By Tan Jen Kai Precision and speed are key principles of the trainings in Catholic High Scout Group. They complement each other and both must coexist in order to excel in anything that the scouts undertake in life. Precision by itself will produce work with quality but without efficacy while speed alone engenders quick but inaccurate and undesirable results. As such, both play a pivotal role in achieving success in life. Apart from fostering closer bonds between team members, our training process also paves the way for success by allowing individuals to discover their fortes and flaws. The Chinese adage “知己知彼，百战百胜” by Sun Tzu in the Art of War carries a message across that in order to win the war, one must know himself and the enemies or conditions facing him. Living by this proverb ensures that the scouts are prepared to face any uncertainties with confidence and present feasible solutions to tackle these unexpected situations.

By Siauw Yu Chuan The documentation in our reports describe the tangible aspect of scouting skills. However, to achieve the highest standard, one has to incorporate the intangibles during training. These included: 1) Responsibilities towards self, troop and community; 2) Self-Reliance to build sense of awareness and enhancing self-experiential learning; 3) Pursuit of happiness and achievement through overcoming challenges and obstacles; 4) Exploration of physical, mental and emotional limits; and 5) Service to troop by passing on valuable experiences and maintenance of value system as exemplified in the Scout Law and Promise. The “Form” (final product) as described in the reports is just an empty shell without sense of Responsibilities, Self-Reliance, Pursuit, Exploration and Service. Fulfilling them in training will automatically inculcate loyalty, safety and continual strive for excellence. For instance, the quality (compactness, tightness and tidiness) of a simple square lash will be an immediate reflection of the level of discipline, sense of pride and excellence in a scout. Feel free to download our reports for reference or training purposes. We hope to contribute to the scouting standards in Singapore to make scouting an enriching journey. If you cannot view the files above, please use the link below instead: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oUWAe_rgQj-jWJAGIRcd5JlijzDcjdle If files are no longer accessible, please request for it using the media request form at www.chsscouts.com/quick-links

By Siauw Yu Chuan Every 团庆 serves as a reminder of who we are as Catholic High Scout Group. 71 years of legacy, a fulfilling journey of scouting. 70周年，齐心协力，创辉煌。 Our troop has done very well in 2018, with a victory in NPCX, a majestic campfire and a grand reunion dinner. Our past success will only be a moment of euphoria, what will define our next lap forward as a troop? 71周年，发奋图强，勇往直前。 The investiture of 9 new ventures into the ventures unit will strengthen and form the core team to drive the troop forward. The unit seeks challenge to enhance the scouting experience in CHS to nurture our younger scouts. We raised the 五层旗杆 to celebrate our troop anniversary. To even accomplish raising the 五层旗杆 requires not only strategic planning but also coordination and discipline. This is also to set the example to our younger cubs and scouts that any challenge can be overcome through discipline and teamwork. We also had our traditional troop birthday cake with our cub scouts as a scout group. We believe that the sense of unity and brotherhood in a scout group is critical to a strong troop because it will then allow us to conquer the challenges ahead. Above all, 团庆 is a testament to the strength of our scout group, and a reaffirmation of our loyalty to the troop. 日行一善，深谋远虑，智仁勇！ Photos used in this blog post were taken and edited by Tan Jen Kai, Venture Vice-Chairman. More photos taken by our Ventures, Joash Ho and Tan Jen Kai, can be found here: If files are no longer accessible, please request for it using the media request form at www.chsscouts.com/quick-links

