Sixers Training Camp 3rd to 5th July 2010

Day 1 3rd July 2010

Senior Sixer : Hoo Jinh Wann
Asst. Senior Sixer: Brenda Wang
Elephant Sixer : Travis Lim
Giraffe Sixer : Teng Xuan Ming
Hippo Sixer : Aloysius Phang

By 0730 hours, all Cubs who had been chosen to attend our annual Sixers Training Camp had assembled in their 3 groups, Elephant, Giraffe and Hippo. Akela gave a short briefing for the camp, and collected camp fees. There were a small handful who had forgotten to bring the fees, while a few parents promised to make payment at the campfire tomorrow.

With 5 service Scouts helping out, all the equipment was loaded promptly onto the waiting bus, and the Cubs boarded the bus for the 20 minute journey to Terror Sea Scout Camp at Sembawang. This will be home to our aspiring new leaders for the next 3 days.

Assisting us were 6 Scouts from the 23rd Eagle Scout Group. Their leader, Mr Jacob Lam was on hand to see his boys off.

The sky was overcast as we alighted and assembled at the parade square. Baloo stressed that this was a training camp, and Cubs were to expect to work hard, and play hard. Akela reminded Cubs on Camp Rules to ensure their safety and well-being.

Cubs assembling at the parade square

Listening to instruction on camp safety

Still listening to instructions

And still listening to instructions

Akela reminding Cubs on safety rules

Equipment for the camp

Without much time to waste, Eagle Scouts helped the Cubs to set up their A-tents, while the girls were given dome-tents to pitch. We discovered to our shock that 2 out of the 3 dome-tents were damaged, while 1 A-Tent was missing. We made the quick decision to buy new dome-tents for the girls, while the boys would have to be reassigned to acco9modate everyone.

Cubs went about their tent-pitching and had them up very quickly. Well done, Cubs.

Home Sweet Home

Baloo facilitated discussion on qualities of a Sixer, based on the word S-I-X-E-R. There were many interesting suggestions as to the qualities, and Cubs soon learned the following:

S- for skills required to be a Sixer

I - for taking and giving instructions

X- for leading by example

E - for encourage

R - for responsibility

After a short tea break, Bagheera took the Cubs on a lesson on knots and lashings, and tent gadget building., with Eagle Scouts assisting.

Raksha busied herself in the kitchen, assisted by Louis, Chien Kai, Eileen, Adrian and Paul. Our service Scouts were also on hand to assist. Cheng Nee, mother of ex-Pelican Franklin Chen and Pelican Cub Kelly Chen, who has been helping out regularly at our Training Camps, also helped out in the kitchen.

Bagheera taught Cubs to tie reef knot and clove hitch. Cubs were also taught square lashing. Once proficient, the 3 Six played a game on knots and lashings. Giraffe won the challenge. Well done!


Bagheera showing Cubs knots and lashings


Trying their hands at square lashing


Now, what do I do with this stick?

Almost done!

Let the Eagle Scout tie the lashing for us, heh heh heh

Hurry, we're gonna win this!

Lunch was hot dogs, french fries and cold slaw. While carrying her food back to the table, Georgia tripped and bruised her knee. She would receive treatment after lunch as it was a very minor injury.

Lunchtime

Washing up after lunch

More washing up after lunch

And more washing up after lunch

Cubs then learnt how to lead in song, with Baloo giving tips and teaching Cubs the finer points. Cubs were made to practise leading songs to develop their skills, and assist Baloo during the campfire.

Baloo teaching Cubs the finer points in song-leading

Cubs learning how to lead

Fire lighting and flag ceremony followed. Akela taught Cubs the flag break ceremony while Grey Wolf demonstrated lighting a fire. As it had been raining the past few days, it was difficult to get dry twigs and wood, and get the fire started. However, with perseverance, Grey Wolf managed to light up the fire to the strains of "Çampfire's Burning".

After a refreshing tea break, Cubs embarked on a 10 km Akela hike, with Paul Lin and the other leaders keeping a watchful eye.

The 10 km hike

Time to soak aching feet in the hot spring water

Leaders "le pak" at the hot springs

It started to rain mid-way through the hike, while Cubs were enjoying themselves at the hot springs. Everyone put on their rain coats and ponchos and headed back to camp.

Arriving at camp after almost 3 hours, most were drenched despite their rain coats and ponchos. They were summarily sent off to take a shower earlier than the usual night time shower.

Dinner was served at 2000 hours, consisting of pan-fried sole fillet, rice and a creamy carrot sauce. Yums! Everyone enjoyed the sumptuous dinner, with many going for seconds.

Food, glorious food

After dinner, it was time for Cubs to reflect on and share their experiences during the hike. It was a good learning experience for everyone to realise their own strengths and shortcomings.

It was also revealed that a Cub had bumped into the tent pole, bending it and causing the tent to semi-collapse. Baloo and Bagheera had made urgent repairs to prop up the tent. However, this same Cub bumped into the tent pole again, this time causing it to break! Eagle Scouts were kept busy making repairs despite the rain so that the tent could still provide shelter for the night.

We had a pleasant surprise when 3 District Commissioners, Miss Peh of Bukit Timah, Mr Jacob Lam of Clementi and Mr Eugene Sim of Jurong dropped by for a visit. They had been at a meeting at Scout HQ. It was really nice of them to visit us at such a remote location.

Sixers' Council was next before lights out at 2300 hours.

Good Night!!!!