GUNUNG SENYUM EC0-ADVENTURE (1-5 December 2009, Pahang Malaysia)

Reflection from Lim Zhe Bin, Pei Chun Eagles

2010-01-05T22:17:00.000+08:00

My Scouts Reflection

For Eco-Adventure 1st to 5th December 09

Day 1

Today I go to Pahang, Malaysia for my scout’s eco-adventure. I am going to sit a train to get there. The train is called the Timuran Express 14 and it is a malaysian train. I think that the Malaysian trains are too slow and are very uncomfortable. The train was going very slowly and there were no beds even though it was late at night. It was only my first trip but I already feel that I do not want to sit a malaysian train again.

Day 2

After today’s caving activities, I hope that there are more caving activities like the ones today. So far, the food is great and better than what I thought it would taste like. The breakfast was good too! I think that the night confidence walk was very important as it teaches us how to use all our senses to find our way through the dark. After having a night in the tent, I think that sleeping in tents is a good experience for me even though I did not get to set up one.

Day 3

Today I had my rock climbing and abseiling activity. I think that doing rock climbing and abseiling activities on natural environments will be so cool. But, only a few people got to try as it had started to rain. I think that I am unfortunate as I missed the rock climbing and abseiling activities because of the rain. I hope that in my future trips that rain will not stop the activities. We had a final challenge to get the best patrol award right at this moment. the challenge was a bodyline race. It was very tough but we learned about teamwork on the way.

Day 4

This morning I woke up to find a smiley-face on my cheek. I had been sabotaged! After finding out, I feel like giving the guy who did it a big punch on the face. If I find out who did it, I might even really do it! To get to the caves today we had to hike through a jungle full of muddy water. (Yummi water! ) I saw leeches and got bitten by one but I still think it is best to just leave them alone and not to kill them unless they give trouble. The cave was very tough to get through but inside the cave it was all very beautiful. We went back to Jerantut to do some shopping! We all bought some breakfast for the next day before eating dinner. I found the change of food strange after eating the food at the camp for so long.

Day5

I sat the train back to Singapore today. It was delayed so we had to take a longer time to get back. Overall, I think the trip is very exciting and educational. I hope to go to another trip again soon. HOME SWEET HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Written by:

Lim Zhe Bin, Pei Chun Public School, Primary 4D

A Reflection from Branson Chang from Poi Ching Falcons

2010-01-05T09:33:00.003+08:00

REFLECTION OF MY TRIP TO PAHANG - WHAT HAVE I LEARN?

Day 1

Today we sat the train from singapore to Jerantut railway station.A boy vomited at the train and the teachers had to clean it out.Then we departed to Hotel Sr kim Yen.We had a bath at the hotel then we went for a sleep at about 2 h.I learned not to eat too much at the train as we might vomit if we had a full stomach while in motion in the train.

Day 2

It was morning!!! Today we ate breakfast at a coffe shop near the hotel.Then we checked out the hotel.We took a coach to Gunung Senyum. We visited about 3 caves.We saw owls flying around in the cave.After that we ate our chicken rice for our lunch.After that we sat the bus to Gua Kota Gelanggi.We took a rest for about 1 hour then we went for fishing.We were fishing when it was raining very heavilly halfway. We rushed back to our camp site.Then we ate our lunch and went for night confidence walk.We had a bath then we the slept in a tent.

Day 3

We woke up and took our brakfast at the campsite.We went for abseiling and rock climbing.I was in the abseiling group.When the 1^st person finished the abseiling, it rained so I had no chance to do abseiling and rock climing. Suddenly I found that I had a leech bite on my right leg and my teacher helped me to put on alcoho pad and plaster.We went back to the campsite.Then we ate our lunch.After that we played game and sang song. One of the games was to tie ourself to each other and then we walked up and down up and down in the small around stream. We then took a refreshing bath at the campsite toilet. We ate our dinner and then we lighted up our light stick and went for the campfire. After that, we went to sleep inside our tent.

