Rites of Passage Hike & Camp 2008

On the evening of 11th April 2008, the Scouts were gathered at Beatty Secondary School to embark on their Rites of Passage Hike. The Hike was initiated by the Leaders, to allow the new Patrol Leaders to lead their Patrol in their first challenge, and also for the Tenderfoots to complete their final challenge before they were to take their Scout Promise to become a full fledged Scout.

The hike route was planned in such a way, that the 3 Patrols moved from Beatty to Sarimbun Scout Camp in the North, North-West and West directions. Each Patrols had to walk through the night for 25km before they reached their final destination. Of cos, not all league of the Hike was on foot, as the Patrols were allowed to take public transport at certain times of the night.

It was very heartening to see the Senior Scouts taking priorities over the younger ones, making sure that they were well taken care of. The hike served as a good way to forge closer Patrol Bond and it certainly was a new experience for our Beaver Scouts, to hike through the night.

Hiccups during the Hike was for sure to happen. Patrols lost their way, confusion arised and responsibilities questioned. But overall, the Patrols still managed to keep a good spirit and completed their Hike the next morning.

The hike really served its objective of challenging the Scouts mentally and physically throughout the Hike, and the Scouts emerged stronger after the Hike, feeling happy that they had completed something they would not have thought of or done before.

As the Patrols streamed into Sarimbun Scout Camp, they looked simply tired, and they needed nothing more then a good sleep before the Investiture Ceremony in the evening.