On 21 September 2024, at 1:30 PM, Scouts from across Singapore gathered at the Singapore Scout Association Headquarters to attend the Chief Scout Award Ceremony. The Chief Scout Award is the highest accolade a Scout can achieve. It recognises exceptional dedication, skill development, leadership, and service demonstrated by Scouts throughout their scouting journey. This year, 12 of our Level 4 Scouts earned this distinguished award. Josiah Chia, the Senior Patrol Leader of 2023, current Assistant Scout Leader (ASL), and recipient of the Chief Scout Award, reflects on his journey below. Row 1 (from left to right): Chang De Hsien Bradley, Kieran Tan Tzer Kee, Yoee Tay, Jonas Lok Jing Wung, Ng Caleb, Ng Jin Loong Ryan  Row 2 (from left to right): Chia Hock Seng Josiah, Isaac Wong Chih Hsien, Lau Zhe Rong Zachary, Goh Yan De Darren, Kiefer Yew Kai Jun, Raphael Tham Le Tian The Road to Victory Attaining the Chief Scout Award was no easy feat. Our scouting journey began in 2021, during a time when the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty about our future development. However, my batch and I persevered, rising to the challenge by taking on various leadership roles within the troop and bringing it to greater heights. With a focus on the development of the Scouts, our initial uncertainty transformed into clarity and confidence as we grew and developed into the best versions of ourselves. I am proud to say that 11 of my batch mates and I have attained the Chief Scout Award. This journey has transformed us from boys to men, and we are honoured to have grown within the Catholic High Scout Troop. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of many people, and we will be eternally grateful for their efforts. The Chief Scout Award not only recognises the passion and dedication of Scouts but also reflects their entire scouting journey. Beyond the award itself, the lessons learned, bonds forged, and challenges overcome along the way are the true rewards. Once again, congratulations to all our Chief Scout Award recipients, and may you find success in your future endeavours!

Written by Kaleb Phoon, Edited by Bryan Quan On 2 December 2024, 4 of our JC2 Ventures were awarded the President’s Scout Award. Our 4 awardees are Lucas Kong Yue Yang, Javier Loo Qi Wen, Kaleb Joshua Phoon, Law Jia Jun. The President’s Scout Award is the pinnacle award that a Venture Scout can obtain. It is awarded to Venture Scouts who showcase strong moral compasses, have a steadfast commitment to Scouting and are highly proficient in leadership and Scouting skills. Below is a short reflection by one of our recipients Kaleb Joshua Phoon: The President’s Scout Award embodies the culmination of all the values and teachings throughout my 6 year Scouting journey. I have grown in not only the proficiency of my skills but also the values that I stand by, making me a better person for society. This award is one that has challenged me to my limits and showed me how to break my own boundaries, striving for nothing but the best. In preparation for the Pioneer Exploration Assessment, I walked distances that I had never thought was possible. In planning the Venture Scout Service Project, my teammates and I never chose to settle for what was convenient and always tried to better the experience for the children that we were helping. And in the Venturing Challenge Course, I stayed flexible in thinking and adapted to the ever changing scenarios. Nevertheless, this award is not purely due to my own efforts. I am immensely grateful to the Scout Leaders who have helped to nurture me into the person I am today, guiding me along the right path and to always strive for excellence in what I do. Without their unwavering dedication in training and pushing me to my limits, this award would not have been possible. Moreover, I am grateful to my 3 other batchmates who have stuck with me through this journey. Spurring me on in times where I lacked motivation and for making this journey more enjoyable. Congratulations to all our recipients and those across Singapore for their success in achieving this milestone! May they continue to succeed in what they seek and share their wisdom with those around them.

