Orienteering and Racial Harmony Day on 20 July 2024

By Deputy Senior Sixer Ang Yi Chen

I woke up at 7:15 a.m. and got myself ready for Scouts. I had to reach the meeting point by 8:30 a.m. to attend the Akela candidates' briefing. After that, I signed off my badges and helped carry the flagpole. Zac, the Senior Sixer, then gave the command for us to gather in a horseshoe formation. After that, we lined up in an Indian file and took attendance. Last week, Ikki mentioned the importance of being on time and said there would be a penalty for those who were late. So today, those who were late had to lead us in singing and dancing to a song.

For the orienteering theory lesson this week, we were split into three groups.

The Year 1 cubs had a track and trail sign refresher. They also learned about compass parts and map parts.

The Year 2 cubs learned how to estimate distances on a map using a scale and how to read coordinates.

The Year 3 cubs had a revision on how to estimate distances on a map and read coordinates. They also learned an interesting way to find north.

I was in the Year 3 group. We were given a map with a start point and an endpoint. We were then told to find the distance and engage in other fun orienteering activities. We were brought to the pond to learn how to find north in the wilderness if our compass stopped working. We only used sticks, rocks, and sunlight. We took lots of notes to ensure that we do not forget how to use this method.

After that, we lined up in an Indian file and were briefed to break up into our six corners and make a Racial Harmony Day poster. The Senior Sixers also made a poster! After that, we got ready for the sunset party as the Senior Sixer gave the command to line up in a horseshoe formation and ended the Scouts meeting for the cubs. The Sixers stayed back and reflected on the day, discussing what we did well and what we could improve on. It was a very fun day!