Valedictorian Speech at Akela Award 2008

By Daryl Yeo

Good evening, Guest of Honour Mr Lee, Commissioners, Leaders, Teachers, Parents and fellow cubs. 

I am honoured to represent my brother cubs present here. We are very proud to receive this prestigious award and yet humbled because of what all this award represents in the scout movement.

Scouting is the only CCA that allows us to develop life skills like working as a group, build our confidence and at the same time instill in us a caring nature and love for our country, respect and care for others as well as groom us to be a responsible leader.

For this we must thank our leaders, school and parents for the support, encouragement, dedication and commitment that saw us through the years of scouting. Please give them a round of applause.

I joined scouts together with my parents because at Gongshang, priority is given to students whose parents are willing to play a part in scouting. This is a novel way to select and recruit cub scouts and at the same time get help to run the unit. I am a beneficiary of a unit run entirely by selfless parents. Thank you Auntie Kat for being so creative and our parent volunteers for the great sacrifice of your time, often forgoing sleep to plan meaningful scouting activities.

My four years of scouting have been very exciting, fun, fruitful and fulfilling.  I participated in international, national and unit programmes organized by the Scout headquarters, Scout units, and other Cub Scout Units.  Such activities like the Cub Scout Goodwill Camporee in Perth, Flamboree, National Exploration Challenge, National Pioneering Competition, Camp Seeonee, Sixer Training Camp, Cameron Highlands Conservation Project, Pulau Ubin Hike and St John’s Home Visit and many more has left a deep impact in my life and I will treasure the experience and wonderful memories.

My parents and me (left) with GS parent volunteers and fellow scouts at Cameron Highlands

Through scouting activities, I have discovered and developed my leadership skills as well as my confidence.  It has helped me to be more courageous (especially now when I am standing right here delivering this speech) and to be brave in all difficulties, to overcome fears or at least manage my fear of heights.  I also learned to help the younger, weaker and less fortunate ones.  Scouting has indeed made and shaped me to what I am today. I am sure it has likewise shaped you too, my brother cubs.

I hope all the cub scouts who are present here today will continue to join scouts in secondary school and encourage friends to do so.  However, if you are unable, remember that “once you are a scout, forever you are a scout”. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the scout leaders, teachers, parent volunteers and parents from all over Singapore to spur young scouts on so that 1 day, they would come up here to receive the Akela award!  I am sure my fellow Akela recipients will agree with me that this sense of achievement is so good.

To all Akela award winners, continue to enjoy scouting for life! For it will be one that you will reflect on and remember forever.    

THANK YOU!

Reflections

By Eng Xu En (Pri 2)

In March, we went to the Singapore River. I learnt about the history of Singapore.  We took a boat ride along the river. I saw bridges built 100 years ago.

In May, I wanted to attend the campfire but I was sick. I had high fever.  I was so upset because I missed it.

In August, we had Camp Seeone at school. This was my first time building a tent.  We took our 3 meals there. We also bathed and slept there. On the first night, we went for a night walk in the forest next to Sun Plaza Park. It was dark. I was a bit scared. I was so happy to see the light again when we finished the walk.

In September, we went to Catholic High for the National Cub Scout Challenge. I took part in the Roman Cannon Ball and 3-2-1 flagpole. I was very excited and panicky at the same time. I learnt to cooperate with my team members. Gongshange Scouts won 2nd place in overall competition!

After exam, we went back for scout meeting. We went around neighbourhood to pick up litter. Everybody must keep the environment clean.

I enjoy scouting very much.  I will encourage my classmates to join scouts.

Reflections

By Nur Ezzati (Pri 5)

Scouting is very fun! Especially when we have interesting events.  Like the day when we went for the 10km hike. We learnt how to cooperate and work as a team. The other interesting  event is our sixer camp. To become a sixer (leader), we had to go through a sixer training camp! 

