The Saga Seed Saga

Saga Seeds symbolise “mutual love” in Chinese and the seeds can also be used as a form of apology or a gift to our loved ones as a way to express our longing for them.

Saga Seeds are small and bright red in colour.  This signifies love and deep passion for someone. The seeds can be used to make jewellery or rosaries.  Owing to their slightly heart-shaped shape, they are commonly used for decorating cards or given as  presents.

Nowadays, Saga Seeds are hardly seen or played by the “strawberry generation”.  In today’s materialistic world, technology is very developed.  So children prefer playing with their mechanical devices. Even though the games in these hand held devices are much more animated and fun, traditional games are also fun.

The Guides in our Convent are learning to play this game and it is now popular with our Guides.  This game can be played individually or in Patrols.

During our June 2012 International Camp, we had an Inter-Patrol Saga Seed Competition. First, we competed in the collection of the seeds. The Patrol which picked the most saga seeds would win this round.  Some enterprising Guides even tricked Venture Scouts into expanding their own collection.

The whole Company was then taught by our Captain how to play the traditional Saga Seed games.  We first competed within the Patrol at an individual level.  Then Patrols fought Patrols.  The game got pretty noisy and saga seeds flew from steps to drain and from floor to sky …

Camp Christine and Sarimbun Scouts Camp

A year ago, we visited Camp Christine at Lim Chu Kang and attended a local International Camp. Camp Christine is the one and only Girl Guides campsite located in Singapore. Owing to space constraints, only a few Guides got a chance to camp there along with Guides from several countries like Thais, Americans, Malaysians, Bruneians, Hong Kongers … Therefore it is a great privilege to camp there.  

Today has definitely brought back fond memories of our camping days. Not only did we visit Camp Christine today, we also visited the Sarimbun Scouts Camp just next door. Following that, we went on an enriching journey to the nearby Bollywood Veggies.

In a nutshell, today was well spent as we gained invaluable knowledge about our general environment and the history of Camp Christine. 

The entrance of Camp Christine!

The Olave Hall named after Olave Baden-Powell.

Canvas tents pitched by other schools.

Our company is walking towards the Assembly Hall.

Walking around the camp site

A-huts (small, simple cottages that could each fit 4 students for in-camp stays)

The one & only, Oh Siew May

During our trip to Bollywood Veggies, we were greeted by the cheerful smiles of Ms. Oh Siew May.

Siew May was born with Cerebral Palsy, which is a disorder that affects muscular control and body movements.

Ms. Oh Siew May

Photo source: http://weare.sg/ivy-singh-lim/


She took the time to share with us her life story and how she conquered the many obstacles in her life. She spoke of how she was often teased by the people around her, and called an “alien”. Whenever she hunted for jobs, the employers would immediately reject her simply because of her disability.Finally, after her book was published, Ms. Ivy Singh-Lim, the owner of Bollywood Veggies and our old KC girl, opened the door of opportunities for her.

She was offered a job at the farm. Her experiences are truly something we can learn from.She is an exceptional woman who is strong-willed. She is a rare gem in our society.

The following are some of the quotations from her which we would like to share with you :

“One will never be happy when the heart is full of hatred.”  “Love can bring light to darkness and create a miracle.”  “It all starts with a dream.”

                                                                                                          Ms Oh Siew May

TAKEAWAYS FROM TODAY:

We cannot change our necessary tasks and challenges, but we can definitely change our mindset. Every person in this world deserves to be treated equally, no matter what our differences may be.

Who Do You Think You Are

'Who Do You Think You are'  is a song that was taught to KCGG , during our annual camp this year.
It is a meaningful song as the lyrics of the song depicts the the amount of courage to overcome any hardships even though they may not be able to do so or others look down on them.This song can be seen as a way to encourage one when they feel they can't do anything or when they think it is impossible to do so. Even if this song is sung in a different language that others can't understand, they will still be able to have a feeling of what the song means.

The video above has a combination of photos, some from the International Camp that some of the Girl Guides in our company that participated in.

The Burning Flames of Friendship..... EVERYWHERE!

During our annual year-end training camp, we learnt a new song titled: The Flame of Friendship. This song is sang by many guides around the world as this flame of friendship is indeed WORLDWIDE. No matter the size, height, race or colour difference, we are all the same in one way: we are all HUMANS.

This video montage is a collaboration of pictures from a few of our other friends who have participated in an International Camp.

Who is my manito??

Hello!  Thank you for reading our blog.^^

Today, we'll be sharing with you the Manito Game.  KCGG plays this Game in every Camp.  The name of this game is Italian and it means Secret Friend or a Guardian Angel.   Our Company Leaders will write the name of every Guide and Guider on small pieces of paper, roll or crush each piece and place all in a container.  The Guides are then sit in their Patrols, sing the Manito Song and everyone has to draw lots – each will pick one name (except their own).

Basically, participants pick a name of someone else in the Company by drawing lots. The name that is on the piece of paper we pick up is our Manito, and throughout Camp, each day, we are supposed to do a good deed for her and to bless her in any way we can.  However, we cannot  reveal who our Manito is until the end of Camp.

