3rd Cub Scouts Goodwill Camporee 2007 (Perth)

Home Sweet Home....

2007-11-28T00:40:00.001+08:00

By now, all of us should be home ~ in the comfort of our own beds.. I am sure everyone miss this. I just got home from my Bak Chor mee at Bedok North.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank everyone in the contingent for making this Camporee a great success. We met all our objectives and also achieved many first from this trip; Did you know that this is the largest group of cub scouts to travel overseas from Singapore Scout Association ?

Not forgetting our friends from WA Scouts that also helped us throughout this journey.. B R A V O !

Time to sleep now... I will post some important pics tomorrow morning to wrap up this memorable trip...

Signing off now,

Yip Ying Kiong

Contingent Leader

Ta, Scouts Australia!

2007-11-27T17:36:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I've just seen the second flight off at the airport, did you see the five of us waving you goodbye?... and will be staying for another week or so.

That's QF71 shortly after take-off

Anyway, here are our final photos, taken at Menjedal, as promised.
Have a good, well-deserved rest after you land...

Good Bye Australia!

2007-11-27T14:26:00.000+08:00

After packing up, there's only one thing left to do - get to the airport! But enroute, we stopped by at the Scout Shop to buy some badges, shirts and stuff before proceeding to Harbour Town for lunch.

There after, we were off to check in!
See you in Singapore!

G'day, Singapore

2007-11-27T07:23:00.001+08:00

Hi all again

We are in the last day of our camp, our Aussie friends has left us on Sunday as they are back to school and work.. they had a very tiring weekend hosting us and indeed it has been a very fun, enjoyable and memorable time for everyone

The facilities in the Camp for the outdoor activities is truly marvelleous.. We will post more pics to back track what happened the last 2 days.. Apologies for the delay telecast but we want everyone to enjoy the stations.. and "all hands on deck" for the adult leaders to watch over safety..

We went to Fremantle for our excursion... the contingent is splitted into the units and they are free to roam in this historic town ~ filled with Museums ( Maritime, Shipwreck, Motor..) the old prisons, lookout into the Indian Ocean and not to forget the fresh seafood for meals...

More update as we can hooked up the cyberspace !

More Pics on the Aerial Runway

2007-11-27T07:22:00.001+08:00

The launch tower ..

Our friend from Sydney, John Dwyer, a Venture leader as our special guest star.. he came with his wife Helen to join us.

Magdelene Seow, our Nat Cub Scout Commissioner, saying her last prayer ????

Archery

2007-11-25T17:57:00.000+08:00

Archery is a hot favourite...very addictive, so no matter how many times the Cubs have done it, they'd like to have a go at it again. This station is the only one run by Leaders from Singapore. Mr Desmond is the expert who is trained and licensed by MOE CCAB to conduct Archery sessions, so like all other stations, safety is key and observed by all instructors.

Tunnels Confidence Course

2007-11-25T15:55:00.000+08:00

Rockla underground tunnels! The Cubs planned their routes before entering a network of tunnels, and exit through special safety hatches (or man-holes) along the way when they find one.

This must be one of the most exciting stations. Something we do not have in Singapore. Instructors were at each hatch to check on Cubs that pass-by or decide to exit there. The Cubs reported that it was scary at first, but when they got used to crawling in the small space, it was too fun to miss. Many even wanted to have a go at it again, using a different route!

As always, safety is paramount and all procedures are adhered to strictly.

The Aerial Runway

2007-11-25T14:54:00.001+08:00

Hi all

This morning till now has been another wonderful experience for us.. with the low rope obstacles, Tunnel and the highlight feature ~ the Aerial Runway...

Here are some of the pics..

Eager to go but everyone listens attentively to the briefing on safety and the rules..

Our instructors will help them secure their harness before "take off"...

All set to go... our girl scout can do it too !

The trainers securing our boys before sending them down the valley.. 240 m away ....

I weigh 78kg ( Oopps.. everyone knows my weight now) and I survived going thru'.. so its safe for all the little ones..

Even our female teacher did it too.. look at the smile on her face.. relaxed, isn't it ?

No sweat !

Its so enjoyable.. even Mummy did it.. June Low, our parent volunteer from Gongshang Scouts.

