Rulang CS

Dear parents of Rulang Cub Scouts,

We are very happy and enjoying ourselves very much. We will take care of ourselves. Please don't worry.

Love... your son.

Pei Chun Eagles

Beloved parents of the Pei Chun Scouts in Japan, Konichiwa! Your children have been having a great time so far. Everyone is well and good. They have been very obedient. We will take good care of them. You take care too!

From Mr. Koh & Mr. Salleh

First Toa Payoh

Konban wa,

We are having a blasting time in Osaka. Hien, Lin Naing and I are doing fine. The weather in Osaka is cold but we are coping well. We are wearing layers and layers of clothing to keep ourselves warm. See you when we get back. Tomorrow we will depart Kyoto. Yahoo!

Sayonara!
Ms Wiyah
FTPPS

From Soaring Eagles

Konban wa
Mrs Mano, Mrs Quek, colleagues, parents, siblings, friends and all in Singapore!

Its had been a fine but cold Sunday morning and the Cubs are all having lots of fun. The weather is about 7°C in the morning, but the temperature went up to about 13°C towards noon time today. As I would always say, pictures speak a thousand words, so we'll keep this post short and sweet.
All the Cubs and Scouts are obviously having fun. The Japanese weather and meals take a little more time to get used to, but everyone has managed to adjust well, including Ryan, the youngest participant in our troop. As always, they don't look like they're missing home! :) But we are certain that quietly in their hearts, they do... although some are missing Ba Chor Mee and Cheese Prata more than anything.

The Cubs are in good hands, so parents, do not worry! ;)We do have many more photos, so please check out updates and photos of our boys at our unit website or facebook group.

We'll be back in a week so hang tight and watch for more updates!

With lots of love and hugs,
Miss Noordiana, Mr. Viknesh, Mr. Clarence Hoe, and the boys of Soaring Eagles.

Greetings From Meridian Cubs

Dear Parents of Meridian Cub Scouts,

We are having a good time here. We have learnt to take care of ourselves in the cold weather while participating in all the camp activities. Campfire last night was most interesting.

Love,
Jordan, Vincent, Hanyang, Miss Goh and Mdm Lee

Saying Goodbye

After completing the environmental challenges, we headed back to the dining hall for lunch before jumping into our uniforms and proceeding to the gym for "Trading Places". That's the time we have to exchange badges, scarves, woggles and various other Scouting memorabilia.That brought our 2-day camp and combined activities with the Cubs and Scouts of Osaka Scout Council to a close. The closing ceremony was one we all participated in with mixed feelings. It began with a prize presentation ceremony to the Best Troop... It was not an easy decision but the Camp Chiefs and Japanese Leaders finally decided that the Award would go to Beni Zuru.

Congratulations everyone! You did well!

The prize presentation was then followed by a closing address by Madelene San, and the Organising Chairman from the Osaka Scout Council, Kinji San. A token of appreciation was then presented to the Osaka Scout Council which was accepted by Kinji San.The Japanese Cubs and Scouts left soon after as they would have to return to school tomorrow. It was a difficult goodbye, but inevitable. Tomorrow we proceed to the second leg of our Osaka Educational Tour.In the meantime, we will shower, have dinner and prepare for International Night at Kitagata Elementary School.

Hello Singapore!

Dear Parents of Poi Ching Falcons,

All your children are doing well and are getting used to life in Japan. They are enjoying themselves and are more independent everyday. They find the interactions with the Japanese Scouts fruitful.Cheerios,
Mrs Veronica Liew

Environment Challenge (What Have I Done Today / What Disaster Am I?)

Scouts are working towards a world where the most suitable environmental practices are
used and where people are prepared to respond to environmental hazards and natural disasters. These activities aim to help Scouts

• Show awareness of how our actions affect the environment and alternative ways to make a
• smaller impact.
• Be able to recognise different types of environmental hazards and natural disasters.
• Demonstrate how to be prepared and react to environmental hazards and natural disasters
  in the local area.

Every day we do things that impact on the environment. Some things we do are good for the environment and some things we do are bad for the environment. Very often we do things without even being aware of how it affects the environment. This game encourages the Scouts to think about how our daily actions affect the natural world all around us.Natural disasters occur all around the world and can have a devastating effect on the natural environment and on human beings. There are lots of different types of natural disaster, for example, hurricane, tropical cyclone, typhoon, tornado, drought, flood, volcano, landslide, tsunami, heat wave, wildfire, insect plague, famine, health epidemic, avalanche and earthquake.