Written by Chian Fon Jay & Lucas Ling, Edited by Dylan Soh From 9 - 10 November 2024, the troop embarked on a night hike from Catholic High School to Ulu Sembawang Sunrise Point. From hiking along urban and natural areas, to cheering each other on through fatigue and rain, this would prove to be an unforgettable experience for many scouts, as it would be their first ever night hike. We invite 2 scouts, Chian Fon Jay and Lucas Ling, to reflect on this special experience. Fon Jay (SPL) At around 8 pm on the evening of the night hike, we formed a 马蹄 on the number ‘4’ on the track. Firstly, we checked all the necessary equipment and had a safety briefing, ensuring all the expectations were set for the night hike. At around 9 pm, we set off from school, excited for what was to come. It was the first ever night hike that most of the scouts have been on, thus we did not know what to expect. Despite this, we hiked through the night, keeping spirits high with songs and cheers. Finally, at around 6.30 am, we reached Ulu Sembawang Sunrise Point. We had really put in our 101% for this hike, and we got rewarded with a majestic sunrise. This was a truly unforgettable and invaluable experience for me, and I am sure that the troop shares the same sentiments. It was the first time we had hiked through the night and possibly for some of us, stayed up for the whole night. This not only let all of us develop values such as perseverance, but also bonded us together as a troop. Lucas (Pigeon PL) Initially, the hike was quite manageable as we were in a well populated area with paved roads and bright street lamps. However, as we proceeded, we encountered numerous challenges including having to cross roads as a large group, navigating around dark areas and, of course, the scouts' own fatigue. Throughout the hike, we constantly reported our attendance to ensure that everyone was safe and accounted for. We also chanted cheers and sang songs in order to keep our morale high throughout. At about 2 am, we finally made it through Lower Peirce to the final rest stop where we ate prata and chatted, bringing the bonds of the troop closer than ever. However, at the entrance of the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, in an unfortunate turn of events, it started to rain heavily. Despite this, we pressed on through the storm, encouraging each other till the very end. At last, we reached the viewing point, where the rain cleared miraculously to reveal the morning sun. Although it was slightly cloudy, the sunrise was still beautiful, representing the fruits of our hard labour. To me, the most special part of the hike was on the road leading up to Lower Peirce reservoir. It was so secluded and quiet it felt almost surreal. We also did many loud cheers there in a grand display of troop spirit. I will never forget the unity and resilience that we showed, supporting each other and enthusiastically marching through the night. It was a unique experience, completely unlike any hike I had been through, and one that will be etched in my memory for a long time.

Written by Josiah Chia, Edited by Bryan Quan From the 24th to 27th of May 2024, the Troop embarked on our annual June Camp. This year, the camp was held at East Coast Park. This would be a new experience for many of the scouts as the environment at East Coast Park was vastly different from the urbanised mainland. As such, the Scouts were pushed to step out of their comfort zones to adapt to a new setting. Throughout the camp, numerous essential scouting skills like orienteering and bushcraft were taught to the scouts. While activities like campcraft and hiking pushed the patrols to work together, building teamwork and fostering stronger bonds between each other. Faced with a new terrain, we adapted and implemented new activities for our scouts, such as beach cleaning and a sandcastle competition, putting the creativity of the patrols to the test.  After intense competition, the results were tallied below. Good Performance Secondary 1: Damon Tan (Dolphin) Good Performance Secondary 2: Jalen Liang (Pigeon), Matthew Lee (Pigeon), Joshua Liong (Pigeon) Good Performance Secondary 3: Chian Fon Jay (SPL), Ivor Zhu (Rhino) Best Patrol: Pigeon Congratulations to all awardees of June Camp 2024! We reached out to Jalen Liang, the Assistant Patrol Leader for Pigeon Patrol, acting Patrol Leader for Pigeon Patrol, to share with us their reflections for June Camp. Jalen Liang - Pigeon Assistant Patrol Leader One of the key factors that contributed to my patrol's success was our resilience. Despite facing numerous challenges, we did not give up. We pushed each other on, offering words of encouragement to keep going even when times got tough. One example of this was during the night hike back to the campsite. Despite everyone being extremely tired we encouraged each other to persevere and not give up, which allowed us to keep up the pace and eventually reach the campsite. Moreover, we had a clear understanding of the task at hand, which allowed us to stay focused and work efficiently. Because of this, we were able to delegate our manpower to complete the tasks more efficiently. During camp development, my patrol was well-versed in all the steps needed to construct both the pounders and the gadget, allowing us to quickly construct our pounder with minimal mistakes and work on the gadget faster than the other patrols. Although we faced many setbacks during the camp, I am proud that my patrol pushed themselves through the camp and overcame the many challenges in our way. I also feel very thankful for my patrol members as we were there for each other every step of the way, which greatly strengthened our patrol bond. This June camp was a memorable experience for everyone and I am sure we have all learnt much from this experience.

