Towards greener pastures and beyond.

One year ago, 7 souls undertook a challenge.

The challenge was pretty straightforward, yet not exactly what it seemed to be.

To become one with the brotherhood of the open air and service,
To become guardians of the movement,
To learn, lead and excel.

We came from various walks of life.
We came from various avenues of history.

But we placed it all aside for one common vision.
To uphold, and improve the Beaver scout movement.

Inch by inch we have moved forward,
And with determination we have proved naysayers and detractors wrong.

So here's a toast to whatever we have achieved,
Not based on material gain.

But of the memories,
And the disputes, and the obstacles we have all overcome.

And here's looking to amazing days ahead,
Because we know we can :D






















P.S to those embarking on the overseas trip for your SWA.

Here's wishing you good luck and god speed on behalf of the rover unit.

Signing off,
Vanga "Shadow" Ganasan

Wohooo!!

Isa, Ashok, Parry and me will be heading off to Setiu Terrenganu in 9 more days with other 5 Rovers! We will be contributing to the conservation of sea turtles, mangrove replanting,
repair work for the villagers and giving assistance in the local women's cottage industry etc..


Visit our Project Orion's blog! http://projectorion2009.blogspot.com/

Signed off,
May Lwin

4th Scouts of the World Discovery Workshop

From the period from 10-12 April 2009, fellow Rover Scouts Mohd Afiq, Ashok Kumar, Mohd Isa, Ong May Lwin, Daniel Soo & myself took part in the 4th Scouts of the World Discovery Workshop organised by the Singapore Scout Association.

Basically, the SW Discovery is kind of an adventure workshop lasting several days, mainly focusing on environment, development or peace.

During the course of this workshop, I felt that everyone who attended really wanted to do their little part in helping to save mother Earth, and are taking a step out of their comfort zone.

It was also through the well-planned field trips to Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research & to Tanjong Rimau, whereby I got the chance to view the some of the well- preserved artifacts in the museum. And from the intertidal walk at Tanjong Rimau, which was conducted at 4am in the morning, I managed to witness some of our local shores beautiful underworld.

We were also tasked to come up with our very our proposal, consisting of about 2-3 people per group, to actually brainstorm for realistic projects which we can work on. It was during this period of the workshop, when almost all the participants were cracking their heads & working through the night on coming up with the "perfect proposal".

But even though of the lack of sleep, I felt that it was for a good cause, and still enjoyed the rest of the workshop, with the strong energy level from everyone, and definitely the inside jokes that we cracked along the way!

Having learnt the many different kinds of skill from this workshop, I would hope to be able to put them to good use. Nonetheless, I also made quite a number of good fellow brother & sister Rovers, and I strongly hope that more people will go for this SWA Discovery Workshop.

To sum it up, I felt that this workshop was the workshop of the millenium, and that it was well organised with all the hands-on activities and interaction between the fellow participants and the facilitators.

Written By - Rover Scout Parry Lim

Scout of the World Discovery

Scout of the World Discovery [10 April - 12 April]

Project/ Team Discussion

Day 1 - Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research

Day 2 - Tanjong Rimau

June and July; our eco tour for the day

at 5am in the morning.

litters and junks left behind by visitors

Day 3 - Team Project Presentation








Pizza feast!



Signed off, May Lwin

Earth Hour

It was Singapore’s First. And Singapore showed the world how to start the year with this event. Morre than 4,000 cities joined Earth Hour 2009 more than last year’s number. Earth Hour is an event organized by World Wide Fund for Nature. It is held on the last Saturday of March every year. We only need to off non-essentials lights and other electrical appliances for an hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. Many cities adopted this event on 2008 after Sydney took the lead. The lights are turn off from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time. The response were overwhelming and we can see many younger generation are stepping up for this earth awareness. We will soon see more of this in the future when our younger generation starts to lead.

Before 28^th March 2009 , volunteers of different age help in organizing events and in selling of items at booth. Some of scouts even take up some of their weekend to help out for this event. It was like any other family day but with something in mind “To Help Reduce Carbon Emission”.

If there is one thing that the government should be aware of is to make this event islandwide where all the landmarks were to participate including HDBs. With this, it will become a practice of turn off appliances or switches that are unnecessary.

The Beatty Rovers would like to thank our brothers Oliver and Sijie from Scouts for their time and their effort that make this possible.

&

Apple and Jane from WWF for giving us the opportunity to show our support , care and concern for our future.