It is very important that we have an understanding of natural disasters. We need to be prepared to respond to them when they happen to us and to be able to provide support when they happen to others.

RaVens in beautiful Osaka, Nippon 2008

O genki desuka? We are having lots of fun here at Osaka but we miss all of you in Singapore too. Justin and Dharmansyah are putting on weight due to the delicious Japanese food. Congrats to Juan Yong for bravely attempting the Roller Coaster not just once, but twice. Wei Jie has taken the responsibility to look after the group, he even volunteered to clear the bento for the other teachers. The "tall one" has evolved into a shopaholic but don't worry everything is under control. Xylon and Teng Shin are the live wire of the group and never fail to brighten everyone's spirits. Leon has been appointed as the contingent's official translator. With peer support, Leon has participated in all the activities despite a slight headache yesterday. Don't worry, mummy. He is enjoying his trip. Thankfully nobody has fallen ill or lost anything yet (*fingers crossed*)Take care and hope to hear from all of you too.
From RVPS RaVen Scouts
30th Nov 2008

Environment Challenge (Sense Nature)

Scouts are working towards a world where sufficient natural habitat exists to support native species. This activity aims to give Scouts a chance to

• Explore a local natural area.
• Discover some of the local native species of plants and animals and their habitat needs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of some contrasting natural habitats.

Nature can be appreciated using all of our senses. The sense we use the most often to understand our environment is sight but in actual fact we are using our other senses at the same time to help build up the picture of what is around us. By concentrating individually on each of our senses we can gain a better awareness of our local environment.

Environment Challenge (Catch The Carbon Dioxide)

Scouts are working towards a world where the risk of harmful substances to people and the environment are minimised. This activity aims to help Scouts

• Be aware of harmful substances in the local environment.
• Explain ways to reduce the risk of harmful substances to people, plants and animals.

Our planet is surrounded by a blanket of gases. This is our atmosphere. As the sun shines on the earth it sends us heat. Some of this is absorbed by the earth’s surface and some of it bounces back into the atmosphere. The reflected heat is trapped by the atmosphere and this keeps our planet warm. This is known as the greenhouse effect.

The blanket of gases is getting thicker as we release greenhouse gases by burning fossil fuels for energy and as we cut down forests for timber and agriculture. Greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide. As the blanket gets thicker, the temperature rises. As a result of this, our climate is starting to change.

Environment Challenge (Sticky Leaves)

Scouts are working towards a world where people and natural systems have clean water and clean air. This activity aims to

• Explore the sources of clean water and clean air in the local environment.
• Understand the ways water and air are naturally cleaned.

An air pollutant is any unwanted substance or chemical that contaminates the air that we breathe resulting in a decline in air quality. Air pollutants include smoke, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, particulates and ozone.

Air pollutants have sources that are both natural and human. Natural sources includevolcanoes, wildfires, airborne dust, cattle digesting grass and natural radioactive decay. Although some pollution comes from natural sources, most pollution is the result of human activity. The biggest causes are the operation of fossil fuel-burning power plants and automobiles that combust fuel.

Most of the main air pollutants can be harmful to human health. Air pollution is frequently associated with respiratory problems. It can make people sick or cause long-term illness, particularly in those most sensitive to pollution, such as children and the elderly.

There are three ways in which animals can be affected by air pollution. They can breathe in gases or small particles, eat particles in food or water or absorb gases through the skin. Soft-bodied invertebrates, such as earthworms, or animals with thin, moist skin such as frogs, are particularly affected by absorbing pollution.Sources of air pollution and dust often leave residues on the top of exposed leaves. The sticky leaves activity collects these residues. This makes air pollution ‘visible’ and easier to understand. The air pollution in different areas can be compared and related to the source of the pollution.

Konnichi Wa!

Manta Ray Sea Scouts sends you our greetings from Osaka, Japan! The past five days were just great. Beneath the four layers of clothing that our leaders made us wear, we all enjoyed the cool weather. We went to Universal Studios the day before and the Spiderman ride was truly awesome.