Written by Bryan Quan On 22 June 2024, 6 of our Ventures took part in Spartan Race Singapore. This challenging event pushed each of us to our limits, testing our resilience and endurance, fostering teamwork and encouragement, all while instilling a fighting spirit in us, aimed at achieving excellence. The Spartan Race is famed for its rigorous course, laden with daunting obstacles designed to challenge even the fittest participants. Our Ventures faced the challenge with unwavering determination. From crawling through mud under barbed wire, to scaling towering obstacles and hauling heavy sandbags, each of us faced personal trials that tested our physical and mental stamina. These obstacles were not merely physical barriers but also mental tests, teaching us the value of perseverance and the importance of pushing through all challenges. As the saying goes, ”As the going gets tough, the tough gets going” It was a true test of our resilience and endurance, reminding us that with the right mindset, we can overcome any challenge. One of the most inspiring aspects of the Spartan Race was the profound sense of camaraderie that emerged among us. The race was not just about individual success; it was a collective effort. Whenever someone stumbled or hesitated before an obstacle, we were always by their sides, ready to offer a hand or a word of encouragement. We pulled each other over walls, cheered for every small victory, and celebrated each other's strength. This experience highlighted the essence of teamwork, teaching us that together, we are stronger. The bonds formed and the spirit of mutual support will remain a cherished part of our Spartan Race memories. Participating in the Spartan Race instilled in us a fighting spirit essential for achieving excellence. The race demanded not only physical prowess but also mental toughness, strategic thinking, and unwavering focus. We learned the importance of setting goals, preparing diligently, and striving for our best performance. The grit and determination displayed by our Ventures were nothing short of inspiring. This fighting spirit is a cornerstone of our scouting principles, driving us to pursue excellence in all our endeavours, both on and off the racecourse. In conclusion, our participation in the Spartan Race was more than just a physical challenge; it was a transformative experience. We emerged stronger, more resilient, and more united as a unit. The lessons learned in resilience and teamwork will undoubtedly shape our future endeavours and pursuits of excellence. This is only the start of our Spartan journey, with our completion of the Spartan Sprint. Following this, we have set our goals on completing the Spartan Trifecta, which includes the Spartan Super (10km) as well as Spartan Beast (21km), in addition to the Spartan Sprint (5km). As we look back on this unique experience, we are filled with pride and a renewed sense of purpose, ready to face any challenge that comes our way, ready to push our Troop to greater heights.

