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 example 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.
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