Kayaking 1 Star Course

On the 7th of November 2009 (Saturday), 14 Beatty Beavers Scouts went on a Kayaking 1 Star Course at Sembawang Sea Sports Club located at Sembawang Park.

Now, let's talk abit about the place. Sembawang Park is a 15 hectare park situated in the north of Singapore facing the Straits of Johor overlooking Malaysia. It is located at the end of Sembawang Road, where the former Sembawang Road End Bus Terminal is. The place was also once the home to the British Air Base. Sembawang Park gets its name from Sembawang Tree Kayea ferruginea. if you're observant like a Scout should be, you would notice that there is a Sembawang tree at the centre of the car park C1 close to the Sembawang Bus terminal. The Sembawang Park has many interesting connections to Singapore's historical past. But hey, I'm ain't going to give you a history lesson today, so if you are keen in knowing more, check this link out. It's really interesting.

Mr. Vanga was our kayaking instructor. Incidentally, he is also a Rover Scout with our affliate unit, the Beaver's Rover Crew. He is an interesting guy who cracks lots of jokes to kickstart the day. As with all outdoor activities, we were briefed on safety as safety is never compromised in any activities. You'd rather be safe then to be sorry, won't ya? After a short and clear briefing on the dos and don'ts, we started carrying the kayaks to the shore from the shed at the Sea Sports Club. And here comes the Beavers for our Adventure through the mini expedition!


And for those who think it's easy, it sure wasn't. Tiring it was, to carry kayaks down to thhe beach. But hey, we Scouts are courageos in all difficulties.

Rover Vanga first taught us how to enter the kayak in the proper manner so that we will not capsize even before we launch off. Thereafter, he taught us on the capsize drill. Well, why do we learn capsize drill? Simple! So that we know how to react and respond when it happens at the sea. Scouts are always ready, cos Be Prepared is our motto. It seemed to be quite easy task but it wasn't. It turned out to be quite scary, and almost all failed for the first time, except Glenn which he appeared to be proud. Eventually most of us passed the drills!

Thereafter, we started learning on how to paddle forward and backward; paddle left to turn right; paddle right to turn left; and gaining confidence in handling the kayak.

G Vanga: Pitch up! ( Now that was the cue for something delicious...and no, it's not what you're thinking)

Soon, it was lunch and we went to wash up and gather at the ‘canteen’. We had a delicious meal, after the meal, we had lot of time to rest, so we end up lying on the floor, trying to sun dry ourselves. Reminded me of how my mom dried salted fish....which we seemed like. Haha

After lunch, we headed back to the sea to practise our new found skill of steering a sea craft, in this case a kayak. The day soon ended with us carrying the kayaks back and placing them on the floor, to dry it under the sun.


The whole Kayaking Course was an exciting and memorable experience for the Beavers! I just can't wait to get myself signed up for Kayaking 2 Star and 3 Star course to learn more new stuff in year 2010.

The Sun, the Sand and the Sea will always be with us...

Signing off,

Koh Zhi Rong
Asst. Patrol Leader
(Tiger Patrol)

Macritchie Reservoir Hike & 56th Investiture Ceremony

On the 30th of May(Saturday), Beatty Beavers went on a hike to MacRitchie Reservoir at Thomson Road. All the scouts who were going to this excursion gathered at school just before 9am. A school bus ferried us to Thomson Road and we alighted at the car park of MacRitchie reservoir. There were about 12 of us scouts who went to the HIke, together with Scouter Huda and Scouter Kumanan.

Here is a little information about MacRitchie Reservoir. MacRitchie Reservoir was constructed in 1867, by a donation of S$13,000 by philanthropist Tan Kim Seng. In 1891, the reservoir was extended and the enlarged impounding reservoir was renamed as Thomson Road Reservoir in 1907. Then, in honour of the Municipal Engineer, James MacRitchie, who designed and built the reservoir, it was renamed again as MacRitchie Reservoir. The park area is approximately 12 hectares and it was opened in 1967. The park has a food kiosk, an exercise station and several shelters and benches that face the scenic reservoir. Knowing all these information really made me appreciate the place even better, since its the oldest resevoir still in existence in Singapore.

