Orientation Day Camp 2021

It's that time of the year again where all scouts will look forward to due to the fun and games available. That's right, it's time for the annual Orientation Camp (OC)! Furthermore, with my batch being Sec 4 Ventures this year, we were very excited to plan for this event too. 

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we were not allowed to have the usual activities for OC and had to replan many times. Despite all these, we still managed to think of something that is Covid-free and fun at the same time.

On the day of the camp, we started off with the usual flag break, and to keep the spirits of everyone high, we immediately kickstarted the games.

The first game that we started with was linked to an activity we did the day before, where the scouts learned how to tie a simple stretcher with the basic knots they learned.  The game was called 'Trivia' and how it works was for each round, in each patrol, a representative would be sent to the front basketball court. Sherwin (the IC) would then ask a simple trivia question related to scouting. The scouts who know the answer would then have to run forward to Sherwin and grab the dowel that was in front of him, The first person to grab the dowel would be able to answer the question and if he answers it correctly, he will be able to add a load onto another patrol's stretcher.

Through this activity, the scouts, especially the new ones would be able to have a deeper understanding of scouting in an exhilarating way. I was glad to see that everyone was enjoying themselves and that the scouts were cheering for each other.

The second game that we proceeded with was the Amazing Race. This race consisted of 6 station games, each station linked to scouting and team bonding. How this game works was that each patrol had to carry their stretcher, along with the load they had on it, to various parts of the school. To make the game more interesting and fun, a riddle is also given to each location for the patrol to work together to find out. The patrol that finishes all 6 stations will then win a small prize.

Shark Patrol working together to pitch a tent as part of the station game

Our Sec 1 scouts moving quickly to the next station

Although the games were quite short and not as exciting as we wanted it to be due to Covid-19, I was delighted that the scouts enjoyed themselves and was also satisfied that all our hard work and sleepless nights had paid off.

Following the Games,  it was time for what all the Sec 1 Scouts have been waiting for, the Investiture Ceremony! This year's investiture was slightly different. Unlike the previous years where we would usually hold it in the parade square, it was held in the hall, and instead of having all the uninvested scouts march forward, only a Sec 1 representative from each patrol is required to stand in front of the flag. Although this year's investiture was slightly different, we were all happy to welcome the newly invested Sec 1 scouts into the brotherhood of scouting.

Sec 1 Scouts reciting their Scout Promise and Law

Apart from the investiture, the Sec 4s also had the Passing Out Parade where the PLC of 2020 passed down the torch to the PLC of 2021. During this time, the newly elected Patrol Leaders were also announced and I am very elated that my own mentee, Lucius was elected as the new Patrol Leader of Catfish. It also warmed my heart to see how much the Sec 3s have grown since they first joined scouts.

Patrol Leaders of 2020 in formation

Handing over of Patrol Flags to the newly appointed Patrol Leaders

PLC 2021

Lucius and I :)

All in all, though it was a very short day, it was filled with fun, laughter, and joy. I would like to congratulate the newly invested scouts and also thank my batchmates who were heavily involved in the planning process of this day camp.