Recee to Abandoned Railway Track

Many of you may have heard about the Malaysian Railway that runs between Tanjong Pagar and Woodlands. But what many are not aware of is the Abandoned Railway Track that is more than 50 years old. Where is it? How it looks? And why is it abandoned?

These were the questions that were running in the minds of the 3 adventurous Patrol Leaders, who decided to explore into the mystery and have their questions anserwed. Well, of cos, they didn't go alone. They had their friendly guide, Scouter Kumanan, to guide them through the trek.

The trek started of with us walking alongside the Malaysian Railway, trying to find the slip track that goes away from the main track. Having trekked this route before, Scouter Kumanan was quite familiar but somehow, the overgrown bushes had hid the slip route. Finally we managed to find the route and proceeded on into the thick jungle. As soon as we entered the forest, we started seeing reminence of the Railway track in its original condition.

Throughout the trek, we were faced with plenty of obstacles and challenges. Crossin over thick fallen trees, and navigating ourselves away from thorny Palm trees were a constant turn off. To top all these off, came our biggest challenge of having to cross the dark tunnel that was filled with, god knows what. The whole tunnel was muddy, slippery and wet. You can see frogs and fishes jumping occasionally and giving you a shock at times. Even after crossing the muddy tunnel, we had to bypass knee deep water drains to cross over to dry land. The rest of the trek after that was very much dry and clear. Except for occasional weird calls of birds that we had not heard before at all.

As we drew closer to civilization, right before our eyes was a old bridge (probably over 50 years) crossing the Ulu Pandan River. It certainly looks majestic, compared to those that we see in MRT. Crossing the bridge, over the river was a mind challenge posed to Zhen Jie who was afraid of heights. Not only had we got to cros once, but twice.

In overview, the trek was great one with God's blessing, as nothing bad happen especially in terms of weather. The trek ended with us having a lecture from Scouter Kumanan on how to do a proper Programme Planning for our Patrols and what to look out for when we bring them out for such Outdoor Trip. Oh yea, we learnt about RAMS as well.

National Patrol Camp 2008

The results are out for the National Patrol Camp 2008, and we are glad to announce that the Patrol of 7 we sent had clinched a Bronze Award, despite the tough competition and high standards posed by other established Units. The Scout Group had previously sent Patrols to the NPC 2001 & NPC 2003, but this would be our first time clinching an award.

We hope this award would motivate the Scouts of future batch to outdo their seniors in the next NPC in 2011.

Meanwhile, no awards or medals come without any sweat. The Patrol consisting of the following Scouts had trained tirelessly over the entire month of November coming down to school to train hard. They had to go through 2 Pre-NPC Camps totaling 7D6N to prepare themselce well enough for the Competition.

1. Goh Wei Yuan (PL)
   
2. Choo Xuan Jie (Camp Cook)
   
3. Chua Zhong Han (QM)
   
4. Alvin James Ting (Welfare I/C)
   
5. Yip Keen Wah (First Aider)
   
6. Ang Mao Wei (Asst. Cook)
   
7. Koh Zhi Rong (Asst. QM)
   

Well Done Beavers !!!

Aiming for Bull's Eye: Archery for Scouts

Who says Scouts don't learn the skills of using weapons. Has the picture on the right given you some proof. Well, the Scouts may not be armed with dummy pistols and wooden rifles, but we sure can prove how good our skills are using a Bow & Arrow.

The Scout Group had organized for a 8 week Archery Program for our Sec 2 Scouts and above, giving them a 20 hours of Archery skills learning and practice. Throughout the 8 weeks, the Scouts sure had lots of fun becoming a young Robin Hood in the making.

At the end of the course, all Scouts had achieved their Master-At-Arms Proficiency badge and also completed their Skills component for the National Youth Achievement (Bronze) Award.

Centra Area Scoutlore Quest 2008

Well Done Beavers !!! We have clinched the Gold Award for the Inaugural Central Area Scoutlore Quest 2008 held on 30th August at the Raffles Institution Campus. Beaver Scout Group was competing against two other teams, both from Raffles Institution, the school with the best brains of our nation. RI 01 came in as Champions and RI02 came in as the 1st Runner Up. The team led by APL Chua Zhonghan had many "Happy Reading" sessions in preparation to the Competition.