By Tan Jen Kai Today, the troop embarked on a troop expedition from Macritchie Reservoir to the peak of Bukit Timah Hill. This hike served as a test of our mental resilience and physical forte, as we trekked through dense vegetation and journeyed along the long winding roadways, clocking a distance of approximately 25 km. While this hike was executed with zero injuries and mishaps, it would not have been possible without the thorough and meticulous planning beforehand. Planning a troop hike/expedition requires a detailed and comprehensive scheme as well as forward thinking in order for the plan to succeed. Firstly, we have take into account the weather conditions for the actual day of the hike. This involved referring to the weather forecast and monitoring the forecast closer to the actual day. To take further precautions, we would include poncho in the individual packing list to ensure that our plan can still be carried out in the event of unfavourable rainy conditions. Secondly, we need to recognise the terrain that the scouts would have to maneuver in. In this case, we are able to equip the scouts with the proper gear and equipment such as hiking shoes, spare food rations, as well as the miscellaneous items such as a map, compass and first aid kit. Most importantly, one needs to be aware of his strengths and weaknesses. They need to know their own physical limits, so that they know how fast and far they can cover in the allocated time. With all these in mind, we started our recee from Macritchie Reservoir to Bukit Timah Hill and we learnt that even if we moved fast, other factors such as other people blocking the way, could be a hindrance and slow us down (for instance during the canopy bridge walk where it was suited for people to walk in a single line one by one). As we had prepared and also tested the entire hike ourselves, we could then easily gauge the scouts' performance under the same circumstances that we had gone through and factor in additional time to ensure that the hike would not be an impossible feat to overcome. On the day of the actual hike, the troop split up into its various level-based patrols and were assigned to ventures and leaders for supervision throughout the hike. The scouts first practiced triangulation with respect to the white pavilions across the boardwalk they were standing on. This activity tested their orienteering competencies and helped to recognise their strengths and weaknesses in that area. After following the different checkpoints marked out by coordinates in decimal degrees (DD), the troop reached the base of Bukit Timah Hill. With a last burst of energy and vigour, everyone pushed on as they trudged up the inclined paths to the summit of the hill. There was a sense of accomplishment as everyone reached the top of the hill, 2 hours ahead of schedule. After taking a troop photograph to mark this occasion and challenge that we had overcome together as one scout group, we proceeded to take the other route of stairs around the hill and reach the summit again. Overall, this troop expedition has displayed the essence of planning and strategic thinking to execute an event smoothly without any major setbacks. Coupled with the knowledge of the weather, terrain and one's strengths and weaknesses, this is yet another key factor to success in any endeavour we undertake. them to complete the hike without us ourselves, trying out the route first.

By Ian Chien, Rico Tan, and Lucas Loh The troop gathered at 8.30am for a day of Food preparation and cooking training, in order to equip them with the skills for the upcoming March Camp. The Secondary 1 scouts were taught on how to cook an orange egg, as well as bake an orange cake. First, they watched a demonstration on the cake making process, where flour is added to egg in a mess tin to form a batter. Attention to detail, one skill every scout should have, was very important as the mixture couldn't be too thick as it was supposed to be a cake and not bread. The scouts were then taught firefighting and the relevant safety precautions, such as how the solid fuel is poisonous and that they should never handle food after touching the solid fuel. Next, the scouts were allowed to put what they learnt in practice under the watchful eye of the ventures. For many of them, this was their first time cooking in such a setting and hence, it was important for them to remain calm and courageous while working with hazards such as fire and heat. In the end, the scouts had their food cooked successfully with no injuries. As for the Secondary 2s, having not gone through any food preparation lesson in the past, were tasked simply to de-gut and filet a fish. Although there was a quicker and neater trick to de-gut the kuning fish given to them, they were told to use the more universal method so as to train and set them up to tackle larger fishes in the future. Additionally, they were also taught the full process of filleting a fish to get a clean filet of a fish which they then proceeded to cook in a way each patrol thought best fitting to their palate. Skills like these allow our scouts to train their patience and precision, because only through these two can scouts maximise the meat they fillet. Perhaps the most common meat in a typical camp meal, chicken was the focus for the Secondary 3s. First, they were given a brief summary on the anatomy of a Chicken, before being taught in the various ways to use their knife, such as slicing, piercing, peeling and shaving. They then watched a demonstration by one of the Ventures on how to fully deboning a chicken, taking special care to note which exact technique was to be used in each case. After the demonstration, they were tasked to do it themselves, in order to consolidate their learning. This also helped them by allowing the Ventures to pick out their mistakes on the spot, to clear away any misconceptions. The scouts learnt to not only do, but also think actively, as each part of the chicken had specific knife skills unique to it. Scouts had to be careful to use the correct knife skills, so as to prevent themselves from piercing the carcass or ruining their fillet. After successfully deboning all the chicken, they were allowed to cook it to their own liking. Last but not least, the Secondary 4s were tasked to plan budget and cook a meal for 4. They were given a budget of $25 and were told to buy their own ingredients. This allowed them to see through the entire process from start to finish, and they exceeded expectations by cooking efficiently and safely. They presented their food in a mini cooking competition, before enjoying their stove cooked food. On the overall, the scouts learnt today not only how to cook, but also how to manage a kitchen. Cooking meals is not just about the food, but also about safety and hygiene. Through this process of communal cooking, scouts learnt to work with each other while keep the area neat and perform tasks efficiently while staying safe. In this way, cooking also requires discipline of the chefs. This will ensure that camp food is as safe as it is tasty.

