The start
I am Oliver Tay. I joined Ai Tong School scouts when I was P3 in 2020. I am an adventurous person who loves exploring. When I first joined Scouts, I was looking forward to activities like First Aid, Hiking and Outdoor Cooking. My dad was a former scout during his school days and when his old scout mates gathered at our place, they shared their experiences and how good the CCA was. Hence, I decided to join scouting as my CCA and I committed to it.
My First Scout Session
I was elated about my first CCA session. It was then I met new friends and some new teachers. My CCA teachers explained to us (the newly joined scouts) about “The Jungle book”. Scouts adapted from “ The Jungle Book”. Hence, the name “ Akela” ,for the scout teachers, was derived from the book. After watching the movie and having read the entire story, I was greatly inspired by Mowgli who displayed resilience and determination. I was then inspired to be a leader for my peers.
The World Scout Badge
The World Scout badge is a badge that symbolised the World Scout Organisation of the Scout Movement and it is worn by scouts and scouters around the world to indicate their membership. In the process of achieving the World Scout Badge, I learnt many things. For example, the Scout Promise and Law which I will implement those values into my daily life. I have also learnt how to do a 3 finger scout salute and the Scout left handshake. In addition, I learnt about Lord Robert Baden Powell and Mr. Frank Cooper Sands. Lord Robert Baden Powell was the founding father of The Scout Movement. He founded it on 24 January 1908. Mr. Frank Cooper Sands is the founder of Scouting in Singapore. He was the first chief commissioner who established the scout association in Singapore on 2 July 1910. With the achievement of my World Scout Badge, I can officially put on my Scout uniform and start to pursue other activities and achievements in the scouting world.
Covid Struck
When covid struck, Home based learning (HBL) was implemented into every student’s lives. Unfortunately, all CCA sessions had to be cancelled due to the dreadful covid. Luckily, Scout Headquarters had a programme that allowed students to complete proficiency badges online. Without any hesitation, I decided to embark on that programme. During that programme, I accomplished 7 proficiency badges. It was a huge feat for me in Primary 3.
During the covid period, I learnt how to build my own website. The website was to showcase and record my scouting experiences. In addition to building the website, I have also learnt how to edit videos, images and how to maintain a website.
Bronze Arrow
To begin with, I started my bronze arrow journey because I wanted to explore and learn different skill sets and complete my Progress Awards. For my Bronze Arrow, my favourite activity was “Know My Country”. I took great effort to design a poster about the Housing Development Board flats and the final result was satisfying.
Another skill which I learnt was First Aid. First Aid is super important as it enhances the healing process of the injury and decrease the chance of the wound being infected.
One activity which could have been done better was the Track and Trail activity which was conducted at The Botanical Garden. I was new to map reading and I lost my way . However, I managed to find my way later and retrieve the lost item. Since then I have improved in my map reading skills.
My overall experience for my Bronze Arrow was fun, enriching and memorable.
Silver Arrow
The Silver Arrow was the most enjoyable progress badge in my opinion. My favourite tests were Knotting, Outdoor Cooking and National Identity.
For the knotting test, I learnt how to tie the Reef knot and the Figure of 8 knot. At first, I found it challenging to tie the Figure of 8 knot. I could barely remember the steps for tying the Figure of 8 knot. However, with much practice put in, I finally managed to memorize the steps.
During the middle of the pandemic, the social measures were slightly relaxed. Hence, our Scout teachers planned for an outdoor cooking. Everyone in the classroom was bubbling with excitement. As it was my first outdoor cooking, I particularly enjoyed the experience cooking instant noodles in my mess tin using solid fuel.
Other than the above knotting and outdoor cooking tests, I also enjoyed doing research for the National Identity test, which was about the two founding fathers who wrote our national anthem and pledge. They were Mr. Zubir Said and Mr. Sinnathamby Rajaratnam.
My overall experience for Silver Arrow was very fruitful and constructive.
Gold Arrow
I put in a lot of effort to obtain my Gold Arrow. My most enjoyable yet challenging activity was to plan and execute a project to help a local charity. After some research, I decided to pick the National Arthritis Foundation because my granny was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and I thought that supporting this charity will be closer to my heart.
I started asking around my relatives if they knew anyone from the National Arthritis Foundation (NAF). Coincidentally, my uncle Ben knew a friend who knew the Executive Director and that was how I was connected with NAF.
After corresponding with the Executive Director of NAF, I found out that they were looking for a sponsorship for their upcoming event, “Moove for Hope” which was a cycling event to raise funds for the arthritis patients. I offered to find a sponsor for their goodie bags for their participants.
I then asked around during a family gathering and my uncle David pointed me to a friend by the name of Mr. Martin Lim, who knew the Managing Director of Aenon Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Tee.
After some discussion with Mr. Tee, I managed to secure five thousand dollars worth of products for NAF. I had to arrange the logistics and the coordination myself.
It was a great learning experience for me as I had no prior experience managing such a project. I would like to thank my mom for her guidance and assistance.
During my gold arrow journey, I have learnt many new skills such as solving the rubix cube, how endangered species can be protected and what are the hierarchy in a scout patrol system.
What I disliked most was finding out the hierarchy in a scout patrol system. I found the patrol system extremely challenging to memorise let alone understand. However, I put in effort by practising the patrol system and eventually managed to memorise everything.
In conclusion, I have learnt many different skills and increased my general knowledge.