Written by Bryan Quan, Dylan Soh, Xavier Tan, Edited by Bryan Quan. From October 12 to 13, our Year 2 Ventures participated in the Spartan Honor Trifecta Weekend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Held at the former RMAF KL Air Base, this event was a stark contrast to the Singapore Spartan Race they completed in June. The Kuala Lumpur course presented a unique set of challenges, featuring long runs across rugged, hilly terrain, dense jungle grass, and thick mud—all under the relentless heat of the scorching sun. Despite these daunting conditions, our Ventures demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination, successfully conquering the 10k Spartan Super, with Venture Chairman, Bryan Quan, conquering the full Spartan Trifecta. This weekend was more than just a race. It was a journey of growth, teamwork, and perseverance. Our Ventures embraced every challenge head-on, supporting one another and pushing past their limits. The experience not only tested their physical and mental strength but also deepened their bonds as a team and reinforced valuable life lessons in resilience and adaptability. Below are some reflections and takeaways from our Ventures, capturing the essence of their journey. Bryan Quan Participating in the Singapore Spartan Sprint in June sparked a passion for challenging myself physically and mentally. That initial thrill led me to take on the KL Spartan Trifecta, a daunting series of races comprising a 21k Beast, a 10k Super, and a 5k Sprint over just two days. It wasn’t merely about testing my endurance but about breaking free from routine and embracing the extraordinary, testing the limits of both body and mind. The Spartan Races stood out to me because it pushes participants to transcend their limits, both physically and mentally. For me, the most demanding aspect of the Trifecta was the mental resilience required. Completing all three races in two days was no small feat. The Spartan Beast, in particular, was the ultimate test—a 21k route with 30 obstacles that demanded every ounce of determination. Crawling through mud, enduring blistered hands, and tackling obstacles that many struggled to overcome pushed me beyond what I believed was possible. Each struggle became a lesson in perseverance, proving to me that I am capable of far more than I once believed, instilling a mindset of resilience that I will carry into future challenges. This achievement was not the result of a single weekend but of countless hours of training and preparation. That discipline, cultivated over weeks and months, has become a part of who I am. The experience reminded me that growth requires consistent effort and that success is often the culmination of small, deliberate actions. What made this journey even more meaningful was sharing it with my fellow ventures, carrying our Troop flag as a symbol of unity and determination. Together, we overcame every challenge, drawing strength from one another. Returning from this experience as a stronger, more cohesive team has left me with immense pride and the motivation to lead our Troop to even greater accomplishments. This experience taught me that growth lies just beyond our comfort zones. By embracing discomfort and committing to the process, I’ve learned to welcome challenges as opportunities to uncover strength I didn’t know I had. Dylan Soh After we successfully completed the Singapore Spartan Sprint earlier this year in June, I never imagined that I’d be taking on another Spartan Race, let alone in a foreign country. Yet there I was, this time committed to overcoming the Spartan Super — a race with double the distance and more challenging obstacles than the previous. Personally, the toughest obstacles were also the most physical. The Bucket Carry and the Atlas Stone pushed me to my limits, with the Bucket Carry being particularly gruelling. With a heavier load and a longer winding route than I had previously experienced in Singapore, the urge to quit felt almost overwhelming. Yet, each time I felt ready to give up, I kept going, dismissing any and all doubts in my mind, reminding myself of why I was there — to see the whole race through to the end. When we crossed the finish line together, the sense of accomplishment we felt was profound. Knowing that I hadn’t given up, that I’d pushed through alongside my fellow Ventures, brought me a deep sense of pride and unity. It proved that we were capable of much more than we thought. The resilience we gained will serve us in every challenge ahead, helping to position Catholic High Scout Group to reach even greater heights in the future by setting a standard of strength and commitment for others to follow. Xavier Tan The buildup towards the race was no easy journey. As the upcoming race featured double the distance and more obstacles to overcome, we had to step up our training intensity to ensure we were adequately prepared. The training involved a combination of weight sessions in the gym and long distance runs, building up both strength and cardiovascular health respectively. We put in the time and effort to follow through with the plan, going on long runs after long,  busy days, and hitting the gym even if our muscles were agonising in pain. We even set individual milestones along the way to ensure our progress was tracked. It was this sense of commitment that drove our bodies to be ready for the event, and emphasised the importance of hard work and dedication in achieving success.  The race hit us with a multitude of challenges and obstacles, but personally, I believe teamwork and camaraderie was a crucial element that allowed us to prevail. The trail’s unpredictable terrain required us to work together to navigate through the unknown. Be it scaling towering steep hills, being stomach height in pools of muddy water, or navigating through slippery mud courses, we offered support towards each other, to ensure that we not only crossed the finish line alone, but together.  “ If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” I was never able to truly understand this African proverb attributed to Cory Booker, but it was only after the race, where I was able to resonate with it. Through being there for each other amidst the unknown, were we able to pull through as a group to achieve success together for our Troop.