Day 4

We took our breakfast as usual in the morning.then we went to 2 caves.The first cave was much harder to climb then the second cave because there were many slopes and obstacles. In the cave, we managed to see some carvings on the cave wall – e.g a picture of a Merlion and the couple married when we were resting at the cave outside. Suddenly, I saw another leech bite on my leg again. The teacher helped me to apply some first aid again. After that we proceeded to the cave. We also saw a lot of small owls.

After that we walked a certain distance to the campsite to eat our lunch. Then we took a bus back to Hotel Sri Kim Yen.

We have a nice bath at the hotel toilet then we went for some shopping. After shopping, we had a rest then we proceeded to a coffe shop to have our dinner. It was a very good dinner with nice dishes. Then we went to the hotel for a rest. After that our teacher brought us to KFC to have our supper.We had a closing ceromonay for this event by forming a horseshoe. Then we bought some food at a supermarket for the next day’s

breakfast.

Day 5

We waited for the train at 12.00 p.m. The train was being delayed from 1 a.m. till 2 a.m. So I slept at the train station for awhile.We sat the KTM sleeping seater back to

Singapore

REFLECTION

I learnt to make friends with others and to cooperate with the other scouts from 2 other schools. I also learnt to climb caves and how to deal with leech bites.

Reflection from Miss Wiyah, dated 7 Dec 2009

2009-12-07T12:18:00.006+08:00

Woke up at 3 am today. I guess I have enough sleep. Tats me..when I have enough sleep, I wil auto wake up. I returned from Pahang trip with the cub scouts. On the whole, the trip was stress free. We were well taken care. We arrived at Jerantut at 2.45 am on 2 Dec 2009. It was dark. We checked in the hotel for ard 3 to 4 hrs to have a quick change and supposedly to get few winks but to no avail. I didnt get much sleep on the train ride to Jerantut cuz of the bright lights in the train. I know without 24 hrs of sleep, I am gonna get eye bags for sure. The sacrifice. Then we proceeded to have our morning breakfast. Some 'villagers' were seen to have breakfast after they performed their Subuh prayers at the nearby surau, I guessed. A bus came and picked us up n off we went to our first caves @ Gunung Senyum.

The mitos goes like this..There was Tuk Long and a fairy pincess who fell in love n got married. Then Tuk Long missed his family and his home town. He promised the pincess (his wife) tat he will return in one month time. Tuk Long was so happy to be back to meet his family, had forgotten his promise to his wife that he wil return in one month time. Tuk Long has special magical powers..he can cure pple of any illness. So when he was back to in his village, he helped the villagers. After more than 1 month, Tuk Long remembered his promise to his wife. He then hurriedly return to Gunung Senyum but alas his wife xould not be find. He died a heartbroken man. In the Gunung Senyum lies his tomb. A sad end to a beautiful love story. The caves was where Tuk Long proposed to the princess (romantic), he praticed his silat and his tomb. I mentioned to Dza that wedding couples should come to the limestone caves where we set up the tents to have their wedding pictures taken. N true enough, we saw a wedding couple came and have their pictures taken. Heheheh..I then asked them for their permission to have our pictures taken with them. We then proceeded to explore more caves. Each caves is unique n a real challenge. On they way to to another cave, we have to walk on the mud in a forest, I was amazed that the guides could walk so cooly whereas we, Singaporeans were hanging on the tree branches so that we would not fall in the mud. I supposed they are used to it. I must say my appetite was good when i was in Pahang. Probably I was famished after caves exploration. I could not remember on which day...the fishing day, i was bitten by a secada and then on another day, my blood was 'sucked' by a leech. Our guide when we were in the base camp is known as Rambo..cuz he does things alone. He made for us a woggle made from rattan..Very cool. He also made the fishing rod out of oil plam branch. On the whole the trip was fun, enriching and adventurous. to date, I am still amazed how Desmond can squeezed himself into the small cracks and cervices of the small opening in the caves.