Since 2 Patrols were involved, Scouter Huda guided Tiger Patrol lead by PL Alvin, and Scouter Kumanan guided my Patrol (Lion Patrol) lead by PL Xuan Jie. Together as a Patrol, we embarked on our trek along Lornie Trail. Unlike the other trails I've trekked elsewhere, the path was not covered with proper concrete and leaves from the trees filled the path. Shortly after we started walking the Lornie Trail, Scouter Kumanan pointed us to a variety of jungle flora and fauna. One such flora of Macritchie was the Wild Pandan leaf. This plant has two flat edges and in the past, it was use to built attap houses after it had dried up as it was hard enough. Unlike its domestic species, this plant did not have the unique smell. After hitting the end of the jungle trail, we decided to take the wooden board trail next to the water. While trekking, we saw plenty of water skaters, dragonflies and small fishes. We even spotted a kingfisher, which Scouter Kumanan said was a Stork-Billed Kingfisher or otherwise known as Common Kingfisher. There were also some fascinating plants like the Jering plant, which the seeds can be eaten and are use for medicinal uses and the facinating thing about this tree was it's fruit. The fruit of the tree looked like a pocupine, dangerous enough to hurt you. But later we realised that it a way for the fruit to bear the impact on the ground when it falls, just like the durians.

Although we took a bus to the reservoir, going back home was different as we had to walk back to School for the Investiture Ceremony. On the way back, our Scouters instructed us to work together as a Patrol, to budget and purchase rations for our lunch, which we were to cook ourselve. The challenge behind this was that, we had $20 given for a patrol of 7 and had to make full use out of it to cook the most number of dishes for lunch.

As we walked back to school, we decided to cook Chicken, Fish, Chye Sim, Rice and Soup. Well doing marketing at the wet market was certainly not an easy job, especially so when it came to choosing the right fish. Hence, we decided to purchase our groceries at Shop and Save, to save all the hassle.

If buying groceries for lunch was a headache, cooking it was a challenge. Thankfully, my PL (Xuan Jie) and APL (Mao Wei) were both Camp Cooks for NPC 08'. That saved my Patrol slightly, since they were good in instructing us on what to do for cooking. Without them, I guess we probably would end up eating half-cooked food. The food may not be that delicious but we were so hungry that we just gobbled down everything in an instant. Altough cooking as a Patrol was in a state of chaos, since most of us cooked for the first time, I felt it certainly brought our Patrols together well, and I enjoyed every bit of funny moments that happened during the activity.

The day soon ended, with a simple ceremony, which is the Group's 56th, to welcome the tenderfoots into the Worldwide Brotherhood of Scouting, as newly invested Scouts. The Sec 1s took their Scout Promise and were adorn with the Scout Scarve, an identity synonymus with Scouts. The whole ceremony, though short and simple, reminded me of my very own back in Sarimbun Scout Camp just about a year ago. Looking back, it truly has been an eventful first year for me in Scouting.

Reported by,

Jason Tan
(Lion Patrol)

Eastern Coastal PCN Cycling Trip

On the 19th of March, Beatty Beaver Scout Group organized a Post-Jobweek activity for our Scouts who had worked hard for the past week canvassing Singapore for jobs and raising funds for their Scouting activities.


The Scouts gathered at Changi Point for a sumptuous breakfast at the coffeeshop, which is famous for its Changi Nasi Lemak. Thereafter, Mr. Clement from Changi Cycling Services, helped us out to pick suitable bikes for our height. With a Safety Briefing conducted shortly thereafter, we started cycling along the Eastern Coastal Park Connector Network at 10.45am.

The entire network is a total of 42km with connections to 7 Park Connectors. But since all of us were new to this, the Rovers Scouts headed by Rover Isa, planned the shorter loop which measured 32km instead.

32km?? No kick la !!!

Gosh...No one told I'd got to carry this bike over me

The first league of the loop, Coastal Park Connector, was one of the more scenic route, as we passed by lush Casuarina Forest by our left, and the ascending/descending airplanes of various airlines. As we soon approached the East Coast Park section of the route, we took a short break at the National Sailing Centre, where the other Rovers joined us.

At our next pit stop, at Sun Plaza Park, we were all tired and drenched, but still our spirits were very high. No matter how tired you can be, when you see your fellow buddy being in the same state as you are, you just put up a brave front to cheer each other up. At this pit stop, all of us topped up our bottles and had a mid way point stretching. Sure it was good to strech those tired muscles. Rover Venga also enlightened us on how to ensure that our cycling seats were of the correct height.

Erm, are you taking a picture of me? Should I smile?