“For a better world, For a better future”

- Muhd Isa , Beatty Rover

Cycle De Changi

It was a not so bright sunny day. Since it rained the previous night. It was a comfy enviroment to tug in for the day. 2 groups of scouts + 5 Rovers + 3 Leaders decide to go on a “expedition” along the park connector that will us back to Changi Village.

We head out from beatty secondary feeling confident of the good weather ahead of us. We could not even believe our eyes that we already reach the place in a brief ten minutes. The straving stomachs suddenly just growls so loudly that we felt uneasy if we were to begin. Some of us even crave for the nasi lemaks and the noodles that is available at the food centre.

So much for the food that we ate, it made us have difficulty in walking and some even felt tipsy.

The route was undemanding as we hustle past crowds that were overwhelm by the number of bicycles around. We came like marching soldiers. Others greeted us with smiles and a simple “Hi”. We past Changi Ferry Terminal that serve the purpose for those newly recruited soldiers to be ferried to one of the offshore island for their training. Some of the spots/ camping site reminded me of some flash-back memories of the time when i celebrated birthdays.

We reach the start of a 10km runway track within 20 mins of cycling so we decide to stop to gasp for air and to cool ourselves ourselves due to the scorching sun that was directly on top of our head .

The track was like a freeway for our bicycles to overtake each others. Some even race to the end but the track prove it worth of being an enduro-style track. From here on, its mind over body.

After passing swiftly across the coastal park connector we had our break at this water breaker where it is also the head of a monsoon drain. Waves after waves crashes the water-breaker like glass being broken during a brawl. The cool breeze lighten the burden of the blazing humidity.

East Coast was within 10 minutes of our sight. And we decide to cut in to go to bedok reservoir park connector where all the tracks made us sail smoothly into Loyang passing by Pasir Ris Park Connector. Climbing bridges , going under bridges and going up slopes. It feel like our hamstrings got pull off from our legs.

Downhills and Upslopes is all that we can see when we cycle our way back to Changi Village. It was like a torturing chamber since some of us have never been on such a trip. It will be an eye opener and hope to motivate them in doing what they are happy doing.

Passionate and being a team player is all that we need for the trip. Be it, thick or thin , we will always be prepared.

Rover Isa signing off....

Project Phoenix

15 Feb 2009 & 22 Feb 209

Why Phoenix? It is said that the mythical bird has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that it ignites both nest and bird fiercely and are reduced to ashes. It was from which a new, young phoenix arises, reborn anew to live again. The new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self.

[Leaders and Rovers from Serangoon Eagles, Bishan Park, ACS Barker and Beatty Beavers]

How true! I was extremely excited when my Rover Leader, Aru sent out an email in assisting him for a 2-Sundays project at Changi Prison. The objective is to help inmates to achieve their NYAA by teaching them skills by participating in fun-filled outdoor activities.

Opportunity comes like a dream come true to step into Changi Prison. It was an eye opener for fellow Rovers Afiq, Stanley and myself. What we have fascinated and imagined on television with the totured screams of the inmates, wardens' constant shoutings, bangings of grilled bars etc are not in reality at all. All are exageratting. In fact, I was surprised by the peaceful surroundings and the well-disciplined and organised inmates.


Though we spent 8hours of time together, i could see that the guys were ready to lease a fresh start towards their future upon release. Every difficulties that my group faced, there are always a few to remind their group members 'Perseverance' and they made it in no time!

During reflection, each of the inmates shared their life goal and ambitions. Interior designer, businessman, singer, policeman, to cope outside world's life..... huh? Outside world's life?! I dont know why his ambition has left a deep impression in my heart. It gave me goosebumps at instant. It was simple yet most significant of all.

From this project, i have learnt alot from my new friends and a new lesson for myself as well. It is very important for the society to give them a new lease of future. Everyone of us have committed mistakes and evil deeds, we have to imply forgiveness and condone for their past mistakes. Give them a NEW chance to make a difference. I believe each of everyone of them are special in their own talents and abilities.

I hope to bump into my friends on streets to find out their progress so far. I sure Project Phoenix is only the beginning, the end has yet to come! I hope i could reach out to my friends even more.. It was one of my most memorable experience in my life to make an impact in their lives, even a small bit.

Alas, I truly experienced the Scouting Movement i learnt during the course: 'to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.'


Rover May Lwin signing off~

HAPPY FOUNDERS' DAY AND WORLD THINKING DAY!

