Patrol Camp 2014

This camp has improved many aspects of our troop in terms of our discipline and the bonds within the troop. We spent almost all our time in camp together and has indeed strengthened the bonds within our patrol. Discipline in terms of the troop's punctuality has improved after the camp. Waking up at 3am for an emergency drill was an example. 

On the first day of our camp, we travelled to East Coast Park and cycled around the area, while stopping at times to spend some time and appreciate the scenery around us. We had to rent bicycles from ECP and some of us were not familiar with their bikes. Evan was not familiar with the rented bicycles and fell off the bicycle minutes after we started cycling. Even though his wounds were not severe, he still suffered small cuts and bruises. I immediately went to get antiseptic wipes and plasters to clean the wound so that it does not get infected. Also on the first day, we had cooking sessions with our patrols. I learnt that day how to always stick as a patrol and never leave anyone behind. 

On the second day, we started the day off roughly with having an emergency drill at 3am. However, some of us were not punctual and the whole troop had to be punished. We had morning PT, breakfast and carried on with our first patrol activity: Pioneering. Our patrol made several camp gadgets to use at our campsite such as a shoe rack and a clothes line. After this activity we had a break where we played frisbee within our patrol. We had lunch and went to lan with my patrol. We had a great time there as it gave us time to de-stress from all our stress-filled life. We headed back to school to have our dinner and then a campfire. The campfire was really interesting where we had the chance to listen to stories unlike other campfires where it is always the same programme. For our patrol's skit, we did a skit on unity as a patrol and that we should never leave anyone member behind no matter what

Next up was our inter-patrol activities where we had to pull up a troop member to the link bridge between the SA secondary school to the junior college. Using a Fireman's Chair, troop members had to carry another troop member from the top of the bridge by pulling them up. This required a huge amount of courage and an even greater sense of trust towards the other troop members. At the end of the activity, there were no casualties and injuries even though this activity was really dangerous. This showed how successful we worked as a team and the trust towards each other. I felt that this activity was the most significant activity in the camp. However, i feel that the communication between the scouts on top of the bridge and the bottom of the bridge was bad. I feel that this has to be improved individually and within the troop. 

Value I learnt: United we stand, divided we fall

15/2/14 TM

          Going all the way back to 15/2/14, it was just another ordinary exciting Troop Meeting, except that the sec4s,except Sean, went for VLC so the Sec 3s had to be in charge. It was indeed a challenge for us as it was our first time 'organizing' the TM on our own. Just like any other TM, we learnt quite a number of things.
          First of all: Foot drills. Foot drills are always planned as the first activity to make us be alert and attentive and i guess it worked out. Tiring as it is, the troop persevered and completed the static and foot drills. But then, we were given instructions to test out our commanding skills, each of us having a chance to command a troop of around 18 people. Some people had trouble doing so but with the help of Yuan Zheng and Alastair, they managed to do so. Along the way, there were some funny moments where some of us could not pronounce the commands properly.
          Then came the team bonding activity. The troop was split into 2 groups, namely Alpha and Bravo. Both teams had to construct camp gadgets using the given ropes and dodge sticks in 30min. Being in Alpha, i sort of 'managed' my team but as usual there will always be slackers and did not want to help out. I actually had an idea to weave a tripod in the middle to act as a table but after trying, it simply didnt work out. Time was running out and i just decided we do a simple quadrapod with bracers to act as a shoe rack and a dustbin alongside. we worked together as a team and finally did it. Looking at the other team's structure, it looked more professional than ours but it was not stable and kept falling. As it was not counted to be suitable as a camp gadget, Team Alpha won! yay.

Most important thing i learnt: Teamwork and Leadership
   

Yay, I just got my own scouts blog to write down my experiences in SA Scouts