What a joy !

Blindman's Trail & Low Rope Elements

2007-11-25T12:54:00.000+08:00

Ahhh... sounds boring, but this trail is special. It is set in the forests of Manjedal Campsite and used mostly the natural setting of the area.

Beautiful, eh??

The low-rope elements were also fun that the teachers had a go at them too!

Soaring Eagles: G'Day from Down Under!

2007-11-25T11:08:00.000+08:00

Its a fine and cool Sunday morning and the kids are having lots of fun. The weather is about 27 degrees Celcius today with nice South Westerly winds. Pictures speak a thousand words, so We'll keep this post short and sweet.

We are the largest group here. 3 Leaders, 20 Cubs, 2 Scouts and 2 Ventures, so it isn't easy getting everyone together in a photo all at once, so please bear with us. More updates and photos will be posted at our unit blog so check it out if you're thirsting for more photos.
Everyone is well, happy and somehow, they don't look like they're missing home! :) But I am certain that quietly in their hearts, they do!

We'll be back in a couple of days so hang tight and watch for more updates!

Peace out,
Miss Noordiana, Mr Clarence Hoe, and the Soaring Eagles.

Campfire @ Manjedel

2007-11-25T09:00:00.000+08:00

The high temperatures during the day coupled with the dry air in Australia meant that the Forest Fire risk was set to "High". As such, we were not allowed to light an open fire. Plan B was exactly what we do in Singapore on a rainy day... the only difference is that instead of using nicely chopped wood which are almost identical in shape and size like we do in Singapore, Australian Scouts pick their firewood from the forest. No Kerosene!

Look at the intricate structure

Gangshows by the various sub-camps

It was indeed a fun-filled night of entertainment, song and dance led by Singaporean Ventures, Cub Scouts, Western Australian Scouters. There was even a special action song item led by our friends, guest Scouters from Sydney.

The campfire ended with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the Australian Cub Scout Packs from the district who participated in the joint-activities today. The Chief Commissioner, Ms Sue Mitchell also presented a special Didgeridoo to Yip, on behalf of the Western Australia Scouts.
A didgeridoo is a wind instrument of the Indigenous Australians of northern Australia. It is sometimes described as a natural wooden trumpet or "drone pipe". It is usually cylindrical or conical in shape and can measure anywhere from 1.2 and 3 metres in length. Generally, the longer the instrument, the lower the pitch or key of the instrument.

Good Morning Singapore !

2007-11-25T08:48:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone
Greetings from the Contingent for a beautiful Sunday !
We are indeed exhausted after a long day .. we slept late after the Campfire and in high spirits..
We will now backtrack and send you reports and pics of last night's events before our LIVE coverage again by the CNN crew..

Highlight of the Day : The Aerial RunWay

Western Australia's Chief Commissioner

2007-11-24T20:53:00.000+08:00

Ms Sue Mitchell is a marvellous woman whose two sons had also been Scouts, before she even became involved in Scouting. She related how she was in the mountains when a huge grey kangaroo hopped by right in front of her vehicle - hot in pursuit behind the kangaroo was a 16-year old Scout.
What she saw that day, on the boy's face - the exhilarating excitement and pure joy caused a passion within her to rise and stirred so strongly it convinced her that she needed to dedicate time into Scouting; to provide opportunities for the young (regardless of race or background) to grow uninhibited in a healthy environment. She believes firmly that Scouting is an organisation which provides opportunities for learning skills for life while having fun.
I'm sure that its this passion that has brought her to where she is today: Chief Commissioner of Western Australia. She leads a marvellous team of commissioners like Sheridan, Vern, Cricket and Nathan who had been excellent hosts with us the last couple of days.

Contingent Leader, Yip showing Ms Mitchell this blog,
explaining how it is used for live updates with families back in Singapore

Tonight, Ms Sue Mitchell was with us as the Guest-of-Honour for the special campfire at the Rotunda between Gilwell and Youth Training Centre in Manjedel Camp. Updates coming up...