Other than camps an hikes, we also had an expedition when we went to East Coast Park to cycle and to obtain our cycling proficiency badge.  It was quite a difficult challenge as it was my first time riding a two wheel bicycle.  But I remembered one of the Scout Law "A scout has courage in all difficulties" and kept on trying until I could ride! Now, when you see me cycle, you may think that I am a "pro" but all it took was to try hard.  Everyone has to work hard to achieve their goal. So remember scouts, when you are stuck in a difficult challenge, all you need to do is just remember the scout promise and law.

But the most interesting, challenging and fun activity was the interview for the Akela Award.  It was very stressful to remember to smile and relax when I was very anxious,  But I faced my fears and tried my best and with all the hard work and dedication, achieved my goal and got the  Akela Award!

 

I will always remember my scout leaders, like Uncle Andrew, Aunty Katherine, Uncle Dicky and Uncle Kenneth as they taught me lots of things that will help me in the future.

Reflections

By Bryan Ng (Pri 4)

I have done many things this year. I have done things like hiking along Singapore River, attending Camp Seeonee and campfires and participating in Cub Scout Challenge. During Camp Seeonee, I learnt many new things and overcome my fear of heights. As for the Cub Scout Challenge, I participated in the speed knot and obstacle relay. I achieved Bronze in both events. 

I joined scouts because of the camps.  I love going to camps because camping is fun. Scouting is fun as I can do many things, learning knotting and playing games that I have never played before. 

I have a few proficiency badges, a campfire badge, a silver bumble bee and assistant sixer badges.  But my logbook needs to be better. I am also trying to work hard for my gold arrow badge. My goal is to achieve the Akela award. 

Reflections

By Charmaine Tan (Pri 3)
The year has passed so fast! It has indeed been a fun and interesting year. My leader (sixer) is Justin. I am sure that my scout trainers have worked hard to take care of so many cub scouts.  I really appreciate their hardwork and planning so that we have enjoyable activities.

I will always remember Toby, who came all the way from Germany to come and visit us.  I also like Aunty Katherine who is patient and kind with us.  Without her, scouts would not be fun. I also like all my instructors who take turns to teach and help us.

I reflected on all the activities and I like the hike at Singapore River as it was very fun and exciting. I will always remember it. Next is Camp Seeonee. Although it was hot and stuffy in the tent, I enjoyed the sleeping part the most.  I also learnt how to read a map, use a compass, how to take a photograph and how to ride a bicycle.  I also went to a campfire at Singapore Polytechnic. I also enjoyed Job Week and selling donation tickets.  I learnt how to set up a business and earn money! Last but not least, we had Community Day where we had to pick up rubbish.  People dirty the environment so we have to save the environment.

I had a fulfilling year and I look forward to the next year of scouting activities.

Reflections

by Justin Wong (Pri 5)

I know that scouting is a right choice I have made for myself.  Last time, I used to be a very shy boy but now I am no longer shy.

The most favourite activity is the pioneering competition as it was my first time making a 3-2-1 flagpole and  Roman cannonball. I also remember the 10km hike at Clark Quay. It was most tiring and i think i lost some weight from it :)

I also learnt lots of skills during the camp at our school. I learnt how to fix the bicycle, how to use a camera and how to pitch a tent. I felt that doing my log book is very important.

This year I wish that I will get Eagles award as I had worked very hard and my attendance is 100% ! I also wish to achieve Akela Award next year.  

Gongshang is very lucky to have dedicated parents to lead the scout group. I am very proud that our scouts unit has achieved Gold for the Frank Cooper Sands award for 3 consecutive years! Well Done !

I would like to ask P3 pupils to join scouts as scouting is a wonderful activity and one can learn many good skills.

Reflections

by Arina Rashid (Pri 5)

This year has been an exciting and interesting year of scouting for me.  In the beginning of the year, some other girls in Gongshang actually took up the challenge to join scouting. I was so pleased to see more girls in our activities. 

I had many chances to bring out the leader in me. For instance, at Camp Seeone 5, my teammates were all new comers and did not have a clue what a camp was like.  So I was like their big sister and guided them how to make a tent and enjoy the camp. 