By Siauw Yu Chuan From 22 to 24 March, the ventures unit had a Ubin recce Session in conjunction with the Ventures Foundation course. Day 1: Camp Development and Bushcraft. Bow was crafted from flexible mangrove shoots, arrows from thin bamboo and leaves. A metal tip was made from beer bottle caps collected from roads. Day 2: Ketam Bike Trail exploration and Backswood. Ketam bike trail, an area of tall grass and vegetation...perfect for 追踪. Backwood dinner: Roasted Chicken and Basil Bread Twist Day 3: Challenge-Valley Recce and Oyster Hunt. The area behind Jelutong is a long stretch Mangrove mudflats. The ventures woke up early at 7am during low tide to explore this new terrain!

By Tan Jen Kai 千里之行，始于足下 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step ~Lao Tzu. When the 5 ventures first registered for this Pioneer Exploration Assessment Hike, we knew that this was going to be a arduous challenge, set to test our mental thresholds, physical capabilities and character. In order to overcome this challenge and win this "war", we would need to go through extensive amounts of preparation and know ourselves, the weather, and the terrain. 2 weeks before this hike, we sat for the Skills & Fundamentals (S&F) Test, a prerequisite for attending this hike. To ensure we had the maximum amount of preparation, we attempted orienteering quizes online and even went down to North Vista Secondary School, our examination venue, to recce the site. Not surprisingly, all 5 ventures passed the S&F test with flying colours and proceeded with the next component of our assessment, the Pre-Assessment Submission (PAS). This was a report that was to be filled with the hike details, our diet plan and packing lists etc. On the day of submission of the PAS report (20/4), we gathered to do our final preparations and packing. When packing for a hike, one must travel light and the bagpack should not exceed 20% of the hiker's bodyweight. The items should be packed compactly and when carried, the bag and body should move as one unit. As such, every item was taped together and wrapped with plastic cling wrap before being packed into the bagpack. Furthermore, our hiking bagpack had to be bought after much consideration about its comfort, capacity and durability. Our hiking bagpacks ranged from Mystery Ranch, Osprey and Deuters as these were reputable brands that would aid and not hinder us in our 70km journey. Lastly, with everything packed, we ran once around the track to ensure nothing was moving about inside. We also practiced laying out an inspection of the items as one Ventures Unit. At the end of this training session, the 10 candidates and companions were ready to show their best standards among others in the following Saturday which was the start of our hike. Even without knowing we were from Catholic High Scout Group, people would still be able to tell that we were one bonded and united Ventures Unit. The following Saturday (27/4), all 10 candidates and companions reported at Fernvale Primary School, our start point, healthy and hearty. After laying out a perfect inspection and going through a series of equipment and readiness checks, we received our hike information in the form of type of checkpoint, nearest distance to next checkpoint, and bearing. At 0900, all 10 candidates and companions set off. Day 1 proved to be a challenging 14 hours of hiking around central and East Singapore, as the participants clocked a minimum of 40 kilometres. For me, my checkpoints were the Air Force Museum, Lower Peirce Reservoir Jetty, a Church in Woodlands and a Bridge after Khoo Teck Phat Hospital. Thankfully, the company of each other helped to keep us focused on the task at hand as we trudged on with will and might, tolerating the sheer pain from our newly formed blisters and abrasions. For me, I only had one thought in mind that kept my momentum and drive, which was to put my troop at the top and put everything before myself. This meant sacrificing my time, effort and sweat and having no mercy for myself and my companion, as we could not afford to lose time lamenting about our injuries or the distance we had yet to cover. When we reached Terror Sea Scout Campsite at 2300, all 10 of us wasted no time settling down and preparing for the night check and briefing. We then received our second set of hike instructions, which was a scenario whereby we were on an elite reconnaisance mission. We were then tasked with finding our own checkpoints and coming up with justifications to choosing that checkpoint as a route marker. Day 2, although shorter in distance than Day 1, proved to be a testament of our resilience and mental steadiness as we were hiking from North Singapore to National Museum, our end point, on 3 hours of sleep. Nevertheless, we maintained our cool and step after step, kilometre after kilometre, we had completed our Pioneer Exploration Assessment Hike, clocking a total of 65 - 70 kilometres. As we gathered at the National Museum for a debrief, we were fully drained of energy but beaming with pride that we had overcomed yet another mountainous challenge in our pursuit of the President's Scout Award. This month long journey of preparation and execution has shaped us in one way or another, as we have learnt what it means to be the best in all areas, be it packing our bagpacks with the best possible arrangement, or laying out the neatest inspection, or drawing the most detailed and organised map sketch. From this experience, we have once again placed Catholic High Scout Group at the top. 智仁勇，日行一善，深谋远虑。 Attached below are the sample Map Sketch and Route Map for reference.