The Great Aussie Barbie

2007-11-24T20:12:00.000+08:00

The sweet aroma of nicely sauteed onions and grilled meat brought back great memories. It was five years since I was last dishing out food in Uni in Southern Queensland.
The BBQ was a time when good friends caught up over good food and drinks, and the Cubs got a taste of just that tonight.Our Muslim friends ate grilled fish, while our Buddhist friends ate grilled chicken. The rest of us were fed with beef steak and sausages with pasta and salad.After dinner, everyone was treated to a classic Australian Dessert. The Pavlova Cake a Meringue dessert named after the ballerina, Anna Pavlova. It is crispy on the outside but light and fluffy inside. The cake was first baked by Bert Sachse at the Esplanade Hotel in Perth, in honour of Anna Pavlova who visited Australia in 1926 and 1929.
Ozi, Ozi, Ozi!

A quick summary up to 4 pm

2007-11-24T15:01:00.001+08:00

Hi all

Its a great learning process for us to walk thru this environment program run by the WA Scout leaders.. Its a very enriching program which not only our cubs benefitted but for our leaders as well.

I am very proud of our contingent braving the 40 deg C heat and they just completed the 8 stations.. We have a good supply of ice water and one of the stations had ice cream for motivation when they complete.

A few of our cubs are tired & had an early "break" and only 1 Australian was treated for a minor cut..

We are very mindful of the weather straint and will not excessive push our limits.. So, no worries, mate !

We are resting in the bunks in preparation for BBQ and Campfire.. the BBQ would be prepared by our Australian hosts again.. their warm hospitality has been superb !

Everything still looking good .. thanks for all your encouragement and good wishes.

Yip Ying Kiong

Contingent Leader

This is the CNN hub

2007-11-24T15:00:00.001+08:00

Hi all

This is our work station,... in the middle of no where of the Camp, there is this satellite station where we are transmitting these pics and info to you.. brought to you by my crew..

Clarence Hoe, Jonathan, Benjamin Soh and myself

Poi Ching : Where are you Mr Chang?

2007-11-24T14:59:00.001+08:00

Hi Mr Chang and all parents of Poi Ching

Good Day, Mate! Greetings from us in Kingston Park on 23rd Nov! As you could see, we were having a short break and enjoying a few sticks of ice-cream to cool us off. Everyone's fine and good to go for other activities.

In the evening, all the boys slept in the tents with the Australian Scouts out in the open under the clear blue sky. Kudos to all the boys!

Falcon Cubs, checking out!

Spider!

2007-11-24T13:30:00.000+08:00

Its a hot day,but no worries, parents... the Cubs are drinking lots! We're ensuring that.They are also getting a special treat at one of the Base Activities where they enjoy a nice cool lemonade-vanilla Spider (Aussie word for Float).

After Lunch...

2007-11-24T12:30:00.000+08:00

We've just had lunch. The temperatures are about 39 degrees Celcius and all our Cubs are well protected with Hats, Sunscreen and the long sleeved shirts. Tap water is safe for drinking, but it does reek a little of saltiness. Our Cubs find out why. Activities continue as they learn about the Salinity problems in their water.Moving along to more Environmental base activities...

The Time Has Come

2007-11-24T10:56:00.000+08:00

Its Day 3 and the air is abuzz with excitement. We finally get to meet our Australian friends...for what is expected to be a fun-filled day of activities together. Today, we will all be working towards the World Conservation Badge. We learn about the different aspects of the Australian Environment and the problems they face. Through the day's activities, we find out that we are a lucky bunch of 4 million in Singapore!

Gongshang : Where's Aunty Kat ?

2007-11-24T09:49:00.001+08:00

Hi Aunty Kat

We miss you very much... but not to worry we are in safe hands of our ever loving Aunty Wai Onn, June & Mdm Menon !

We had great fun especially we slept at the tentage last night with an accompanied patrol leader from Australia..

Bon Appetit @ Harbor Town

Greetings from River Valley

2007-11-24T09:17:00.000+08:00

Enjoying a tractor ride round the Tumbulgum Outback Farm.

Having our barbeque sausage lunch specially prepared by the Australian Scouts. We had to defend our sausage buns from the attacks of the flies!!