Another event that I enjoyed very much was the Cub Scout Challenge.  I took part in the Roman cannonball and 3-2-1 Flagpole.  We had to race against the clock and we finally attained silver for both events.  Overall Gongshang obtained 2nd placing which made Aunty Kat and all the scout leaders very happy. I in particular was relieved as I would be ashamed to meet the adults if we did not achieve 1st to 3rd place. We would be wasting their time and efforts and letting all the cubs down.  During the year, I also learnt many skills like map reading, first aid, cooking and knotting. 

Now looking back when I first started scouting, I never expected to be what I am today.  This year, I have already attained my Akela Award (with Honours) which I could not actually believe.  I encourage all pupils to join scouting as you can learn to be more courageous and learn many skills which you don't learn in the classroom. Scouting also teaches you to be thankful for what you have.  

And Remember, Once a scout, Always a scout. 

Community Day

It was Community Day last Saturday.  Our cubs, armed with plastic bags, went around the neighbourhood to pick up litter, to do their bit in keeping Singapore clean. 

Although it was tiring work, the cubs enjoyed themselves walking and chatting as they cleared litter.  They felt appreciative of the cleaners who toil daily to keep Singapore clean.  It was indeed a morning well spent in keeping our community a cleaner and nicer place to live in :)

Akela Award Ceremony 2008

Our Akelas attended the Akela Award Presentation last Saturday at Hwa Chong Institution to receive their awards. The Guest-of-Honour was Mr Lee Pak Sing, Director, Culture & Education Programme, Singapore Youth Olympics Games Organising Committee.  

A total of 88 awards were presented to Akelas from 15 primary schools.  Of the 13 Akelas with Honours, we are very proud that 5 of them are Gongshangers. 

Congratulations again to all our Akelas!

Here are some pictures of the special event.

The MCs (Masters of Ceremony) were Arina and Samson.

Our very own Daryl Yeo giving his valediction and leading the Scout Promise.

Our Akelas with Aunty Kat, Uncle John, 'Big Brother' Kenneth and Uncle Yip.

Hurray for all the Akelas! Well Done!

For more photos, please click here

Akela Award Winners

Congratulations to our Akela Award Winners 2008!

Our 8 cubs have been awarded this year's Akela and 5 of them have even clinched the prized Honours award! 

Our very own cub Daryl Yeo has been selected to make the Valedictorian speech during the awards ceremony.

We scored a few firsts; our unit produced the first girl Akelas (in fact we produced 2 - Arina and Ezzati) and we also presented the youngest Akelas too ( four P5s).  

Hurray! We are so proud that our cub scout unit has produced the best Akelas amongst all the units in Singapore.  Well Done!

Our Akela winners for 2008 are :

Foo Tun Shien and Darren Goh (top from left to right)

Arina Rashid and Ezzati Razni  (bottom from left to right)

Daryl Yeo

 

Ulysses Kee

Yip Hao Zheng

Gabriel Tan

The Akela Award Ceremony 2008 will be held on Sat 8 Nov 08 at 1830 hrs. The venue is the Drama Centre, Hwa Chong Institution at 673 Bukit Timah Road.

We will bring you more pictures of this exciting event.  Stay tuned.

It's Scouting Time Again!

Hi Everyone!  Exams are over! Yippee ! Welcome back to Scouting!

After a month's absence, all cubs were eager to resume their scouting activities.  

First they got knotty...

Before flying off in their airplanes...

to learn Gongfu from the Grand Masters...

See you next week for more Fun!

(For more information on knots, click here)

Hurray! We are 2nd !

Congratulations to our Cub Scouts for coming in 2nd in the National Cub Scout Challenge 2008! Our cubs were superb, they gave their best at the events, displayed exemplary team spirit and great sportsmanship. They deserve a big round of applause as they clinched the 2^nd placing for Gongshang out of 28 schools from all over Singapore. Well Done !