Team Members:

PL Nicholas Loh Kian Seng
APL Chua Zhong Han
APL Choo Xuan Jie
Scout Abdul Gader

The Scout Lore is a body of tradition and knowledge that has evolved with the Scout Movement since it’s founding in 1907. The Scout Lore Quest aims at creating an awareness of the Movement’s rich past among its members. It is also a platform for scouts to learn how the Movement has contributed to the progress and development of a harmonious and peaceful, albeit diverse society that we live in today.

55th Anniversary Beaver Chikalaka

Beaver Scout Group is celebrating it's 55th Anniversary this year, ever since its inception in 1953. Therefore, the Scout Group decided to celebrate this occasion by organizing a Campfire and sharing our joys with our fellow Brothers & Sisters from other School.

This year's Campfire was entirely planned and executed by our Rovers from our new Rover Crew, and it was headed by ASL Arumugam. The Campfire was well attended by over 400 Scouts & Guides from 19 schools. We also had our Brothers from St. Micheal's Instutition, Ipoh who came down to Singapore just to attend our Campfire. They were sure a hit among our Scouts and Guides as many approached them to take a picture.

The Guest-of-Honor for the Campfire was our District Commissioner (Toa Payoh), Mr. Lai Kwok Chin, who kindly accepted our invitation. The campfire was attended by other Leaders from the District and Area. We were also delighted to see our Parents Supporters, who enjoyed the Campfire together with thier Family, and seeing the work of their son's tireless preparation over the 1 month. Thank You Parents.

As there was another Campfire in Catholic High on the same day, many of the schools which were invited had to make a choice between Beatty or Cat. High. We're thankful to those who chose to attend our Campfire, and our most sincere thanks to you and your Group.

It was indeed a very blessed evening that day, as the Scouts and Rovers were very worried with the weather, having seen it turn bad during mid-day. Thank God and Nature, for allowing us to enjoy the spirit of Scouting under the clear skies and warmth of the Campfire.

The Campfire was a success & an achievement to the Scout Group, considering the fact that it was prepared and executed by just 32 Scouts and Rovers. Well Done Beavers, for putting up a good show despite the manpower constraint.

Hougang Rangers have proven the Scout's ability
to salvage used items.....look at their creativity

Lightning Scouts sure knows how to have FUN

What is this Scout "Awww-ed" by ????

Our dear Scouting friends from Ipoh

Winners of the Best Item -
Yeung Ching Scout Group

Scouts in Shades, Aren't they just looking cool?

Water Conservation Badge Visit

Last Friday, 23 of the Beaver Scouts visited the NeWater Plant at Bedok as part of their Water Conservation Badge Scheme requirement. As part of the visit, the Scouts were informed about the water resources of Singapore and out 4 main National Taps of Water.

The visit was well-guided by the PUB full-time staffs who brought the Scouts around the Plant showing them each step of the Water Recycling System. Through this visit, Scouts would have learnt better on how to manage our water resources more efficiently and responsibly both at work and home.

At the end of the NeWater plant visit, the Scouts had to submit a report on Water Conservation and the things that they learnt through the visit, in order for them to earn a Proficiency badge on their sleeves.

Toa-Payoh District Sabah Adventure Trip

Communing with Nature through Adventure, was how you could describe the Eco-Adventure Trip that 31 Scouts and 5 leaders (Maris Stella, Beatty, RI 01, Bishan Park) from Central Area went on from 10-16 June 2008. This year, TPY District Leader, Mr. Kumanan, planned and organized a 7 days journey to Sabah, The Land below the Wind. The trip to Sabah was meant to challenge the Scouts’ perspective of adventure and give them a greater outlook into International Scouting.

The Adventure aspect of the journey, saw the Scouts engaged in activities such as White Water Rafting @ Kiulu River and Snorkeling @ Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Most of the boys truly enjoyed the experience of seeing fishes swimming right in front of their eyes in the crystal clear waters and the exhilarating moments of going down the rapids and crashing through the white waters of Kiulu.

Our Scout also learnt about the ecology of the endangered Proboscis Monkeys and the Orang Utans during their visit to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

Our arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport was warmly received by the Sabah Scouts and Commissioners with loud bangs of the ‘Kompang’ and Cheers from them. It sure was a culture shock for our Boys who have never experienced such a warm welcome upon the arrival at another country.

During our visit, on the second and fourth day, we were hosted for a goodwill night by the Kota Kinabalu Scouts and Sandakan Scout. At Kota Kinabalu, the Commissioners and Scouts put up a night full of dance and songs with lots of great local food. The Singapore Scouts did as well show them some of our Campfire songs and dance.