Written by Elvis Too, Edited by Dylan Soh and Bryan Quan From 30 August to 2 September 2024, Catholic High Scout Group held our Scout Leadership Course (SLC). This SLC aimed to assess and improve the skills of our scouts, while inculcating key leadership qualities, preparing them for their future scouting endeavours. This SLC was a special one, as we welcomed Beatty Beaver Scouts and Maris Stella Phantom Scouts to join us. During the camp, the scouts engaged in hands-on learning with core Scouting skills such as Orienteering, Backwoodsman, Camp Development, and Pioneering. These activities pushed the scouts to work together, fostering a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. We interviewed Secondary 2 scout Matthew Lee from Magellan Patrol, and Secondary 1 scout Nathan Cheung from Hillary Patrol, to reflect on their SLC experiences below. Matthew Lee, Sec 2 (Magellan Patrol) SLC was a new experience for me and it came with several challenges, such as ineffective communication within the patrol, and a lack of a sense of urgency. Despite this, we continuously encouraged each other, lending a helping hand to those who needed it, successfully overcoming these challenges and having a meaningful time at camp. We also learnt important values such as perseverance, leadership and responsibility. One example of a challenge we faced was tying the A-frame for the bridge. Due to inaccurate measurements, the dimensions of the A-frame were miscommunicated, slowing our progress. Despite this, we pushed through together and managed to complete the bridge as a troop. Additionally, I had the opportunity to exercise leadership in taking charge of my patrol. When building gadgets, I had to delegate manpower effectively and ensure everyone was on task. When someone finished their task, I gave them new responsibilities, such that we could complete the gadgets fast and efficiently. Nathan Cheung, Sec 1 (Hillary Patrol) This SLC has been a memorable one, where I was fortunate to have the opportunity to take up leadership positions, learning various skills along the way, namely confidence in leading and the ability to communicate instructions clearly. In the face of challenges, I learnt to step outside of my comfort zone and take charge, giving me confidence in my ability as a leader. I also realised the importance of clear communication.   One  e xample was when we were constructing our pounders tents, it was crucial for the Patrol Leaders to give clear instructions while working with the Senior Patrol Leader to ensure that the campsite was set up properly. Things were messy at the start as communication with our peers was unclear, but after getting some insight from our seniors, we were able to deliver clear and concise instructions, allowing us to set up the campsite quickly and efficiently. The challenges we faced and the bonds I formed with my fellow scouts will stay with me as I continue my journey in Scouting and beyond. Supporting each other through challenging moments has deepened the understanding and trust between myself and my fellow scouts. I am grateful for the opportunities to grow, learn, and connect with my peers, and I look forward to applying these leadership lessons in my future endeavours.

Written by Cayden Ng and Chian Fon Jay, Edited by Xavier Tan On 8 August 2024, Catholic High School celebrated Singapore’s 59th National Day. The Troop is proud of our Scouts for being an essential part of our school's National Day Observance Parade's marching contingent.  Our scouts trained rigorously for over a month, persevering through the tough drills, numerous rounds of practice, rehearsals, and the scorching sun. Pushing to their limits in every single rehearsal and practice, they gave it their all in the parade, marching with pride, dignity and confidence, for themselves, the troop, and the nation. Below is a reflection from Chian Fon Jay, the 2024 Scouts contingent commander and Senior Patrol Leader, on this year’s parade:  "Since the scouts came back from their June holidays, they have been vigorously training their foot drills week in, week out to perfect it for the National Day Observance Parade.  On the day itself, all their hard work paid off as they executed all the drills with sharpness and precision. From marching in to marching out, the scouts did not fail to impress and were at their best, putting on a great show. This did not come easy and were the fruits of all the hard work that they have put into refining every aspect of the parade." Through this experience, the scouts managed to strengthen their bonds with each other and forge everlasting memories of their time in scouts. All in all, I am proud of them, who have definitely improved a lot, and hope that they will continue to grow and spur each other on to bring the Troop to greater heights. Happy National Day!

Written by Bryan Quan, Edited by Xavier Tan This year, our Venture Scouts partnered up with Dads@CHS to organise the Moontent camp for our Primary School brothers. It was a 2D1N camp in school for the dads and sons to bond through games and learning scouting related skills such as field cooking and pitching their tents. We started the day with everyone gathered in the school hall for the opening ceremony, ice breakers, as well as group photos. We then moved off to the nearby Fairprice where fathers and sons bought ingredients to cook their own lunches. After lunch, they went around school in groups to take part in our different game stations, such as Captain's ball, as well as blind bowling. The games were strategically designed to incorporate soft skills such as teamwork and communication, to remind our campers of their importance in their daily lives. Following this, we pitched our tents in the plaza and then had a buffet dinner. To end the night, we had a campfire where our campers got to learn campfire songs, take part in challenges and enjoy one another's company. All our campers thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we hope to see all again soon! Thanks to Dads@CHS as well as our camp staff for a successful camp.

