Henry Park Pelican (Cub) Scout

Written by: Jesicca Koong, Sixer & Scribe Leader “Mic test! Mic test! ” It was the Akela Award ceremony and I was the emcee, together with Zi Kiat. On one hand I was extremely nervous because I was afraid that I would make a mistake! On the other, I was extremely happy to have earned the coveted Akela Award. I was over the moon when I was selected as an emcee! Standing on stage in the hall at St Joseph Institution Junior, my hands were clammy and my legs had turned to jelly. There were many scouts and the atmosphere was electrifying. Most of the scouts were chatting with one another in small groups, obviously excited for the ceremony. The Akela Award is presented by the Singapore Scout Association to outstanding cub scouts in recognition of their excellent performance in outdoor challenge, adventure challenge, sharing together and helping to lead. This award is the highest personal award that a cub scout can achieve. “ Step forward! Salute! First handshake! Receive! S...

Written by: Daniel Por, Assistant Senior Sixer (2014-2015) & Scribe (2014-2015) It was a silent morning. No Senior Sixer whistles, yet the entire P6 cohort of the Henry Park Pelican Scouts gathered to have one last outing. Friends were reunited by their love of Scouts as they recited the Scout Promise, and then boarded the bus to go bowling! They warmed up their fingers and took up the bowling balls, bowling them towards the pins. CLATTER! Pin after pin fell down as the Scouts yelled in delight as they bowled a strike. When their turn was done, they feasted on chips and drinks as well. Luckily enough, they had two whole rounds to play. But, when it was done, there were groans that it was too short and could they have another round? But it was refused as they lined up to do their parting gift to the Scouts, a video compilation of words of advice to their juniors. Then, they took a photo, with many ‘mermaids’ on the floor! Then it was off to Pandan Valley for a BBQ p...

Written by: Jessica Koong, Sixer & Scribe Leader “ Cubs, today we will be doing… SECRET CODES! ” Mdm Kerina exclaimed. One could tell that the atmosphere in the room immediately shot up. “ We will be doing 3 codes today! ” There was a roar of excitement from the cubs and everyone started discussing what codes there might be. After we had received instructions on the activity, we immediately broke up into our sixes. Each group was given three sheets of paper. These sheets contained explanations on the International Morse code, gibberish code and alphabet code, a word search and three secret messages to decipher. My six, Wallaby, had an amazing time trying to decipher all three codes. Working together enthusiastically, we figured out the messages and completed the word search in no time! The word search contained 14 words from the Scout Promise. I am very sure that all the other sixes had a fun time, too. The next activity was more challenging and mysterious. Each six ha...

Written by: Nicole Yee, Assistant Senior Sixer & Scribe The day had finally arrived! This week, we were going to Labrador Park to have a little hike. We had some ‘special guests’ to guide us during the hike—the 01 scouts! After taking attendance, we proceeded to the two buses which would bring us to the park. After about a 30 minutes’ drive, we reached the park, where Chil briefed us about what was going to happen. First, we had to combine sixes into six groups. Then, each group was accompanied by two 01 scouts to learn map reading. I was apprehensive yet excited. Map reading? Sounds fun!   I joined the combined six Wallaby and Wombat as my temporary group for the day. Our group got Justin and Dailon as ‘teachers’. They taught us how to find bearings, how to find checkpoints with some clues, and most importantly, how to plot a route. When we had more or less mastered what they had taught, we were given a booklet with a map. We were supposed to find our ...

Written by:  Sarah Njauw, Sixer and Scribe “Horseshoe!” The Senior Sixers shouted. All the cub scouts made a beeline to the kidzone to assemble in horseshoe formation.  I was pretty excited about this week’s scout meeting as we are doing outdoor cooking!  Outdoor cooking is much different than the cooking you do at home. Outdoor cooking, we do not use the convenient stove that we have at home, instead we used dry sticks and dry leaves then light them on fire to make our own stove. Firstly, Baloo instructed us to pick up dry leaves and dry sticks on the grassy patches around the floor. Then, Baloo taught the sixers how to start fire. Some teachers-in-charge and some adult leaders help us to light up the fire. Baloo told us to only use three matchsticks from the box even though the matchbox contained several sticks.  “A scout is honest,” he said, then he handed the matchboxes over to our six. I have to admit, I was quite scared once I strike the matchstick a...

Written by: Jasper Koh, Sixer & Scribe “Horse Shoe!” the Senior Sixer shouted. It was the second meeting on tying some knots. It was another interesting scout meeting and we sang some songs together. Mr Tan, the chief commissioner, was here again to teach us hot to do lashing, more knots! Firstly, we did a recap of the knots we leant 2 weeks ago. Secondly, we took some string and two sticks and learnt how to tie a square lash. We tied the square lash in a pair as one person holds the stick while the other tie the square lash. A square lash is used to tie two sticks together so we can make like a stick, shoe rack and more craft. The sixer did it with ease and helped the rest. Next, Mr Tan taught us how to tie a diagonal lashing. The diagonal lashing also involves two persons. We learnt that a diagonal lashing is to make one pole or a stick longer by adding more of the sticks or poles. After doing diagonal lashing, we learnt how to tie a triangle bandage on a p...

Written by: Chong Min Wenn, Senior Sixer & Scribe This meeting was very interesting. We learnt how to tie different types of knots and learnt a new song. Mr Tan, the chief commissioner, was here to teach us. We were expected to learn all the knots that were taught and hopefully sign off the ‘knotting’ assignment that we had to do for our silver and gold arrow. Firstly, we were given a stick and a few meters of string each. After so, we were thought the thumb knot. We all knew how to do it was we had to tie a thumb knot on the left side of our scarfs to remind us to do a good deed. We did it with ease had no problems. Secondly, was the reef knot.  We had to tie it left over right, right over left. Commotions began as people were confused and thought that it was the opposite. Eventually, everybody was successful. Thirdly, was the clove hitch. Mr Tan said that it was commonly used in lashing. Those who went for the sixer’s training camp did it with ease and started ...