For more pictures Upload..do visit FB: Cub Scout Eco Adventure Trip 2009, Pahang Malaysia

2009-12-06T21:09:00.009+08:00

Click here to link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=216797556527

Closing Note

2009-12-06T12:54:00.003+08:00

That's Awesome...summed up the successful execution of this adventure trip..A total of 31 Cubs, 6 Scouts and 10 Adult Leaders from First Toa Payoh Primary, Pei Chun Public and Poi Ching Falcons, together with the team from TP Eagles participated in one of the "toughest and most challenging Scouting adventure" we ever had. Perseverance, teamwork and physical endurance were the characteristics of this eco-adventure challenge. Scouts kept their Promise, "A Scout Has Courage In All Difficulties" by challenging themselves to overcome every part of the obstacles they faced...and keeping their mental strength awake at all times.

Let's congratulate ourselves with a good pat on the back for a job well done. To the Senior Scouts and Leaders, thank you for constantly providing the much-needed motivation and guidance to our fellow Cubs. And to our parents who may have tuned into the pictures herein, do continue to support and encourage your child to keep Scouting going and whenever we faced with a difficult task..with perseverance..they can succeed...Keep these memories alive for as long as you can...

For all Cubs, do send me your reflections note (by email to themeworks@singnet.com.sg) for me to upload to this blog.

As I signed off note.. let's keep our brotherhood and comradeship strong and alive...Do have a great Christmas holidays..

Happy Scouting,

Desmond Foo

Expedition Leader

Combined Cub Scouts Eco-Adventure, Pahang 2009

Day 4 - Alas...We Had Made It! Cheers...Yasaka...ka..ka..

2009-12-06T12:12:00.000+08:00

Day 4 Final Conquer To Gua Gajah

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Day 3 Campfire

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Day 3 - Confidence & Team-Building Course

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Day 3 Highlights - Abseiling & Rock Climbing

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Day 2 - Cavings & Fishing Fun

2009-12-05T22:59:00.000+08:00

Day 2 Conquering Gunung Senyum

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Featuring Day 1 Highlights

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Day 1 Highlights - Journey To Pahang

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WE ARE OFF TO JERANTUT, PAHANG FOR 5D4N ADVENTURE....

2009-12-01T12:43:00.000+08:00

As I wrote this note, I believed that most Cubs at home are getting excited about this afternoon departure to Pahang. Cubs are expected to gather in their respective Schools at 4.00pm and off to Tanjong Pagar Railway Station at 4.15pm. We are expected to depart at 6.00pm on board Timuran Express 14.

This trip is the second collaboration with our closely associated Units from FTPPS, PCPS and PCS. Over the years, the Eagles and Falcons had forged a close relationship and brotherhood to provide a high quality Scouting adventures and cultural exchanges with our friends from the region. Both groups had jointly participated cultural exchange trips to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Malaysia. I strongly believed through such exchanges and exposures, our young Cubs have much to gain in fostering friendship, broaden their horizons and knowledge by putting scout skills into use.

As we embark this trip, I would like to express my appreciation to fellow leaders and the TP Eagles team for making this possible. To the parents who had always stand by us - I thank you for your support to our programmes. To our young Cubs and Scouts, do explore and enjoy the wonders of Scouting by participating more outdoor adventures.

Cheers..Happy Scouting

Desmond Foo

Expedition Leader

FINAL UPDATES: DO PACK LIGHT REFRESHMENTS FOR TRAIN JOURNEY

2009-11-29T10:40:00.000+08:00

Please check and confirm with your Teacher IC on the reporting time and venue (should be in school) prior to the trip.

Do remember to bring your International Passport and filled-up the Malaysian Embarkation Card (as issued).

Do ensure that all your gears are packed into the haversack. .

As mentioned during the briefing, please bring along your own refreshments for the train journey to Pahang. Foods can be consumed in the trains

Suggested food such as:

- Egg/Tuna Sandwiches

- Hamburgers / Bread Buns

- Fruits such as apples or bananas

- Solid Chocolate Bar

- Snacks

Water-bottles (filled) are allowed to be carried onto trains for consumption.

PAHANG TRIP IS STILL ON despite Straits Times reports about the rail closure on Wednesday, 25 Nov 2009.

2009-11-28T01:21:00.000+08:00

Train services to Kelantan back on track (as of Friday, 27 November 2009)

KUALA KRAI: Train services to the east coast, which have been badly affected by the soil erosion in Bukit Abu due to floods in Kelantan last Sunday, are now back on track.

