activity, after which, Cubs had to mime a skit.

Creative juices flowing, interesting masks began to take shape. The girls, aka Martha Stewart wannabes, had the most creative and colourful masks.



































The meeting ended with the flag break ceremony, the Sunset Party. There was no Sixer's Council today.

Next week, we meet at 0845hrs for the movie, "UP", screening at GV Plaza Singapura. The whole theatre hall of 116 has been booked for Pelican Scouts!

Monday, June 1, 2009

First Aid Proficiency Bagde

30th May 2009


This blog was written by Akela


This Saturday was devoted entirely to the 8 cubs pursuing the Akela Award, to help them complete all the requirements, except for the final test – the interview at HQ. Generally the outstanding requirement was the First Aider badge.

The 8 candidates are:

Foo Yi Wen

Ann Maria Lee

Carine Lee

Bryan Wang

Shaun Teo

Brandon Yeap

Marcus Tong

Samuel Chin

The toughest part of the First Aider badge is CPR (or cardiopulmonary resuscitation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation). The candidates are required to have a knowledge of CPR and demonstrate it by use of a mannequin. Getting the mannequin proved to be a big challenge, but Grey Wolf was extremely resourceful, and managed to borrow one for our use. However as we could only have the mannequin for 3 hours, we had to start the training and testing immediately after the group met. Grey Wolf and Akela demonstrated the CPR method, and the cubs took turns to practice. The girls initially balked at having to blow air into the mannequin’s mouth, but all turned out well. It was hard work, firstly to remember the steps, and secondly to do the blowing and the compressions, but it was well worth it, as this is a valuable lifesaving skill. The cubs, being what they are, managed to create some fun and laughter in between the serious efforts they put in.

The cubs also packed a first aid kit, showed how to control bleeding by direct pressure, dressed minor cuts, among many other things they had to do in order to pass the test. Dr Foo Fatt Kah, a scout parent, was present to test the candidates. To everyone’s relief and joy, all passed! And everyone present is now the proud holder of the First Aider Badge.

Akela then briefed the candidates on the requirements of the personal scout log, emphasising that the HQ Assessor would be looking for reflections of their scouting experience rather than mere narration of the scout activities attended by the cubs. The candidates promised to put in their best, and will submit the logs to Akela before the end of the June holidays.

It was time well-spent by the 8 cubs, and here’s wishing them the best in their pursuit of the Akela Award.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

23rd May 2009



THE AMAZING XXX TRAIL

The 4th Amazing Trail is here, with more than 200 participants eagerly waiting to set off on a journey of fun and discovery.

BRIEFING OF FACILITATORS

As early as 0745hrs, some 30 facilitators gathered in the AVA room for a pre-trail briefing by Akela and Bertrand. The theme for this year's trail was finally revealed: The Amazing Sculpture Trail.
Teams had to travel by public transport to locations as described in the clues given and locate sculptures to earn points. Once there, teams had optional tasks to earn bonus points. The team with the highest points wins. All teams had to be back in school by 1700hrs. Late arrivals would incur penalties.


BRIEFING BY AKELA


BRIEFING BY AKELA

BRIEFING BY AKELA

At 0900 hrs, a general briefing was given by Akela to all participants who had gathered in the school hall. Akela outlined the objectives of the trail, and defined markers for all to observe. Parents were reminded to play a passive role and allow the Cubs to make all the decisions. Parents were to ensure the safety of the Cubs and provide necessary support. Amazing Trail T-shirts were distributed, along with some snacks and a botltle of Newater to all participants.


PLANNING STRATEGIES BEFORE DEPARTING

PLANNING STRATEGIES BEFORE DEPARTING


PLANNING STRATEGIES BEFORE DEPARTING


PLANNING STRATEGIES BEFORE DEPARTING


BAGHEERA & BALOO

Once the intial planning was completed, the teams set out on their journey of fun and discovery.
Teams started departing from 1000 hrs, with the last team leaving at 1020 hrs.