What's that on the ground? Why everybody looking down?

Smile for Candid Camera !!!

Well the secret is this. When you want to cycle, you must make sure that your cycle is high enough, such that when one of the paddle is at the bottom most point, you leg should be fully stretched and not bent. This will ensure that you do not use too much force while paddling and get yourself easily tired out.

As we approached the end of our route along Changi, we passed by some war time building such as the old Changi hospital and the Old Commando Barracks. The downward slope was also another high point of our journey. The entire journey of 32km took the whole Scout Group roughly 5 hours to complete. Well that's not too bad after all, since many never had such an experience of cycling such long distance.

Rover Parry, are you sure you know how to start fire?

Fire's up. Time to BBQ

Eh, i think you're looking at the wrong angle bro. Camera is here !

When we reached Changi Beach at 3.50pm, we were all hungry and ready to start our BBQ Lunch. Did we have trouble starting fire? Well, sure not as you can always rely on a Scout to do the best job of firestarting in BBQs. As soon as we started the fire going, we began BBQ-ing the satays and chicken wing, as these were what took most time to get cooked. The Rovers as well, joined us in giving a helping hand, while we had our lunch.

Is it HOT???

Food Glorious Food....Yum Yum

After our very late Lunch that we had, we cleared up at around 6.45pm. Of cos, we did not forget the Scout's Code of cleanliness. We never forget to leave a place cleaner then it was when we used it. We quickly made a quick brisk walk from where we were to the tip of Changi Beach Park to catch a glimpse of the Sunset. Well, how fantastic it was can't be described by words. See the pictures below to see for yourself.

Old Beavers' Founder's Day Gathering

Founder's Day is celebrated by all Scouts from all around the World on 22nd February each year, by renewing their commitment to the Scout Promise and Law. As such, the Scout Group wanted to provide the opportunity for former Scouts of Beaver Scout Group to gather in true Scouting Spirit and renew their Scout Promise that they made when they were first invested as a Scout.

The gathering which was organized by Rover Ong May Lwin, Rover Afiq & Rover Parry Lim was held on 28th Feb at Beatty Sec Sch. The theme for the gathering was, "A Night of Thousand Scarves". A total of 45 old Boys, 40 Scouts and Leaders gathered at Beatty which started off with a tour around the Beatty Heritage Gallery.

Though the weather wasn't too kind on us, that did not leave our spirits dampen. The planned campfire for the Old Boys was moved indoors, and every one enjoyed the many Scouts songs that they used to sing when the were Scouts, together with the sumptuous dinner. The gathering was another successful event for the Scout Group in bringing together the former Scouts of the Unit, and in providing them the opportunity to renew their ties with the school.

Beaver Batch of 2000s

Come, lets discuss about the Group

(L-R) Hao Meng, Kok Rui & Kian Yong

Beaver Batch of 1970s

Sec 1 CCA Orientation 2009

Beatty Sec Sch had its CCA Orientation last Saturday morning, and i must say that it was a very quiet event this year. We certainly did not see as much Boys and Parents as compared to previous years. Maybe the school statistics are inclining towards the girls population.

Nevertheless, the Scouts had done a great job of putting up a wonderful booth display. The team headed by PL Nicholas Loh, did the usual stuff but added a new item this year. They had put up a mobile Movie Screen behind the booth to showcase our Adventure videos.

The event was quite a noisy one, espcially so, since we were stationed next to NPCC and NCC. But still, we managed to speak to a couple of Sec 1s and their Parents who were very keen in the Program that we offered. The Boy's Bridage & Girl Guides Booth was also quite a nice one, and we hope that they would have a good recruitment this year as well.

Whatever may be, all Scouts,Leaders & Rovers had done their best to showcase Scouting. Sec 1s will join us if they are keen in the Outdoors and in our program. Let's just wait for the numbers to be confirmed. Thank alot to Mr. Wong Sung Kok (Chairman, Beatty PSG) who turned up at Beatty in his Woodbadge Scarf, in support of Scouting.

Sec 1 CCA Recruitment Part 3: Why Join Scouting

Hi Friends,

Thank you very much for visiting the Blog of Beatty Beaver Scout Group. Let me welcome you to your new school, and we really hope that the past week had been a fresh and interesting start into 2009 for you, with new friends and environment.

Well, I'm sure you had visited all other CCA Booth on Saturday, and had heard quite alot from many people about their own CCAs, and I'm sure you would have heard about Scouting from them too.