At Sandakan, the Local Scout Council hosted us for a Seafood Dinner and Campfire. The whole atmosphere of the campfire in total darkness under the shimmering stars and the light of the moon was an unforgettable one for the Scouts who dwell in an urbanized society like Singapore.

In overview, the trip was a great opportunity for the Scouts to know each other from different Units and was a good way to apply the Scouting method of Learning through Nature into the Programme of the Scouts.

" As the trip progressed, I actually found myself enjoying it as I managed to get away from the stressful life in Singapore. Looking at it from another point of view, I was actually “playing” for a whole week! The trip offered everyone a chance to learn more about the wildlife and habitats over in Sabah, and gave us the opportunity to bond with each other and make new friends within the Units of Toa Payoh District. I would like to thank the Teachers and Scout Leaders for taking their time off to organize this trip. "

Nicholas Loh Kian Seng

Patrol Leader of

Beatty Beaver Scout Group

55th Investiture Ceremony 2008

The Tenderfoots this year were very lucky indeed. Usually the Investiture Ceremonies were held in school but this year, Scouter Kumanan decided to have at Sarimbun Scout Camp for a change. What better way could there be to induct the new Scouts into our Brotherhood, then to do it at a Scout Camp that holds many Scout's memories.

The event kicked off with the arrival of the Parents and TPY District Commissioner, Mr. Lai Kwok Chin. Before the Investiture Ceremony, the Parents were invited to a Parents' Pow-Wow with the Scouters at the Session Room. The attendance of the Parents was simply tremendous despite the long journey they had to travel.

At the session, the Scouters shared with the Parents some of the highlights to 2008 Program and the Parents as well, shared with us their opinion of how Scouting has made significant changes in their son. The session was not only attended by Parents of Sec 1s, but also those of the PLs & APLs. It was indeed a casual session which helped to bridge the Scout Unit with the Parents as stakeholders.

After the Pow-Wow, the 5 new Scouts were invested in the presence of Scouter Kumanan, and the incoming Patrol Leaders & Asst. Patrol Leaders took their Oath of Responsibility upon receiving their Certificates of Appointment. The Ceremony ended with our DC, Mr. Lai , giving the new Scouts and appointment holders some words of wisdom.

Group Photo of our Parent Supporters of Scouting

How was the night hike, son?

Mr. Lai's words of Wisdom

Group shot of the Wong & Yip Family

So how has Sanjay been doing in Scouts?

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.

Annual Jobweek 2008

This year's Annual Jobweek had ended with quite a good note, especially so, since we have earned slightly more then our total earning in 2007. After the week long Jobweek, from 8th - 14th March, the total count for the Group's collection for Jobweek is $4770.58

And here are the Top Earners:

1. Sanjay Selvaraja	$401.00
2. Jerrold Chan	$225.50
3. Yip Keen Wah	$221.00
4. Wong Heng Shon	$217.50
5. Abdul Gader	$201.55

Footsteps: History of Beaver Scout Group

1953 – THE 56TH BEAVER SCOUT GROUP WAS FORMED BY MR. SYED ALWI WHO WAS THEN THE GROUP SCOUT MASTER AND ROVER SCOUT LEADER. THE GROUP WAS PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE VICTORIA SILVER ARROW SCOUT TROOP WHEN IT WAS FUNCTIONING AT VICTORIA SCHOOL, AND SERVING THE SCOUTS OF THE AFTERNOON SESSION.


1960 – MR ONG TEONG WAN TOOK OVER AS THE GROUP SCOUT MASTER, HAVING BEEN PREVIOUSLY BEEN A ROVER AND A SCOUT.

1964 – BEAVER SCOUT GROUP PRODUCED ITS VERY FIRST QUEEN SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENTS, MR. WONG YIP HENG & MR. TAN CHUE TIN. THEY RECEIVED THEIR AWARDS FROM OUR YANG-DI PERTUAN NEGARA, ENCIK YUSOF BIN ISHAK AT THE ISTANA

1965 – SCHOOL HEAD PREFECT AND TROOP LEADER, MR. KHOO TENG HUAT BECAME THE THIRD RECIPIENT OF QUEEN SCOUT AWARD. HE LATER SERVED AS THE ASST. SCOUT MASTER AND ASST. DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF KALLANG AND BECAME A COLOMBO PLAN SCHOLAR. MR. CHIN KWEK CHONG SUCCEEDED AS THE GROUP SCOUT MASTER.