By Lucas Loh The theme for 2019’s edition of the anticipated June Training Camp was “智仁勇”, held at Ubin Living Lab from 7th to 10th June. Throughout the camp, scouts grew, bonded and pushed themselves to the limit. The rural surrounding of Ubin brought out the best of the scouts by allowing them to truly engage with nature. There were many skills taught during the camp, such as food identification, outdoor cooking and orienteering. The scouts learnt to be more aware of their surroundings and natural hazards they had around them, as well as learnt to work better with each other. More importantly, they learned to be disciplined as a collective group so as to ensure the common good and safety of the scout troop in Ubin. For many scouts, this was their first time learning to live and provide for themselves, and as a patrol, they worked together to provide the best camping standard so as to ensure they not only survived, but thrived in this unfamiliar rugged environment. The camp was also a challenge for the Ventures unit as this was the first time the newly invested Secondary 4 ventures were helping to run a camp. This culminated in the challenge of building a tripod tower without any preparation beforehand and with whatever was available. The view up there was stunning. The camp ended with final results for best patrol and most outstanding scouts of each batch throughout the camp. Senior Patrol 1 was announced to have won best patrol, followed by Junior Patrol 2. Wyatt Oii from Junior Patrol 5 was nominated as best Sec 1, with Rayn Tan from Junior Patrol 3 as best Sec 2, Kaiser Koh from Junior Patrol 1 as most improved Sec 1 and Chua Yi Xun as most improved Sec 3. However, far more important than the achievements the scouts got was the memories created, bonds forged and lesson learned throughout the 4-day 3 nights camp.

By The Ventures Unit CHSG INTER-PATROL SKILLS OLYMPIAD (IPSO) 2019 0000H 04 AUG – 2359H 17 AUG 2019 The Inter-Patrol Skills Olympiad is an inter-patrol competition where scouts will pitch their skills against one other. IPSO is an online quiz conducted across the Scouts Unit. The quiz will test any and every scouting skill in the form of an online Multiple Choice Question quiz. This year we are implementing two new features: Registration and Time Limit. Attractive prizes will be awarded to the best patrol and top scorers for each batch! The quiz will be assessed individually and on a patrol basis. INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Top Scorer (Batch), Champion Scorer (Overall) PATROL AWARDS: Top Scoring Patrol This quiz will count towards the overall best patrol for the year. The Quiz will be opened on the 04 AUG 0000, and close on 17 AUG 2359. https://forms.gle/xYhMCysNtdBAVtXX8 This registration form is meant to collect your email addresses to generate your unique links. The generated links will subsequently be sent to your PLs to disseminate them to you. Registration closes on 13 July 2019 2359h. RULES: 1. Only one entry is allowed per person. Each link is unique and can only be used once. 2. You may refer to notes and resources as you wish. 3. Sharing of answers with another person is not allowed. 4. Failure to submit within the time limit will void your response. 5. You may only do the quiz in one sitting. Refreshing the quiz page will void your response. 6. Editing the SUBMISSION ID field will void your response. 7. If the SUBMISSION ID field is blank, exit the quiz now and contact the Webmaster. SECTION A: SURVIVAL AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE (25 marks) SECTION B: FIRST AID (50 marks) SECTION C: ORIENTEERING (25 marks) To be contacted in case of technical difficulties: Lucas Loh - 96772892 - lohzhenglucas@gmail.com Past year IPSO paper can be found on chsscout.com under the Ventures Corner. To access it, you need to sign up on the website and apply for security clearance under the "My Account" menu. IPSO 2019 is organised by the Venture Unit of Catholic High Scout Group.