Written by Josiah Chia, Edited by Bryan Quan 11 May 2024 marked the day of Catholic High School’s annual Open House. On this day, Catholic High showcases the reasons students choose Catholic High School, and Catholic High Scout Group never fails to amaze. In order to showcase what the Troop has to offer, we constructed a gateway and multiple bamboo gadgets, such as a multi-purpose gadget and a bench. We also ran a booth which displayed our achievements along with some of the activities that students can expect when they join our Troop. Some of our exemplary scouts were also present at the booth to interact with the parents and students, sharing about how Scouting in Catholic High has helped them grow from boys to young men, as well as how it has prepared them for life. Scouting in Catholic High is not just about learning hard skills such as tying knots and cooking, but more importantly the values, leadership, and unbreakable brotherhood that is forged along the way. We hope that through this Open House, our visitors have gained a better understanding of who we are, as well as the unique and rewarding experiences that await them and their sons in Catholic High Scout Group, the premier scout group.

Written by Cayden Ng and Kang Yi Hun, Edited by Jaydon Tay On 20 April 2024, our Cub Scouts and Scouts participated in the South Area Orienteering Competition at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Achievements Our Scouts came in with Three Golds, One Silver and Two Three Bronzes. Overall, we were tied for Third Place at 80 points. Congratulations to all our members for their efforts, they have brought glory to the Troop! We would also like to thank the organisers for hosting this exciting event. Be Prepared The Scouts spent the weeks leading up to the competition preparing and training their Orienteering skills with their own timed Orienteering challenge in school. Moreover, the Scouts also scoped out the Botanic Gardens in their own time to familiarise themselves with the competition environment. Even with such rigorous training, our teams faced their own difficulties during the competition. One scenario is as shown in the short reflection below by Kang Yi Hun from Rhino Patrol: "During the competition, we were very familiar with the place and were confident about winning it. However, we made some mistakes too. Wrong turns, missed checkpoints and misinterpretation of the map to name a few. All these mistakes not only wasted time, but also caused us to be more anxious. However, we managed to collect ourselves and in the end we still managed to clinch gold. Regardless of how prepared and confident we were, we should have been more cautious and double-checked our answers. I will carry this lesson with me to avoid making such mistakes in the future." Nevertheless, we are proud of our Cub Scouts and Scouts for their hard work and resulting achievements. We will not falter in our goal of first place and will perform better in future competitions. Gold Team 1 - Chian Fon Jay, Kaiden Chan, Kang Yi Hun Team 2 - Keian Teh, Lim Zhu Zheng, Cayden Ng Team 6 - Jovial Kam, Damon Tan, Nathan Cheung Silver Team 5 - Ivor Zhu, David Koh, Alston Toh Bronze Team 3 - Elvis Too, Trey Fung, Matthew Lee Team 3 - Kyrus Lee, Joseph Goh, Alden Lee

Written by Law Jia Jun, Edited by Jaydon Tay After much preparation and anticipation, the 75th Anniversary campfire was held on 2 September 2023. It was a momentous occasion, commemorating 75 years of excellence, rich history, and a lasting legacy. Such an impressive event demanded an equally extensive preparation that took place over many weeks. Amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic in recent years, our unwavering determination to put the Troop at the top emerged as a guiding force. With this determination, the majestic "Gateway to Heaven" bridge was constructed, stretching across the entire grand staircase. As the name suggests, it served as the awe-inspiring gateway and main entrance to our campfire that most attendees traversed. The evening's performances were a dazzling display of talent and coordination. The celebrations began with a lion dance, believed to bring fortune and good luck on this auspicious occasion. Following it was a harmonious blend of Wushu artistry accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums to the song “男儿当自强" performed by our very own Scouts. They  timed each movement seamlessly with the beat from the accompanying drums, putting on a grand display of power and grace. As the night progressed, attendees enthusiastically joined in singing campfire songs, drawing closer to the warmth of the campfire. The intimacy of traditional campfire songs blended well with the energy brought by modern pop songs, symbolising the continuity of cherished traditions alongside the vibrancy of contemporary times. There was a sense of camaraderie as everyone stood shoulder to shoulder, singing loudly and proudly regardless of Scout Troop. However, as the saying goes, every good thing must come to an end. Though reluctant, we concluded the campfire on a triumphant note. We were tired, but we were filled with a sense of accomplishment. To express our gratitude for their presence, each attendee departed with a specially prepared gift bag, a token of appreciation for sharing in this momentous celebration.