Diamond Jubilee Challenge
My scout teacher announced that our troop funds were low due to the pandemic. Therefore, we had to raise funds for scout troope through the “Diamond Jubilee Challenging Fund Raising 2022”.
It was a challenge getting so many donations. Luckily, I had a big family of roughly 40 people. Hence, I asked everyone whether they will be able to donate. Fortunately, my relatives had donated willingly. My dad’s friends came over and I asked them for more donations.
I was able to raise $500 which was a record in my scout troop. I was glad that I could play a small part in the contribution towards my scout troop.
National Day
For National Day, my scout teacher, Mr Ang appointed me as a flag bearer for my school.
The training was arduous. As I was new to marching, one of the challenges that I faced was the timing and coordination of my foot work. Not wanting to let down my troop, I put in many hours of practice into perfecting it. We had many hours of training with the brownies and we fostered new friendships.
During National Day Parade, my troop and I put up a good show and we were happy that our effort paid off.
Outdoor Orienteering Competition
I was pleased that I was selected to represent my school for the South Area Outdoor Orienteering Competition. It was a huge event at The Botanic Gardens with many schools participating. There were at least two hundred scouts from various schools.
The weather was humid and we needed to drink plenty of water to keep ourselves hydrated.
During the competition, we were given a list of questions online and we had to orientate our way to different locations in the gardens to find the answers. In order to maximise our efficiency, we assigned a role for ourselves. The roles were timekeeper, map reader, quiz answerer and photographer.
Through the teamwork and cooperation, we completed all the questions on time. It also made us closer to each other.
Sixer
In September 2022, I received my long-awaited Sixer appointment. I was really stoked upon receiving it.
I promised myself to be a good leader by setting a good example for my juniors to follow.
Being a Sixer comes with greater responsibilities.
My first task as a Sixer was to gather my troop into a horseshoe formation to recite the Scout promise and I was glad my instructions were well received.
Junior Lionhearters Competition
I was proud to have the opportunity to represent my school in the Junior Lionhearted Competition. The competition was on how to handle emergency situations through proper first aid training and knowledge.
During our scout sesssion, we rehearsed and practised the different first aid scenarios like bandaging a wound and a fractured arm and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
I was also tasked to pack a first aid kit ready bag for the competition. The bag includes all first aid and survival kit essentials.
One of my challenges was memorising the necessary steps to perform CPR. However, with much practise, I manged to overcome it.
The competition was extremely fun and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I particularly liked extinguishing the fire with the fire extinguisher.
If there was one thing that could have improved would be the processing time of the results. We waited for an hour sitting down doing nothing.
We ended up getting 2nd place for the competition and we have brought glory to our school.
In the entirety of this experience, I have learnt how to dress up wounds, treat fractures, perform CPR and acquired the relevant knowledge in handling an emergency situation.
My Favourite Proficiency – First Aid
Cub Scout Camp Fire (South Area)
My scout mates and I went for our first camp fire held at Beatty Secondary school. We were in high spirits all the way as we were excited to witness the lighting of the camp fire and meeting other scouts from various schools.
There were hundreds of scouts from various schools attending this huge event. I met a couple of my friends from other schools.
During the event, songs were sang, cheers were shouted together and games were played. Everyone was in high spirits.
My team and I participated in a competition and we clinched 2nd place. The reward was a hamper of snacks shared with the team.
My overall experience was marvellous. This was by far one of my most memorable experiences in scouting.
Cub Scout Leadership Camp (Camp Christine)
I was selected to go for a 3 days 2 nights Cub Scout Leadership Camp in March 2023. This was my first camp with my fellow scout mates.
During the first day, there were many activities lined up for us. We were taught how to pitch a tent, different types of leadership styles, what to do during a night hike and the rules and regulations of the campsite.
On the second day, it started to rain heavily. I waited until the rain subsided and went to check on my tent. To my horror, the entrance of my tent was flooded. I took a stack of tissue paper and wiped up the water. I also ensured that the tent was zipped up and secured before I left.
Many of my fellow scout mates’ tents were soaking wet. Some of them even described it as a river in their tents. To everyone’s surprise, my scout mates and I were the only ones who could sleep in our tents whereas the rest could not.
This camp has taught me the qualities needed to become a better leader and the skillsets to resolve conflicts and issues.
Akela Hike
I completed this test with my dad. I hiked from my house at Yio Chu Kang B35 to Upper Peirce Reservoir. The hike was 11 km which was extremely tiring for a kid like me. However, I persevered and managed to complete it. My legs were aching badly at around the 8km mark but I did not give up as I had already accomplished so much. During my hike, I saw many wildlife creatures such as monkeys, snakes and other insects. I also passed by a life firing range where I heard many gun shots. I loved the hike in entirety and it was a good workout.
Akela, over to you – First Aid
For this activity, my scout teacher had dedicated an entire CCA session for my friends and me to impart knowledge to the juniors.
I took up First Aid because I was well equipped with the knowledge. During the training session, my juniors were quite rowdy. I had to organise them and get them in order before starting my training.
I taught them the difference between a sprain and a fracture, how to use a triangular and a crepe bandage. I also taught them how to clean and bandage up a wound.
At the end of the session, I conducted a test to see whether they had understood the training. I was glad that had passed my test with flying colours.
I was glad that I was able to impart my knowledge on First Aid to them. I hope that my juniors wil be more disciplined for our next training session.
End
My scouting Journey ends here (for now). Throughout my scouting journey, I have had many thrilling experiences and learnt many life skills. I have accomplished what I have set out to do. Overall I am proud of my accomplishments.