We hope you would take your time to go through our Blog, and see the Recruitment Videos and the Pictures of our activities in 2008. This blog should give you a rough idea of what Scouting is about, and if you want to get a better idea, come on down for our first meeting on 16th January 2009, at the Scout DEN.

In a Nutshell, let us tell you, WHY JOIN SCOUTS?

• You get to go Overseas and expose yourselves with the cultures of the World
• You get to make Friends with Overseas Scouts as well
• Scouting makes your boring school life more Adventurous
• You get to meet lots of Girl Guides when we go Campfire
• You learn how to be a Good Leader, which prepares you for Army & for you LIFE
• You get to make new Friends from other Schools in the District when we go Camping

Sec 1 CCA Recruitment Part 2: Why Join Scouting?

Scouting is a lot of fun. You really have to try it for yourself to understand why. Scouts offers you challenges and skills that will help you when you grow older. It can even help you get a job! But more than anything, it really is a lot of fun getting to make a whole bunch of friends along the way. Every Scout Troop is different, but we are confident in our program and we have had a lot of smiling faces over the years to prove it.

Scouting is one of the most exciting experiences a boy like YOU can have. You can go camping, travel across the border to meet new friends, challenge yourself with adventurous activities that develops you physically, build your own "playground" with Pioneering Poles and ropes, and many more stuff that many other friends of your may not have the privelage to do.

Sec 1 CCA Recruitment Part 1: Why Join Scouting?

Scouting attracts a lot of members, each with his or her own reasons for joining. Some come willingly; others have been convinced to join. Let's look at some common reasons young people join Scouts.

1. Fun and Friendship: Boys like to have fun with friends. The camaraderie of Scouts is one of its strongest draws. Boys can enter a friendly environment to play sports and games as part of a team. The Scouter is like an older brother or sister, offering friendship and security in a different way than parents and teachers.

Scouting provides an alternative to sports and other clubs that put competitive pressure on young people. Scouting offers them the chance to succeed as a member of a group.


2. Setting and Achieving Personal Goals: Boys like to challenge themselves. They find satisfaction in reaching small goals--earning a badge, for example, or learning a new skill such as firelighting. Then they can set larger goals-surviving a first hike or camp or canoe trip. Later, they may want to earn the Chief Commissioner's Award or set personal standards for their own lives.

Their goals are guided by their interests and hobbies. After awhile, Scouting itself may become the hobby. Whatever a young person's goals, Scouting can provide a way to meet them.

3. Independence and Responsibility: Boys want to become adults. Scouting gives them the opportunity to take small steps towards independence. When they join, they may be breaking away from parents for the first time, and the experience can be fun or lonely.

As they progress in Scouting, they are ready to take larger steps by planning activities, outings, and camps and learning from their experiences, good and not so good. If they become patrol leaders, they become even more responsible members of the group. Perhaps the leadership role is an important goal in itself, something through which they gain confidence and esteem.


Adapted from The Leader

Launch of New Recruitment Posters

The Scout Group has launched a set of 4 posters for this year's Recruitment, to better reflect the changes in the Unit's focus in Scout Program, as well as to bring out the message of Scouting and it's benefits to the new students of Beatty Secondary School.

This year, the Group would also be heavily publicizing the Scout Movement through it's Blog and also through these Posters, ahead of the CCA Orientation Day on 10th January 2008.

We hope that the initiatives this year would help us get more Sec 1s to strengthen our Unit Membership.

Happy New Year, Beavers

Hello Beavers,

The year 2008 had been a very eventful year with plenty of events organized to celebrate our 55 years of existence in Beatty. As we march forward into the year 2009, may i wish everybody good life and health in the coming year. Always remember your Scout Promise and do your best in whatever you embark on, and your good deed everyday. Let us look back at 2008, and reflect on our path taken over the year and learn from our mistakes and set ourselves new limits to reach.

In 2009, some of our major events would include:

1. Founder's Day Campfire & Investiture (FEB)
2. Annual Jobweek 2008 (MAR)
3. Scout Skills Camp (APR - Tentative)
   
4. Vietnam Scout Exchange & Service Learning Trip (JUNE)
   
5. 4D3N Group Camp 2009 (DEC - Tentative)
   

With these events to look out for, lets work towards a better future for our Scout Group and all.

Yours in Scouting,

Scouter Kumanan