Our First Rover Day Out

Time and Place

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2008

Time: 9:30am - 10:30pm

Location: Vivo City Sentosa Ticket Counter

Yes yes yes yes . This is the rover day out. A day wear we leave our uniforms at home and its a day for a healthy dose of FUN & a balance of a scrumptious meal to follow!

The first event for the day was Amazing race. There are pictures to help you guys visualise what “Torture” we when through for the first task for the day.

The task was actually to find hidden clues for a crossword puzzle and oh boy we had quite a tough time to complete this task. It also took most of our time down there find. Like what David and the “couples” from the first picture were doing. The hidden clues lead us to the Dragon Trail where the next task was to fill a half a bottle. And with togetherness, we did complete it faster than we thought. This was to make up for our lost time.

There were more than 5 task given but since we were in desperate need of time we have to cut short the game. And the remaining games were; a puzzle where we need to find people that have the same colour of either box shorts/bikini and they are total strangers.

Next was like a “pilot test” , where we have to walk across the bridge to a “lonely deserted island”

This game again uses water as it main source. Water is sacred in 3 world countries. That is why kids, we have to use it wisely and not to waste it. The task was to fill the bottle up with water till the ping pong ball flows out. Here is the catch, the container that we are using is not able to hold water for more than a few seconds. There are holes around it. That made out task even more tedious. And GUESS WHAT?! .. We did it under the time of 15 mins.

It was already about 5. So Elizabeth told us we have to do this very last task for the day before heading to Labrador park for a FEAST..

And we had a good stroll before reaching the final “roadblock”. This game is called picture this. We were to act out a scene from a movie and team members have to guess the title of the movies.. There were titles like mama mia (where i couldn’t think of anything to act out) and a movie title called “wrath........”

Since it was already time, we decided to take some ride before going off. And snaps a few pictures.

Cheers everybody...

See you guys. Maybe in the next rover day out!

Rover Isa signing off

Investiture Ceremony.

Location: Sarimbun Camp.

The sec ones for the year were very lucky indeed. Usually the investiture ceremonies were held in school but for this year, it was held at Sarimbun Scout Camp. To be exact the MPH.

Most preparation were done by Scouter Kumanan and the Rovers assisted him to run the event.

The investiture ceremony itself was reviewed by Rover Leader, Aru and had his Rovers to master the ceremony.

The ceremony was held the day after the hike ended. Guess how tiring it was, BUT GOOD FOOD kept them alive. haha

The event kicked off with the arrival of the parents and the GOH, TP District Commissioner, Mr Lai Kok Chin. They were lead to a room where Scouter Kumanan shared his views and programme for the boys throughout the year itself.

And so the ceremony started, as Scouter Kumanan takes his place to invest the sec ones patrol by patrol.

The sec ones took the oath of the scouting movement and they were invested. Besides the Investiture Ceremony, award badges were given out as well. Not forgetting the enlistment of the new breed of leadership committee in the unit itself.



The new breed of sec ones looked proud and excited as they told their adventurous tales they had the night before with the patrol.

Before the ceremony ended, DC made a short speech to close the ceremony.

--------------------------------

The boys were looking exhausted before the Rites of Passage begins. Rite of Passage is a hike the boys have to fulfill as a patrol before their Investiture Ceremony. Its not in the Scouting History but our group just carved it into the Scouting Movement in Beatty Secondary School. Dang! This is how the boys looked like.


So 3 patrols set on a foot a hike which will somehow change their lives. But for a patrol, one of their members had to be sent home due to illness which he had during the hike. The hike which started at Beatty Secondary and will end at Sarimbun Scout Camp where their Investiture Ceremony will had at.



I was amazed at the boys as they took priorities on the younger ones although some quaralled over the paths which they had to make. Looking at them in the safety vehicle, walking halfway throughout the journey feels like i was passing a war zone. They looked tired but it's always the Patrol Leader who keeps the mood strong.


Imagine walking from Beatty to Sarimbun, VERY TIRING. But i'm pretty sure the boys had gain learning points during the way.

Pit Stops were interesting as we questioned the PL's responsibilities and remind them that they are to ensure the welfare of his boys throughout the journey.


Apart from that, the funniest thing was seeing them 'resting' in between a traffic light junction.

Hiccups during the hike was for sure gonna happen. Patrols lost their way in between, Confusion arise and responsibilities questioned. But overall it depends on the patrol spirit, teamwork and how the PL handle the situation fairly.

So this are the rest of the Pictures.