By Lucas Loh On 14th July, the troop started the first of a series of Jihes on pioneering training. Pioneering is an important skill even today as it trains scouts in the skill of awareness, as in awareness of self, awareness of resources and awareness of space. It is also good training for scouts to learn how to work in a well-disciplined team. The objective of the day was for each patrol to erect a tripod tower under the instruction and guidance of a Venture. The patrols first learnt awareness of resources as they were taught on the criteria for pole selection, such as the presence of cracks and the density of the pole. They were also taught how to use the bases appropriately in a structure, with yellow bases at the bottom and blue bases at the top. Besides selection of poles, selection of ropes was also important as scouts had to use the right thickness and quality of rope for the right thickness of pole, ensuring their rope was not frayed in order to tie tight square and shear lashes. The patrols then learnt awareness of self, through working with each other. The PL had to give decisive and clear instructions to his juniors to execute, ensuring that they were able to accomplish whatever they had been instructed to do. The scouts themselves also had to know their own capability through tying of knots and working on the structure by using their combined strength to erect the tower. Last but not least, the patrols learnt awareness of space by working with the tower, be it through tying ladder rungs at appropriate intervals, working with the geometry of the tripod tower, or erecting the structure in the limited area. The Ventures served the important role of teaching the scouts the necessary skills as well as ensuring the safety of their juniors throughout the whole process. The Jihe was a success with all 6 towers successfully erected.

By Wong Zheng Tat On 6th July 2019, 11 of our secondary 4 scouts attained the chief commissioner award ceremony held at Zhonghua Secondary School. Catholic High Scout Troop had the greatest number of awardees among all the schools, with a total of 11 scouts. The chief commissioner award (CCA) is the highest achievable award that any scout could attain in their 4 years of scouting journey. It is only presented to scouts who have displayed an exemplary commitment to scouting in their years as a scout. Awardees must be nominated by their scout leader and supported by the school, as well as needing to undergo an interview process held by the Singapore Scout Association. The awardees from Catholic High Scout Troop are: Jann Lim (Senior Patrol Leader) Samuel Wong (Eagle Patrol Leader) Joash Ho (Cobra Patrol Leader) Damian Kang (Rhino Patrol Leader) Alex Chien (Wolf Patrol Leader) Joash Cheng (Tiger Patrol Leader) Ethan Tan (Dolphin Patrol Leader) Michael Ooi (Secretary) Wong Zheng Tat (Quartermaster) Avern Tan (Flags IC) Joel Lim (Logistics IC) The Chief Commissioner Award does not only serve to recognise the efforts and commitment by scouts but is also a reflection of their scouting journey. Looking past the award, the lesson learnt, friendships forged and challenges conquered are the true rewards reaped. This is yet another symbol of excellence in Catholic High Scouting, and we are happy to have brought glory to the troop. 日行一善，智仁勇！

By Siauw Yu Chuan On 20th July, the scouts went through a session on the construction of anchorages. Anchorages and pulley systems are essential to build pioneering structures of greater scale and complexity. Single Picket Holdfast is used to take a load of 700 pounds. A simple and fast anchorage used to anchor bridges and structures that take less live load. 3-2-1 Anchor is a more complex version of the Picket holdfast. It can withstand the strain of 2 tons Log and Picket is able to hold a greater load compared to the 3-2-1 anchor. Used for rope suspension bridges and Drawbridges. Deadmans Anchor is the safest although it takes the most work to construct. It requires a log to be buried around 3 feet deep into the ground fastened with a rope that leads to the load.