TEAMS BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL

TEAMS BEFORE DEPARING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL
TEAMS BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL

TEAMS BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL

TEAMS BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL
TEAMS BEFORE DEPARTING ON THEIR AMAZING TRAIL
THE LAST TEAM TO DEPART

While teams were out hunting down clues, Raksha and her team of dedicated helpers busied themselves with seating arrangements and decorations. Tables and chairs had to be arranged, balloons had to be sculptured and decorative facades put up. Gifts and souvenirs had to be arranged for ease of distribution later in the evening during the grand gala dinner. The programme had to be rehearsed and fine-tuned by Louis and Bertrand, the two MCs for the evening's programme. Our ex-Cub Scout, Timothy (BIG-T) turned up to lend a helping hand. Thank you, Tim.

In the meantime, Cubs were hunting down sculptures following the clues provided. Once there, tasks had to be performed. At the Registry Of Marriages, Cubs had to 'propose' to a member of the public, while at other locations, Cubs had to persuade members of the public to recite the Scout Promise! One task involved getting 15 members of the public to take a snapshot together with the team.

Most teams returned before the deadline of 1700 hrs. Two teams were a little behind, by 8 minutes each, and suffered a penalty of 8% off their accumulated points. The winning team, Team G, had a score in excess of 3000 points.

The following anecdotes was submitted by Paul Lin (facilitator).
1. It was around a quarter past noon. Group D was at the Dalhousie Obelisk. While the more senior cubs are taking down notes from the plaque to answer the mandatory questions and most of the others are taking a break, someone asked, "when's lunch?" "one hour later," replied one of the cubs. "ONE HOUR LATER?" exclaimed a little girl cub, with hands to her face in disbelief.

2. At the Registry of Marriages, there was a mandatory task which requires a cub to propose to a passer-by. There was no one around, except for the security guard. However, the girl cubs were too shy to propose. Just then, there was a lady coming in our direction and one of the boy cubs hurried over and did the proposal. The task was completed and she was literally married to one of the members in our group. She is the mother of one of our cubs and was coming to join us for the rest of the trail.

Another anecdote submitted by Bagheera (facilitator).
The most memorable and daring act was by a young Indian little girl cub from Group E. She knelt down to propose to an adult at the MOM without any hesitation in order to gain the 100 points.


2ND RUNNER UP


1ST RUNNER UP


TRAIL CHAMPIONS


The evening's programme was graced by the presence of the Deputy Chief Commissioner, Mr. Tan Cheng Kiong, and several Commissioners from the SSA. With a rousing 'Adiji' yell to welcome our honoured guests, the programme went into full swing with Bertrand and Louise directing. Akela welcomed all guests, and appreciated that some had taken the day off from work to spend time bonding with their children in this Amazing Sculpture Trail. Dty. Chief Commissioner Mr. Tan shared his excitement to be part of this Amazing Trail. He also talked about the 100 years of Scouting in Singapore next year, and the Singapore Jamboree as part of the centenniel celebrations. Although Jamborees are mainly for secondary school Scouts and beyond, he hoped to open participation to older Cubs Scouts to experience a Jamboree. He noted that Singapore held a Jamboree once in every 10 years, and this would be a great opportunity for Cub Scouts to join in.


DEPUTY CHIEF COMMISSIONER, MR TAN CHENG KIONG THROWING THE YARN



Mr. Tan was invited to 'throw the yarn', a long-standing Scout tradition. With other guests joining in, everyone was joined in a web of friendship.


JOINED BY A WEB OF BROTHEROOD AND FRIENDSHIP

JOINED BY A WEB OF BROTHERHOOD AND FRIENDSHIP

Dinner was a buffet spread of fried rice, vermicelli, sauted chicken, mixed vegetables and 'otak', with cakes and 'luohan kuo' for dessert. While everyone was enjoying the scrumptious food, a slide show highlighting the day's events was shown.