1972 – SCOUTMASTER, MR. ANDREW LIEW INTRODUCED THE SEA VENTURE UNIT. THE VENTURES BUILT THEIR FIRST 6 SEA WORTHY CANOES AND SET ON A ROUND ISLAND TRIP WHICH BECAME A YEARLY AFFAIR.

1974 - MR. YEO YONG HUAT BECAME THE FIRST PRESIDENT SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENT OF THE 1504 BEAVER SCOUT GROUP. HE RECEIVED HIS AWARD FROM THEN PRESIDENT BENJAMIN SHEARES.

1976 – MR. CHAN KAI SOON RECEIVED HIS PRESIDENT SCOUT AWARD FROM PRESIDENT BENJAMIN HENRY SHEARES AT THE ISTANA

1978 – MR. CHIN KWEK CHONG WAS APPOINTED AS THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF KALLANG DISTRICT. MR. ANDREW LIEW TOOK OVER AS THE GROUP SCOUT MASTER

1982 – MR. QUEK JUN KIAT & MR. SIA WEI SEN RECEIVED THEIR PRESIDENT SCOUT AWARDS FROM THEN PRESIDENT DEVAN NAIR AT THE ISTANA.

1983 – MOVED TO TOA PAYOH NORTH AND RE-REGISTERED UNDER TOA PAYOH DISTRICT AS 05 BEAVER SCOUT GROUP. BEAVER SCOUT GROUP BECAME ONE OF THE PIONEER ROVER CREWS IN SINGAPORE TO ADMIT FEMALES IN ROVERING.

1986 - SEA VENTURE UNIT CONVERTED TO LAND VENTURE UNIT. MR. HO SOO TIONG BECAME THE GROUP SCOUT LEADER

1989 - HIGHEST RECORD OF MEMBERSHIP = 103

1990 – MR. LIM BOON SENG BECAME THE FIFTH PRESIDENT SCOUT AWARD RECIPIENT OF BEAVER SCOUT GROUP. HE RECEIVED HIS AWARD FROM PRESIDENT WEE KIM WEE AT THE ISTANA.

1995 – FIRST FRANK COOPER SANDS GOOD UNIT AWARD RECEIVED. MR. KOH KAR MENG TOOK OVER AS THE GROUP SCOUT LEADER

2001 – BEAVER SCOUT GROUP FORMED THE ‘BEAVER’ CHAPTER WITH THE SINGAPORE SCOUT GUILD. THE CHAPTER BECAME A PLATFORM FOR OLD BOYS TO MEET UP.

2002 - ACHIEVED THE SUSTAINED ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (UNIFORM GROUP) FOR THE SCHOOL TOGETHER WITH NCC (AIR).
BEAVER SCOUT GROUP SENT 11 SCOUTS TO THE 20TH WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE, WITH TREMENDOUS SUPPORT FROM THEN PRINCIPAL MR. GOH AIK CHOON, FOR WHICH HE RECEIVED THE BRONZE VANDA AWARD FROM PRESIDENT SR NATHAN. THE SCOUT TROOP ACHIEVED FRANK COOPER SANDS GOLD AWARD.

2004 – PL DENNIS LEONG REPRESENTED SINGAPORE IN THE NIPPON INVITATIONAL PROGRAMME HELD AT JAPAN

2005 - ACHIEVED 10 CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF FRANK COOPER SANDS AWARD

2007 – ASST. PATROL LEADER SANJAY SELVARAJA REPRESENTED THE TROOP AT THE 21ST WORLD SCOUT JAMBOREE IN UK TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SCOUTING.
ASST. SCOUT LEADER ARUMUGAM WAS THE PIONEER BATCH OF ROVERS IN SINGAPORE TO RECEIVE THE SCOUT OF THE WORLD AWARD FROM WOSM IN JAPAN WHEN HE REPRESENTED SINGAPORE AT THE 5th APR YOUTH FORUM.

2008 – BEATTY BEAVER SCOUT GROUP CELEBRATES IT’S 55TH ANNIVERSARY. BEAVER ROVER CREW WAS RE-ESTABLISHED WITH 8 ROVERS. ROVER SCOUT MUHD AFIQ REPRESENTED SINGAPORE AT THE 38th WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE IN KOREA.

AS PART OF THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, AN OLD BEAVERS' GATHERING WAS ORGANIZED WITH TREMENDOUS ATTENDANCE OF OVER 76 OLD BOYS & GIRLS TURNED UP. THIS WAS A FIRST EVER GATHERING ORGANIZED IN OVER 20 YEARS.