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By Philip Brennan, ASM, Troop 07
Scouts from Troop 07 took advantage of the great weather during their spring break this year and enjoyed a short camping trip in the Southern Islands of Singapore. Scouts and their families arrived early Friday afternoon at the Marina South Pier ready to set sail. After all were present and accounted for, moms and dads said their goodbyes and sent them off to one of the lesser known but maybe one of the best camping spots in Singapore.
Troop 07’s Assistant Scout Masters (ASMs) Philip Brennan and Lionel Goo helped to prepare troop camping gear for everyone in attendance. Each scout had the responsibility to prepare their own backpack for the 3 day, 2 night campout. The 14 Scouts and 17 Family members quickly learned that whatever you pack for camping-- you have to carry! The scouts formed two patrols and set up tents. Scouts Jon Brennan, Tallas & Keenan Goo took on the role of patrols Grub-Master. Grub-Masters, with help from their parents, planned and helped prepare all of their patrol’s meals.
Once camp was established, the scouts discussed and familiarized themselves with the Scouting Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace concept when camping. Camp Stove Safety and operations of the different types of camp stoves that are used in scouting led right up to the scouts preparing their first meal of the day. Once the Scouts finished their clean up, yes, that’s right, they cook and clean up after themselves! The scouts were taught the importance of safety, care and use of the Ax, Saw & Knife, helping all the boys earn The Official Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Totin' Chip Card.
As the evening’s eastern breeze started to blow, the scouts eagerly listened to the teaching of how to properly prepare their campfire, earning their BSA Firem'n Chit, with a lot of effort and help from parent Stephane Talon. The first day of the camp was complete when the camp fire was brightly lit.
Wake up for the camp came early, breakfast was soon the dominant aroma on the island; it even drew the Macaques out of hiding. Knot tying and lashing was the next scouting skill achieved and then the second wave of scouts & family members arrived to join the camp out, sadly, other scouts and family members had to leave.
Once the scouts finished constructing their camp shelters from items provided and the skills they have learned it was time to just take a break, eat some lunch, enjoy the high tide and have some fun in the sand and sun. After a quick rinse it was back to scouting skills, with the scouts learning basic compass skills. One more dinner meal, a refresher on the use of the Ax, Saw and Knife, and the evening’s campfire was built with the use of flint-n-steel. One last important skill for the day was learning about the poisonous plants and animals in Singapore. Then the night’s camp fire was complete once the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate arrived!
Up for breakfast and break down of camp Sunday morning, the scouts finished their spring break camp by serving their community and conducting their service project. Scouts were sent out in teams of two and each group filled every trash bag they had. Troop 07 truly left their camp site in better condition than they found it. A special thanks to the grub masters Jon Brennan, Tallas & Keenan Goo, all the parents that came out to support the scouts and ASM Philip Brennan & ASM Lionel Goo for pursuing and planning the Camp.
Want to learn more about joining the Boy Scouts Troop 07? Please contact us thru our website and we will have someone provide you with information & answers to your questions.
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