We were walking among the treetop on the Lotterywest Federation Walkway. Wish you were here to enjoy the scenery with us ;p

Good Day Mate! From De La Salle Team

2007-11-24T09:16:00.003+08:00

Hello! Everyone from Singapore! We had a great time today. We find the Australians very friendly and helpful. We knew this because when we were hiking all the way from the King's Park to the WA Scouts, a lot of Australians helped us along the way and greeted us.

Update from Yang Zheng Cub Scout Unit

2007-11-24T09:16:00.001+08:00

Dear Parents,

As you can see from the above pictures, the boys are having a lot of fun. The weather here is hot in the afternoon but cool at night. They slept and ate well. Don't worry. They will be doing some camp activities for the next two days. Check the blog for more updates.

Cub Scout leaders,

Mrs. Annie Chan, Mr. Riduan & Miss Chew

Good Morning Singapore !

2007-11-24T09:14:00.001+08:00

Hi all

We had a great time yesterday afternoon.. at Kings Park, Scouts HQ and Harbor Town..

The cubs are fine.. absolutely no problems..

I will start to post yesterday's pics to back track and thereafter this is CNN ~ LIVE coverage coming up !

Updates From King's Park and the WA Scout Headquarters

2007-11-23T20:02:00.000+08:00

Kings Park and Botanic Garden is visited by millions of people each year. With its remarkable expanses of unique bushland, tranquil parkland and botanic garden, nicely set on a hill overlooking two rivers, and its proximity to Perth city, the park is the most popular visitor destination in Western Australia.
Boab trees have hollow tree trunks can grow to have a circumference of over 14 metres and was used at one point used as "prison cells" in the 1890s by the local police to lock up Aboriginal prisoners over night, on their way to Derby for sentencing.
The treetop walk called "The Dreaming Serpent"... wonderfully constructed blending man-made elements with the natural environment.Here we go, off to the Scout HQ!

Tumbulgam Farm (Part II)

2007-11-23T11:34:00.000+08:00

Some more photos from the Tumbulgam Farm, from the sheep shearing show, some lucky kids were also given a chance to feed the sheep kids and milk "Daisy" the cow!
Keeping a sample of the sheep wool, off the floor...
Then taking an Authentic Australian Farmer break with Billy Tea and Damper Bread
After the Aboriginal Show, its lunch time! Aussie Barbie! (No, no pork! - Just an Aussie slang for Barbeque (: ) The food is deliciously halal.That's Dave, one of our Bus Captains who doubles up as chef.
The Scouts and Ventures working tirelessly to serve their younger Cub brothers.

We've got Yummy in our Tummy!

Next stop after lunch: KING'S PARK.

At the Tumbulgum Farm, Fri 10am ~ 1 pm

2007-11-23T11:15:00.001+08:00

Welcome to the Farm !

Watching the performance.. fascinating !

Can you spot yr Child ?

We promised to show our children how a sheep is sheared

Bushman Edgar Wong.. Hee Ha !!

Bush"woman" Mdm Lata Menon ... having a go with the whip.. she killed the horse !

Delay telecast this morning...

2007-11-23T11:13:00.001+08:00

Hi Parents and well wishers,

In case you were anxious to see pics since last night.. I apologise that I could only publish pics and update this morning as we were busy with sorting out the accommodation arrangement and feeding our hungry cubs after a long day...

From hereon, I have established the LAN line and will commence our CNN LIVE coverage !

After reading, pse drop us yr messages and encouragement !

A word from the Princess Elizabeth Team

2007-11-23T11:12:00.001+08:00

Hi Parents and well wishers,

Thank you for sending all of us at the airport. Don't worry! All the kids are fine and enjoying themselves. They are looking forward to sleeping in the tent tomorrow night (sub camps take turns). See you at the airport on Tuesday.

Miss Adeline Ong and Miss Nisvaan

Upon arrival at Perth

2007-11-23T06:52:00.001+08:00

Greeted by our Australian Scout leaders..

In flight QF 72

2007-11-23T06:49:00.001+08:00

You can imagine handling 113 kids in the cabin ! Our cubs were very excited as we took off at 9.20 am...

Some were busy with the in flight entertainment systems..

Some were trying to catch up with their sleep..