Kuala Krai KTM Bhd eastern territory manager Che Ibrahim Sulaiman said the inter-city train services had resumed operations as normal.

"With the reduction in water level and the repair works almost completed, the local and express train services will resume according to time-table," he said.

Train services from Tumpat in Kelantan to both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore had been disrupted since Nov 22. - Bernama

p a c w e s t t r a v e l (s) p t e l t d

60 eu tong sen street, #02-05, furama hotel shopping centre,

singapore

059804.

tel: (65) 6536 1889 fax: (65) 6536 1350

email: outdoors@pacwest.com.sg

url: www.pacwest.com.sg

Preparing For Pahang Eco-Adventure - Session On Saturday, 21 Nov 2009

2009-11-22T11:47:00.009+08:00

More than 40 participants and their parents attended the Pahang Trip Preparatory Session held on Saturday, 21 November 2009 at Scout HQ. The participants attended the 4-hour preparatory session designed to assist them on how to pack a Rucksack, administration of first-aid, related proficiency badge pursuits and sing along session. A detailed coverage of the itinerary, risk management and activities were conducted by the Adventure Trainers from PacWest. The participants were also broke out to their respective Patrols to get to know and interact with one another, their Leaders and PLs. At the end of the session, participants were issued with their kit bags containing a personalized ID Tag, luggage tag, trip handbook, L/S T-shirt, cotton hand gloves, anti-bacterial hand-rub lotion and a surgical mask. 31 Cubs from First Toa Payoh Primary, Pei Chun Public and Poi Ching Falcons, 6 Service Scouts and 10 Adult Leaders will be participating in this trip.

FINAL PREPARATORY SESSION CUM BRIEFING FOR PARENTS - SAT 21 NOV 2009 @ SCOUT HQ

2009-11-09T12:18:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

Please be reminded that the above session will be conducted on Saturday, 21 Nov 2009 at Scout HQ (Level 2 Program Room). Participants are required to be in their Scout Uniform with the issued-event badge sewn on the right (above chest/pocket(if any).

The session schedule will be as follow:

0900hrs - Reporting
0915hrs - Introduction Of Leaders/Participants/ Patrols Grouping
0945hrs - Getting Your Personal Gears Ready
1015hrs - Break
1030hrs - Outdoor Precautions & First Aid Session
1115hrs - Sing-Along Session
1130hrs - (Arrival Of Parents (if any) *For those who did not attend the May Session.
1145hrs - Trip Briefing by Pac-West Trainers
1225hrs - Q & A
1245hrs - Issuance Of Accessories
1300hrs - Ends

Please note that there will be light refreshments served during the break session.
Do ensure that all participants attend this session without fail.

MUST WE TAKE A FLU VACCINATION?

2009-10-26T11:49:00.006+08:00

As an added precautionary measures, you are recommended to go for a flu vaccination at least 10 days before your proposed overseas trip. As reported that H1N1 is milder than anticipated, however patients with a history of chronic diseases are strongly advised to seek doctor's advice on the vaccination. H1N1 is still reigning the globe and we will take every precautionary measures and steps to minimise exposure and if required, to isolate suspected cases if there is a reason to believe of a potential case.

Unit Leaders are advised to inform parents about the vaccination and it is the discretion of the parents' to decide whether they want to administer the vaccination for their children at own costs.

HAVE YOU CHECK YOUR PASSPORT?

2009-10-08T10:37:00.005+08:00

All participants are reminded to check their International Passport, they must have a validity period of six months or more prior to their date of return (example, the return date is 5 Dec 2009, your passport must be valid till or after 5 June 2010)

Q - What will happen if I do not have the validity date?

Ans- You will not be allowed to leave Singapore or may face problems of accessing or departing issues at the Immigration checkpoints.

Q - How long will it takes to renew or extend the passport vailidity?

Ans - For those who need to renew their expired passport, it will take about a month or less to complete the renewal. For extending the passport, it may take 2 weeks or more depending on the Immigration Department "peak or off-peak" season.

