Happy Founder's Day!

Happy Founder's Day to all Scouts out there!

Source

Project Sikkim

1st December 2009 to 15th December 2009

Sikkim, India

Earlier in September, I went on the recce trip and eventually after a couple of months of preparation, I'm back here again like I've said. But this time, leading another Youth Expedition Project (YEP) team consisting of 6 Singapore Rovers and 2 Maldives Rovers, as part of their Scouts of the World Award (SWA) Voluntary Service project. The Maldivians (Zau and Ashraf) were with us as they had also attended the SWA Discovery Workshop back in October, and since they were interested - why not? And boy it was hell lot of fun!

6th Asia-Pacific Region Scout Youth Forum

21st October 2009 to 26th October 2009

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Having been representing The Singapore Scout Association (SSA) previously at the 5th Asia-Pacific Region (APR) Scout Youth Forum and 10th World Scout Youth Forum and Conference as a youth delegate, I was more than glad to return for another APR Youth Forum. But this time, it's a little different.

A quick historical background: I have been Scouting since 1995, but only joined Rovering in 2006. I was already 24 by then - a ripe old age for Rovers. Rovering is till 26 of age, so I guessed no harm in joining and that's how I got involved the 1st National Rover Council. So I only had three years, but surprisingly I experienced the best of Scouting in these three years. And of course, the World Scout Youth Forum was my last forum as a delegate for I'm already 27.

Sikkim Recce Trip

2nd September 2009 to 8th September 2009

Sikkim, India

This was a trip organised by the Singapore Scout Association in collaboration with Jet Airways (National carrier for India) and I was asked to tag along to look into possible projects for Rovers. Definitely a trip not to be missed, and I'm glad I didn't.

First of all, the hospitality and generosity of the host HelpTourism India was great. And with Jet Airways as a partner, flying with tons of luggage and boxes was with ease. When we landed in Delhi, it was wee hours and we only had a few hours to crash in at a hotel before catching the next domestic flight to Bagdogra. Once we reach Bagdogra, we began the arduous journey up the mountains. Well equipped with plenty of turns and plenty of bumps, the mountains really made our trip. We stopped every now and then (and I meant very often) for tea breaks cause we really need the break from the ride... However, the journey was definitely worth it. We visited several organisations, villages and two schools, and were warmly greeted as special guests always.

The Land of Thousand Smiles (and Fun!)

21st August 2009 to 30th August 2009

Petchaburi, Thailand

Hurray! Back to Thailand again! This time for something even more fun - three camps in ten days! Woot!

For those who doesn't know yet, I actually have an adopted family in Thailand. Well, I was sort of 'adopted'. I have two elder sisters Ammy and Ally, two younger sisters Af and If and a brother Earth, who is the youngest. Of course that is on top of my real sister. Oh did I mean all five of them are Scouts and so are my god-parents!

The African Adventure

29th July 2009 to 15th August 2009

Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique, Africa

A childhood dream realised! Very much thanks to the invitation of Bheki Metfula who is the National Programme Commissioner of Swaziland for the Thirst for Life Expo 2009, and of course SSA. Also thanks to my dear friend Manga for his hospitality during the trip.

My mission was to join in the camp both as a staff and participant. I was there to help Bheki promote the Scouts of the World Award (SWA). I met this kind gentleman during the World Scout Conference in Korea after I finished my presentation about Singapore SWA programme to the conference plenary. We had a great chat over lunch and he sounded the idea of the invitation and that's how it came about.

Project Orion - Rovering with Turtles

20th June 2009 to 5th July 2009

Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia

The first adventure of the New Chapter and one of the most interesting. Having been involved in YEP since 2003 and since leading Project Sirius-Rovering with Rhinos in 2007, this was the most treasured. It took me almost three years before I finally found someone from WWF Malaysia and convinced her to take in a group for two weeks. For the usual sea turtle conservation work, they take in individuals who only volunteer for a week. Never had they taken in a larger group with a scope stretching beyond just conservation, but humanitarian too.