This means that while we are “manito-ing” someone daily and in secret, another person is “manito-ing” us.  We are kinda forced to seriously befriend and think of that someone God has chosen for us throughout our Camp. 

At the end of Camp, we gather in a large circle and sing the Manito Song c-o-n-t-i-n-u-o-s-l-y.  A Guide would start the “revelation” by claiming her Manito to whom she has been looking after.  She holds her
Manito's hand and  this Manito then walks to another Manito this Manito has “manitoed”.  The cycle continues and right through we sing the Manito Song. It's kinda like my secret pal!

Both our Companies only finished the game 30 minutes later! That meant  that we had to keep singing for a long time.

Gee, no wonder I had a sore throat the next day.

Manito song

Love my Manito, yes I do, (x3)

Love my Manito, but I won't tell who.

I've got this feeling warm and gay,

As she casts her eyes my way,

I will reveal her name someday,

But who she is, I will not say,

Love my Manito, yes I do (x3)

Love my Manito but I won't tell who

Manito, Manito, Manito mine (x2)

I wonder who you are

It's time to say goodbye

Manito, Manito mine.

This game was absolute fun!!  It's definitely one of the reasons why we look forward to camp :)

A simple note of 'Thanks' or even a 'Hello' can really brighten up someone's day :)  It's the small things in life that matter.

Through this game we learnt to love one another, especially a fellow sister Guide  we are not close to,  regardless of race and looks. We have learnt to look at the good of others, and be grateful for each and every person in our lives. Often, we are too caught up in our work to even remember to thank the people in our lives.

 Perhaps, this is why we have the Guide law number  4: A Guide is friendly and a sister to all Guides. 

 (even the Guides of other countries - internationally.)

A chance to dream and live ♥

The theme of World Thinking Day 2014 is “Education opens doors to all girls.”
What does this theme really want to do? 

World Thinking Day gives non-Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world a chance to experience what it is like to be a Girl Guide and Girl Scout no matter where they may be.
Its aim is to improve the lives of the less fortunate around the world.

How then can we help support this idea?
 By donating to the World Thinking Day Fund,  WAGGGS provides grants to some selected countries. 

With our support, girls all over the world may be given the chance of education and a chance to develop leadership skills.

 In many countries, girls are seen as the less important gender. Many girls around the world do not have the chance for education as much as they want to have.

 Often, these girls have big dreams to realize but are crushed as they are tied down by poverty or the hardships they face. Therefore, the activities organized by the WAGGGS hope to achieve universal primary education.


A good example is Ms Anna Pettman.

Earlier this year, Ms. Anna Pettman , a Guider from the UK, came to visit KCGG. 
We sang her 'Welcome' song to give her a warm welcome to KCGG. 

At the same time, a few guides served as hostesses to Ms. Pettman as they were working on their 'Hostess' badge.  We were indeed very privileged to have met her! Ms. Pettman may have to use a wheelchair to get around , but that doesn't mean she does anything less than us. In fact, Ms. Pettman  goes swimming, diving,  and many,many more amazing things.

 Ms. Pettman is truly a great example to follow. Despite her disability, she isn't afraid of taking on new challenges, be it sports, etc. She goes to show that every child has a right to be what they aspire to be, be it to become a teacher, a doctor, or to simply make a difference in the world and should not be deprived of anything less than any other child . 
  




OUR TAKEAWAYS:
EDUCATION FOR ALL.... THIS MEANS THAT EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND HAS A DREAM ...EVEN THE LESS FORTUNATE IN THE WORLD.... NEVER LET A SMALL SETBACK STOP YOU FROM DOING ANYTHING. 

Bollywood Veggies- In Singapore, not India!

We were lucky to go on a trip to Bollywood Veggies as many of us have never been there nor heard about the place before.  By the time we reached Bollywood Veggies, all of us were hungry. Before going on any tours, we went to the Bollywood Food Museum to wait for our lunch to be served. There were many paintings that depicted the Culinary History here... We had a scrumptious lunch of either Fish And Chips or spaghetti, which included freshly grown herbs from the their farm. 

Then after, we went on a meaningful tour on the Warrior's Trail which was of an 1 hour walk. During the trail, we were educated by the knowledgeable trainers about the different kinds of organic plants, herbs and vegetables such as marigold, yam, hairy gourd, heliconia and many more.We even got to study and understand more about plants and our tour guides even treated us to some raw edible stuff at Bollywood Veggies.  No chemicals at all - which meant everything was organic.

Ms Oh Siew May talked to us at the Bollywood Food Museum. Before we went back, we met The Gentle Warrior and Her Muse at the Poison Ivy Bistro. The Gentle Warrior is Ms. Ivy Singh-Lim who is the owner of Poison Ivy Bistro and Bollywood Veggies and with the help of Her Muse, her husband, Mr  Lim Ho Seng. Ms Ivy Singh-Lim introduced herself and even taught us some values that can be used in our lives. 