Our cubs gamely took part in all 10 events.  They put their best foot forward and scored GOLD in Soccer, Orienteering and Chariot Race.  They battled with courage and garnered SILVER in Sour Grapes, Roman Cannon Ball and 3-2-1 Flagpole. They played hard, achieving BRONZE for Treasure Hunt, Obstacles Relay, Speed Knot Tying and Captain's Ball. 

Here are some highlights of the events:

Our 3-2-1 team with our flag flying high

Our Orienteering Team all set to go!

 One of our Sour Grapes members up in the clouds

Our Galloping Chariot

 

Firing our giant Cannon Ball Launcher

Aunty Kat receiving our trophy

Our winning cheer

For more photos, click here

We would like to thank our parent volunteers and scout leaders for their dedication and hard work, training the cubs, seeing to their needs and motivating them all they way.  We also appreciate our alumni scouts who returned to help and cheer their juniors. This achievement would not be possible without each and everyone doing their best and helping each other to achieve their best.  

Well Done Everyone!  3 Cheers ! 

Hip Hip Hurray ! 

NATIONAL CUB SCOUT CHALLENGE 2008

Hi Everyone !

We will be taking part in the forthcoming National Cub Scout Challenge on 20th September '08.  The events will be held at Catholic High School field from 1pm, and expected to end around 7pm.  

The events will provide an afternoon of fun and competition for all cub scouts. There will be a series of main events, which include competitions involving both scouting- based skills and sports.  GS Cub Scouts will be taking part in ALL events.

The events are :

1. Treasure Hunt

Each team will be required to find 10 random items that will be hidden in a 20m X 20m area with obstacles being placed around. If a team manages to find all 10 items within the time period, their timing will be taken into account for judging.

2. Obstacle Relay Course

Teams will be required to complete an obstacle course within a 100m track. The race will consist of a total of 4 different obstacles. Each team member can only tackle 1 obstacle and will have to pass the baton to the next member at the next 25m mark. Teams will be judged based on successful completion of obstacles and time taken to complete the relay

3. Sour Grapes 

Teams will be required to construct a cross-bar pole and get the scarves of every cub in the team onto the cross-bar by climbing up the vertical pole. Judging will be based on time taken to complete the event. Cubs on the way down can only jump off from the 1m mark.

4. Roman Cannon Ball

Teams are given 1 hour to build a device to launch a water bomb the furthest distance. The device must be made entirely out of natural materials eg. Wood, Manila Rope. ONLY the launching container or water bomb holder is allowed to be non-natural. Judging will be based on distance launched.

5. Chariot Race

Teams are to build a Chariot and pull it with a person on top it for a distance of 25 m. Judging will be based on time taken from the commencement of the building till the point the chariot crosses the line. Teams are allowed to use ropes to drag the chariot. 

6.  3-2-1 Flagpole

Teams are to build a Flagpole at least 3 meters in height and MAY use guylines. When the flagpole is vertical, teams are to raise either their school flag or troop flag. Timing stops when the flag reaches the top of the pole. Judging will be based on time taken.

7. Orienteering

Each team will be given a map of the area. On the map, there are checkpoints where the Cub Scouts have to navigate themselves to and copy down the Checkpoint code. Teams are not allowed to spy on one another to obtain information of any sort with regards to the activity. Judging will be based on time taken and number of checkpoints found.

8. Speed Knot Tying

There are three rounds to each competition. Each team is supposed to send one representative for each round. Cub Scouts are to tie the knots specified by the station master within a given time. They are to place the knots down on the floor upon completion and are not supposed to continue with the knot after the knots are placed on the ground. Teams will score points based on time taken and successful completion of the knot.

9. Soccer

Each game will be 12 minutes long, with a 2 minute break in between (Each half is 5 minutes).

10. Captain's Ball

Each game will be 12 minutes long, with a 2 minute break in between (Each half is 5 minutes).

We welcome all parents to join us at Catholic High to cheer the cub scouts and have fun.

ALL THE BEST AND HAVE FUN AT THE EVENT EVERYONE!