Games time is always a hit among the children. Seeing that the Cubs were getting restless, Baloo started a table game. 15 theme songs of hit movies and TV serials was played, and each table had to guess the title of the movie. There were 15 theme songs, ranging from the well known ones like Star Wars to lesser known shows like An American Tale and The Apprentice. Once all 15 theme songs were played, Baloo was inundated by Cubs rushing to the stage to submit their answer sheets. As it turned out 3 tables had the same number of correct answers, and a tie-breaker of 5 songs was played. Table 16 was the eventual winners.

Principle of Henry Park, Mr. Ng Teng Joo gave away plaques to the top Job Week earners.

Bertrand and Louise had 5 parents up on stage together with 5 Cubs for the next challenge: Marshmallow -in-mouth. Each contestant had to hold marshmallows in their mouth and say the word "Tabby Chubby". With more marshmallows in the mouth, it was increasingly difficult to make sense of what was being said. It was hilarious.

The Batucada dancers put up a fantastic performance by dancing and drumming on pails in time to the beat. Led by YiWen and Bryan Wang, they put on a great show of precision and synchronisation. Well done, dancers!

Next, Baloo invited 5 parents and 5 Cubs on stage to participate in a dance. As it turned out, more than 20 Cubs scrambled on stage, but NO parents. Despite calls for volunteers, no parents were willing to come forward. It was then left to the Cubs to "coerce" their parents to volunteer, and we finally had 5 sporting parents to participate. Baloo first showed them the steps and led them in a dance to the tune of Jai Ho, from the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire.

The audience were the judges, and we managed to trim the numbers down to 4 Cubs and 3 parents, and were treated to a gift each for their sporting nature, and great moves! A Cub Scout from ACS Barker was the crowd favourite with some very vigorous moves! Well done, dancers.

Dty Chief Commissioner Mr. Tan gave away trophies to the Trail winners.
Akela gave out souvenirs to all our VIPs and all those who had helped out in the Amazing Trail. Akela was thankful for all those who ahd come forward to help in one way or another.

It was time for the final hymn, the Scout Hymn, led by Baloo, to the music accompaniment of Bernette Koh, daughter of Akela and Raksha.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

16th May 2009


16th May 2009

This post was written by Akela.

Midyear exams are over, and it’s back to scouting! The Batucada performers continued with their practice, staring at 8 am and did not finish till 10 am, as they had been doing for the last 5 weeks. This is in preparation for their performance during the Amazing Trail Dinner.

While waiting for the performers’ return, Akela played a game. The pack was divided into 4 groups (A, B, C, D), with each member numbered from 1 till the last member. Each team was formed in front of the side of a square. In the middle of this big square was a small square, and in front of each team was a small square each. 7 coins were placed in the centre square, When Akela called out the number, a member from each team having that number would rush out and take one coin and place it onto his own team’s square. He/she then rushed back to the centre square and tried to take the second coin and placed it onto his/own square. He/she then rushed and took the third coin from a neighbouring team. Teams could steal coins from the others’ squares. Team C was very quick, and raced again with 4 points with the other 3 teams having zero points. The other teams then realized their strategy, and started to target and steal coins from Team C, with the result that the other teams started to catch up. But it was too late! By the time, the game, ended, Team C was the champion, with 9 points, followed by Teams A & B with 6 points, and team D with 4 points. It was really fun!

When everyone had cooled down, Akela sent the Sixers to lay 2 trails while he taught the new scouts about signs used in laying a trail. For the older scouts, this was just a revision, as most of them had passed this test. The new cubs were very curious, and they had an interesting time following the trail, guided by the senior cubs.

This week, Wallaby came in first for their scout log, followed by Echidna. Kookaburra and Kangaroo were joint 3rd. Bilby, Platypus and Wombat 1 did not submit their scout logs, and were given 50 demerit points. Tsk, tsk, tsk. A very poor showing!

All too soon, it was time for sunset party! Next week will be the Amazing Trail, and everyone is looking forward to it.

During the Sixers Council, Akeal briefed the 6 Sixers who were pursuing the Akela Award on the requirements of the personal log.