Our friendly tour guide who shared with us about coffee beans.

Did you know?

The most expensive coffee in the world is made from cat poop? Basically, coffee beans are extracted from the faecal waste of the cat and grinded into coffee. It is called " Kopi Luwak' or 'Cat Poop Coffee".

                                

                                           Insides of a coffee bean.

Here are some more photos that we took :    

Cocoa fruits on a cocoa trip

 

                               The banana 'tree' which actually turned out to be a banana bush!

Rojak flower

                                         

                                         

   

The beautiful Chinese Rose which changes it's colours throughout the day!( and night!)

WHAT’S OUR TAKEAWAY? 

  EDUCATION CAN BE RECEIVED EVERYWHERE … EVEN RIGHT IN THE GROUND, THE SOIL WE STEP ON AND THE SOIL THAT OTHERS STEP ON IN OTHER COUNTRIES. EDUCATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN EVERY PLANT LIFE.  SO, ANYONE, ALL GIRLS CAN LEARN AND ACCESS THIS KNOWLEDGE.  DOORS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE – FARMING ITSELF CAN BE FOR EVERYONE AND FARMING ENSURES A SUPPLY OF HEALTHY FOOD …

Calvina: An invaluable experience.

I was given the privilege to take part in GIGGLES 2013 in Yorkshire North Dales, UK.  Three Guides from  Katong Convent, along with seven other Guides and two Guiders from Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School shared in this experience.

After we arrived in London, we had to take a 6-hour coach ride down to Yorkshire. As we were the first to reach the campsite, we had to pitch our own tents. As time went by, more and more Guides from other countries arrived and we helped them pitch their tents too.

During the camp, there were many activities such as caving, fishing, sailing, and fencing! My favourite of these was caving.
 We had taken a coach to the White Scar Caves. The whole was dimly lit and chilly. We had to safety helmets in the event of any rocks falling onto our heads! We saw the beautiful naturally formed stalagmites that looked like a Witch's finger and even more bizarre things. It was nice being able to stop and appreciate the little things of nature. I guess it's the simplest things in life that are the most enjoyable.


All of us went crazy swapping tokens! During our own free time, we went around the campsite, mingling with other Guides and Brownies from other countries, and exchanging badges and souvenirs from all over the world!

Every night, there would be a pop music band playing and we were free to go and check them out.
Before we knew it, it was the last night of the camp. It was truly a memorable and worthwhile experience.

Through this camp, I've  made many new Guide friends from all walks of life from all over the globe and up to now, I still keep in touch with them! I have learnt more about the culture and way of Guides on the other side of the world and to appreciate them as well . I feel truly blessed to have had the chance to participate in this camp!

Claudia: My amazing Guiding experiences.

I was very lucky to be able to attend two international camps. The first one I attended was held at Foxlease Campsite in the UK last year, and the second one in Yorkshire Dales this year.  I was  given the chance to gain lots of experiences such as hiking in the wilderness, starting a fire using natural sunlight and a magnifying glass, sailing, caving, fencing and many other activities that I never tried before.

During the camp FLAME in 2012, we were lucky to able to go to London during the season of the Olympic Games. There were many souvenirs sold to commemorate the event and the buzz of the crowd and the sight of banners and sports fans got me excited! On the day of the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games, all the Guides and Guiders who took part in the camp were invited to watch the outdoor screening of the Opening Ceremony. It was a cold night outdoors, but it was worth watching as the atmosphere was so lively! On one of the days, we were brought to an amusement park and it was the best indeed! We were able to spend about half a day there. My Captain, Mrs Teo (KCGG) braved most of the rides that could make your heart skip a beat! Kudos to Mrs Teo!

This year, I went for GIGGLES in Yorkshire Dales. The new company I went with, and activities in the camp made this experience very different from my first international camp. Most of the activities I took part in were sports. I sailed for the first time in my life and although I got hit hard on the head by the boom many times, the experience was so enjoyable! I also tried my hand at fencing, and discovered that this sport isn’t as hard as it seemed (though my slow reaction did make me lose to an opponent, haha!). We also visited White Scar Caves and explored one of England’s longest caves. The cave was cold and deep. For protection, we were required to wear helmets in the case cave fragments fell off the ceiling. The experience was enriching as I learnt a lot, such as facts about the contents of the cave rocks and minerals. The activity that impacted me the most was the 15km hike in the plains of Yorkshire Dales. There were only three KC Guides and about 10 English Guiders. We hiked for three hours in the plains and got to see sheep, goats and cows! Hiking was really tiring, especially since we got lost in the middle of the hill, and the oncoming darkness made us really panicky. We all thought we were never going to be able to return to the campsite. Fortunately, one of the Guiders saw a route that managed to get us back to the campsite, though it was relatively dangerous. That trip taught me that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel and we should never give up easily as we will never know how close we are to our goals.

I feel very fortunate to be able to attend not one, but two international camps! Both of these experiences have allowed me to get to know Guides around the world, and have taught me to look at things from a different perspective.