A couple had air-sickness.. but they are alright.. no huge drama

At the end of the flight, everyone in high spirits ~ looking forward to our new home for the next few days at Manjedal.

The Launch from Changi Airport

2007-11-23T06:46:00.001+08:00

We had an early start.. almost everyone was punctual, arriving by 6.30 am. The last group was checked in by 7.30am, this was a great improvement and better than expected ~ to manage our contingent of 158 !

Minor hiccups with several participants' visas rejected as their passport was recently changed and the new passports had new numbers ! Only 1 boy (or rather his parents) forgot his passport but he still make it on time.. thats why is important to start early..

Thank you parents and well wishers for your kind co-operation and sacrificing your sleep !!

The group from La Salle Pri School

Some had time for a good chat ...

Visit to Tumbulgum Farm, Fri 23 Nov

2007-11-21T22:20:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

These pics are taken from the Tumbulgum farm which we would be visiting on Fri morning.. its gonna be a fun time and also good learning too.. Have you seen a sheep being sheared ?

Please visit our Blog to follow our trip

2007-11-21T14:55:00.001+08:00

Hi all Parents and well wishers,

This will be my last message before our departure tomorrow morning. I will attempt to continue updating LIVE pics along the way during our trip in Perth.

I am not certain of internet availability and technical glitches along the way.. so bear with us !

See you tomorrow at the airport.. remember to set your alarm clock !!!

Map of our Day Tour

2007-11-21T00:15:00.001+08:00

On Friday afternoon, we will be visiting Kings Park then follow by an urban hike to WA Scout HQ. We will have dinner at Harbour Town Factory Outlet before "Home Sweet Home to Camp Manjedal"

Aerial runway.. its 240 m long

2007-11-21T00:03:00.001+08:00

Everyone will have an opportunity to glide on this Sunday ! Thrilled ??

Our Group Insurance for the Trip

2007-11-13T18:28:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

Attached, is our brochure for our travel insurance purchased with AIG. We are covered under the Classic Plan

Camp Organization & Accommodation List

2007-11-12T12:27:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

This is our Camp Org & Accommodation List for the camp

Our Camp Programme

2007-11-12T12:26:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

This will be our programme during the camp.

More Photos from the Recce

2007-11-12T12:25:00.001+08:00

Tumbulgum Farm

King's Park

The submarine that we would be visiting …

The Maritime Museum

Our Contingent Organisation Structure

2007-11-11T23:50:00.001+08:00

Hi all,
This is our Contingent Organisation chart crafted by our Dy Contingent Leader, Mr Desmond Foo. He has divided our contingent into 4 Sub Camps for ease of control and administration.

Send off Ceremony @ Scout HQ, 3 Nov 07

2007-11-11T23:41:00.001+08:00

Hi all,

These are the photos of the Send Off Ceremony @ Scout HQ on the 3rd November.

Our Personal Packing List

2007-11-11T23:33:00.001+08:00

Voila, our Personal Packing list to help us... "Be Prepared" !

Technical Problems for new posting in the Blog

2007-11-11T17:57:00.000+08:00

Hi all

In case you may wondering why i have not posted any new pics or charts on the blog....Well, I have not been able to post any new files since Tues, the systems just hangs !!! I am equally anxious.. If anyone of you has a blog in blogspot.com & knows wats wrong.. pse let me know.

If there's no solution by tomorrow, i will create a link to a photo album thru the blog and provide update there.

B rgds

Our Recce Trip (18 - 20 Oct 07)

2007-11-06T09:46:00.000+08:00

John Koo and I went to Perth fr 18 - 20 Oct for a recce trip. We were well recieved by the WA International Commissioner, Jules Rikkers and the WA Scout Commissioner, Sheridan Bunney.

We tracked the campsite and the places that we would be visiting and made a Risk Assessment report.

During this trip, we also firmed up our program with the advice of our scouting friends from Perth. We also finalised our payments to Campsite, transportation and catering...

It was a very tiring trip as we tried to compress our agenda during these 2 days... I am glad we met our objectives for making this recce trip. We are confident of meeting our expectation for the camporee.

The pics will give you a clue what to expect in Perth.

Manjedal Campsite Pictures

2007-11-05T11:43:00.000+08:00