We have been having two interesting days of interactions with the Japanese Cub Scouts. Mum, Dad, grandparents and friends, do not worry about us! We are eating our food, drinking enough water and sleeping with the heater on.

See you soon!

Lots of love,
Manta Ray Sea Scouts

Konichwa from Yangzheng Cub Scouts!

Dear Parents,

As you can see from the above pictures, the boys are having a lot of fun. The weather here is cold but the boys are well-covered for it. They slept and ate well, so don't worry. They will be doing some camp activities for these two days and visiting Tokyo Disneyland next week. Do check the blog for more photos and updates.

Cub Scout leaders,
Mrs. Annie Chan, Mr. Dominic Heng & Miss Celestia Chew

Hello From De LaSalle Cubs in Osaka

Dear all,

The Cubs from De La Salle are having fun in Osaka. The activities are awesome! We are all safe and healthy. Wish you were here with us to share our joy.

Yours in Scouting,
Mrs Sarah Chan

Random Shots (Adventure Challenge)

Some random shots from the Adventure Challenge Stations and Campfire...

Closing of Day 4

After the series of adventure activities we were able to communicate a little more with the Japanese Cubs. We prepared for the campfire and rehearsed for our performances for the campfire.

Dinner was sumptuous Teriyaki Chicken and Fried Fish. Once we were full, we were ready to move off. We assembled at 1930 hrs moved off to the campfire circle. Though the temperature was a chilly 6°C, everyone enjoyed themselves. It rained halfway through the campfire for a few minutes but it soon stopped.Despite that, the campfire ended at about 2145 hrs with everyone still in high spirits. We also learned some simple Japanese songs.

We look forward to another fun-filled day tomorrow, the environmental challenges!

Radin Mas Dragon Cubs from Osaka, Japan

Ohayo Gozaimasu!

It had been an exciting 4 days! For the past days, we experienced cold temperatures, delicious Japanese food, hospitable scout leaders and many interesting activities!Kenner, Kiran, Bin Qian have been a great support to the younger cub scouts, always ensuring that everyone is at their best!
Rashid and Bryan have never stopped bickering, bringing much laughter to all of us.
Leo's sense of humour has brought the team closer than before!
Samuel, Elton, Daniel, Jonas' bravery at Universal Studios was commendable!
Jovian's command of the Japanese Language has been ever so helpful!
Qin Xiang, Nebuash, Jordan have been coping well and enjoying every moment of the Camporee despite being young!

We have all made new friends with the Japanese Cub Scouts today. We are all looking forward to another day of interaction and fun-filled activities with our new friends tomorrow!
In the meanwhile, do not worry about us as we are all eating and sleeping well! See you soon!!!

Yours in Scouting,
Radin Mas Dragon Cub Scouts

Adventure Activities (Telegraphic Pole Shuffle)

A test of communication skills, the telegraphic poles tested our Cub's ability to communicate beyond language barriers, their patience and resilience in difficult situations. Truly they have all shown that they have courage in all difficulties (Scout Law 5)

Adventure Activities (Track & Trail Walk)

Lunch was wonderful... Japanese Curry Rice with vegetable croquette. The dining hall was filled with the excited voices of the Cubs.
After lunch, the news crew went on a walk. Track and trail practically in the woods. Another great experience, something we can hardly find time and space to do back in Singapore. Once we were done, we had time to entertain ourselves with a game we invented on-the-spot with the Japanese Cubs.

Adventure Activities (Outdoor Cooking)

This is no ordinary outdoor cooking... its the same food with a Japanese twist! Yes, the bread twist tasted sweet and extra delicious, especially because it is also "marinated" with Japanese and Singaporean fingers. Very nice, really!Along with bread twist, we also had grilled banana with chocolates and poached egg in potato. It was the best outdoor cooking we've ever experienced.

Adventure Activities (Archery)

We're out into the great outdoors and enjoying the other side of the magnificently beautiful Campsite we've not seen in the last few days. We were to complete two adventure station activities before heading back to the dining hall for lunch.Our news crew headed out to the Archery station and found it to be quite a unique experience. The bows and arrows were handmade using bamboo and other natural materials. The Cubs had to make their own bows before they can shoot any arrows!