PREPARATORY SESSION SCHEDULED ON SAT, 21 NOVEMBER 2009

2009-10-02T13:59:00.010+08:00

We have scheduled a preparatory session on Saturday, 21 Nov 2009 at Scout HQ (Program & Training Room) Time from 0900 to 1400hrs.

Participants attending the session will be equipped with the necessary knowledge, camp-craft and first aid skills required in preparation for the trip. The adventure trainers will be invited to present the programme.

Participants are required to be in their scout attire with the Event Badge (already issued in the last session) to be sewn on the right chest.

Please ensure that passport should have validity period of six month or more from the date of departure (example: valid after 2 June 2010)

For more details, you can reply via the comment of this post.

PERSONAL GEARS CHECKLIST FOR YOUR PREPARATION

2009-10-02T12:12:00.006+08:00

A total of 31 Cub Scouts and 13 Adult Leaders and Scouts will be taking part in this Eco-Adventure Trip from Tuesday, 1 December to Saturday, 5 December 2009 in Pahang Malaysia.

Outdoor camping and living in tents (in and within the caves and streams) will offer an exciting experiences for our Scouts.

Recommended Camping Gears to bring:

- Scout Uniform (to be worn during the departure and return trip)

- Scarves will have to worn at all time during the trip.

- Scout Cap

- 2 to 3 T-shirts

- 2 Shorts

- Undergarments (preferably disposable)

- 2-3 pair socks

- Good pair of shoes

- Sandals (slippers)

- 2 Long trousers/track pant (one for sleep and one for outdoor activity, preferably track pant)

- Rain-coat/ poncho

- Body Powder

- Washing powder (for laundry wash only)

- Toiletries (body shower cream, shampoo, tooth-brush, toothpaste, toilet roll etc)

- 1 Bath Towel

- 2 Face Towel (for activity wipes)

- 3 (Big) Zip-log disposable plastic bags (for placing dirty linens)

- Scout Song Book & Writing Material

- Head lamp (torchlight - to bring extra batteries)

- Rope (knotting use and use as cloth line)

- Personal First Aid Kit (Handy plaster, insect repellent, antiseptic cream etc.)

- Personal Medication (as directed by parent/or next-of-kin such as panadol, inhaler etc)

- Personal water-bottle with strap/or slings (1 litre)

- Sleeping Bag (thin-based) *available at Giant/or Carefour supermarkets)

- Mess-tin, Fork and spoon and plastic cup

This is an Outdoor-based activity, it is recommended that a good backpack (haversack) should be used to contain all your personal gears. In addition, you can also carry a small backpack and waist pouch (for putting regularly-used items) .

All items should be waterproofed (if possible)

For those wearing spectacles, do remember to have spectacles straps in place.

In view of H1N1, please note that stringent temperature takings will be enforced as camp ruled. Daily temperature-takings will be conducted. Each camper to bring along their personal thermometer for use.

Do not bring valuable items such as game gadgets, mini-pod, CD player etc.

NEW DATE SET FOR ECO-ADVENTURE FROM 1-5 DECEMBER 2009

2009-10-01T15:27:00.006+08:00

This Circular dated 22 May 2009 was issued out to all participating Units:

Dear all,

After consultation and feedbacks received from concerned parties regarding the H1N1 situation reigning the region, it was animously decided together with the travel agent that we will postpone the trip to 1-5 December 2009.

As SSA had already committed 100% payment to the trip with the travel agent, insurance, accommodations etc and the various local vendors. Units who have not complete the balance payment through IFAAS, are advised to do so to minimise administrative inconveniences. In the event of non-payment of the outstanding amount, SSA will deduct the due amount from the Scout Unit Fund as ruled.

I do hope that the postponement will ease all worries and concerns. However, do note that there will be no further postponement in the event that the situation does not improve at the scheduled date. Any self-cancellation or withdrawal of the trip will be deemed as forfeiture of payment/or participation.

Unit Leaders are advised to inform parents that the postponement is done in the interest of the well-being of our participants and leaders.

For update,please visit www.gunungsenyum-eco-adventure2009@.blogspot.com

Do let me know if you need further clarifications

Thank you.

DESMOND FOO

Expedition Leader (Gunung Senyum/Gelanggi Exploration 2009)

Previous Trip Information Extracted from Previous Blog

2009-10-01T15:13:00.000+08:00

Dear participants,

Thank you for your participation in the second series of our Eco-Adventure Trip. As we are 22 days away from this trip, we would like to update you on the status of preparations and follow-up action we may wish to convey. I hope all of you are gearing up for this exciting adventure programme and keeping strict personal hygiene and fitness for the trip.

As mentioned in our Parent's Briefing on 2 May, we will only postpone the trip if there is an official Travel Ban Directive issued by Ministry Of Health which MOE will eventually adhered to. Please note that we have already committed almost 90% fees for the trip as agreed and stipulated under the terms and conditions of the NATAS/Pac West Travel Agent and its representatives.

SSA had made the upfront payments to the Pac-West Travel Pte Ltd on behalf of all participants. Unit Leaders are to ensure that your School had facilitated the necessary IFAAS payment to SSA by now. In the event of any late payment or non-payment by the school prior to the trip, SSA will deduct the necessary amount from your Scout Unit Fund to cover the due-amount as ruled by the Association.

In view of the concerns raised on the issue of cancellation of the trip, please note that due to the proximity of the date of event and the payments committed for the preparations, there will be no refund given. NOTE THAT ANY SELF-INITIATION FOR WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION, OUTSTANDING PAYMENT WILL HAVE TO BE BORNE OR MADE. PARENTS must be informed of the decision and the costs to be incurred.

Over the past days, we had spoken to some parents and many had expressed supportive and forthcoming about our trip. They understood the current situation and will take the course of action as directed by the Organizers.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN IN PREPARATION FOR THE TRIP

We had placed additional precautionary measures as follow:

1. Each participant will be issued with the following items:

- 1 bottle of 120ml HEXO Antibacterial Hand Rub

- I Long Sleeve T-shirt Wear

- 1 pair of Hand-gloves

- Daily temperature record book

2. Readily available masks will be issued to those with suspected cough or running nose.

3. We have arranged for the whole group to be clustered in one cabin/compartment during the train journey to and fro.

4. Once a participant has symptom of slight-fever (above 38 degree), cough, running nose or etc..he/she will be immediately given a mask to cover and seek immediate medical attention at the nearby Tekam Resort Medical Hospital or Jerantut hosiptal.

5. Participants will be grouped into smaller group of 5 to 1 Leader. Outdoor camping tents will be placed 2m apart. Participants had been informed that there will be strictly no sharing of personal item.

6. We have requested for an empty Camping Tent to act as isolation centre if there's an unwell person.

7. We will use disposable wares for all our meals.

8. Personal Hygiene such as regular hand-wash, showers and inspection and airing of personal gears will be conducted. Daily temperature-takings at 8 hour interval (3 times a day) will be the ORDER of the day and it will be strictly enforced.

9. The field trip/and activities will have the GROUP centred and staying in an outdoor nature environment near caves and there will be less interaction with outsiders. We have EXCLUDE programmes to visit any potential crowded places.

10. Finally, we have arranged with Pac-West to offer a Stand-by vehicle at site throughout the trip. In the event that there are more than 5 participants who show signs of unwell, the trip will be abandoned and a chartered coach will be arranged to pick up the whole group back to Singapore on land transportation. Unit Leaders will contact the School and Parents to update the situation.

I do hope that Unit Leaders keep your School Management informed of the constraints and measures already taken for the trip.

To date, SSA has supported several scout groups embarking for ECo-Adventure trips to Malaysia during the June Holidays. Jing Shan Primary School will see 84 students and their Principal embarking similar trip from 30 May to 4 June so as Mayflower Primary School. All schools take the same stand and are prepared to postpone once a travel ban is issued by MOH.

Do let me know if you need further clarifications via email to themeworks@singnet.com.sg or contact me via sms for return call at 96969068.

Looking forward to your continued support.

Desmond Foo

Expedition Leader

Combined Eco-Adventure Trip 2009